Another high-calibre golf tournament

05/10/2015

The annual Otago Medical Research Foundation golf tournament, hosted on the St Clair course in early-October, was played in warm but blustery conditions – with the field of 100 back in the clubhouse less than an hour before a southerly storm hit and the temperature dropped 10 degrees.

Using a twist to the normal ambrose rules – where all players drove from the tee before a dice was thrown to determine which shot would be taken – the tournament was again a popular inclusion in the Foundation’s growing calendar of events with just over $19,000 raised on the day.

OceanaGold’s naming rights’ partnership extended into its fifth year, all 18 holes were sponsored and there was an increase in team entry numbers. The generosity of our sponsors along with a number of individual benefactors and prize donors further cemented the value of the tournament.

The funds generated will be directed into a research grant to be identified and awarded in May 2016.

Several break-through projects have been established through the $100,000-plus raised since the tournament was first staged in 2010.

Supporting the OceanaGold commitment were our hole sponsors and the Foundation acknowledges their enthusiasm. Our thanks to Bracken Learning, Orbit World Travel, Unichem Mornington Pharmacy and the Mornington Health Centre, Dr Alan Wright, Dr Patrick Dawes, Dr David Peart and Mr Andrew Swan (all Marinoto Clinic), Deloitte, Palmers Mechanical, Sport Otago, Southern Colour Print, Craigs Investment Partners, HSBC, Armstrong Prestige, Stonewood Homes, McDonald’s Dunedin, Payless Energy, Agility Logistics and Body Synergy.

Our prize and refreshment sponsors, and others who played a part in the success of the day, are also warmly acknowledged: Dr Brian McMahon, Dr Jenny McMahon, Aravin Estate Central Otago, Valspar New Zealand, Rialto Cinemas (Dunedin), Rockburn Wines, Gardens New World, Craft Bar, Otago Cricket, Stu McCullum (Wilson Staff Golf), Suits on Wall Street and Armstrong Prestige.

There were also a number of team entries and their support was also appreciated: Ken & Liz Dempster, Whatsoever Ltd (Dave Sharp), Lab Supply Ltd (Adam Spurway), Kiel Sheridan, Dean Delaney and Steve Davie’s golfing mates who represented the Foundation.


Mike Dodd (left), open pit manager at OceanaGold’s Macraes mine, speaking on behalf of all tournament sponsors. Steve Davie, Foundation Director of Development, looks on.	Matthew Smith (left) from Armstrong Prestige presenting Keith Newton from the Unichem Mornington Pharmacy with a luxury weekend’s drive in a new Mercedes C class. Keith’s name was drawn from all sponsors.	The winning team at the 2015 event (left to right): Callum Stringer, Andrew Rooney (representing Forsyth Barr, which donated the winner’s trophy after taking out the inaugural title in 2010), Blair Ellis, Craig Stringer and Kris Ellis.

The day’s results were –

Closest to the pin – 4^th; Alan Carne, 7^th; Callum Stringer, 13^th; Jamie Adamson, 16^th; Kiel Sheridan, novelty hole; Graham Wyllie

Team results:

1^st – playing off a team handicap of 5.75, net score of 56.25 – Palmers Mechanical

2^nd – 7.625, 56.375 – OceanaGold # 1

3^rd – 3.75, 58.25 – Sport Otago

4^th – 8.625, 59.375 – Craigs Investment Partners

5^th – 7.25, 59.75 – Gardens New World (on countback)

6^th – 9.25, 59.75 – Agility Logistics

7^th – 9, 60 – Dr Alan Wright (Southern Neurology)

8^th – 6.875, 60.125 – Body Synergy

9^th – 8.25, 60.75 – Stonewood Homes