THE inaugural Niseko Spring Charity Golf Classic on Saturday raised almost Y300,000 for local kids and elderly residents, as well as adding another fun-filled event to Niseko’s summer calendar.
The beneficiaries of the money raised are the local Kabayama Primary School; the Kutchan Social Welfare Fund, which will direct the money towards helping elderly residents; as well as the Niseko Promotion Board, which will work on the hiking path between Hirafu and Niseko Village.
Ten teams of four took to the Niseko Village Golf Course and in the end the awesome foursome made up of Marc Beuglet, Russ Lefko, best dressed Chris ‘Chunky C’ Lane, and Mark Stockbrocks took home the trophy with a score of 64 (nine under par).
The team’s winning run kicked off on the 10th hole with a 40-foot (12m) eagle putt, which started an incredible run over the final nine holes, including four subsequent birdies.
Unfortunately the Y600,000 put up by several local companies for a hole-in-one on the 17th didn’t go off (if won, half was to go to charity), but special mention has to go to Eric Ancheta who missed a hole in one on the 4th hole by a mere 2cm (pictured right).
Following the golf, players joined up with fans and friends for a post-game barbecue, prize and trophy presentation and announcement of silent auction winners at Niseko Village’s Pure area, before kicking on at Black Diamond Lodge until the wee hours of the morning.
Special mention for organising the tournament must go to West Canada Homes and The Niseko Company.
Event co-organiser Karen Tan thanked all who donated money, prizes and auction items, and everyone who contributed to make the event such a success.
"It was because of the participation and support of all our sponsors and those who attended that we were able to host such a successful event, and enabled us to make an impact on the people in need within our community," she said.
Full details and list of sponsors at www.nisekocharitygolf.com and check out all the pics and a video from the day.
Team placings
|
Place |
Score |
Team |
|
1st |
64 |
Marc Beuglet, Russel Lefko, Chris Lane, Mark Stockbrock |
|
2nd |
67 |
John Barton, Ian Stutchbury, Hideo Kushibiki, Kristian Lund |
|
3rd |
67 |
Marc Shumann, Wai Yee, Kohei-Kun , Domi Churiki |
|
4th |
69 |
Dale Riva, Eric Ancheta, Toshiko Makabe, Ben Thorpe |
|
5th |
71 |
Satoshi Makabe, Ishimoto-San, Julian Bailey, Bevan Colless |
|
6th |
72 |
Andrew Clarke, Mikey D, Derek Begley, Rod Kelly |
|
7th |
72 |
Rob Holmes, John Simon, Ernesto A’ delima, Kal Bragg |
|
8th |
72 |
Ian Mackenzie, Kevin Keith, Ben Clark, Jonathan Martin |
|
9th |
73 |
Grant Prentice, Ashley Nicholls, Ryo Miyagaki, Matt Jones |
|
10th |
73 |
Craig Meikle, Yamada-San, Brett Barefoot, Jess Ripper |
Individual prize winners
|
#2 Long Drive |
Mark Stockbrocks |
|
#4 Closest to Pin |
Eric Ancheta |
|
#5 Longest Putt |
Kal Bragg |
|
#7 Long Drive |
John Barton |
|
#8 Closest to Pin |
Satoshi Makabe |
|
#10 Long Drive |
Andrew Clark |
|
#13 Closest to Pin |
Hideo Kushibiki |
|
#14 Shortest Drive |
Chris Lane |
|
#16 Long Drive |
Ian MacKenzie |
|
#17 Closest to Pin |
Yamada-san |
|
Best Costume |
Chris ‘Chunky C’ Lane |
|
50/50 Winner |
Kelly Alexander won Y13,700 (total pot Y23,700) |