The New Zealand Golf Circuit was an annual series of professional tournaments held in New Zealand between 1963 and early 1980.
| Sport | Golf |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1963 |
| Founder | New Zealand Golf Association |
| First season | 1963 |
| Ceased | 1980 |
| Countries | Based in New Zealand |
| Most titles | Money list titles: Bob Charles (6)Tournament wins: Bob Charles (20) |
| Related competitions | Charles Tour Golf Tour of New Zealand |
History
editA 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
edit| Season | Winner | Prize money (NZ$) |
|---|---|---|
| 1979–80 |  Rodger Davis |
15,932 |
| 1978–79 | Bob Charles (6) |
21,548 |
| 1977–78 | David Good |
18,853 |
| 1976–77 | John Lister (2) |
15,737 |
| 1975–76 |  Bill Brask |
15,894 |
| 1974–75 | John Lister |
12,075 |
| 1973–74 | Bob Charles (5) |
10,100 |
| 1972–73 | Bill Dunk |
7,759 |
| 1971–72 | Bob Charles (4) |
10,588 |
| 1970–71 | Graham Marsh |
8,400 |
| 1969–70 | Kel Nagle (2) |
8,925 |
| 1968–69 | Bob Charles (3) |
|
| 1967 | Bob Charles (2) |
3,040 |
| Season | Winner | Prize money (£NZ) |
| 1966 | Bob Charles |
1,595 |
| 1965 | Peter Thomson |
1,568 |
| 1964 | Kel Nagle |
1,741 |
| Season | Winner | Points |
| 1963 | Bruce Devlin |
55 |
See also
editReferences
edit- ^ a b "N.Z. to have own golf circuit, in September". The Press. No. 30075. 8 March 1963. p. 8. Retrieved 2 November 2023 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Later date for next year's N.Z. golf circuit". The Press. No. 30296. 23 November 1963. p. 16. Retrieved 2 November 2023 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Strong entry for N.Z. golf circuit". The Press. No. 31825. 1 November 1968. p. 15. Retrieved 2 November 2023 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "The circuit". The Press. 8 November 1979. p. 23. Retrieved 2 November 2023 – via Papers Past.
- ^ "Top of the list". Sydney Morning Herald. 23 November 1980. p. 85 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "Charities get series check". Akron Beacon Journal. 12 December 1980. p. 41 – via Newspapers.com.
- ^ "London, 9 Jan". The Age. 10 January 1981. p. 35 – via Newspapers.com.