Golfing Great Honoured At Clearwater

Media Release for immediate use: Wednesday 26 November 2008

Golfing Great Honoured At Clearwater

The Sir Bob Charles Hall of Fame Golf Tournament will tee off at Clearwater on Friday, in recognition of Sir Bob’s induction into the World Golf Hall of Fame.

The tournament will see a capacity field of 136 men and women golfers vying for over $5,000 in prizes.

Clearwater Club Captain Barry Johnston says the club is honoured to be holding The Sir Bob Charles Hall of Fame Tournament, which is understood to be the only official event of its type in New Zealand recognising Sir Bob’s induction.

“Sir Bob Charles is a legend, not just in the golfing world, but to all New Zealanders. It’s fitting that the tournament to celebrate Sir Bob’s induction into the Hall of Fame is held at Clearwater, where he lives and is a club member,” he says.

The tournament will be followed by a dinner at which Sir Bob and Lady Verity are the guests of honour. A number of Sir Bob’s trophies will be on display at the dinner, including a replica of the 1963 British Open Trophy and replicas of the 1989 and 1993 Senior British Open trophies. It is hoped the Hall of Fame Crystal will also be on display but is in transit from the United States and may not arrive in time for the event.

New Zealand Open Champion in 1946 and 1947, Bob Glading, is a guest speaker, as is his son Michael, who is the current Chief Executive of New Zealand Football and also Sir Bob’s business manager for the last four years. He has also caddied for Sir Bob since 1972, including 26 New Zealand Opens, two of which he won.

Barry Johnston says the evening will certainly be a night to remember.

“We have two very well-known guest speakers and Sir Bob himself will be interviewed in front of the audience. We will also play on our large screen a 10-minute Hall of Fame video clip as well as highlights of Sir Bob beating Jack Nicklaus in a nail-biting finish to win the 1968 Canadian Open,” he says.

An auction will also be held during the night, which will include authentic golfing memorabilia from Jack Nicklaus, Arnold Palmer and Sir Bob Charles, three of the greatest players in golfing history.

Proceeds from the night will go towards Clearwater’s extensive beautifying programme. Clearwater is tournament host to such events as the New Zealand Women’s Open and the New Zealand PGA Championship.

ENDS

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