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Disc Golf in New Zealand

2012 New Zealand Disc Golf Championships

February 4-6 2012 - a PDGA 'C' Tier event

Summer at Spa Park!

Disc Golf New Zealand

The thought of playing the brilliant Spa Park in summer conditions had kept this correspondent enthused for months. Blue sky and sunshine, a slight cooling breeze from the south, dressed in shorts and a tee-shirt.  So I can only imagine how the GM and Tournament Director felt when pretty much the minute he walked into the park on the opening day of competition he ripped his left calf muscle while jumping to catch a warm up disc. This pretty much confined him to hobbling for the rest of the weekend. In fact we’ve just learnt his specialist has told him it’s probably a six week convalesce. Here’s hoping he comes good for Queenstown.

The first thing this regular Taupo Classic player noticed was that in summer there is bulk foliage on all the deciduous trees, which narrows the many alleyway type fairways immensely making this a very different course from our regular winter  tournament. This park lays down some testing Disc Golf challengers and there was no reason to think Waitangi weekend 2012 would be any different.

As per usual with our NZDG annual Championships the first day offers a great ‘course-learning’ opportunity with the NZ Doubles Championship seeing pairs of players discussing their strategies, disc and shot selections as they play two rounds of the Championship course. It was great to see 15 teams contesting the 3 divisions. Well done to the winners, Simon Feasey and David ‘Speedo’ Keene the overall title, Jenny Joynt with daughter Allie making a welcome return to take the Woman’s title and Ming Menzies paired with son Henry Conway taking the mixed doubles title on the first hole of a sudden death play-off with Taumarunui’s Blair Joines playing with Levin’s Gemma Sullivan.

Saturday evening and the Tournament dinner finds us all at the old Spa Hotel where the Wellington round of the Rugby 7’s is live on the big screen. Roast Chicken with gravy or Pork with lashings of apple sauce and heaps of vegetables followed by ice-cream sundaes. Nice!

Day two of competition and with the arrival of the non-doubles players, not to mention the ‘4’ J10 Juniors the number of competitors for our 34th Annual Disc Golf Championships swells to 44 [including the 4 players who only played doubles].

After a welcome from the TD with the limp, especially to the 7 internationals from Australia (2), Canada (1), the USA (2), the UK (1) and Germany (1), play got underway in ideal Disc Golf conditions. At the lunch break Tauranga’s Dean Marshall had laid down a ‘catch me if you can’ challenge with a score-card featuring a 48 total: an impressive and not to be bettered 8 under the card.

Just about as spectacular was our J15 competitor, shooting off shortened J15 Tees, Toby Gentil coming in with not just his best competition round ever but a 53 that would put him in outright second place and earn him a slot in the seeded top 4 for the afternoon round. It was great to hear the encouragement offered by his playing partners who all agreed he earnt his slot there. To see The Tobe's face after hearing his honour showed how much it meant to this budding disc golfer.

The afternoon second round saw 2011 Champion Simon Feasey cut the morning deficit in half shooting a consistent 54 along with the Taumarunui duo of 2010 Champion Blair Joines and the evergreen Pete Boyle. In the battle for Woman’s supremacy Levin’s Gemma Sullivan headed away from the park after day one 2 shots up on the defending champ Ming Menzies.

Monday - Waitangi Day - and it was another cracker day for Disc Golf. There are a few no-shows, a few of the Auckland crew had to head back on family missions and Nick Harrel IV one of our visiting Americans had the conumdrum of the Superbowl versus completing the NZ Nationals. The draw of his beloved game saw him in a bar downtown for the 10am kick off. We can understand that one.

End of round three and lunchtime as mathematician Toby Gentil checks the cards for his TD father the GM. Simon has come in with a 50 and taken the out-right lead over Dean Marshall by 1 shot. In the woman’s competition Ming had closed the gap, even taking the lead at one point of the round but over the closing holes slipped back to the same 2 shot deficit she had started the round with behind Gemma. For the last several years the Womens competition has been riveting with every drive, approach and putt possibly being the decider between winning the covetted trophy or not.

Lunch in some welcome shade was followed by a putting competition that saw Sammy Neilson from Christchurch pick himself up an ‘Innova Discatcher’ traveller target, compliments of Gentil Sport.

I would like to say that it’s obvious everybody enjoys these lunchtime side competitions. The Ring-of-Fire and the distance comp on the two previous days went down a treat. Great stuff!

One round to go, will anyone keep up with New Zealand’s top player? No! In fact Simon’s 52 saw him take the 2012 NZDG Title by a massive 8 shots over Tauranga’s Dean Marshall, with King Countries’ Blair Joines just 1 shot back in 3rd. Levin’s Gemma Sullivan increased her lead over Ming to 5 to take her first National Title. Congratulations!

I do just have to add that as far as this reporter is concerned one of the highlights of the weekend was most definitely the 4 J10 players, Talia Feasey, Maia de Haas, Dylan Love and Caitlin Feasey who skipped, sang, threw, roly-polied, laughed  and even picnicked their way around two 9 hole rounds, chaperoned by three dedicated and chuffed Mums. 

Brilliant, just brilliant!

If you are visiting Taupo for the first time there is a lot to see and do in the area, check out;
http://www.tourism.net.nz/region/taupo/attractions-and-activities/

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The Pictures

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Leap of Faith - Levin's Lawton Williams show great athleticism to steer his disc to the basket.

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Moe and his Friends - This is the second NZ Nationals Martin 'Moe' Doerkin has competed in and he had great fun catching up with old friends and making a few new ones for 2012.

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I'm Henry on the Eighth I Am - Tauranga's Henry Conway is bringing into 2012 the form that saw him in the Super 6 a few times last year. Look out Fease!

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Action Fox - Dom 'Mad Fox' Lumsden (Newcastle, NSW) kicks up dust as he delivers some raw Aussie power at Taupo.

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Gemma of a Shot - Singles play and Levinite Gemma Sullivan demonstrates that confident putting style we have come to expect, this time being rewarded with a superb par on hole 10.

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Yew Bewdy - Aussie golfer Neil Roberts' game suffered from a tough injury to his bicep but he showed that it is all about putting with some great upshots, including something we think we have never seen at Taupo: a birdie 2 on the trecherous 4th! Nice work Robo!.

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Dreadlock Holiday - The long weekend holiday saw an old friend of the de Haas' Myles Darryl turn up to enjoy the golf. Great to have our Bermudian golfer friend at Taupo.

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Nothing's Out of Joynt - Great to see golfing legend and all round super chick Allie Joynt (Hamilton) on the course and even better when combined with fellow super chick and mum Jenny.

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Look at our Shiny New Discs! - The Junior U10 crew were stoked to get a new frisbee in their player's pack.

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I Am Moe - Visiting German golfer and D specialist Moe Doerkin (Berlin) brought that special Ultimate 'herr' flick along with him, as well as his happy smile.

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Warning, Hair Hazard - Best haircut of the tournament surely went to Newcastle's Dom Lamsden, flanked here by his Aussie mate Neil.

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For the Love of the Game - Son of top golfer Brendon, Dylan Love (Tauranga) was all style for his two rounds of the Junior U10 division.

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In the Basket - And just like his Dad, Dylan Love is all focus as he slots in for par on the tough 8th hole.

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Pause, Crouch, Touch, Putt! - Ever nimble Sammy Neilson (Christchurch) fired a superb 2nd from a tricky lie to come within centimetres of a wicked birdie on 10..

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Junior Magic - At just [how many] years old Caitlin Feasey (Oratia) has the advantage of some fine disc golf genes, being daughter of multiple NZ champion Simon. And to see the awesome power in this girls' throw is something else!.

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Much Needed Birdie - Auckland golfer Nigel Hailstone (Auckland) rides this nice putt all the way to the chains for a much needed birdie on the 17th.

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What a Birdie - Newcastle disc golfing legend Neil Roberts is estatic over his 2 on the forever tricky 4th. At this stage he didn't realise he had just scored a first for the course. 

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Hope It Doesn't Roll! - And this is why the 4th is so tricky. With a dreadful slope for the roller tradegy, Henry Conway (Tauranga) tries desperately to ensure his put won't head back down behind him. But with a hit into the chains we all know anything is possible!.

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By George! - Auckland golfer George Huhu has a classic style reminiscent of such greats as Baz Kett and Hugh Jarm.

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This Shot Has Me Stumped - Christchurch (and Liverpool) representative Sammy Neilson pre-rotates the torso for a recovery approach on the 1st. If a tricky shot is required, you can count on Sammy.

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Leftie Lady - Junior golfer and - like her Dad - leftie Maia de Haas (Mangakeikei) curves her shot in from close to the rough on the 8th.

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There is a Gap, Somewhere - Berlinite Moe Doerkin shows that the forehand can thread the needle with a perfect drive down a fairway that is much narrower in the summer growth than the usual winter tournament conditions.

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Blackberry Attack! - Another Conway golfing icon Mark Conway suffering the consequences of trying the shortcut on 11.

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The Feasey Action - Junior U10 golfer Talia Feasey (Oratia) brought some much-needed fashion into the game, showing that an athlete can look good whilst still playing great. More glitter we say!

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Paper Clip Movie Clip - taking a break in the golf, Dave 'Sammy' Neilson (Christchurch) shows freestyle skills that have made him a legend world wide.

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"I'll Just Get that Cameraman Out of the Way" - Taking every opportunity to show off the Mad Fox tattoo, Dom Lumsden (Newcastle, Aus) releases on the 13th watched by his groupies Simon, Moe and George.

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Seventh Heaven - The Saturday night festivities were all the more enjoyable with the golfers (and the barman) enjoying New Zealand's win in the Rugby 7's at Wellington.

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Happy Speedo - Leading golfer Speedo Keene (Auckland) was over the moon to be handed back his favourite driver that he had lost on hole 6 thanks to visiting German Moe Diddly.

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All Action - Aussie Dom Lumsden (Newcastle) enjoyed the course despite losing a few favourite discs along the way (all recovered we think/hope). Extra favourite as they featured his own artwork!.

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All Style - To play with champion Simon Feasey (Oratia) is both educational and fun. He shows that the best can play with the relaxed social attitude that disc golf is all about and you can learn a heck of a lot just watching him. And you can feel free to ask for advice - The Fease will help you improve your game.

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Pacific Ring of Fire - The field positions themselves around a basket and putts at the same time to see who will be left.

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Food for the Masses - The Spa Hotel kitchen staff were all hands on deck to feed the 40+ hungry golfers.

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Jumping Juniors Batman! - Our mini heroes, from left Maia de Haas, Dylan Love, Caitlin Feasey and Talia Feasey with the spoils of their efforts. Well done!

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Traveller for the Traveller- Great putting skills saw Sammy Neilson (Christchurch) take away a great prize.

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20 Meters Wide - 2012 New Zealand Disc Golf Champion Simon Feasey (Oratia) shares his thoughts with the audience upon the awarding of his trophies. And what a t-shirt!.

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The Winners - From left, Simon Feasey (Oratia): Overall, Doubles Men and Masters, Matt Scott (Santa Cruz, USA): Open Mens, Dave Keene (Remuera): Doubles Men, Henry Conway (Tauranga): Doubles Mixed and J18, Dylan Love (Tauranga): Junior U10 Boys, Ming Menzies (Tauranga): Womens Masters, Gemma Sullivan (Levin): Womens Open and Overall, Talia Feasey (Oratia): Junior U10 Girls, Pete Boyle (Taumarunui): Grand Masters, Toby Gentil (Kauri Point): Junior U15..

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Levin Nothing Behind - Flanked by his golfing father Shano, Jackon Sullivan (Levin) is just one of the golfers appearing from this region that is looking to be a regular in the Super Sizes of the 2012 NZ Tour.

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Myles Away - The New Zealand Disc Golf Nationals is a great family affair with Myles Darrell (Welcome Bay) taking a break with his daughter.

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Another Trophy for the Cabinet - Womens Champ Gemma Sullivan (Levin) accepts the trophy from TD Bob Gentil to add to her collection of trophies from her successful roller-blade hockey career..

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The Results

2012 NZDG Championships Doubles - Spa Park, Taupo, Feb 4
   
  Pairings  
Rnd.1
Rnd.2
Total
1 Simon Feasey David Keene
49
46
95
2= Lawton Williams Jackson Sullivan
52
47
99
2= Dean Marshall Damian Peters
48
51
99
4= Martin Doerkin [Ger] Sammy Neilson
51
50
101
4= Dan Watson [Can] Matt Scott [USA]
52
49
101
6 Juan Unda Andrew Taylor
55
53
108
7 Brendon Love Pete Crighten
57
52
109
7= Neil Roberts [Aus] Dom Lumsden [Aus]
55
54
109
7= Abraham Hartley Shane Sullivan
54
55
109
10 Arthur Pengelly Duncan Someone
58
59
117
11 Nick Jensen Nick Harrel 4th 
61
59
120
12 Pete Boyle Toby Gentil
60
53
113
  Womens  
1 Jenny Joynt Allie Joynt
66
62
128
  Mixed  
1 Ming Menzies Henry Conway
50
55
105*
2 Blair Joines Gemma Sullivan
54
51
105

* won in first playoff hole

2012 NZDG Championships - Spa Park, Taupo, Feb 5&6
Player  
Dvn.
R1
R2
R3
R4
Total
Div Plc
1
Simon  Feasey
M
54
54
50
52
210
1
2
Dean Marshall
M
48
57
54
59
218
2
3
Blair Joines
M
54
54
54
57
219
3
4
Matthew  Scott [USA]
O
54
56
55
55
220
1
5
Damian Peters
O
54
57
54
57
222
2
6
Pete Boyle
GM
56
54
54
58
222
1
7
David Keene
O
53
58
57
57
225
3
8
Nigel Hailstone
M
56
56
59
58
229
4
9
Sammy Neilson
GM
60
58
57
57
232
2
10
Martin [Moe] Doerken
O
57
58
60
58
233
3
11
Dan Watson [Can]
GM
61
57
59
57
234
3
12
Neil Roberts
O
60
61
54
61
236
5
13
Des Cooper
GM
63
58
56
61
238
4
14
Toby Gentil
J15
53
64
58
64
239
1
15
Abraham [AB] Hartley
O
55
55
66
64
240
6
16
Jimmy Conway
M
62
58
62
59
241
5
17
Henry Conway
J18
57
62
59
63
241
1
18
Lawton Williams
O
58
64
62
58
242
7
19
Arthur Pengelly
O
62
66
56
59
243
8
20
Shane Sullivan
GM
58
59
62
64
243
5
21
Chris Kingsnorth
M
62
64
59
59
244
6
22
Jackson Sullivan
O
66
57
64
61
248
9
23
Mark Conway
M
64
62
58
64
248
7
24
Gemma Sullivan
W
58
65
67
62
252
1
25
Fiona [Ming] Menzies
WGM
60
65
67
65
257
1
26
Myles Darrell
O
65
61
70
66
262
10
27
Jenny Joynt
WGM
70
72
71
70
283
2
28
Nick Jensen
O
77
70
70
77
294
11
29
Martin   de Haas
GM
52
60
999
999
2110
DNF
30
George Huhu
O
65
57
999
999
2120
DNF
31
Vaughn Pearse
O
65
59
999
999
2122
DNF
32
Conrad Hoskins
O
62
67
999
999
2127
DNF
33
Peter Crighten
M
67
67
999
999
2132
DNF
34
Chris Ambler
O
70
68
999
999
2136
DNF
35
Nick Harrel .IV. [USA]
O
66
74
999*
999
2138
DNF
36
Brendon Love
M
55
999
999
999
3052
DNF
37
Talia Feasey
J10
49
41
90
1
38
Maia deHaas
J10
53
47
100
2
39
Dylan Love
J10
60
51
111
3
40
Caitlin Feasey
J10
76
71
147
4

* Superbowl!

Click here for the 2010 New Zealand Tour Points Table

Disc Golf New ZealandYeah!