Queenstown impresses (again) at 2023 Queenstown Golf Week

Queenstown impresses (again) at 2023 Queenstown Golf Week

Amazing golf and jaw-dropping scenery greeted SGA Golfers in 2023

SGA returned to Queenstown, New Zealand, for the 2023 Queenstown Golf Week, and the trip proved to be everything (and more) that golfers look for in a golf trip.

With some of New Zealand's top courses on offer, including Millbrook's Coronet and Remarkables courses, Jack's Point and Queenstown Golf Club, our golfers were treated to an exceptional week of golf.

2023 Queenstown Golf Week Recap

ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER

Following a short 3-hour flight from Australia, golfers made their way to the new Ramada Queenstown, our home-base for the week. That night, guests enjoyed a hosted Welcome Party at the Queenstown Skyline Stratosfare restaurant, at teh top of the famous Queenstown Gondola. Golfers and their partners were treated to good food and drinks, a relaxed vibe, sweeping views of Queenstown, and a jovial atmosphere as they met their fellow golfers (many set to be life-long friends) for the week.

DAY 1 - FIRST ROUND, MILLBROOK (CORONET)

The event kicked off at the gorgeous Millbrook Golf Club. A relatively new layout on the 36-hole facility, this club hosts the NZ Open, and it was a real treat for our golfers to experience it in all its glory. The course featured gorgeous scenery all around, which (if you're not careful) can distract you from the golf itself. Overall, it was a challenging and enjoyable golf course. The course staff were friendly and helpful, and our golfers had a great time. Thanks to the course and staff for hosting us and making it a memorable day.

In the competition, David Morriss jumped into the early lead in A-Grade, with a stellar 40 points. Next best were Steve Stoward (35) and Ricardo Walkes (34). In B-Grade, SGA stalwart Thijs van Berkel had a crazy 46 points (wow!) to lead Kevin Biddle (42) and Wayne Meiklejohn (36).

In the Novelty prizes, David "Diesal" Warwick had an absolute DAY OUT, capturing the THREE of the four NTPs. Only Gary Moller kept him from a clean sweep.

Hole 2 – David Warwick
Hole 6 – David Warwick
Hole 12 – David Warwick
Hole 16 – Gary Moller

DAY 2 - SECOND ROUND, MILLBROOK (REMARKABLES)

Our golfers returned to Millbrook to enjoy the second of the two spectacular 18-hole courses. Great weather and a solid layout kept the smiles coming! Once again, thanks to the staff at Millbrook for your hospitality.

In A-Grade, Gary Moller had a solid 37 points, followed by David Warwick and Matthew Pitt, both on 35 points. In B-Grade, John Brugman scored an impressive 42 points, with Julie Ridler and Kevin Biddle on 37 points.

After 2 rounds, David Morriss led A grade on 72 points, with Ricardo Walkes in 2nd on 68. Steve Stoward, David Warwick and Matthew Pitt were T3 on 65 points. B Grade saw Kevin Biddle on a solid 79 points (!), ahead of Thijs van Berkel on 76 and John Brugman on 75.

NTPs were

Hole 2 – Sandy Allan
Hole 6 – Gary Moller
Hole 13 – Justin Gao
Hole 18 – Jason Pratt

DAY 3 - REST DAY, OPTIONAL GOLF AT THE HILLS

A well-earned "rest day" for many of our golfers in Queenstown. There is SO MUCH to do in the area, it's hard to choose just one or two activities. While a handful of lucky golfers teed-off at the ultra-exclusive The Hills GC (featuring a perfectly-manicured course, surrounded by eclectic works of art), some of our guests took the day to explore Queenstown, "the Adventure Capital of the World"

Overall a great day was had by all. Thanks to our golfers for sharing these great photos with us.

DAY 4 - THIRD ROUND, JACK'S POINT GC

Day 3 of the 2023 Queenstown Golf Week was an ABSOLUTE CRACKER! As was the case in 2022, Jack's Point was a jaw-dropping, eyeball-widening, heart-pumping golf-bag-full-o-joy. With GORGEOUS views at every hole, it is a bucket-list course that had our golfers taking more photos than golf swings. Trust us when we say: PLAY THIS COURSE!

Thanks to the entire team at Jack's Point for hosting us. Everyone had an absolute blast.

In A-Grade, David Morriss continued his solid form, with 37 points on the day. Next best were Matthew Pitt and Steven Clare on 36. in B-Grade, Justin Gao had an impressive 40 points, followed by John Brugman (39) and Joan Swallow Hannah on 35.

After 3 rounds, David Morriss had the sole lead in A Grade, on 109 points. He was followed by a pair of SGA staffers, Matthew Pitt and Ricardo Walkes on 109. Rounding out the top-5 were Greig Little (96) and Gary Moller (93).

In B Grade, John Brugman was on top, with 114 total points. Kevin Biddle was next best on 111, followed by Simon Dobson (97) and Thijs van Berkel (97). Rounding out the top-5 was SGA partner Julie Ridler.

NTPs:

Hole 3 – Nicola Dress
Hole 7 – Matthew Pitt
Hole 11 – Gary Moller
Hole 13 – David Morriss

DAY 5 - FINAL ROUND, QUEENSTOWN GC

Five fun-filled days of world-class golf came to conclusion on the Friday, as our golfers played the picturesque Queenstown Golf Club. The amazing weather all week also came to a conclusion, of sorts, as early morning rain and a drop in temperatures saw the beanies, gloves, vests and raingear all make an appearance for the first time in the week. Nevertheless, the sun came out for the final nine, treating our golfers to more amazing scenery and some truly spectacular golf.

In A-Grade, Steve Stoward fired a solid 37 points, followed by David Morriss (36) and Jason Pratt and Gary Moller, both on 34 points. In B-Grade, Thijs van Berkel found a notable book-end to his first-round fireworks, recording the best-of-the-day score of 39 points. He was followed by Frank "Hey Bro" Elisaia and Simon Dobson, both on 36 points.

NTPs

Hole 7 – Justin Gao
Hole 10 – Geoff Hannah
Hole 13 – Greig Little
Hole 17 – Sharon McCarthy

EVENT RESULTS

After 4 rounds on some of the planet's best courses, the event winners were revealed. Topping A-Grade, with a 13-point buffer, was David Morriss on 145 points. Congratulations David! Second went to Matthew Pitt and Ricardo Walkes on 132 points. Rounding out the top-5 were Gary Moller (127) and Greig Little (124). In B-Grade, it was John Brugman on 147, 10 points ahead of Kevin Biddle (137) and Thijs van Berkel (136). 4th went to Simon Dobson (133), with Frank Elisaia on 130. Special mention to Julie Ridler, who was the top woman player, on 120 points.

AWARDS DINNER

Following the day, golfers and their non-golfing partners converged at Brazz Steakhouse for the Presentation Dinner. With some tasty food (and PLENTY of beverages) consumed, the night was a relaxing and fun evening where golfers chatted about their glorious (and not-so-glorious, LOL) golf shots and moments across this memorable week.

2023 SGA Queenstown Golf Week Photo Galleries

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2023 Queenstown Golf Week - Final Scores

Individual Stableford Aggregate

See below for Final scores and photo gallery (or click here to see detailed round-by round scores and stats on our Golf Genius Portal)

A GRADE FLIGHT

Pos.	Player	Points	R1	R2	R3	R4
1	David Morriss	145	40	32	37	36
T2	Matthew Pitt	132	30	35	36	31
T2	Ricardo Walkes	132	34	34	33	31
4	Gary Moller	127	27	37	29	34
5	Greig Little	124	33	29	34	28
6	Steve Stoward	123	35	30	21	37
7	Tagavaitautama Papua	118	32	31	25	30
8	David Warwick	117	30	35	27	25
9	Jason Pratt	115	29	27	25	34
T10	Steven Clare	113	31	25	36	21
T10	Steven Hing	113	32	30	27	24
T12	Nicola Dress	109	31	29	23	26
T12	Ian Crotty	109	29	25	26	29
14	Sharon McCarthy	108	27	24	30	27
15	Stephen Cameron	105	23	25	30	27
16	Tom Tomlin	97	27	26	21	23
17	Donn Jefferis	90	20	23	17	30
18	Jay Carter	85	31	28	26	0
19	James Carter	83	25	27	31	0

B GRADE FLIGHT

Pos.	Player	Points	R1	R2	R3	R4
1	John Brugman	147	33	42	39	33
2	Kevin Biddle	137	42	37	32	26
3	Thijs van Berkel	136	46	30	21	39
4	Simon Dobson	133	35	28	34	36
5	Frank Elisaia	130	29	35	30	36
T6	Julie Ridler	120	32	37	27	24
T6	Mick David	120	32	26	30	32
8	Justin Gao	119	27	19	40	33
9	Stephen Morris	118	28	29	26	35
10	Geoff Hannah	117	27	35	29	26
11	Diane Moody	112	29	31	22	30
12	Jun Gong	110	28	31	28	23
T13	Joan Swallow Hannah	109	28	27	35	19
T13	Stephen Ellis	109	25	25	29	30
15	Wayne Meiklejohn	94	36	33	25	0
16	Tracey Grigoriou	93	23	30	22	18
17	Kathryn Morris	86	30	32	24	0
18	Sandy Allan	81	15	24	20	22
19	Chris Moody	76	29	20	14	13
20	Carmel Meiklejohn	53	25	28	0	0

Special Thanks

Thanks to all of our host courses and clubs: Queenstown Golf Club, The Hills, Jacks Point, and Millbrook Resort for allowing us to enjoy your world-class courses.

Thanks to Stephen and his team from the top-notch Peak Golf Queenstown for all of their help and arrangements on ground.

Thanks to the Stratosfare Restaurant and Brazz Teams for taking care of us for our welcome and awards dinners!

Thanks to our amazing partners/sponsors: Srixon-Cleveland, Garmin, Heathcote Winery, TCN Gift Cards and Drummond Golf.

Most importantly, thanks to ALL of our golfers and their non-golfing partners for joining us this week. You were all a wonderful and fun-filled group, and you helped make this event extra special!

The 2023 Queenstown Golf Week Partners