Golf: Napier to host world seniors | Hawkes Bay Sport | Surfing, Rugby, Soccer, Football, Cricket in Hawkes Bay

A record field of 152 players will compete in the New Zealand Veteran Golfers' Association's 30th annual international at Napier's Maraenui club this month.

Players from Scotland, England, Spain, Australia, Canada, Fiji, Hong Kong, Singapore and New Caledonia as well as the host country will tackle the February 12-17 event before taking in the Art Deco attractions.

The week-long tournament, as usual, includes 18 holes qualifying followed by seeded matchplay, in groups of 16. However, regular players will note some changes. The tournament has been known as the New Zealand Veterans International, but the New Zealand Veteran Golfers' Association has agreed on a name change to Seniors to appeal to a bigger audience.

A super seniors' division has been created for players aged 75 and over that includes three days play, eliminating the need for a qualifying round and with players grouped into eights rather than 16s. A division for women aged 50 and over has also been introduced.

For the second year PaR nz Golfing Holidays are the appointed promoters and tournament directors. Hawke's Bay vineyard Sacred Hill will host the welcome function for players and partners.