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NZ GOLFING LEGEND PLAYS QUEENSTOWN GOLF TOURNAMENT

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February, 2010

New Zealand golfing legend Sir Bob Charles is delighted money from the second-richest golf tournament in the country is going to blind golfers.

The veteran golfer was in Arrowtown this month to play in the Handa New Zealand tournament at the Milbrook golf course.

The International Sports Promotion Society, which sponsors the tournament, decided $10,000 donations from the prize purse would be made to both the International Blind Golf Association and New Zealand Junior Golf.
That decision has thrilled Sir Bob.

"The IBGA is obviously in need of funds and this is a great way to contribute to it," he said. "The great thing about golf is that as long as you've got an arm to swing the club you can play. I've seen blind people play golf, I've seen people with no legs play golf and I've seen people with one arm play golf."

The Handa tournament prize purse was increased to $200,000 this year, becoming the highest prize value senior golf tournament in the country.
It now ranks second in total value only to the PGA New Zealand Open.

Sir Bob said the longevity of a player's ability to stick with golf was always something he was keen to impress upon people.

"My father played until he was 90 and there's not too many sporting activities that you can keep up until then," he said.
Sir Bob expects to play for as long as he can.

"I've had a professional career of 50 years and was an amateur before that, but the thought and feel of hitting a ball into the stratosphere is what golf is all about, and I'll always enjoy that thrill."

Sir Bob said Tiger Woods' plans to make his first public appearance today after details on continuing extramarital affairs came to light was all part of the game.

"The people that are the best in the business are certainly under scrutiny by the public, along with every facet of their life, and it's something that comes with the game at that level."

Sir Charles is partnered with 1990 PGA Open winner Wayne Grady, Millbrook Resort owner Eichii Ishii and ISPS chairman Dr Haruhisa Handa.

Source: The Southland Times