Akarana Women - A Brief History
Akarana Golf Club has a long and very proud history, and at the heart of this busy inner city club are its women members. Akarana now has one of the largest “Business Women's” memberships in Auckland.
It wasn't, however always this way. At it's inception in 1927, the club had no caterers and the “ladies” were often called upon to act as waitresses for the men – rather than play. Thankfully our society has moved along way from this rather short-sighted view.
The course has always been held in high regard across Auckland. In 1971 Akarana hosted the New Zealand Women's Commonwealth Championships, which included Great Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand. The club has also hosted the Women's Interprovincial Championships on two occasions. Akarana's showcase tournament – the Pimms Cup, which is played over 36 holes, always attracts a strong field and is hotly contested. The club annually hosts the Auckland Anniversary Tournament played over 54 holes and the Akarana Charles Tour – played over 72 holes, which attract some of New Zealand's top amateur and professional women.
Throughout the clubs more than 80 year history, their women members have stood proud as Auckland & New Zealand representatives. One player of significant note is Polly King. Polly has been Akarana club champion on 12 occasions, has represented Auckland on 6 occasions and also was undefeated in the New Zealand Maori Tournament for 8 years.
The measure of most golf clubs however, is gauged by the success of their Pennants Teams. The Akarana Women's Pennant teams have a proud history and have been crowned Auckland Champions on several occasions.
Notable Pennant players that have gone on to higher honours are; Polly King, Rae Riggir, Alison Odlin, Marilyn Storey and Anne Familton – all of whom have represented Auckland. Alison and Rae have also been selectors for Auckland.
Akarana is a draw card for women golfers. A & B Pennants, Business Women's Pennants, Betty Faesen and Nine hole membership ensure that Akarana has something to meet the needs of all women golfers.
