New trophy at golf club

A new trophy is being introduced this week at the Kaikoura Golf Club to commemorate a very special person.

The Godfrey Hislop memorial trophy will be played at the club tomorrow, between the Marlborough and Kaikoura rugby unions.

Hislop was considered one of the town's finest rugby coaches in the 60s and 70s, and is remembered by many around Kaikoura and the wider area as a great player also.

According to his wife, Margaret, Hislop always said his best rugby was played while he was part of the 34th Battalion team during the war. However he played an active role in the game for a considerable time after this.

On his return from the war he played for the Opawa Club in Blenheim, and for Marlborough for two or three seasons.

Moving on to the Christchurch club for one or two seasons, the openside flanker then returned to Marlborough, where he became known for being a very fast, tough and tenacious player.

Once his playing days were over, Hislop coached JAB rugby through all the grades and the Kaikoura seniors.

He believed strongly in fitness as a key to success, and was a firm coach when it came to team spirit. Hislop believed it was important for players to be able to care for each other in the team and in all facets of play.

Liam Harnett, who was coached by Hislop, said he was a tough, no-nonsense coach but certainly one of the best.

The inaugural Godfrey Hislop Trophy event kicks off with a shotgun start. Results from each team's 15 best players will be put into stableford scores to determine the winner.

There will be free drinks throughout the afternoon, with the event sponsored by Tui. A crayfish and meat meal will be put on at the end of the competition.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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