The Newcastle Knights hit the green on Friday for the Club’s annual Corporate Golf Day, an exclusive opportunity for the Knights' valued corporate partners and sponsors.
In what couldn’t be any further from the sweltering heat of last year’s event, the contingent of players and sponsors fought through sporadic showers and blustering winds to make it around 18 holes of the picturesque grounds of Newcastle Golf Club.
Young Knight Jake Mamo roamed the golf course for Knights TV to unearth the hidden golfing talent among the Knights squad.
What he discovered was the team has its fair share of footballers who are more than capable on the fairways.
He spoke to the Mata’utia brother’s who are quick to rattle off stories about their weekend golf expeditions.
The extra time on the course served Chanel well with him scoring an eagle during the Ambrose game, which contributed to his team taking out the major prize on the day.
Yet, brother Pat hesitantly conceded his brother was the better of the two.
“I’m pretty terrible hey, I’m not very good at the moment but hopefully I’ll get better,” Pat said.
Meanwhile across the course in another golf team was the youngest of the trio, Sione who spoke about the day’s game with confidence.
“Chanel and Pat are pretty good, but I’m probably the better one,” Sione said with a grin.
And the proof was in the pudding for the youngest brother who took out the best scratch with a score of 65 as part of the nib team at the presentation at the end of the event.
Then there were the part time players like Robbie Rochow and Korbin Sims who held their own against some of the more polished plays of the sponsors.
“None of us are known golfers, but we just got back one under par after seven holes, so we are going all right,” Rochow said.
“We are trying to avoid the bogey and a few of these hard bunkers, but we are doing okay.
“I don’t play much, but I’ve played a few games with Korbin and he takes it pretty seriously.
“He’s either going pretty well or he’s had a putter throw on a few holes.”
New recruit Tariq Sims also showed off his golfing prowess bagging a stellar shot on the 7th hole.
One of the most important jobs on the course was given to fly winger Aku Uate who manned the first hole to collect donations from the golfers for the John Hunter Children’s Hospital.
Thanks to Uate’s determination to beat last year’s tally, and the generosity of the sponsors and players, $675 was raised for the good cause throughout the day.
Knights Golf Day results
Winning team: Dave Ballard, Jack Stockwell and Pat and Chanel Mata’utia: Nett 53.5
Nearest to the pin on the 4th: Brad Heuchan Klosters
Nearest to the pin on the 7th: Tariq Sims
Nearest drive on the 11th: Grant Turner
