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Barry Vivian

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Barry Vivian

Barry Vivian (born 10 May 1950) is a New Zealand professional golfer. In the 1970s, he recorded a number of wins in minor events in the Pacific Islands but was unsuccessful on the more competitive circuits. He was thinking about quitting golf but a shock win at the 1979 Australian Masters gave him the confidence to continue his career. Vivian did not have many more highlights for the remainder of his regular career but as a senior he had much success. He posted a number of top finishes on the European Senior Tour while also recording victories at the New Zealand Senior PGA Championship and Australian PGA Seniors Championship.

Vivian was born in the Hawke's Bay Region of New Zealand. He grew up in the city of Hastings, New Zealand.

In 1966, Vivian turned pro. Vivian did his apprenticeship at Hastings Golf Club. Overall, he worked at the club for eight years.

In 1974, Vivian quit work at Hastings. He decided to work as a touring professional. In the middle of the year, Vivian played some events on the European Tour. In November, he first received serious media attention for his performance at the City of Auckland Classic. He shot an opening round 68 (−3) to find himself in joint third with, among others, Hubert Green.

In August 1976, Vivian played the Fiji Open at Fiji Golf Club. He opened with a course record 67 (−5) to take the lead. Vivian shot a second round 71 to maintain the lead. In the third round, he shot a 74 but in the "wet conditions" he still held the lead, now one over Walter Godfrey. Vivian would go on to win the event. In November, he seriously competed for the New Zealand Airlines Classic held at Russley Golf Club. Vivian was at 206 (−13) entering the final round, two back of leader Bob Shearer. However, he was outplayed by several shots on Sunday and did not seriously contend. In 1976, Vivian also won an event in Western Samoa. He earned A$4,000 for the win. It was the highest check he earned in his career up to this point.

Vivian's good play qualified him for New Zealand's 1976 World Cup. The event was held in December in Palm Springs, California. His teammate was Simon Owen. Owen and Vivian arrived late and were not able to practice much at a golf course they not familiar with. In the opening round, Vivian shot a two-over-par 74 and coupled with Owen's 71 the pair was at 145 (+1), in a tie for fourth with Australia. In the third round, Vivian shot a 75 (+3) and the team was at 442 (+10), in a tie for seventh, 11 back of the United States. In the final round, Vivian shot another 74 and the team finished in ninth at 590 (+14). Individually, Vivian finished in a tie for 34th among 96 players.

In April 1977, Vivian seriously competed at the Western Australia PGA Championship. In a "tense finish" he had a chance to tie clubhouse leader Kel Nagle at the last hole. He was unable to birdie to the par-5 18th, however. At 284 (−4), he finished one back of champion Nagle in solo second. In August, he won the Pacific Harbour Open in Suva, Fiji defeating Terry Kendall and George Serhan in a playoff.

Vivian did not receive much media attention during the first half of 1978. Around the middle of the year, he considered giving up the career of a touring professional. However, he continued to play. In late 1978 he had some minor successes as a touring professional. In August, Vivian successfully repeated as Pacific Harbour Open champion. In October, he opened with a one-under-par 70 at the South Coast Open to position himself two off of the lead in a tie for fourth. Vivian shot even-par the next day and remained two back.

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