The Eagles under-17 championship in Cromwell from October 7 will attract some of the country’s best young male and female golfers as well as their parents and supporters.
The Cromwell Community Board last week agreed to allocate $5000 to the Eagles Golfing Society of New Zealand from its 2023-2024 promotions grants budget to contribute to accommodation and catering costs.
Eagles spokeswoman Laurel Brent said the national society comprised former representative golfers who fundraised for the Halberg Foundation and supported junior golf throughout the country.
Central Otago has 26 Eagles, three living in Cromwell.
"We [Cromwell] get one chance in 15 years to run it. Teams of three representatives from 15 provinces will come. It is the top age-group event for teams and individuals.
"We are also allowed to invite another 12 young golfers to mix and play with New Zealand’s top representatives," she said at a board meeting in Cromwell on May 7.
The Eagles would be fundraising $17,000 for airfares and other costs and would also be volunteering at the event.
The Cromwell Golf Club has offered its golf course for the weekend-long event.
There would be no paid positions, and local suppliers would be used where possible, Mrs Brent said.
"There will be a lot of golf and it will be a good test."
The board unanimously approved the grants application, Cromwell Community Board chairwoman Anna Harrison describing the event as "exactly what the grants are designed for".
