PARTICIPANTS in the Second Annual Niseko Golf Challenge today declared the day a hit, despite many having their fair share of misses.
While many participants were local residents and expats, it was great to see a number of foreign tourists time their Niseko summer holiday to coincide with the event, held at the Niseko Golf Course.
The ‘Ambrose’ event format meant teams of four worked together – each player hits off the tee, the best shot is selected and all other players pick up their ball and hit a second shot from that spot. The best shot is again selected and this continues until the ball is in the hole.
This format means that even beginners can enjoy the day without the pressure – and sometimes frustration – of having to hit every ball well.
There are some rules that help keep top players from carrying the team, which confused a few teams leading to a bit of controversy and the disqualification of the winning team.
Event organiser Jay McGregor said next year the rules will be made very clear before hand so there will be no doubt as to which team is the undisputed champion of Niseko golf for 2009.
On behalf of everyone involved Jay wanted to thank local business who sponsored competitions on individual holes (below) and also Yoichi Daimaruya Constructions, Hokkaido Tracks, Ski Japan and a special thankyou to Downtown Café & staff who hosted the event after party barbecue.
2008 Second Annual Niseko Golf Challenge
2ND Hole Nearest the Pin
Kaori Katayama
5Th Hole Nearest the Pin
Eric
9th Hole Male Long Drive
Chris Main
9Th Hole Female Long Drive
Uchiyama-san
13Th Hole Nearest the Pin
Hideo Kushibiki
16Th Hole Male Long Drive
Ian McKenzie
16Th Hole Female Long Drive
Hee-san
17Th Hole Nearest the Pin
Craig Miekle
Lowest Team Score
Lorne, Blanch and Glen
Team Average Score Guess
Tatsumi Kono
Lucky Draw
Daimaruya Shacho
Best Dressed
Yuka-chan (clarified) and John Toland (under dispute)
Names supplied to Powderlife so we apologise for any spelling errors. Please email us if you we need to make a correction!
For more information on golf in Niseko go to www.nisekogolf.com.