Teeing off in a special year

Otago Golf Club’s Ben Patston tees off at the first hole at his home course of Balmacewen in Dunedin on Saturday, watched by team-mates and opponents.

The club is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year and had its annual match against Christchurch Golf Club over the weekend.

The interclub match was first held in 1873 and has been going ever since.

The Otago Golf Club is the oldest golf club in New Zealand and Christchurch the second-oldest, having opened in 1873.

In a match between eight male players from each club, the home team won the Campbell Hosking Shield in singles 5-3 and won the Hanmer Shield in foursomes 14-up.

In the Friendly Shield for female players, Otago won the four-ball 5-0 and the singles 7-3.