getfrank interview with Craig Palmer:
Director of Golf, The Hills

Source: getfrank

Don’t get your tee in a twist - but the Michael Hill NZ Open is hitting The Hills this week from Thursday 28 – Sunday 31 January. getfrank chats to Craig Palmer, the head honcho on the green for an insight into all things golf.

So, when did you first pick up a golf club & really get into the game?
Well, I’ve seen photos of myself holding golf clubs as a toddler but I didn’t start playing regularly until I was about 12 years old. 

What is it about golf that gets you?  
Aside from the rollercoaster of emotions that golf provides – I just love mastering new shots in practise and then pulling them off in competition.   As a game, the mental challenge it provides is pretty unique. You have so much time to think while on the golf course and often just remaining positive and staying focused on the present can be really difficult.  I also like that the handicap system allows golfers of different abilities to compete against each other.  Plus I guess from a coaching perspective I find it very rewarding to be able to help people improve their game.

Do you play any other sports?
Yeah I play six aside cricket and some touch rugby. Nothing too serious though, I broke my ankle badly (playing badly) when I was in my early 20s and it put me out of all sports including golf for ages.

What is it like working as the Director of Golf at New Zealand’s most exclusive golf club?
I’m very thankful for the opportunity to work at such an amazing place. I still remember the first time I visited The Hills.  I was blown away by the course and incredibly impressed with what Michael Hill had achieved. 

I’ve had some incredible experiences in my time here. I’ve played golf with celebrities, I’ve been choppered to the top of The Remarkables to hit golf balls and I get to go to work everyday on one of the most picturesque practise fairways in the world.  And this week I’ll be getting up close and personal with NZ’s biggest golfing competition – the NZ Open.  It’s a pretty good gig...!

What are your plans for The Hills over the next 5 years? 
I really want to continue to grow our membership – not many people realise that we welcome new members here at The Hills.  We’re dedicated as a team here to doing everything we can to ensure The Hills remains the home of the NZ Open going forward, and of course I am always working to provide our members and guests with the very best golf experience.

Have you had any celebrities down there lately – who and how was their game?
I had a game with Greg Chappell (Australian cricket legend) the other day. He plays off a 7 handicap and played really well for his first time round The Hills. He had some great stories to tell too.

What’s the most common mistake you see golfers making at The Hills?
Most people take driver off the tee too often. Off the white tees especially the average golfer would be better to hit a fairway wood or rescue off the tee to make sure they get the ball on the fairway. If you end up in the rough you can make some pretty big numbers.

Do you have any top secret training tips for a good swing that you can share with getfrank?
When you’re practising, try not to hit too many shots in a row with the same club. 

And what about any hot tips for the Michael Hill NZ Open this year?
If you’re coming down for it, find your way to the 15th early and secure a good spot. The 15th is a short driveable par 4 where there will be plenty of birdies and a few eagles. It’s also our Heineken party hole!!! One of the other great spots for watching the golf is behind the 10th green. From there you can see about 5 different holes.

And tell us, is Michael Hill a good golfer (really?!)
He’s actually a much better player than he thinks he is. People that play golf with him often comment on how well he hits the ball. His current handicap index is 14.7.

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