Golf Southland Life Membership For Boniface

The name Robyn Boniface has been synonymous with Southland golf for many years.

The truth is, if there’s been something happening within Golf Southland – both on and off the course – there’s likely been some form of input from the woman herself.

Now, she has been recognised with a Golf Southland Life Membership.

Whether teeing off – and winning – at international level, leading the Southland women’s masters team to numerous national titles, selecting Southland or New Zealand teams, chairing Golf Southland, co-ordinating tournaments, helping out on course, or just supporting players and the game, Boniface’s input into golf in Southland has demonstrated her immense and long-time passion for golf.

Golf Southland board member and Boniface’s former coach, John Griffin said Boniface was thoroughly deserving of the Life Membership.

“Robyn’s dedication and commitment to Southland golf has been unheralded, I think, in the history of the game here in Southland, and that is right from when she started representing Southland back when she was a teenager, through to now when she is still representing Southland and New Zealand at a senior level,” he said.

“Along with her significant impact in Southland, she is highly regarded for her commitment to the game within New Zealand golf too. Her efforts and energy that she has put into the game is outstanding.”

Boniface has been involved with golf her entire life and her off course work began many years ago, including every administrative role at club and district level. She was elected to the Golf Southland Board in 2006 and became Chair in 2008; a role she has only just stepped down from at the most recent AGM. She was a Southland men’s and women’s team selector from 1990 to 2017, a New Zealand selector from 1998 to 2001, has represented Southland at 40 Interprovincials – 27 as a player and 13 as captain/manager – and still competes internationally at masters level, representing New Zealand as recently as last year.

Boniface said the Life Membership was humbling.

“My longevity in the sport is through the love and passion I have for the game,” she said.

“I have had much pleasure out of golf, met many people and forged extraordinary friendships, and I believe it is only fair I give back to a sport I have enjoyed over such a long period of time. Anything I have done is for the good of the game and not for any personal gain.”

Griffin echoed Boniface’s sentiments.

“Robyn just loves golf and believes what you get out of something you should put back in. Her whole family really has had a great commitment to sport in Southland and they all bring a real sense of pride.”

Boniface joins two others, Flora Catto and Mary Webb, as Golf Southland Life Members.

Related: Robyn was also named Masters Achievement award at the ILT Southland Sports Awards

https://whatsoninvers.nz/tom-scully-wins-ilt-senior-sportsperson-of-the-year-full-list-of-winners/