Heather Walton
Ray White Epsom and Omaha , NZ
How long have you been playing ?
I played my first game at age 24 - I ’ m now 52 but when I was at the top of my real estate game I was at the bottom of my golf game !
What ' s your handicap ?
Sadly , it ' s on the increase so presently it ' s 27.9 .
What ' s your favourite club ?
My hybrid gets me out of trouble !
Any tips for beginners ?
Get lessons if you are starting and then just play , play , play . You won ' t improve without practise . And hitting the ball as hard as you can is not necessarily going to give you the best outcome .
What is your favourite course that you ' ve played ?
My home club Te Arai Links is a world renowned golf course , I just love it . Followed by my other club Millbrook Resort and then of course my local club Omaha - I have three memberships .
Anneke Kawau
Ray White Invercargill , NZ
How long have you been playing ?
I set a goal at the start of this year , 2023 to play nine holes every week . Back in the day at Otago University I had a major crush on a guy who was quite the golfer so I also dabbled back then to try and win him over . The reason for reigniting this hobby is I see this being my retirement plan so I figured I had better try and get good at it . Slowly but surely I am rallying some other young mums into the game . Recently we had a ladies weekend in Arrowtown which was centred around golf . Golf is good for the soul and one heck of a challenge .
What ' s your handicap ?
I think I would feel more comfortable disclosing my weight and age than my handicap - it ' s 49.6 . It would be awesome to get into the 20s within three years .
What is your favourite course you ' ve ever played ?
Millbrook Resort in Queenstown would have to be a favourite . I love all things property so it ' s pretty inspiring walking around and checking out the beautiful properties , add in the views , location and post match amenities and it ' s pretty good times . A champagne at Smithy ' s Smokey House is the perfect end to the day .
What ' s your favourite club ?
Driver - nothing like a great drive when it connects nicely . A Fairway Wood is also a win for distance but can be a little hit and miss as I learn to keep my head down .
Any tips for beginners ?
Keep it simple , I am playing with a set of secondhand clubs I got for $ 100 when I was 19 . Set out a plan , get the odd lesson , get the bug and don ' t look back . We play on a Friday afternoon and enjoy a G & T on hole eight to nine . Once again this is a mum being efficient so I can get home to the whānau . A perfect way to end a week of sprinting about .
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