We’re excited to announce the third annual Duke of Marlborough Golf Tournament, taking place on Thursday 17 September 2026 at Waitangi Golf Course.
Thursday 17 September 2026
Gather a team of four of your favourite golfers, venture north to the Bay of Islands, stay at The Duke of Marlborough, enjoy some socialising, and spend the day out on the course.
We’ll round off a great day of competition with prizegiving and dinner at The Duke, joined this year by our special guest speaker Scott Styris.
Guest Speaker
Our after-dinner speaker this year is Scott Styris – former Black Cap, well-travelled, and full of stories from playing all over the world. Now working in media around the game, he’ll share tales from life on tour, the characters he’s met, and what really happens once an international career wraps up. Scott is also a director at Mahi Traffic and works with Rugby for Life to provide sustainable employment and training opportunities for Northlanders. Alongside his business partner, Kevin, Scott’s commitment to helping people at a grassroots level is second to none.
The Prizes
It wouldn’t be a Duke golf tournament without a few prizes worth swinging for. From our first prize of four two-night stays at The Duke (with dinner and breakfast, of course), or if your aim’s really on point, a hole-in-one could see you driving home in a brand-new car, thanks to Tristram Northland. *Terms and conditions apply.
Proudly Supporting
The event proudly supports our much-loved charity Rugby for Life which supports rugby communities across Northland by promoting positive change through rugby clubs and community initiatives. We are always looking for hole sponsors, please contact us directly for more information.
Get in Quick!
The tournament has sold out the past two years, and we expect the same again. The field is limited to 25 teams, so registrations are first in, first served.
Competition Type
Handicap Rules
Maximum Handicaps:
Affiliated Golfers:
Stay & Play
2 Nights
16th and 17th September 2026
| Room Type | Waterfront | Superior | Classic | Small |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Alone | $992 | $792 | $667 | $560 |
| Sharing | $1272 | $1072 | $994 | $840 |
All Alone Two Night Package Includes:
Sharing Two Night Package Includes:
(based on 2 people)
Prices include GST. All rooms subject to availability.
Does not include: Ferry transfers, beverages and transport.
We only suggest sharing a small room type with someone you love!
1 Night
17th September 2026
| Room Type | Waterfront | Superior | Classic | Small |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| All Alone | $601 | $501 | $437 | $385 |
| Sharing | $846 | $746 | $682 | $630 |
All Alone One Night Package Includes:
Sharing One Night Package Includes:
(based on 2 people)
Play but not Stay
Competition & Prize Giving
$210.00 per person
Includes:
Prices include GST
Does not include: Ferry transfers, beverages and transport.
For other options including, staying longer and non-playing roommates please email golf@theduke.co.nz with your query and someone from our team will be in touch as soon as possible.
Please note that Rooms at the Duke are limited and will be allocated first in, first served.
Payment & Cancellation
Payment Terms
Cancellation Policy
Play for stays at The Duke – or even a car. Register your interest now or email golf@theduke.co.nz with any questions.
8.30am Registration opens Waitangi Golf Course
*Allow 40mins to get to the course from Russell
9.00am – 9. 45am – Welcome and Rules
9.30am Shotgun start.
5pm Prizegiving Dinner – Duke of Marlborough Hotel
Yes! The friendly team at the Waitangi pro shop can help organise these.
Please contact them on 09 402 8207 prior to the competition to book.
First Prize
Hole in One
Additional Prizes for the following:
Officials from the Waitangi Golf course will be in charge of the coemption element and awarding the prizes.
We are proud to again support Rugby for Life, a charity doing incredible work supporting mental health through rugby communities across New Zealand.
A portion of each team entry and proceeds from our raffle will go towards this cause.
If you would like to sponsor a hole, with all donations going directly to Rugby for Life, please get in touch directly at golf@theduke.co.nz
Smart casual with appropriate footwear – matching team t-shits is always a good look, and who knows there may be a prize for the best dressed team!
The Waitangi proshop has a selection of snacks and the golf club will be open to purchase food and drink. We will also have BBQ’s on the course if you get hungry – a Koha for our charity would be appreciated. There is a local 4 square in Russell & Paihia if you want to purchase anything else in prep for the big day.
No – if you do require help with transport, please let us know and we can help organise this.
We suggest leaving yourself 45mins
We will only cancel the day if Waitangi golf course deems the course closed. We may be able to alter the start times to help avoid weather issues. Unfortunately, in the event that Waitangi close the course there will be no refunds. The dinner will go ahead.
The competition is Team Stableford
Best 3 of 4 scores count.
Teams must consist of four players and can be of any gender mix. Ideally, all team members will have official handicaps. If a player does not have an official or previous handicap, they will be assigned the maximum handicap. A previously known handicap may be used if applicable.
Non-affiliated golfer’s will have a maximum handicap index of: Men 24, Women 36, or, last known index (up to maximum allowed.) Affiliated golfers handicap will be based on the current handicap index and frozen the day before competition. Affiliated players with pending handicaps, will play off the maximum Handicaps for the day i.e. 24 for Men and 36 for Women
Teams are to nominate a captain who will act as the go to person for that team. Score cards will be handed out on the day to the team captain. All score cards must be handed in after the round by the team captain. Teams who do not hand all team cards in at the end of their round will not be included in the prize-giving.
Teams will be advised of which tee they will be starting from when they register at the club. Players who do not have a current handicap or have never had a golf handicap, are to do the following: Record on the scorecard the amount of shots it has taken to get your ball in to the hole. If you have had 8 shots and the ball is still not in the hole then pick your ball up, put a dash for that hole on your scorecard, and move to the next hole.
