A NEW ZEALAND DAY TO REMEMBER WITH SIR BOB CHARLES

FROM JIM HARDIE

Aberdeen businessman on annual winter holiday New Zealand

First of all a Happy New Year to all Scottishgolfview.com readers.

Regarding the NZ New Year's honour for Sir Bob Charles, it is all so well deserved. The man is simply an icon.

I already have Tuesday, January 4 etched in my brain cells. Why? Well, i spent all day playing golf with the great man.

It started at The Hills with breakfast with Sir Bob, Graham Marsh and his charming wife Julie, who are on a winery visit to NZ.

Sir Bob and I then played the Hills, owned, of course, by Sir Michael Hill, and the venue for the last three NZ Opens.

Beautiful weather, no wind, Sir Bob simply in unbelievable form. He shot 68, so yours truly had to buy lunch, which we decided to have at Millbrook, only five minutes from the Hills, and a resort course where Peter Smith was the Director of Golf.

After lunch Sir Bob says: "Well, Jim, I enjoyed that - do you fancy playing again?,"
Of course, I'm up for it. So off we go again. This time a much closer game but just to keep me in my place, i.e. SECOND, Sir Bob birdies the last two holes for 10 birdies on the day, beats his age yet again. What more can I sayI did have one little piece of glory, at the ninth on the Arrow nine as they call it. It's a par-3 with a complete island green, which is right in front of the club house. After a pushed eight-iron tee shot into a bunker, I holed the bunker shot for a 2, much to the delight of the spectators.
One guy says: "You are in trouble here, Sir Bob."
To which Sir Bob replies: "Oh yes, Jim can play a bit."

That was such a kind gesture.

To have spent a day with the great man is beyond words, his charm, his skill, his aura, what more can i say? To share a complete day with Sir Bob in his own country,listening to golf stories, hearing his various opinions, i simply am lost for words.

The day was over far too quickly. It seems like it only took about 10 minutes, but it was the definite highlight of this trip.

i had a one-hour drive back over the Crown Range back to Wanaka. so stopped at a lovely pub to have a beer and simply reflect on a day anyone would give their eye teeth for.

On days like January 4, the ups and downs of Life, illness etc are simply put to one side!
The great man has that effect on me. He is simply incredible!

Regards to all

Jim Hardie

+Picture of Jim Hardie by Cal Carson Golf Agency.