The big event on the local scene this weekend, or this month for that matter, is the staging of Recreational Services Eketahuna-Masterton Pro-Am Tournament. First held back in 2004, this event has become a major occasion within the Wairarapa, attracting not only eager amateurs from all over, but also some very good professionals, a number of whom have gone on to much higher honours. Remember, Mark Brown, playing here one week, and winning, and in the next breathtaking week a multimillion dollar event in India or another winner, Tim Wilkinson, going on to compete in the lucrative American circuit. Mark Brown is back again this year, along with former ‘locals’ Harry Bateman, Jamie McIsaac and Jonti Philipson, and former winner, and blue course record holder, Richard Lee.
Joining this ‘mix’ is this year’s celebrity, well known television commentator, John McBeth. During his career John has been a ‘front man’ during the 1987 World Cup and has been to every World Cup so far and has been to seven Commonwealth Games, eight Olympics and been part of the commentary team at every recent America’s Cup, so he has plenty to talk about on Friday night at Masterton. His golf may not be so impressive and he will play off 24!
On Saturday the scene shifts to Eketahuna, for the first round, while the final round and prize giving will be back at Masterton on Sunday. Spectators are welcome both days, while the two courses will be open for play on the day that has no Pro-Am taking place.
Over the summer ‘holiday’ period the men’s Summer Cup has continued with the last round being played last Saturday and the scoring was very ‘hot, like the weather. However defending champion, Bill Sangster produced a net 64 to total 193 for the three best rounds and edge out fellow Lansdowne Park resident, Alec Ward on 194 with Mike Dixon in 3rd place a long way back on 199.
The Saturday club results for a nett round were-
Men
1st Bill Sangster 64
2nd Michael Batley 65
3rd Mike Dixon 65
4th Alec Ward 66
Women
1st Sam Maree Brown 38 stb
The TRC Toyota Twilight Golf is well underway again on Wednesday’s and as a new innovation organiser, Harry Quinn, introduced a prize for the first person to 100 points. Last week Jocelyn Pollock became the runaway women’s winner amassing 100 points in 49 holes but Allan Williams went one better to win the men’s division with his 100 points taking just 48 holes. Last week’s twilight was won by Allan Williams and Jan Tatham while the Wairarapa Funeral Services longest drives went to Jock Kershaw and Jan Tatham, Vic Jacobsen won the closest to the pin and the Matahiwi Estate Pinot Noir this week went to Helen Ordish as the most improved golfer- her 9 point improvement over one week was hard to beat!
The new World Thursday competition was won by Brent McHattie with 42 stableford points from Ian Harrowfield and Jeff Thomas, also with 42. Jack Richmond won the All Teed Up Nearest the Pin on No 8.
The vet’s year got underway on Monday with a field of 29 in hot conditions for an ambrose round.
Results were-
1st Mick Gates, Helen Falloon, Charles Anderson, Alex Tulloch 36pts
2nd John Farmer, Pete Smith, Laurie Williams, Jack Richmond 32
3rd Keith Nelson, Mack Martin, Isobelle Weaver, Jamie Brunton 32
The Fagan Ford Nearest the Pin’s were won by Julia Moore and Mack Martin.
The next vet’s day will be on Wednesday 4 February with tee off at 10am.
The women’s Opening Day was held on Tuesday with wonderful weather and 35 eager players for a combined stableford round.
Results were-
1st equal Jenny Sadler, Shura Lindsay, Jeanette McNae 115pts
Jocelyn Pollock, Anne Smith, Carol Morgan
Nearest the Pin on No 18 was Chris Lewis.
Next week’s competition is a bisque bogey round with cards in by 8.45am.
As well as the Recreational Services Pro Am this weekend, Wellington Golf in its wisdom has also programmed the men’s interclub, both 36 hole and 18 hole to commence on Saturday, even though they were advised and reminded on numerous occasions. The club has been able to re schedule the 18 holes rounds but the 36 hole Otaki Cup team will play Royal Wellington at Paraparaumu. No team is available to date.
Monday is the first day of the women’s pennants interclub and Div 1 Manuka plays Otaki at Waikanae, Div 1 Totara meets Te Marua at Masterton, Div 2 Kowhai plays Otaki at Paraparaumu and Div 2 Matai travels to Royal Wellington to play Martinborough.
Next Wednesday the 9 holers get underway with a ‘bring a friend’ day.
Off the Fairway
Some great rounds have been recorded over the holiday break but the men’s white course record of 61 was seriously under threat by Kerry Mountcastle. Kerry had a 63 which included 3 dropped shots on 17 and 18! Good scoring.