Adams (67) is not only the oldest competitor in this year’s tournament, but he has a wealth of experience spanning 51 years.
He made his debut as a 16-year-old playing at No6 for Southland in the then Freyberg Rosebowl on the Waitikiri course in Christchurch in 1965 and has not missed a Toro or masters event since.
Southland Golf celebrated his service two years ago but that was premature as he had only played for Southland on 49 occasions.
While studying for a law degree at the University of Otago he played for Otago on the Lochiel course in 1971.
He joined a strong team with Geoff Clarke, Brian Newall, Francis Whitaker and Chris Alldred in that event just two years before Otago won its first national title.
Adams has won the Southland strokeplay title nine times as well as having six Southland match play titles to his name.
Adams played at No1 position for more than a decade and although he has had some very good interprovincial appearances, he has never emerged with an unbeaten record.
The left-hander has played at No 5 for the Southland masters team this week with a good record.
Longevity is alive and well in Southland golf as another former No1, Gary Radka, celebrated 40 years of playing for his province this week.
Radka played at the No4 position for Southland this week.
