By the time this issue lands in readers’ hands, South Canterbury golfer Barrie ‘Baz’ Coleman hopes to have achieved something few could even contemplate – playing every golf course in New Zealand
It’s an extraordinary undertaking that has taken him the length of the country, through hundreds of towns and communities, and onto more than 400 fairways. But for Barrie, this journey has never really been about golf.
Instead, it began with heartbreak. Following the loss of his wife Megan to mental illness, Barrie was determined to turn grief into action. Together with friends, he helped establish the Links Foundation, raising more than $133,000 for mental health initiatives through charity golf events. Yet he wanted to do more.
So he sold his house, took extended leave from work and embarked on a nationwide mission to play every golf course in New Zealand while raising awareness and funds for mental health support. His aptly named campaign – Saving Butts, Sinking Putts – has resonated with golfers and non-golfers alike.
Along the way, Barrie has discovered far more than great golf courses.
“Get out there, meet people, have conversations and enjoy life, because you don’t know what tomorrow will bring,” he says.
Those conversations have become one of the most meaningful aspects of the journey. Time and again, strangers have shared stories of loved ones lost to suicide or their own mental health struggles.
“The number of stories people have shared is astonishing and very sad,” he reflects.
His travels have been made possible by a TrailLite-supplied Benimar motorhome, which has become both transport and home throughout the adventure. Barrie says the vehicle’s generous storage, spacious fridge and freezer, clever drop-down bed and excellent road manners have made life on the road remarkably comfortable.
Travelling full-time has also reinforced just how fortunate New Zealanders are.
“We have a beautiful country to travel around, great people that you meet along the way and fantastic camping grounds. We’re very lucky.”
Of course, there have been golfing highlights too. Winning the club day competition at Amuri Golf Club and pocketing a modest $10 remains a favourite memory, while the spectacular Te Arai Links ranks as his most enjoyable golfing experience. At the other end of the scale was Wedderburn Golf Club, where sheep wandered freely across the course and Barrie admits to accidentally hitting two of them – although the excellent pub across the road helped make up for it.
The adventure is also helping raise funds for Mitey, Sir John Kirwan Foundation’s mental health education programme for primary-aged children. Adding further excitement, the TrailLite Benimar motorhome accompanying Barrie on his travels is being raffled, with proceeds supporting Mitey’s important work in schools throughout New Zealand.
As Barrie approaches the final holes of an unforgettable journey, his message remains simple: start conversations, look out for one another and never underestimate the power of connection. Whether on a golf course, around a campfire or over a cup of coffee, sometimes a simple conversation can make all the difference.
