A chance meeting at a local business networking event has led to a new initiative aimed at bringing people together, creating friendly competition and supporting Mount Maunganui businesses.

Black Stag Coffee managing director Claire Boggiss and local resident Joe Kettlewell met at a networking event at the Mount Driving Range, where a shared passion for golf and community sparked the idea for Good Company Golf.

The new monthly social golf event will be held at the Mount Driving Range and is designed to be more about connection than traditional business networking, a media release said.

“It’s less about networking and more about creating a social platform for locals to meet up, have some friendly competition and enjoy a great night out, while also supporting local Mount businesses,” Boggiss said.

Connection is also central to Boggiss’ business, Black Stag Coffee, which supplies coffee machines to businesses across the Bay of Plenty.

She believes coffee and golf share a common purpose by creating opportunities for people to slow down, connect and spend time together.

For Kettlewell, who is relatively new to Tauranga, the initiative is also a way to support Mount businesses following the challenges they have faced since the landslide.

“I am very aware of how tough things have been for businesses in the Mount since the landslide,” he said.

“If we can play a small part in bringing people down to the area and supporting local businesses, we’d love to. They’re ready and waiting, and they’re incredibly grateful for the support from the local community.”

The response from the business community has been strong, with the Mount Driving Range and several local businesses donating vouchers and prizes for participants.

Mount Driving Range manager Sam Semple said supporting the initiative was an easy decision.

“We wanted to show our support for all the Mount businesses who’ve been through sad times and help get the buzz back into the business community.”

The first Good Company Golf events will be held on September 29 and October 27.

Tickets are $35.

Participants will take part in a fun golf simulator format, playing two hours of classic games at a fraction of the usual cost.

Groups of four to six players will share each bay and compete in challenges such as closest to the pin and longest drive, with prizes and spot prizes up for grabs.

Food will be provided and drinks will be available from the bar, with organisers encouraging players of all skill levels to attend.

Whether participants arrive with friends, colleagues or on their own, Good Company Golf aims to provide a welcoming environment focused on golf, good conversation and community connection.

The events run from 5pm to 7.30pm at the Mount Driving Range, 15 Fairway Ave, Mount Maunganui.

Golf clubs will be provided, although players are welcome to bring their own.