2008 NZLawyer Charity Golf Scramble
NOW THAT all the suppliers have been paid, numbers have been crunched, and money counted, it is with much pleasure that I am able to announce that the 2008 NZLawyer Charity Golf Scramble held on a gorgeous, late summer day in February was a great success! Thanks to the support of our sponsors and the golfers who blazed their way around Formosa’s formidable course, we were able to raise $4,000, which has been divided equally between our two nominated charities, the Autism Intervention Trust and the Young New Zealanders Foundation. In addition, those present on the day continued to dig deep, and donated another $140 in return for cold drinks. This was particularly pleasing as the drinks were available to them free of charge. So, our congratulations and thanks to all those who helped make the day such a success!
NZLawyer, 18 April 2008
Teed off with charities
Words and photos by Amy Mansfield
Above the gleam of Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour, and under the expert supervision of Rangitoto Island and her old buddy, the sun, four-man teams from law firms and corporates across the North Island competed last Wednesday at Formosa Golf Resort for the title of Winner, 2008 NZLawyer Charity Golf Scramble. Representatives from the Autism Intervention Trust and Young New Zealanders’ Foundation, the recipient charities of the day’s fundraising activity, also joined the steaming competition.
The Kensington Swan team cut a fine figure in their matching Ts and caps, losing their balls at one point but never their marbles, and finishing the day in third place on a countback, grossing 67. The firm’s Corin Maberly also took out the side competition for longest drive, and went home proud as punch with a brand new Nickent driver.
Just one point ahead and taking second place was the team from McDonald Vague. Gary Nisbet of McGregor Bailey, who played in the McDonald Vague team, won the competition for nearest the pin.
Winning by a Formosa mile with a gross score of 60 was the team from ASB Bank.
In conversation after the ceremony, ASB's star player Craig McKenzie argued that “muscle memory” is the key to good golfing technique.
The golfers may well have spent the day parched, red-faced, and altogether frustrated had it not been for the drinks, sunblock, and light banter provided by the staff from the NZLawyer drinks cart, who cruised around the course with one responsible blonde at the wheel and another – this humble writer – on navigation.
Even ice cold beer could not redeem the game of one Hamilton firm, however, who had scored two bogeys by the end of the second hole. For reasons of pride, the team wishes to remain anonymous.
As the sun made its way to bed, the weary, yet contented, golfers returned to the Formosa Country Club patio for a well-deserved, mouth-watering stir fry, made to order on the spot while Rangitoto kept jealous watch.
The 2008 NZLawyer Charity Golf Scramble brought together far-flung lawyers from all walks of practice for the benefit of two great causes. Ian Blackman of Blackman Spargo in Rotorua, who made the journey north with clients from Tauranga, commented that the Scramble had fostered a sense of community in the profession. As he drove into the carpark at the end of his round, he asked NZLawyer editor Darise Ogden what he had to do to ensure the Scramble became an annual event.
His heartfelt plea was heard. Ogden, in presenting the winning teams with their prizes, announced the event would become a yearly tradition in the legal fraternity’s calendar, and has now laid down the challenge to women golfers and South Islanders to represent next year.
If you are interested in receiving information about the 2009 NZLawyer Charity Golf Scramble, please contact Project Manager Gareth Jones on gareth.jones@lexisnexis.co.nz or 09 368 9513.
Information about the charities can be found at www.autisminterventiontrust.org.nz and www.youngnz.org.nz. Additional photographs of the day’s revelry can be found at www.nzlawyermagazine.co.nz.
NZLawyer would like to thank the staff at the Formosa Golf Resort and Dimple Golf, as well as all the sponsors: Hughes-Castell, Recall, LexisNexis, Hays Legal.
Event Photos
Before tee-off
Out on the course
BBQ and prize-giving
Many thanks to our sponsors :
