From halfpipe to fairway

September 2, 2013

Top world-ranked US snowboarders, including Winter Olympic gold and bronze medallists, took time out to play a round of golf at Millbrook championship golf course at Queenstown following the Audi quattro Winter Games NZ 2013. The group included world number one Kelly Clark who won the FIS Snowboard World Cup Halfpipe title at the Games which finished just over a week ago.

Pictured from left: J.J.Thomas (coach and 2002 Winter Olympic bronze medallist), Jenny McCleod (Winter Games NZ), Kelly Clark (Winter Olympic gold 2002, bronze 2010), Greg Bretz, Scotty Lago (both US Snowboard Team), Jane Todd, Paul Gill and Wayne Cafe (all Winter Games NZ). — Pictured from left: J.J.Thomas (coach and 2002 Winter Olympic bronze medallist), Jenny McCleod (Winter Games NZ), Kelly Clark (Winter Olympic gold 2002, bronze 2010), Greg Bretz (5th at Winter Games NZ 2013), Scotty Lago (Winter Olympic bronze 2010), Jane Todd, Paul Gill and Wayne Cafe (all Winter Games NZ).

The young athletes are almost as passionate about golf as they are about snowboarding, training each morning in Cardrona Alpine Resort’s Olympic halfpipe and playing golf on courses around Central Otago every afternoon.

“Both sports provide the same sort of challenges and that’s what appeals to us,” said Kelly. “Millbrook is absolutely stunning and we loved both the challenge and the spectacular setting.”

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