Quite often the weather on Labour Weekend can be anything but pleasant but, this year, the weather gods smiled on Labour Day for the WBS Tournament and a good field, including visitors from Mahunga, Pahiatua and Riversdale enjoyed fine but windy conditions. The 18 hole stableford results were-
Women
1st Lola Ogg 37
2nd Linda Cameron 37
3rd Nooroa Rota 36
Men Group 1
1st Jim Kettle 39
2nd Derek Clarkson 37
3rd Simon Buckley 37
Men Group 2
1st Jamie Brunton 40
2nd Michael Southey 37
3rd John Dalziell (Pahiatua) 35
The Nearest the Pins were won by Corey Hilston, Linda Cameron, Geoff Masters, Nooroa Rota and Brett Sargeant while the lowest gross score of the day in the tournament field was 74 by Brett Sargeant, although Kerry Mountcastle, playing a championship match off the blue tees, had a 64.
Usually the Saturday of Labour Weekend produces a small field but this week a very good men’s field played a nett round. Results were-
Men
1st Ash Peterson 66
2nd Jamie Brunton 67
3rd Carl Christensen 69
4th Andy Pottinger 69
Women (stableford)
1st Nooroa Rota 38
Jim Kettle and Nooroa Rota were Nearest the Pin on the All Teed Up No 8.
On Thursday the New World Supermarket stableford competition saw some very average scoring with 38 by Peter Forrester being good enough to win from visitor Dean Schaef, and Geoff Masters, also with 38. The All Teed Up Closest to the Pin was Derek Clarkson.
The Wednesday 9 holers had a nett and putting round. Beet Horrocks and Di Alexander won the nett with a score of 37 while the putting was shared between Rosie Wellbrock and Joy Cowan with 17 putts. It’s great to see Joy Cowan getting back into golf after a long convalescence. The PGG Wrightson Longest Drive went to Di Herbert and the All Teed Up Nearest the Pin to Jill Slight.
The Tuesday ladies field is playing the all day eclectic that was postponed last month so the results will be available next week.
The major event this weekend is the annual Sir Bob Charles Open (lefthanders) and Classic (both left and right handers) and for both men and women. This year the format has been changed and the tournament with be one round (18 holes) on Saturday, teeing off at 11 am. The new format has already attracted a good field but entries are still being accepted in the office or pro shop.
Then next Tuesday is the ladies Melbourne Cup Day with a shotgun start at 11.30am and morning tea from 10.45. This year this is a ‘women’s only’ tournament.
Off The Fairway
Part of the WBS Labour Day Tournament is the chipping competition that takes place beforehand. The winner was Jane Williams who, following an accident, plays golf one handed. What was even more remarkable was that Jane chipped in making it very hard for anyone to beat her and win the magnum of sparkling wine!