The last week has seen the onset of winter which has really impacted on the club’s golf programme with most club days being cancelled, or very few braving the elements, for example last Thursday 8 men started the New World competition, and 5 completed their round while on Sunday 3 hardy members of the Friday Sunday Club played a round.
However two competitions did take place. The club field on Saturday was reduced but both men and women played a stableford round. Results were-
Men
1st Jamie Brunton 38
2nd Ash Peterson 38
3rd Trevor Friis 38
4th Simon Buckley 37
5th Murray Wolland 37
Women
1st Edith Clarkson 35
The All Teed Up Closest to the Pin’s on No 8 went to Simon Smith and Edith Clarkson and No 18 to Ash Peterson. A very respectable birdsnest was ‘struck’ by Murray Wolland.
On Monday the lure of the ‘Rory and Lydia’ shows proved too much for most vets and only 10 men battled the conditions, and each other. Results were-
Men Group 1
1st Alan Kirkham 24
2nd Kelvin Biggs 24
3rd Blyth King 22
Men Group 2
1st Rex Fowler 22
2nd Bob MacFarlane 19
3rd Ian Hull Brown 16
Next week there will be an ambrose competition.
Recently NZ Golf has reviewed the handicapping system to ensure a ‘level playing field’ for all golfers. The changes made are-
1 Tournament Score Formula. Players handicaps can be reduced (by the club or tournament committee) if they return exceptional scores during club competition
2 Where a player is not playing to their potential e.g. a temporary disability the club committee can modify their handicap index.
3 The 9 hole handicap will cease (from 1 January) and all club members will hold an 18 hole handicap. When playing a 9 hole round a players handicap index will be halved.
4 Some match play events are now exempt from returning cards for handicap purposes. These include club match play championships and interclub matches.
5 International cards, for rounds played on a USGA rated course, can be returned and used for your NZ handicap.
Off The Fairway
Club members will be saddened to hear about the death of Colleen Hamilton. Colleen was a long time member of the club and for 10 years, club secretary. “Granny,’ as she was affectionately called, retired in 1997 to spend more time with her family. She continued to play golf until failing eyesight ended her playing days. We extend our sympathy to her family.