MARTINBOROUGH GOLF CLUB NEWS

By Kevin Campbell
This is my last write-up for the year and the club certainly has finished the year on a high note with Lisa-Marie Ireland winning the silver ladies Champion of Champions recently and now Jason van Zanten winning the men’s Champion of Champions at Karori last week. Jason, who has just turned 19 was playing against men on plus 3 and plus 1 handicaps. What an amazing performance from both players.

The story of the month must belong to Peter Hudson, George Kirk, Martin Napier and Roger Parkinson. These so-called devoted “sensible” members have just been on a golf tour around Rotorua and Taupo. Apparently, and I find this hard to believe, they play for a ‘hand-bag’. Roger had it last year and the new owner is “Hand-bag Hudson”; dear oh dear, what is golf coming too – playing for a hand-bag!

The Grumpies who play on Tuesdays have been keeping me informed thanks to Terry Blacktop and should be a good Xmas party with all those jugs at stake.

The 9-holers have been going from strength to strength and I thank them so much for their input for the year. The 18-holers have also been so good with their info although not every week but in the main pretty good.

Thursday Club have been so steady throughout the year with between 25 – 44 players every week and the prize money gets shared around with new names appearing just about all the time. Even the women get involved namely Ailsa Griffiths with her 49 points. Even little George Wilkins upstaged the oldies winning one Thursday with an impressive 45 points. Keep it up George, you have a great future. Special mention here to Bill Jones who at aged 78 has shot under his age three or four times. Well done Bill, and thanks for the work you are doing with the juniors.

Thanks Darren for the great job you are doing with the course, sometimes in very trying conditions and Tracey and Leonie, who have both done a splendid job with the catering throughout the year.

Thanks to Club Captain Kris Chamberlain and her committee who have had a difficult and at times a trying year but have come through it with confidence.

Finally to Sue Berger; we are so lucky to have Sue at the club. Not only is she helpful in the office but she deciphers my scribble for the newspapers.
“Last Thought” – As you are probably aware I have had a bad year health-wise and I can remember one incident vividly. I was recovering after surgery when Nurse Ngaire said to me “How are you feeling?” I said, “I’m OK, but I didn’t like the four letter words the doctor used during my operation.” Nurse Ngaire asked “What did he say?” ……”Oops!”

I hope you all have a very Merry Christmas and a safe and happy successful 2012. ? ?

Good Golfing & Good Luck