{"id":387916,"date":"2026-04-19T23:32:22","date_gmt":"2026-04-19T23:32:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/387916\/"},"modified":"2026-04-19T23:32:22","modified_gmt":"2026-04-19T23:32:22","slug":"multiple-cantabrians-recognised-within-annual-golf-nz-awards-christchurch-and-canterbury-golf","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/387916\/","title":{"rendered":"Multiple Cantabrians recognised within annual Golf NZ Awards – Christchurch and Canterbury Golf"},"content":{"rendered":"

\tGeneral News<\/a>\"\"\/<\/p>\n

In a proud moment for the region, three worthy Canterbury individuals were recognised for their respective contributions to the game in 2025. In the words of Golf NZ CEO Jeff Latch, \u201cThe National Golf Awards are a chance to recognise the people, clubs and initiatives that continue to shape and grow our game. This year\u2019s winners reflect the depth of passion, innovation and commitment that exists right across the golfing community from grassroots through to high performance, and we\u2019re incredibly proud to celebrate their contribution to the sport.\u00a0Congratulations\u00a0to all of this year\u2019s nominees and winners.\u201d The three Canterbury-based winners and their citations are as follows:<\/p>\n

Golf Manager of the Year \u2013 Blair Minton<\/p>\n

As General Manager of Canterbury Golf, Blair Minton has had an exceptional 2025. His standout achievement has been driving a 121% increase in junior membership to nearly 1,300 junior club memberships across the region, the result of Canterbury\u2019s nationally recognised Futures programme. He also secured a partnership with the new Sir Bob Charles Golf Centre for the Talent Development Programme, which contributed directly to the Canterbury boys team winning the NZ Boys Interprovincial.<\/p>\n

Blair\u2019s leadership extended across the organisation in 2025: he oversaw a redesign of the Canterbury Golf website, introduced a dedicated Marketing and Communications role, revamped the Canterbury Strokeplay, launched the ambitious \u201cUltimate Golf Raffle\u201d fundraising initiative for regional junior development, and completed a historic project recognising Canterbury\u2019s representative players back to 1951. Canterbury Golf club membership reached a record high of over 15,000 members, with 607,000 rounds played in the region last year.<\/p>\n

\"\"Blair Minton \u2013 Golf Manager of the Year<\/p>\n

\u00a0Contribution to the Growth of Maori Golf \u2014 Kara Campbell, Russley Golf Club \/ Te Waipounamu<\/p>\n

Kara Campbell is a tireless and passionate advocate for Maori participation in golf, contributing for many years across Aotearoa through both tournament involvement and grassroots development. She has played key roles in flagship events including the Te Waipounamu Maori Golf Tournament and the New Zealand Maori Golf Nationals; both important celebrations of Maori identity, competition, and whanaungatanga within the game.<\/p>\n

At the 2024\/2025 NZ Maori National Championships, Kara\u2019s contribution was invaluable, supporting the successful staging of the event and the wahine competitors across all divisions. At club level, she has encouraged Maori golfer participation and community engagement at both Avondale Golf Club in Christchurch and Russley Golf Club. A mentor, organiser, and ambassador across many years, Kara has helped shape stronger pathways for Maori in the game and promoted greater visibility of Maori culture throughout the golfing world.<\/p>\n

\"\"Kara Campbell \u2013 Contribution to the Growth of Maori Golf<\/p>\n

Volunteer Coach of the Year \u2014 Margaret Langan, Weedons Golf Club<\/p>\n

Margaret Langan has been a fixture of junior golf at Weedons Golf Club since 2009 and her dedication has shaped the golfing journeys of countless young players in the Canterbury region. Every Saturday afternoon, Margaret runs junior sessions that prioritise fun, yet many of the players who have come through her programme have progressed to representative level at both club and district.<\/p>\n

Parents consistently speak about the welcoming environment Margaret creates and the way she makes every child feel valued. Weedons\u2019 junior membership now exceeds 100 players which is a testament to Margaret\u2019s sustained commitment as a coach and volunteer. Running high-quality sessions week after week, year after year, is a remarkable achievement in itself and one that speaks directly to her love of the game and the people in it.<\/p>\n

\"\"Margaret Langan \u2013 Volunteer Coach of the Year<\/p>\n

The full list of winners can be read \u2013 HERE<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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