What's Happening...........

As you will be aware the 4 resown fairways are now back in play although initially we are playing off tees to further protect the young grass. So if you are lucky enough to land it on the fairway on 5 , 6 , 15 or 16 you tee the ball up to play your next shot. Great for those par 5's where you want to give the green a go in 2 (watch out of bounds on 5!!).

The strike of grass has been exceptional on 15 & 16 but a little more time will be needed on 5 & 6 to bring them to the same standard. In particular there is a very high sand content in 5 which has made it a wee bit more difficult to get the initial cover. However I think everyone will agree that Mark and the green staff have done a great job to get the holes back in play so quickly and from now on these fairways will only improve.

Given the hot weather that we had over the weekend I heard a number of members say that playing 14 holes was not such a bad idea! I think it will take a few rounds to get us back in the swing of walking that extra distance. It was also pleasing to see the improvement in the greens over the last week. They are now running more smoothly and with the good weather I understand Mark will be looking to cut them down once more this week. It never ceases to amaze me how quickly the greens improve after they "turn the corner" so to speak.

Saturday 31 January sees Men's Opening Day a teams net event sponsored by New Zealand Breweries with a morning (8.00am) and afternoon (12.30) shotgun start. This is an important event in the Club calendar so participate if you can. I note the start sheet is quickly filling up and it would be great to have a full field so early in the year.

Sunday sees Shirley host both the President's and Metro teams at home so hopefully Metro can get a win first up and Presidents can turn around their run of disappointing results. As usual full match reports will follow.

The weekend of 6 , 7 & 8 February is potentially very busy with one round of our Annual match with Clearwater on the Saturday and the International on the Sunday. The Clearwater Match will be another shotgun start at 12.30 and will be determined by a complicated formula on Stableford so every score could be important. As usual there will be a small entry fee to cover the cost of the meal afterwards.

In so far as the International is concerned if you wish to play please feel free to contact David Robinson (who has expressed the wish still to be involved in running the event) or Brian Graham(BG). If we can assist these two in getting the field together it will make the organisation of the event significantly easier.

Waitangi Day (6 February) sees us host the 2008 Randolph Cup Open Tournament which was postponed from December due to the fairway renovations. This event is sponsored by PGF and is well worth the entry fee. Try your luck and see if you can play three days in a row over the long weekend (Yeah Right!).

In the interim good golfing............

First Metro Team for 09 Announced......

The metro team for the first round of Metro on Sunday 1 February @ Shirley 8.45 am for a 9.15 tee-off against Avondale is in playing order:

1) Tony Park
2) Rod O’Brien
3) Ben Frampton
4) Steve Savill
5) Joe Mullins
6) John (JD) Dickson
7) Simon Fraser
8) Cran Bull

Dress is black trousers and the new club shirt (the one with the coloured logo) – I suspect the only team members without one are Steve Savill & Joe Mullins – could you please send me your size and I will arrange to get them from Struan during the week so they will be available on Sunday.

We are teeing off immediately after the President’s Team so I suspect there may be some competition to see who can achieve the best result.

Mixed Opening Day 24 January 2009

Saturday saw the commencement of competitive golf for the 2009 year with Mixed Opening Day sponsored by the Christchurch Casino. A full field was on show heartened by the return of the 4 new fairways notwithstanding those lucky enough to be on the fairways were able to hit off tees. In addition as predicted the greens had improved immeasurably over the week meaning the ball was rolling much more smoothly across the surface.

There was some outstanding golf played with the eventual winners , Brian & Claire Ronan, finishing plus 13 - they played the front 9 in plus 8 which was a superb effort. Teeing off 16 Brian birdied the hole getting them off to a great start and from reviewing the card they never faltered from then on. In particular Claire contributed on holes where her two strokes were vital.

The ultra consistent pairing of Linda Sumner & Vaughan McMillan finished in second on plus 11 after a count back from myself and Anita McLeod (who was playing her first competitive round for sometime). Rod and Rose O'Brien had a plus 10 and there were a large number of competitors who finished on plus nine meaning that the conditions and the course were near perfect.

As usual a meal followed the event and we were treated to a main of marinated chicken breast accompanied by roasted potatoes and a small salad with apple shortcake and ice cream for dessert. It was pretty good value for $20.00. Increasingly the mixed fields are growing and providing for an expanded social activity within the Club. If you have not as yet partaken I urge you to give it full consideration.

A quick look at the Men's Result Sheet indicated that the good scoring was not limited only to the mixed event - I noted at least two 41's - one from David Wallace while Keith Love shot 40. There appeared to be a liberal sprinkling of 39's & 38's which all bodes well for the coming season.

The Ladies Who Golf Luncheon 23/01/09

Occasionally the Food Fairy "FF" (related to the Easter Bunny , Father Christmas & The Tooth Fairy) makes a prearranged appearance to provide a light luncheon to the Ladies who generally play golf on a Saturday afternoon. The last event took place on Friday which was a spectacular day to play golf and then sit outside to eat food , drink wine , and enjoy the sunshine & sparkling conversation!!

14 holes of golf were played in the morning with Julie O'Neill shooting an outstanding 30 points and winning the inaugural competition for the PS Plate (standing for Patrice & Simon - but also that this plate seems to get left at different houses and nobody will claim ownership) . Julie was a clear winner with the next best score being 26 followed by a couple of 25's.

The group then adjourned for refreshments which occupied the better part of the afternoon. For those interested the menu appears below:

THE LADIES WHO GOLF LUNCHEON
THE FOOD FAIRY

After Match Nibbles
Guacamole dip with a hint of spice served with corn chips.

Appetiser
Prawns with spicy seafood dressing served on a half avocado and a bed of lettuce

Entree
Pork fillet medallions wrapped in bacon and touched with herbs in a cherry Shiraz sauce. Accompanied by fresh salad
greens and a balsamic vinaigrette.

Main Course
Authentic butter chicken curry served on a bed of basmati rice. Accompanied by a grilled vegetable kebab.

Dessert
Juicy blueberries suspended in lemonade jelly with a hint of gin. Served with a small side of vanilla ice-cream

Thanks to a number of people who helped the FF with the organisational aspects of the Luncheon - Brooke (the food taster & computer whizz who did the menu - it printed out in colour with graphics) , Shona (from whom the FF stole the Guacamole Dip recipe) , Lyn who suggested the Lemonade jelly(the FF did personalise it and put it in the flute!!) , Leah (whose magazine had the pork recipe) , the FF's mother from whom a lot of the cutlery and white crockery was borrowed , Viv with whom the FF played hide and seek at the supermarket and all those people who gave the FF fail safe methods for cooking basmati rice (that didn't work - the FF eventually followed the method on the packet).

Normally the FF will not disclose recipes "If I told you I would have to kill you" largely because they are so simple and once you know the mystic disappears but given this is one the FF stole......

Guacamole Dip

1 - 250g tin of Reduced Cream

1 - Onion finely chopped

1/2 tsp.- Chilli Powder

1- Onion Soup Mix

2 - Ripe Avocados Mashed

2 tbsp - Lemon Juice

Combine all the ingredients ( the FF roughly chops the avocados and throws everything in the "whiz" and lets rip to get a smooth result).

Chill and serve with Corn Chips (or whatever you like).

Good Luck and enjoy............

What's Happening.........

Saturday saw a flurry of scoring from the Saturday field in the final weekend over 14 holes. The best overall score was Alan Day with 35 points (not bad with 4 holes out!). Numerous other good scores were recorded but mention of Marty Holman should be made. Having returned from his Australian sojourn of a month away Marty scored 32 points namely 3 under the card for the holes played.

Saturday 24 January sees Mixed Opening Day - a multi tee start at 12.30 with all 18 holes in play. For Men there is a shotgun start in the morning or selected tees in the afternoon. As usual the mixed entry fee is $20 and this entitles you to a meal at the end of the round. The mixed competition fields are strong and growing so join in and be part of the fun. If you require a partner the Pro-shop and the committees will assist in matching you up.

I understand the over 50s are due to play their next round on the 25 January @ Windsor - be waiting for that phone call from Rod O'Brien.

Saturday 31 January is Men's Opening Day sponsored by Lion Breweries , this is teams event with a shotgun starts both in the Morning and Afternoon. It would be really good if all players could make it back to the prize giving.

Sunday 1 February sees the proposed start date for the Metropolitan competition. The Presidents schedule appears in their report noted earlier. Coming up we have the bi-annual Clearwater match on Saturday 7 February and the away match against the Otago Golf Club on the 21 & 22 February.

Until next time good golfing

Cheers

Simon

Smiling Assassins Win .....again

Since joining the Christchurch Golf Club Marcus Annan and David Isaac (aka The Smiling Assassins) have established an enviable reputation in one-on-one challenges. On Saturday it was the turn of myself and Barry Fletcher to front up and put their prowess to the test.

The week had seen a flurry of e-mail traffic as each side attempted to obtain the physological advantage , a points decision may have had the challengers slightly ahead as the balls were teed up on the first especially as we won the toss. We had dressed in team colours of blue while the opposition were in club colours of red. However walking from the fourth green having had 3 pars and a bogey and reflecting we were three down the realisation dawned on me that we were in more than a match!

Marcus played the first by the alternate route heading up eighteen however a great chip for his 3rd from the in front of the 18th cart path set up a 8 ft par putt. On 2 he got up and down from down the bank for a par to half while on 3 he stuck his tee shot 3 ft from the pin and made two. Then David Isaac who had till then appeared only as congenial company decided to make par on 4 with a shot. Having thinned his third to 20ft behind the green I am still struggling to understand how he got up and down.

A team talk on the next tee concluded we needed to make a forward movement. I managed to sink a long putt on 7 for a par while Marcus uncharacteristically missed a shortish one. On the 8th Barry hit two great shots to be on the green and his par was good enough to beat Marcus who made 4 but had to give a shot. We were one down with one to play on the front side.

On the next Barry played the classic cover drive walking forward and just failed to make the fairway while I hit a power fade tight down the right hand side. Anyone finding finding a Callaway 1 with my markings (a red smiley face) could you please let me know as extensive searching failed to locate the ball in the requiste 5 minutes. Needless to say we were 2 down at the turn (Marcus made 7 but David made 5 after 3 putting).

The 10th was halved in pars but then the wheels began to fall off! My tee shot on 11 only just made it past the ladies and on 12 having had some luck with my tee shot down the right flirting with the trees I carved my second so hard into the woods it reappeared on the 13th fairway - 4 down. While we managed to half 13 it was too late and we were rolled bowled and rissoled 4/3 (and for the record matters only got worse from then on!!).

Congratulations to Marcus and David they complimented each other and deserved the win. In addition to bragging rights (which were exercised) ample compensation was subsequently provided from the bar and a good time was had by all!!

Next into the firing line are John Dickson (JD) and Stuart Kemp (Kempie aka Top Weight) who are seeking to redress the balance of losses in the 08 year on opening day. No doubt reports of that encounter will follow.

Presidents Play Hagley in 2009 Opener

After a stella season in 2007/08 the President's Team have struggled in the current 08/09 year. Sunday saw them return to the fairways with an away match against Hagley. A match report is provided by guest commentator Dennis Doherty (Team Manager).

Unfortunately not a great start for us in 2009 - with a loss at Hagley ( ssh !!! 7-1 ). The positives - congratulations to Paul Needs with a return to the winning circle - & we managed to field a full team - which looked doubtful at our designated tee off time - which leads to the best excuse of the year - "hail in Redcliffs" - Richard (Pearce) delayed - "had to fit his snow chains" !!!!

Our next 4 games are all at home - be good to get some wins.

Next game is 1 February 2009 - we play Waitikiri - with a tee off time of 8:30am. Please let me know your avaiIability ( I know David Young is n/a).

For your information - our other home games are - & all with an 8:30am tee off time
15/2/09 v McLeans Island
22/2/09 v Templeton
1/3/09 v Coringa

Have a great week

Best regards

Dennis

Metropoloitan 2009

Hi Guys

It’s that time in the calendar when with some trepidation you open your e-mails to see that the Metro team is again on the march albeit slowly. Following the dramatic improvement in performance during the ‘08 year we look forward to the ’09 season with eager anticipation!!

As an early “heads-up” the first round of Metro will be the 1st February and pretty much fortnightly thereafter through until Easter. Initially we will be on the alternate weekend to President’s but I am aware from discussions with Dennis that they have some catch-up matches to play so we may have some competition for players (yeah right). For those slightly more senior members of the team there may be a clash with the over 50’s but I understand they only have one further round to play so that shouldn’t be a problem.

Your receipt of this e-mail indicates that you were on the distribution list at the conclusion of last year or at least signalled you wanted to be; it does not commit you to irrevocably playing for the team as a regular participant but on an as required basis if needed – handicaps & availability permitting. As usual I expect the positions of 1st & 2nd reserves to be closely contested. For those in the club teams travelling to Balmac the first two rounds provide an excellent opportunity for you to sharpen your game mentally and physically before enduring the stresses and strains associated with a trip to Dunedin (Scotty it is not necessary for you to practice drinking!).

When the draw is published I will again circulate you with updated information. If in the interim you have any questions please feel free to txt telephone e-mail or even talk to me in person. Please note that in light of slightly increased responsibilities during this year it may not be possible for my undivided attention to be focused on the Metro team therefore on your behalf succession planning is well advanced with Steve (aka No.8) Ellis indicating his willingness to assume a management role – he will henceforth be know as the Assistant Team Advisor (ATA for short) and I know you will treat him with the same respect and understanding that you have extended to me over the past 3 years.

Having pondered the matter for a number of years it is my intention to ’flirt’ with establishing a blog over the next few months to see whether there is any interest in a light hearted look at the activities on and around the Christchurch Golf Club – watch this space or cyber space. For those of you who have not ventured to Shirley in recent days I am able to confirm:

1) Mixed Opening Day is Saturday 24 January 2009 – a multi-tee start (morning & selected afternoon tee times available for Men)
2) Mens’ Opening Day is Saturday 31 January 2009 – Shot gun start at 8.00am & 12.30 pm a team’s event sponsored by Lion Breweries (Alan Stroud).

Please note ALL 18 holes will be in play for both events. The greens continue to improve on a daily basis so we look forward to the course being of its usual high standard within the next wee while.

In the interim good golfing and keep those handicaps competitive.

Cheers

Simon