What a year it has been; we at the club are so spoiled with the state of the course. A huge thank you to Darren and Scott for their expertise and hard work in keeping the course in such great shape. Even though we lost a couple of trees during the high winds and the mess that they created was a real test but as always the volunteers stepped in; thanks Doug, Michael, Malcolm, Ro, Ali, and Lachie; what a great bunch of guys.
The Grumpy’s under the guidance and experience of Terry Blacktop are a great bunch of guys too. Their numbers are increasing and some great stories and yarns are told after their rounds and of course anyone who pays for a jug gets ‘heaps’ from their fellow players.
9 hole ladies with Honor Clark at the helm have also had a good year. Numbers are up and I believe they could have more players next year. Honor introduced a “Bring a Friend” day recently which attracted ten newbie’s to the sport out of which three are considering becoming members of the club. I thank you so much for the results you give me every week.
Lyle Griffiths is the ladies club captain and what a wonderful job she has done throughout the year. Like Honor the results are there every week, so thank you Lyle. Well done to the end of year prize giving table which was a great sight. Special thanks go to the women who play all over the region for the club although we didn’t do so good in the Riverside Cup or Pennants Sections, the fact remains that you gave it your best shot and represented the club.
Numbers just keep climbing for Thursday club under the guidance of Doug Clark who puts in a tremendous effort throughout the year. There were 51 in the comp last week but the normal average is anywhere between 28 and 42 every Thursday which also includes the guys from Ngawi who travel up every week.
Saturday comps are disappointing and numbers have been down on several occasions. However the Men’s 54 Hole Open was divided into a 72 hole and 36 hole event which proved to be very successful. The same concept is now being considered for the 72 hole Mixed Foursomes in order to entice more golfers to this tournament.
To the committee under Ro Griffiths a big, big thank you. Your communication skills are really quite brilliant. You have a great committee under you and it looks like the same for 2014.
To the caterers Leonie and Graeme Stephenson and Tracey Barrett a big thank you. To the handicapper, Ian Henderson who does such a superb job in his little office, thank you. Finally to Club Secretary Manager Sue Berger who types the rubbish I write, I praise her for reading my scribble then putting it on paper so we can all read it.
A very big thanks to our sponsors through the year; All Teed Up, Property Brokers, Walter barber, Remax and the Pukemanu Tavern.
There are quite a few names I would like to mention but if I did I would be here all day…. and night. I thank you all for your comments; some good, some bad but overall it has been a pleasure writing for a club I sincerely love.
Have a safe and Merry Christmas and see you all in 2014.
Kevin Campbell
