Labour Day weather is often unpredictable but this year the gods smiled and gave the Masterton Golf Club a very pleasant day for the annual WBS Labour Day Tournament. A reasonable field of close to 50 players, including visitors from Judgeford, Rangitikei and Mahunga played in this well organised event. Results for the three divisions, were-
Men Group 2 (13+)
1st Shane Hawkins 41
2nd Jamie Frew 40
3rd Hugh Armstrong 38
4th Piri Ngarimu 37
Men Group 1 (up to 13)
1st Jeff Ogg 44
2nd Andy Pottinger 40
3rd Dean Gray 39
4th Nathan Frew 38
Women
1st Cindy Giles 35
2nd Edith Clarkson 33
3rd Marilyn Strang 32
4th Jane Williams 31
The nearest the pins were won by Marilyn Strang, Paul Fouhy and John Warner and the longest drives went to Rob Blackett (men group 1), Shane Hawkins (men group 2) and Jo Bird (women)
The Wednesday 9 holers had very big field for a PGG Wrightson Putting competition which was won by three players, all with 14 putts, Jane Watts, Ruth Wiley and Gill Neal. The PGG Wrightson Longest Drive went to Di Herbert and the All Teed Up Nearest the Pin to Ginny Small. The 9 holers first round of their club champs is this Wednesday.
Last Thursday, in the New World stableford competition you had to get 40 points or more to be in the prize list. Winner was Murray Johnston with 42 points, closely followed by Paul Fouhy and Sila Fa’aiuaso, both with 41. In 4th position was another ‘gaggle’ of players, Mike Falloon, Geoff Masters and Dennis Hogg, all on 40. The All Teed Up Nearest the Pin was Derek Clarkson.
The Saturday competition was another chance to put up the best score in the Challenge Shield and the Chairman’s Trophy but no one came even close. Results of the stroke round were-
Men
1st Jim Kettle 68 nett
2nd Simon Richardson 69
3rd Gavin Harris 70
4th Jamie Frew 70
Women (stableford)
1st Edith Clarkson 30
The All Teed Up Closest to the Pin on No 8 was won by Ash Peterson and No 18, Simon Smith.
On Tuesday the women’s field played an all-day eclectic so results will be published next week.
This Sunday sees both the men’s and women’s club champs played with most matches over 36 holes. The women’s finalists were found last week but most of the men’s semi-finals have now been played so in the junior A final John Francis will meet Dennis Hogg, after John won against Derek Clarkson 2/1. In the junior B final (18 holes) Jamie Frew will play Simon Richardson, in the masters final (18 holes) Robin Carseldine will play Mike Dixon, after Mike had a very narrow semi-final win over Ash Peterson and in the senior final Simon Buckley will meet Dean Gray who beat Sam Forrester 2/1 in their semi-final. The only division that is still to ‘arrive at’ its finalists is the big intermediate grade, although last Saturday Gavin Harris won through with a tense win on the 20th hole over Jim Kettle and the other semi-final is to be held this Thursday between Ian Buchanan and Peter Forrester.
The finals always attract a big gallery and this Sunday will be no exception.
Two big tournaments are planned in the next two weeks- on Tuesday 1 November the ladies run the very popular Melbourne Cup Golf Tournament. Open to both men and women, plus 9 holers, tee off is at 11.30 preceded by morning tea at 10.45 and the following Saturday, 5 November, the Sir Bob Charles Classic will be held for both men and women, and left and right handers, all over 18 holes. It makes running the tournament far easier if players enter in advance, so get organised now. Of course the Masterton Eketahuna Pro Am entries are open and last year’s teams only have until 31 October to enter with preferential treatment before entries are open to all new teams on 1 November.
Off The Fairway
‘Give Golf a Go!’ If you’ve ever thought about playing golf and want to try it out the Masterton Golf Club is about to start a 4 week beginner coaching course with professional Joel Macklin in charge, which begins with bubbles and nibbles from Café Trio! This programme starts on 7 November from 5.30 to 6.30 and is a small charge but beginners who sign up for the whole 4 weeks receive a golf starter pack. For more information contact the All Teed Up Pro Shop 377 4984 Ext 1.