Contest for young Tiger hopefuls

About 60 of Nelson's aspiring young golfers will converge on Greenacres on Sunday as part of New Zealand Golf's Junior Tiger promotion.

The Junior Tiger campaign involves a series of national fun events with the ultimate goal of finding New Zealand's Junior Tiger.

This young golfer will represent New Zealand at the world junior golf championships in the United States, including a visit to Disneyland.

Sunday's tournament is one of 22 events being run throughout the country. They began on November 1 and will end with the national final at the Manawatu Golf Club on December 6.

The event provides school-aged golfers with an introduction to the game in a fun environment.

The Junior Tiger Days provide a carnival-style atmosphere where first-timers can try the game in teams, with clubs and equipment provided. The more competitive ones can take part in a nine-hole competition.

The nine-hole competition culminates in a national final in Palmerston North involving the top boy and girl players from each venue.

The tournament will be held in two sections, for players 11 and under and from 12 to 14 years.

The campaign also involves an interactive website with an animated 3D character to teach children the game of golf, along with games, tournaments, player galleries and fan blogs.

Children from each event will be selected, based on attitude, for a Junior Tiger Academy, where they will receive ongoing coaching, support and membership of the Junior Tiger Club.

Everyone who enters a Junior Tiger Day will receive a Junior Tiger cap and certificate.

Tasman junior golf development manager Chris Pugh said the emphasis was on having fun.

"I just think it's a great experience for young boys and girls to come and give golf a go and experience it, maybe for the first time. There will be lots of fun things for the kids to do, and that's what it's all about."

Sunday's event starts at 9am and is expected to finish around 1pm.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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