Bruce Poole of Wanganui was our foundation President from 1979 to 1987. He reported in our Quarterly Bulletin in 1998" that in 1978, forty-nine Lefties who were among the field of the annual Bob Charles tournament, being held at the Lansdowne course in Masterton, signed up as our initial members." Over the past 27 years the organisation has grown, and membership has fluctuated from the present 830 to the high 900 's in the late 1990's. There are currently over 30 Leftie tournaments annually, spread over all regions. Many of these events have relatively long histories, in particular Masterton 40 years in 2006, Taumarunui 63rd Year 2011.
Many other tournaments have celebrated or are approaching, more than 20 consecutive tournaments.

Within 3 years of our inception, we were represented by players at World Leftie events held in Sydney in 1979 and Hawaii in 1983. Bruce Poole comments " These events in particular were to become foundation stones of the integration of NALGNZ into the now worldwide arena of Leftie golf. Friendships with fellow southpaws in Australia, America and Canada were established and remain in place to this day, whilst the level of participation in overseas events increased as more and more countries formed Leftie groups. I would never have thought back in 1979 that countries such as Portugal and South Africa would be hosting events within 25 years".

Our First National tournament was staged at the Manawatu Golf Club in 1986, this being the fore runner of the event which is now without doubt the highlight of the year from both a Golfing and Social point of view. Capacity fields are common, including men and woman from all over NZ, and always our friends from across the Tasman. Entrants range from high quality low handicappers to the average handicap golfers, who are, and will always be, the life blood of the Association.

Bruce Poole further reports" that in 1989 the method of electing Officers for our Organisation was changed. In earlier years the organisations annual meeting was held at the Bob Charles event in Masterton, providing a limited platform of possible delegates. The change to an area situation whereby members can choose their own councilors, provides a fairer and more representative situation." Councilors now represent every corner of NZ and our membership extends from Kaitaia to Stewart Island.

Our New Zealand Association is proud to be affiliated with the World Organisation of Left Handed Golfers.