A very happy New Year to all readers from the Golf Club and I hope it has been a great break for you all. The club has had a busy holiday period and green fee players have really enjoyed the course and its surroundings. We had a great moment with a current All Black who brought with him a team of guys from Wellington for his mate’s stag ‘do’. They played golf then put a dress on him so it was a great time, a lot of laughs and a fun day for them.
We have also had visitors from all over the globe. I can remember a lovely couple from Italy who played a couple of times then went on to the South Island. They promised to be back before heading home. Even players from Ireland, Scotland, England and the USA; they all had great words to say about the course and the township.
It has been two years since the death of Neil Smith and Peter Hudson organized a yellow ball competition in his memory. It was a great day and the players had only three clubs and a putter to play with. There were a few scores not to be proud of but in the end golf and the tribute to Neil was the winner on the day. The Christmas tournaments also proved pleasing as well as successful.
One Saturday a nine year old girl from Boulcott played in the club’s competition. The end result read out by Ian Henderson was great “Today’s winners are the youngest and the oldest in the competition – Bill Jones at 79 and Mia Scrimegour aged nine, both with 44 points.”
The Grumpy’s are getting very good at the jug count and even their numbers are very much up and the Thursday Club continues to grow with upwards of 42-48 players every week.
Graham Jacobson got a hole in one at the raft at Lake Taupo; he missed out on the major prize but won a trip down the Huka Falls.
The Juniors play and practice just about every day. George, Caleb, Reece and Piri figure in the prize giving quite frequently and Walter plays occasionally too but also plays cricket for his College.
A 2-man Ambrose tournament on Anniversary weekend put together by Bill Crook was very successful and I am very sure that next years will be even bigger.
On Tuesday 29 January the Club held its annual Pro-Am, a big field of pros and club members filled the field to capacity. Thanks to all hole sponsors.
Following the AGM Ro Griffiths is now the new Club Captain and incidentally his wife Lyle is the Ladies club captain which is a pretty unusual situation but also occurred about 25 years ago when a husband and wife also held the reins.
Opening Day is Saturday 9 February so please come and support it.
Good Golfing & Good Luck Kevin Campbell
