New Zealand Golf Circuit Explained

New Zealand Golf Circuit
Sport:Golf
Founded:1963
Inaugural:1963
Countries:Based in New Zealand
Most Champs:Money list titles:
Bob Charles (6)
Tournament wins:
Bob Charles (20)
Folded:1980
Related Comps:Charles Tour
Golf Tour of New Zealand
Founder:New Zealand Golf Association

The New Zealand Golf Circuit was an annual series of professional tournaments held in New Zealand between 1963 and early 1980.

History

A small number of professional tournaments had been held in New Zealand before 1963, the Caltex Tournament had been held annually since 1955 and the Wiseman's Tournament had been held in 1952, 1955 and 1958. However it was not until 1963 that a formal "circuit" was organised.[1] In its first season it was held in late August and September but from 1964 it was moved to a later date, generally starting in mid-November.[1] [2] Initially the New Zealand PGA Championship, was not included in the circuit but from 1968-69 it was added, together with the Spalding Masters, extending the circuit into January.[3]

The circuit enjoyed considerable success for a number of years, but by 1979–80 it had been reduced to just three events.[4] From 1980 the New Zealand events were incorporated into the PGA Tour of Australia schedule and a combined Order of Merit was produced.[5] [6] [7]

Money list winners

SeasonWinnerPrize money (NZ$)
15,932
Bob Charles (6) 21,548
18,853
John Lister (2) 15,737
15,894
12,075
Bob Charles (5) 10,100
7,759
Bob Charles (4) 10,588
8,400
Kel Nagle (2) 8,925
Bob Charles (3)
Bob Charles (2) 3,040
SeasonWinnerPrize money (£NZ)
1,595
1,568
1,741
SeasonWinnerPoints
55

See also

Notes and References

  1. News: N.Z. to have own golf circuit, in September . The Press . 30075 . 8 March 1963 . 8 . 2 November 2023 . Papers Past.
  2. News: Later date for next year's N.Z. golf circuit . The Press . 30296 . 23 November 1963 . 16 . 2 November 2023 . Papers Past.
  3. News: Strong entry for N.Z. golf circuit . The Press . 31825 . 1 November 1968 . 15 . 2 November 2023 . Papers Past.
  4. News: The circuit . The Press . 8 November 1979 . 23 . 2 November 2023 . Papers Past.
  5. News: Top of the list . Sydney Morning Herald . 23 November 1980 . 85 . Newspapers.com.
  6. News: Charities get series check . Akron Beacon Journal . 12 December 1980 . 41 . Newspapers.com.
  7. News: London, 9 Jan. . The Age . 10 January 1981 . 35 . Newspapers.com.