The sun shone and so did the golf at Kaitake Golf Club recently when Port Taranaki hosted its Harry Blyde Cup golf tournament.
The annual tournament is for individuals and companies with a connection to Port Taranaki, and this year 102 players across 34 three-person teams took part in the ambrose event.
“It was a fantastic day out with plenty of golf, laughs, stories and great food and drink,” says long-time organiser, Port Taranaki site management co-ordinator Jeff Clement.
“Most importantly we raised $5,300 for Hospice Taranaki, which comes from teams’ entry fees and, this year, an extra competition on one of the par-three holes where competitors went in the draw to win a new bike if they got their ball on the green.
“Hospice Taranaki does a tremendous job helping families in our region, and as they are a registered charity which relies on community support for half of its funding, it’s great we can help in a small way by raising money while having a bit of fun.”
Hospice Taranaki chief executive Paul Lamb extended his “heartfelt gratitude” to all who took part.
“We highly value our relationship with Port Taranaki and the Harry Blyde Cup and are very grateful for the support this had provided our organisation over a number of years.
“This generosity fuels the vehicles that our dedicated doctors and nurses rely on to reach patients in need.
“With 271 patients currently under our care, scattered throughout the province, these contributions make an immense impact. The $5,300 raised is absolutely fantastic and makes a tangible difference in providing essential care to those who need it most, especially for patients receiving care in the comfort of their own homes.”
For the record, the SSA team won on the day and was presented the winners’ cup by Chris Blyde, a relative of Sir Henry Blyde, who the tournament is named after. Sir Henry was Port Taranaki chairman from 1953 to 1974, and the golf tournament has been held since 1968.
Key to the day’s success were the sponsors.
“We couldn’t do it without our fantastic sponsors Port Taranaki, New Plymouth Underwater, Bark Products Taranaki, Revital Group, SSA New Zealand, ISO Limited, LIC, and Shed Door Cycles and Advance Traders, who provided the bike on the ‘get-on-the-green’ hole,” says Jeff.
He thanked prize sponsor Marsh Limited, Kaitake Golf Club for hosting the event, Murray and Karen Wells for cooking the post-tournament meal for the participants, Port Taranaki terminal superintendent Tony Saleman for manning the on-course BBQ, and Port Taranaki port specialist ‘Mung’ Simphalivanh for driving the courtesy van.
