Marlborough v Nelson golf rivalry hits 100

Jon Routhan

Marlborough Golf Club and Nelson Golf Club and marked a remarkable sporting milestone on Saturday, celebrating 100 years of uninterrupted interclub competition.

First played in 1926, the Nelson–Marlborough interclub fixture is regarded as one of the longest continuously contested interclub trophies in New Zealand.

The centenary match was hosted by Nelson, with current and former members from both clubs joining the celebrations. For Nelson Golf Club manager Tony Watkins, who also plays interclub, the day recognised the longstanding rivalry and camaraderie between the two clubs.

"It’s a special day for everyone,” he said. “It’s always a featured event on the season calendar, but for this to be the 100th time and to celebrate everything that has come before is pretty amazing."

Saturday’s festivities began with morning tea for visiting players, followed by a shotgun start at 12pm. Each golfer received a commemorative ball marker before teeing off under the bright Nelson sun. Celebrations continued into the evening, with former players and life members from both clubs speaking at a special dinner.

Nelson claimed all four divisions on the day, but for a rivalry that has lasted a century, golf was very much the winner on the day.

Pete Hay – Nelson member and event organiser, who has played in the competition for more than 15 years – is proud to be part of a tradition that has endured for a century.

"For the two clubs to be dedicated to keeping the fixture alive is a testament to how important the rivalry is,” he observed. “Many years ago, it was actually a home-and-away style format where each team travelled every year, but it’s a lot harder these days to get everyone together. We play a Stableford style format now, and it works really well."