Why not look at format change for big event?

OPINION: Well, it's that time of the year again where we get all of the provinces in New Zealand visiting us for the SBS Invitational, writes Anthony Barkley in this week's Golf Pro.

It's hard to pick a winner as there are some solid teams. Of course, I am picking Southland to do well this year as I believe the team is very competitive on paper. We just need one player to lead the way.

This tournament always had an interesting format being strokeplay but team oriented. In normal strokeplay events players can blow out but here it's round by round and players need to play for their team more as the top four scores count.

Players need to grind it out. I know I used to hate being the non-counter, if it ever happened.

While this tournament is on and in most Southland golfers' minds, it's a good chance to look at the format and whether there is merit in looking towards a change.

My intention is not to ruffle any feathers as I know the traditionalists may be reluctant to change, but is it time?

From what I know, the tournament has been the same format since 1977 and I know it is still a great tournament on the NZ Golf calendar.

The volunteer committee do an awesome job every year but why not look towards making it a Charles Tour event?

Perhaps there could still be a team-oriented aspect to it.

Charles Tour events are 72 holes (plus a Wednesday pro-am), run over four days targeting professionals and elite amateurs.

Named after New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles, the series is staged in partnership with the PGA of New Zealand and the respective host clubs. Current events include the Shirley Open, Taranaki Open, Youthtown Wairakei Open, Muriwai Open and the Carrus Tauranga Open.

Talking with Dave Mangan from NZ Golf, he emphasised that they are very passionate about the Charles Tour and would be very happy to look at having another one in the South Island.

So what are the merits for doing this? There are several that I can see. The TV and other media coverage will promote Southland as a golfing destination.

The fields will be very strong and locals will get the chance to not only see New Zealand's top amateurs but also some of this country's top professionals. Ultimately it will give Southland golfers an event to get right behind again. It's certainly food for thought.

» Anthony Barkley is a New Zealand PGA qualified golf coach based at the Invercargill Golf Club at Otatara.

- © Fairfax NZ News

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