John Lister returning to Russley

John Lister is returning to the Russley Golf Club as part of the club’s NZ PGA Garden City Legends’ tournament to be held on Tuesday, February 14.
Lister won the Garden City Classic professional tournament at Russley four times in a row from 1972 to 1975.
Bob Smith, the Russley men’s club captain, said in the history of tournament golf around the world such a feat has only been matched by one other golfer — Tiger Woods who won the Bay Hill Invitation tournament from 2000-2003.
Lister, between 1972 and 1977, won 10 of the 25 four-round tournaments played in New Zealand during this time including three NZ PGA Championships.
Overseas he won two events on the European Tour and played on the PGA Tour in the 1970s and early 1980s. During his 12 years on the tour he had 15 top 10 finishes and won the Quad Cities Open (now known as the John Deere Classic) in 1976. He played in seven majors and made the cut in each of them.
Lister, now based in Auckland, was a mentor for Lydia Ko from the age of eight, playing up to 20 rounds a year with her. He didn’t meddle with her technique which was New Zealand coach, Guy Wilson’s responsibility.
Lister, instead assisted Ko with course management and how to feel comfortable on the golf course. He enjoyed her sense of humour and imagination and her mother often made sushi rolls for them to share on their way round the course.
During his visit to Russley, Lister will be the guest of honour at the legends’ tee up launch evening on Monday, February 13 and will speak during the evening. Tickets for this event are now available from the Russley Golf Club’s office for $10.
The following day up to 35-40 professionals on the senior tour from throughout Australasia, including Sir Bob Charles, will play for $11,000 in prize money on the recently Greg Turner re-designed course. They will each have a team of three amateurs who will be playing for team prizes. Members of the public are welcome to watch these players in action. There is no entry fee.