"VSL Golf in Auckland, New Zealand are proud to welcome Earle Thomas former Australia and New Zealand Chief Executive of Spaldings to its small but expanding golf department" said Peter McDermott, Managing Director of VSL Golf ."We are in the process of extending our golf events and tours division to include the Pacific Islands as well as Australia and New Zealand. Earle's experience and knowledge of all three areas makes him an invaluable addition to the organisation".

Earle Thomas had 12 years with Spaldings and has a history of success expanding sales and profitability. Previously a captain of the New Zealand National Soccer team, Earle is an outstanding golfer and has a real enthusiasm for the game.

"Earle brings a practical approach to our business and compliments the role of Paul Gleeson, previously of IMG (New Zealand) and Tournament Manager of the Air New Zealand-Shell New Zealand Golf Open for over 20 years. We are lucky to have such experienced and talented administrators working on our golf packages and tours. Earle lived for 7 years in Melbourne and during that time played almost all the major courses in Australia-he is well-qualified to assist golfers who wish to enjoy their visit to Australia, New Zealand or the Pacific Islands." said Peter McDermott.

VSL Golf is a division of Vintage Sport and Leisure Ltd, New Zealand based company that has created and managed cricket, rugby, softball and golf events in destinations as diverse as Limerick (Ireland), Barbados, Buenos Aires (Argentina), Adelaide, Perth and Brisbane (Australia). VSL Golf recently created and managed the very successful 2007 World Schools (Colleges) Golf Challenge in Christchurch, New Zealand. "The Challenge was very successful with sponsorship from the Australian PGA and Christchurch City and attracted 54 teams from Australia, New Zealand and South Africa" said Paul Gleeson. "The second World Schools Challenge will be staged in Adelaide, Australia in April 2009 and Earle will be involved in managing what is a rapidly expanding golf experience for promising young golfers."

"I am excited by the opportunities VSL Golf offer" said Earle "and really looking forward to sharing my love of the game and the places it is played with golfers who care to take the trip down-under. Australia and New Zealand are wonderful destinations with spectacular golf facilities alongside some of the greatest scenery in the world-it is my job to make sure that our customers enjoy the best of both."

To contact Earle please email to mail@vslgolf.org or visit our website at www.vslgolf.org