Facts about the Cook Islands:
- 15 Islands in the South Pacific spread across 2 million square kilometres of ocean.
- Population 18,000
- Sovereign country. However, special relationship with New Zealand giving all Cook Islanders New Zealand passports.
- Participant in Olympic Games, Commonwealth Games, and other international sporting events.
Golf in the Cook Islands
- Two golf clubs. One on the island of Aitutaki (population 2,000) and the other on the main island of Rarotonga (population of 10,000). Both are 9 hole courses.
- Thriving memberships and popular sport in a country with naturally talented sportspeople. Approximately 180 active members in Rarotonga and 80 active members in Aitutaki.
- Both courses are maintained to the best possible condition given limited resources, and challenging conditions, but face difficulties due to lack of necessary supplies and equipment.
Development & Success of Golf in the Cook Islands
- Two current high achieving Cook Islands amateur players who are ranked in the top 20 men and top 40 women respectively in New Zealand, William Howard and Rotana Howard.
- Two current active woman professionals, Elmay Viking and Phyllis Meti.
- Phyllis Meti, 2006 & 2016 Ladies World Long Drive Champion
- Regular high achievement at Pacific Games, including Gold medals in individual Men, Individual Women, and Teams Men at Pacific Mini Games 2009; and Silver medals in individual Men and Individual Women at Pacific Games 2015.
- Junior program run in Rarotonga by an ex New Zealand teaching professional.
- Commitment to making the most of the natural talent and giving young golfers the best possible opportunities to succeed in the sport using the resources available.
Cook Islands National Golf Association Inc. C/o The Rarotonga Golf Club, Nikao, Rarotonga, Cook Islands
Contact Golf Cook Islands at golfcookislands@gmail.com
Cook Islands National Golf Association Inc. (Golf Cook Islands)