This week takes on the appearance of another quiet one at the Christchurch Golf Club as we move through the half way point of the year. As a bit of a stock take - the 'match' competitions of Top Dog, the Ringers and the Shootout are all progressing smoothly and the knockouts all seem to be chugging along without incident.
The course is currently playing in excellent order thanks to Mark and his team. Members and Mark set and expect high standards so it is always refreshing to hear visitors comment on how good the course looks and plays especially the greens at this time of the year. In the clubhouse Amanda and Andrew seem to have settled in well to their second year of full trading and its encouraging to see that the Club is now once again being used for a number of functions. The ability to sit round and enjoy the open fires in still a major highlight for players, members and guests alike.
JB and Ant along with Callum and Gareth are doing a wonderful job in the pro shop and it is a delight to go in and see what has been changed around during the week. As always our thanks to Struan and Cecily in the office for making things work. With the Board and Committees operating well I think we probably deserve an "A" for effort to date!!
This Saturday sees an Irish Stableford format in play - as the round progresses one then two then three then all four of the individual scores on a hole count towards the team total. A hint is to make sure you have a good mathematician as a score keeper. This is a fun format so enjoy!! On Sunday my partner Dean Palmer and I play Michael and David Kerr in the opening match of the Top Dog round. Dean and David were at CBHS together and have often clashed on the cricket field so this should be a piquant occasion.
It's hard to keep up with all the comings and goings around the Club but this week Ray Vivian and his wife Sue head overseas towards Spain and we wish them well. Ray has prepared for the trip by completing a course in Spanish so we hope that proves to be useful during his time away. Our own Anthony Doyle is also away in the sunny climes of Australia and is not expected back until Monday 13 July, for Anthony it's part holiday and part work!
In the interim good golfing!!
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Some Improvement..........
Well it may have taken a lot of posturing and quite some brow-beating but Saturday saw a continuation of the improvement in the speed of play!! While it is too soon to relax at the end of the field I played in 4 hours 20 which given winter conditions I believe is minimum to be both acceptable and achievable in the longer term. The heavy frost caused a delay until 9.30 so effectively there was a semi shotgun start which will require us to continue to monitor progress.
By way of comparision take into considersation on Sunday playing in a five (Andrew & Mitchell Vincent, Liam Cumberpatch, Paul Needs and me) we were able to navigate Shirley in 3 hours 50 indicating what can be achieved if "ready golf" is played and you do not muck about!
Many thanks to Marcus Annan who although injured turned up on Saturday to act as a starter and then as a marshall for the afternoon field. For the committee this provides a different perspective on what is happening on the course and gives the players another opinion on "who and what" may be hindering play.
By way of an aside when hearing that Marcus had suffered an injury by way of a pulled muscle John Dickson was heard to sympathetically inquiry "Is it his tongue??!!" (enough said - so to speak).
By way of comparision take into considersation on Sunday playing in a five (Andrew & Mitchell Vincent, Liam Cumberpatch, Paul Needs and me) we were able to navigate Shirley in 3 hours 50 indicating what can be achieved if "ready golf" is played and you do not muck about!
Many thanks to Marcus Annan who although injured turned up on Saturday to act as a starter and then as a marshall for the afternoon field. For the committee this provides a different perspective on what is happening on the course and gives the players another opinion on "who and what" may be hindering play.
By way of an aside when hearing that Marcus had suffered an injury by way of a pulled muscle John Dickson was heard to sympathetically inquiry "Is it his tongue??!!" (enough said - so to speak).
The Week That Was...........
Saturday saw an outstanding effort from Peter Law in that he recorded a two on each of the par threes. This feat while not unique occurs only infrequently with the last player being Peter MacDougall - maybe it's something in the name?? In any event well done Peter as you collected the jackpot worth $200 and along with the 14 other winners $12.35 for each 2.
The conditions on Saturday were ideal for encouraging low scoring and across the grades there were some good stableford points posted. In the Senior grade a countback was required to separate Nathan Gilbert, in first, from Charles Whitwham who both scored 40 points Nathan with a gross 68 and Charles with a 73. Chris Richmond was a close third with 39 from Grahame Buist on 38.
In a return to form John Dickson (Mr JD) shot 39 from a gaggle of people on 38 by countback order Ross Campbell, Tracy Tatom (making a rare appearance in the intermediates!!), David Youn and Ahmad Hosseini. 38 again proved popular in the Juniors with all four positions having to be settled by countback - Grant Adamson, Graeme Thompson, Dermot Martin and Richard McElrea in that order.
Nearest the pins were won by Ian Dobson on 3 and Lindsay Buxton on 11 - $40 each. Rod Maxwell was the winner of the Linden Leaves prize closest for 2 on 2 and Stu Kemp was the recipient of the Benjarong Thai Cuisine voucher for closest to the pin on 18. Nett Eagles was struck again $75 to be shared between David Barley (again) and Jeff Suddens with hole 14 being drawn.
In the Top Dog competition the two David's (Robinson & Blair) moved through to the final 8 with a meritorious 4/3 victory over Shaun Xiong and Tony Park. In a Godby match Alan Scott made it two losses in the weekend with a 2 up win over Shaun Xiong. In the Page Trophy Grant and Janet Osborn were successful over David Youn and Young Kim. A plea from the committee is please know when your matchplay games are due and then post the result on the draw - by custom the loser usually enters the name of winner into the next round.
The conditions on Saturday were ideal for encouraging low scoring and across the grades there were some good stableford points posted. In the Senior grade a countback was required to separate Nathan Gilbert, in first, from Charles Whitwham who both scored 40 points Nathan with a gross 68 and Charles with a 73. Chris Richmond was a close third with 39 from Grahame Buist on 38.
In a return to form John Dickson (Mr JD) shot 39 from a gaggle of people on 38 by countback order Ross Campbell, Tracy Tatom (making a rare appearance in the intermediates!!), David Youn and Ahmad Hosseini. 38 again proved popular in the Juniors with all four positions having to be settled by countback - Grant Adamson, Graeme Thompson, Dermot Martin and Richard McElrea in that order.
Nearest the pins were won by Ian Dobson on 3 and Lindsay Buxton on 11 - $40 each. Rod Maxwell was the winner of the Linden Leaves prize closest for 2 on 2 and Stu Kemp was the recipient of the Benjarong Thai Cuisine voucher for closest to the pin on 18. Nett Eagles was struck again $75 to be shared between David Barley (again) and Jeff Suddens with hole 14 being drawn.
In the Top Dog competition the two David's (Robinson & Blair) moved through to the final 8 with a meritorious 4/3 victory over Shaun Xiong and Tony Park. In a Godby match Alan Scott made it two losses in the weekend with a 2 up win over Shaun Xiong. In the Page Trophy Grant and Janet Osborn were successful over David Youn and Young Kim. A plea from the committee is please know when your matchplay games are due and then post the result on the draw - by custom the loser usually enters the name of winner into the next round.
From North of the Bombay Hills........
My week was spilt between mediation, on-going personal development training and input into a Departmental scoping project. As previously indicated it was necessary to travel to Auckland to fulfil the last two requirements.
I am in a position to confirm that the Centra Auckland Airport at Airport Oaks is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by an Industrial Park with absolutely no external distractions. On the return journey to the airport I discovered the Bendon factory shop was in the general vicinity and in the interim heavy rain had on Friday prevented walking across to the perfumery clearance shop that was not too distant but that was the total extent of the pleasures available.
My main achievement for the week was being appointed the official dog walker for the blind facilitators guide dog. Digby became excited every time I entered a room on the basis there was a good chance he and I would escape at least for a period of time. We quickly made friends with the Mobile Coffee Guys who had van that dispensed long blacks for me and 'smacko's" for Digby. It was also interesting to note that when the House Bar closed and we were ushered out there were 3 from Christchurch and 1 from Wellington with the rest of New Zealand perhaps predictably absent!!
An inability to understand the intricacies of the 24 hour clock meant that I left Auckland at the time I had envisaged arriving home and therefore missed Friday night drinks - well at least I didn't miss the plane - which perhaps was not the best start to the weekend!
I am in a position to confirm that the Centra Auckland Airport at Airport Oaks is in the middle of nowhere surrounded by an Industrial Park with absolutely no external distractions. On the return journey to the airport I discovered the Bendon factory shop was in the general vicinity and in the interim heavy rain had on Friday prevented walking across to the perfumery clearance shop that was not too distant but that was the total extent of the pleasures available.
My main achievement for the week was being appointed the official dog walker for the blind facilitators guide dog. Digby became excited every time I entered a room on the basis there was a good chance he and I would escape at least for a period of time. We quickly made friends with the Mobile Coffee Guys who had van that dispensed long blacks for me and 'smacko's" for Digby. It was also interesting to note that when the House Bar closed and we were ushered out there were 3 from Christchurch and 1 from Wellington with the rest of New Zealand perhaps predictably absent!!
An inability to understand the intricacies of the 24 hour clock meant that I left Auckland at the time I had envisaged arriving home and therefore missed Friday night drinks - well at least I didn't miss the plane - which perhaps was not the best start to the weekend!
News From Canada...........
I recently received an e-mail from Patrice McLeod-Holman who not surprisingly confirmed the weather is significantly better over there. Marty recently competed in The Royal Colwood Amateur and was the Nett Championship with rounds of net rounds of 68 & & 76 to finish 2 under with the prize a set of Callaway Irons and a big cup. Apparently the "sockeye" (salmon) season has just opened with Marty & Patrice going to Port Alberni where they were able to score their catch quota without any difficulty.
Where's Richard This Week.........
Richard Peate's journey through Scotland continues.....
We have played 5 further courses in the north of Scotland since my last email. In between spent a great weekend with our two daughters who live in Aberdeen and Inverness. We are still on the search for a good coffee-we don't know how lucky we are in NZ! I digress.
First and best course we have played was Elgin. Beautifully presented parkland course on rolling hill country. Like many courses in Scotland there is a combination of demanding long par 4's and tight short 4's. I was so impressed with this course and the group of members that we met that I would like to propose reciprocal rights with us. From here we moved to an attractive but very tight links course at Fortrose&Rosemarkie. Short but very demanding in the stiff breeze we encountered.
From here we travelled to Lossiemouth to play the prestigious Old Moray course. Its a good test in the strong wind we encountered but has flatter fairways and greens. Also much wider and open. Sir Bob Charles is going to play this course in July (also Brora and Tain) and I suspect he will burn it up if the wind is a light breeze or better. Next stop was Tain. An unexpected delight with the best features of Brora and Old Moray. And lastly Muir of Ord yesterday. The first 4 holes are short 4's and tight but then you climb into the hills and the full beauty of the heather and James Braid design (also the architect for Brora, Tain, Fortrose and Elgin) is on display.
The weather has slowly improved but we are now looking forward to the heat in Spain and Southern France. No golf is planned but we will start to drink real coffee again and the food and wine will offer a change from beer and haggis with tatties. Best wishes to all at Shirley. Richard
We have played 5 further courses in the north of Scotland since my last email. In between spent a great weekend with our two daughters who live in Aberdeen and Inverness. We are still on the search for a good coffee-we don't know how lucky we are in NZ! I digress.
First and best course we have played was Elgin. Beautifully presented parkland course on rolling hill country. Like many courses in Scotland there is a combination of demanding long par 4's and tight short 4's. I was so impressed with this course and the group of members that we met that I would like to propose reciprocal rights with us. From here we moved to an attractive but very tight links course at Fortrose&Rosemarkie. Short but very demanding in the stiff breeze we encountered.
From here we travelled to Lossiemouth to play the prestigious Old Moray course. Its a good test in the strong wind we encountered but has flatter fairways and greens. Also much wider and open. Sir Bob Charles is going to play this course in July (also Brora and Tain) and I suspect he will burn it up if the wind is a light breeze or better. Next stop was Tain. An unexpected delight with the best features of Brora and Old Moray. And lastly Muir of Ord yesterday. The first 4 holes are short 4's and tight but then you climb into the hills and the full beauty of the heather and James Braid design (also the architect for Brora, Tain, Fortrose and Elgin) is on display.
The weather has slowly improved but we are now looking forward to the heat in Spain and Southern France. No golf is planned but we will start to drink real coffee again and the food and wine will offer a change from beer and haggis with tatties. Best wishes to all at Shirley. Richard
Sunday, June 21, 2009
What's Happening Week of 22 June.....
It may well be that hibernation has set in around the Shirley Links as there appears to be a dearth of current events over the next wee while! It looks to be a good time to buy tickets to AMI Stadium and get down to support the AB's against Italy next Saturday evening.
Match of the day is stableford three grades and it doubles as a shootout round. As a further experiment to see if we can increase the pace of play we are testing the first hole as a call up hole. A marshall (me!!) will be posted down 1 approximately by the left hand bunker and when the preceding four are on the green the following 4 will be asked to play their seconds after which the original 4 will putt out and move to the second tee. We are hoping this will alleviate waiting times on the second both on the tee and in the fairway and the third tee.
Last year we trialled 3 as a call up hole but that was largely unsuccessful and not repeated. Over the years at varying times we have requested 7 be a call up hole so we would ask that players bear with us in implementing this proposal for a week to ascertain if there is any advantage in it and I will report in due course.
For me the week is a mixture - a Collective Bargaining mediation on Monday and two personal grievances on Tuesday. Wednesday sees me fly to Auckland for a workshop on Mediator competencies followed by a two day training session on multi employer/employee collective bargaining. The Department appear to attempting to save money by holding it at Auckland Centra Airport so I won't even get into the big smoke. I am scheduled to return to Christchurch at 4.30 but with Fridays and Auckland Airport you never know, however hopefully I will get to the Clubhouse for a wine sometime after 5.00.
In the interim good golfing...........
Match of the day is stableford three grades and it doubles as a shootout round. As a further experiment to see if we can increase the pace of play we are testing the first hole as a call up hole. A marshall (me!!) will be posted down 1 approximately by the left hand bunker and when the preceding four are on the green the following 4 will be asked to play their seconds after which the original 4 will putt out and move to the second tee. We are hoping this will alleviate waiting times on the second both on the tee and in the fairway and the third tee.
Last year we trialled 3 as a call up hole but that was largely unsuccessful and not repeated. Over the years at varying times we have requested 7 be a call up hole so we would ask that players bear with us in implementing this proposal for a week to ascertain if there is any advantage in it and I will report in due course.
For me the week is a mixture - a Collective Bargaining mediation on Monday and two personal grievances on Tuesday. Wednesday sees me fly to Auckland for a workshop on Mediator competencies followed by a two day training session on multi employer/employee collective bargaining. The Department appear to attempting to save money by holding it at Auckland Centra Airport so I won't even get into the big smoke. I am scheduled to return to Christchurch at 4.30 but with Fridays and Auckland Airport you never know, however hopefully I will get to the Clubhouse for a wine sometime after 5.00.
In the interim good golfing...........
What Happened on 18.....
The weekend saw a couple of interesting incidents play out on the Home hole. Firstly on Saturday when Barry O'Neill was playing safe in chipping to the green from the fairway he managed to putt into a bunker and lose a hole where the opposition had hit out of bounds!!
Alan Scott hit a tree, a house, and a parked car with the same shot on Sunday. When confronted by the owner and asked if it was intentional Scotty was able to deny that fact but when told perhaps he needed further golf lessons Scotty replied it "It would take more than a few lessons to fix my golf game!!". Perhaps unsurprisingly Scotty didn't get his golf ball returned!!
Alan Scott hit a tree, a house, and a parked car with the same shot on Sunday. When confronted by the owner and asked if it was intentional Scotty was able to deny that fact but when told perhaps he needed further golf lessons Scotty replied it "It would take more than a few lessons to fix my golf game!!". Perhaps unsurprisingly Scotty didn't get his golf ball returned!!
AEG Rhodes Bowl ..............
Sunday removed any doubt from the mind that golf in NZ really is a winter game. On a day when there was a chilling wind and significant scottish mist that never quite developed into precipitation in excess of 40 braved the conditions to participate in this mixed four ball par competition.
Proving that bleak conditions do not hinder the ability to score well Struan and Terri Cain came home with an impressive score of +9 to win the event for a second time. They were closely followed by Russell and Sandra Standage on +8 on a countback from Grant and Janet Osborn. Janet's effort rates a special mention having played 36 holes over two days in what were pretty marginal conditions.
A host of couples tied for third on +7 so they were all rewarded - Andrew & Robyn Gillespie, Lawrence Wong & Mihee Woo, Tony Park & Jae Hee Lee and Neville & Phillippa Idour. Nearest the pin on 18 were won by Andrew Gillespie and Imelda Musgrave while 5 players recorded 2's for 3 balls each including Young Kim who had 2x2.
The aftermatch was held in the Dobson Gallery with Lasagne as a main course and Tiramisu for seconds. As always the fireplace produced a cosy atmosphere in which to thaw out. The next mixed match is the Mid-Winter Ambrose on the 12 July 2009.
Proving that bleak conditions do not hinder the ability to score well Struan and Terri Cain came home with an impressive score of +9 to win the event for a second time. They were closely followed by Russell and Sandra Standage on +8 on a countback from Grant and Janet Osborn. Janet's effort rates a special mention having played 36 holes over two days in what were pretty marginal conditions.
A host of couples tied for third on +7 so they were all rewarded - Andrew & Robyn Gillespie, Lawrence Wong & Mihee Woo, Tony Park & Jae Hee Lee and Neville & Phillippa Idour. Nearest the pin on 18 were won by Andrew Gillespie and Imelda Musgrave while 5 players recorded 2's for 3 balls each including Young Kim who had 2x2.
The aftermatch was held in the Dobson Gallery with Lasagne as a main course and Tiramisu for seconds. As always the fireplace produced a cosy atmosphere in which to thaw out. The next mixed match is the Mid-Winter Ambrose on the 12 July 2009.
The Week That Was...............
I think it fair to say that there was a general level of support for the one time shotgun start as we had 148 put down their names to play. This is in excess of the numbers we would usually schedule for a shotgun but given the weather conditions we were unable to ascertain how a field of this size actually moved. We anticipate trialing the proposal again in July. The concept of having an entry fee to cover the food afterwards and sausages at the Pagoda also warrants further consideration (for big fields) given its success on Saturday and will probably be repeated.
Despite the weather and significant cancellations a field of approximately 90 hit off in the strong wet southerly that drenched everyone for the first nine holes. The competition was stableford three grades and some good golf was played in all grades. Senior winner was Brad Clark on 38 points from Andrew Gillespie and Warren Jones. Frank Garthwaite led the Intermediates home with 39 from Lawrence Wong and David Barley on 38. The score of 37 by Peter Davey was good enough in the Juniors from Cran Bull and Barry O'Neill both on 36.
As we were all playing together we believed it appropriate to recognise the efforts of the Women in the field so prizes were awarded to Janet Osborn who came home in first from Claire Ronan with Leigh Hooper in third. It was interesting to note a number of wives played out the full 18 while the husbands took the easy option of opting out as they went past the Clubhouse (enough said!!).
The Two's pool reached a value of $175 and there were 11 winners each receiving $15.90. There may yet be some alteration as Ben Frampton pulled out after 6 holes having secured a 2 on the third hole - this was the subject of much heated debate around the fireplace on Saturday afternoon. The 2x2 jackpot was not struck and $135 carries forward. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was won by Ken Fergus while Lawerence Wong won the Benjarong Thai Cuisine sponsored prize for closest to the pin on 18 for 2. Closest to the pin prizes were each worth $40 and payable to Garry Ulwin on 3 & David Youn on 11. Nett eagles had a new opening pool of $60 and after a late inquiry it was to be shared by David Barley & Grant Osborn for the 4th.
In addition to the match of the day there were a number of matchplay events booked in so despite the weather there were a number of groups who were committed to trudging around. In a Denniston Cup match Dermot Martin was drawn against Paul Dunn, with Paul having to give 19 shots. In a match that went to the 21st Dermot was finally successful but it was a titanic struggle especially given the early conditions.
In the Top Dog draw 3 games were contested with a Sunday game also played - the father and son combination of of Michael and David Kerr held off the well performed duo of Chris Brockett and Rod O'Brien, the dark horses of the competition Dennis Maguire and Mark Bond ground out a win against Rob Campbell and Andrew Fergus, while Paul Needs and Ross Campbell ended the hopes of the Kotzikas brothers. At the front of the field my partner, Dean Palmer, and I were successful over Ray Vivian and Keith Love who both played significantly better when the rains stopped. Effectively with nearly all 3rd round matches finished we move in a 1/4 final stage where once again there will be some interesting match ups!
Despite the weather and significant cancellations a field of approximately 90 hit off in the strong wet southerly that drenched everyone for the first nine holes. The competition was stableford three grades and some good golf was played in all grades. Senior winner was Brad Clark on 38 points from Andrew Gillespie and Warren Jones. Frank Garthwaite led the Intermediates home with 39 from Lawrence Wong and David Barley on 38. The score of 37 by Peter Davey was good enough in the Juniors from Cran Bull and Barry O'Neill both on 36.
As we were all playing together we believed it appropriate to recognise the efforts of the Women in the field so prizes were awarded to Janet Osborn who came home in first from Claire Ronan with Leigh Hooper in third. It was interesting to note a number of wives played out the full 18 while the husbands took the easy option of opting out as they went past the Clubhouse (enough said!!).
The Two's pool reached a value of $175 and there were 11 winners each receiving $15.90. There may yet be some alteration as Ben Frampton pulled out after 6 holes having secured a 2 on the third hole - this was the subject of much heated debate around the fireplace on Saturday afternoon. The 2x2 jackpot was not struck and $135 carries forward. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was won by Ken Fergus while Lawerence Wong won the Benjarong Thai Cuisine sponsored prize for closest to the pin on 18 for 2. Closest to the pin prizes were each worth $40 and payable to Garry Ulwin on 3 & David Youn on 11. Nett eagles had a new opening pool of $60 and after a late inquiry it was to be shared by David Barley & Grant Osborn for the 4th.
In addition to the match of the day there were a number of matchplay events booked in so despite the weather there were a number of groups who were committed to trudging around. In a Denniston Cup match Dermot Martin was drawn against Paul Dunn, with Paul having to give 19 shots. In a match that went to the 21st Dermot was finally successful but it was a titanic struggle especially given the early conditions.
In the Top Dog draw 3 games were contested with a Sunday game also played - the father and son combination of of Michael and David Kerr held off the well performed duo of Chris Brockett and Rod O'Brien, the dark horses of the competition Dennis Maguire and Mark Bond ground out a win against Rob Campbell and Andrew Fergus, while Paul Needs and Ross Campbell ended the hopes of the Kotzikas brothers. At the front of the field my partner, Dean Palmer, and I were successful over Ray Vivian and Keith Love who both played significantly better when the rains stopped. Effectively with nearly all 3rd round matches finished we move in a 1/4 final stage where once again there will be some interesting match ups!
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Club Newsletter............
The latest Club Newsletter is now on the Club Website and can be accessed by Ctrl/Click on the link below, and entering your 7 digit Club Number:
http://www.christchurchgolf.co.nz/site/department_membersonly/mempages_000639
I encourage all members to read the Newsletter as it sets out the Board's decision about the fairway renovation programme and the commitment to undertake the renovation of 6 fairways this year. I do not intend to say anything further through the Blog but if you have any questions please feel free to speak with me or any other board member. A hard copy of the newsletter is available from the clubhouse.
http://www.christchurchgolf.co.nz/site/department_membersonly/mempages_000639
I encourage all members to read the Newsletter as it sets out the Board's decision about the fairway renovation programme and the commitment to undertake the renovation of 6 fairways this year. I do not intend to say anything further through the Blog but if you have any questions please feel free to speak with me or any other board member. A hard copy of the newsletter is available from the clubhouse.
Christchurch Cafe of the Month......
Food and beverage reports appear to generate mixed feelings but I thought every now and then I would give you an update of where to find the best coffee in Christchurch.
My early morning fix is purchased from Underground 791 Colombo Street - just along from Johnson's. Traditionally Underground has been the coffee drinkers cafe specialising in coffee and encouraging BYO food. However since being purchased by Shelly there has been an increasing amount of nibbles and lighter finger food available highlighted by the recent purchase of a food cabinet. I remain impressed by the big jars of jaffa's and large liquorice all-sorts!! Seating is fairly basic so you might prefer to grab your coffee and food to go!
To my mind the coffee is one of the best available in Christchurch with the beans roasted just a few doors down. The Cafe runs a charge card system which allows for a discount rate and the ability to load on funds to speed up and make the daily purchase easy. In addition to the good coffee you may often see club members in attendance apart from myself namely Bryan Pearson, Simon Gilroy and Geoff Saunders to name but a few.
My early morning fix is purchased from Underground 791 Colombo Street - just along from Johnson's. Traditionally Underground has been the coffee drinkers cafe specialising in coffee and encouraging BYO food. However since being purchased by Shelly there has been an increasing amount of nibbles and lighter finger food available highlighted by the recent purchase of a food cabinet. I remain impressed by the big jars of jaffa's and large liquorice all-sorts!! Seating is fairly basic so you might prefer to grab your coffee and food to go!
To my mind the coffee is one of the best available in Christchurch with the beans roasted just a few doors down. The Cafe runs a charge card system which allows for a discount rate and the ability to load on funds to speed up and make the daily purchase easy. In addition to the good coffee you may often see club members in attendance apart from myself namely Bryan Pearson, Simon Gilroy and Geoff Saunders to name but a few.
From Those Overseas............
I encourage those of you who wish to contribute to this section or any other to drop me an e-mail and I will up load it to the Blog. This week we have had three reports from members who are or were golfing overseas.
Firstly Glenn Bongartz was in Sofitel, Fiji for the wedding of former club member and now professional golfer Carl Brooking. Glenn is able to report Carl is now married to the lovely Janelle and that playing his last round as a single man was beaten off stick by Glenn who shot a 1 over 73 at the Denarau Golf & Racquets Club. Glenn also reports that the Manager of the club collects old clubs to cut them down for the local children and would appreciate any donations from visitors.
Next Andrew Hopkins is currently sunning himself at Andalucia on the Costa del Sol and playing golf at the Robert Trent Jones snr. Olivos golf course. Andrew shot an 80, tells me that soon he will play the adjoining Los Lagos course, the fees are reasonable, you can pull a trundler and that the course is watered with desalinated water. It appears Andrew spends the rest of the time by the pool drinking beer in 34 degree temperatures. If you want to further investigate these courses go to www.mijasgolf.org and turn the volume up because there is some nice music.
Finally Richard Peate is undertaking a tour of Scottish Golf Course but stopped in the States on the way over his report is attached:
I hear winter has set in so glad I'm in warmer climes. We have just finished our second game of golf at Brora in the northern highlands of Scotland. The first was at the famous Baltusrol course just south of New York. Both very special but contrasting experiences. Anne and I were lucky to be the guests of a good friend who is one of the 534 golfing members at this famous course (they have hosted 7 US Opens over the years). They have 2 18 hole courses and they are exclusive to members and their guests only. I hate to think what my friend paid to host us as guests, including on-course lunch and post game drinks, but I manfully dug into my pocket to pay the two mandatory caddies USD70 each! It's a parkland style course with the best presentation I've ever seen. For example, the bluegrass rough is cut to 3 inches and is as even in texture, coverage and colour as an expensive carpet! Money is no object and only the best will do for all areas of the luxurious facilities.
Brora was recommended to me some years ago by Peter Thompson as one of the best examples of a natural links course. Hardly any tourist golfers make it that far north in Scotland so the local members enjoy a superb layout without the frills that money can buy. The course runs out north then south beside the beach with the terrain not dissimilar to the sand hills at our Brighton beach. Several blind tee shots, few flat lies, unwatered fast narrow fairways, little deep pot bunkers, and greens with humps and swales that will penalise pitch shots and reward a cunning chip and run. We absolutely loved it - carried our bags, guessed the distances (no distance markers anywhere) hit trick shots into and across the fresh sea breeze. SO- both very special experiences-one made by money, and the other by nature. Take your pick! Regards to all. Richard
Firstly Glenn Bongartz was in Sofitel, Fiji for the wedding of former club member and now professional golfer Carl Brooking. Glenn is able to report Carl is now married to the lovely Janelle and that playing his last round as a single man was beaten off stick by Glenn who shot a 1 over 73 at the Denarau Golf & Racquets Club. Glenn also reports that the Manager of the club collects old clubs to cut them down for the local children and would appreciate any donations from visitors.
Next Andrew Hopkins is currently sunning himself at Andalucia on the Costa del Sol and playing golf at the Robert Trent Jones snr. Olivos golf course. Andrew shot an 80, tells me that soon he will play the adjoining Los Lagos course, the fees are reasonable, you can pull a trundler and that the course is watered with desalinated water. It appears Andrew spends the rest of the time by the pool drinking beer in 34 degree temperatures. If you want to further investigate these courses go to www.mijasgolf.org and turn the volume up because there is some nice music.
Finally Richard Peate is undertaking a tour of Scottish Golf Course but stopped in the States on the way over his report is attached:
I hear winter has set in so glad I'm in warmer climes. We have just finished our second game of golf at Brora in the northern highlands of Scotland. The first was at the famous Baltusrol course just south of New York. Both very special but contrasting experiences. Anne and I were lucky to be the guests of a good friend who is one of the 534 golfing members at this famous course (they have hosted 7 US Opens over the years). They have 2 18 hole courses and they are exclusive to members and their guests only. I hate to think what my friend paid to host us as guests, including on-course lunch and post game drinks, but I manfully dug into my pocket to pay the two mandatory caddies USD70 each! It's a parkland style course with the best presentation I've ever seen. For example, the bluegrass rough is cut to 3 inches and is as even in texture, coverage and colour as an expensive carpet! Money is no object and only the best will do for all areas of the luxurious facilities.
Brora was recommended to me some years ago by Peter Thompson as one of the best examples of a natural links course. Hardly any tourist golfers make it that far north in Scotland so the local members enjoy a superb layout without the frills that money can buy. The course runs out north then south beside the beach with the terrain not dissimilar to the sand hills at our Brighton beach. Several blind tee shots, few flat lies, unwatered fast narrow fairways, little deep pot bunkers, and greens with humps and swales that will penalise pitch shots and reward a cunning chip and run. We absolutely loved it - carried our bags, guessed the distances (no distance markers anywhere) hit trick shots into and across the fresh sea breeze. SO- both very special experiences-one made by money, and the other by nature. Take your pick! Regards to all. Richard
Indictations of a Sad Life.............
You know you have room to improve your lifestyle when:
1) You impress your friends by operating their Sky remote with your left hand while continuing to drink their Sav blanc with your right.
2) The only excitement you have is seeing the "out of office replies" when circulating the blog mailing list or being able to establish if in fact Mike Sidey is actually in!
3) You spent Tuesday evening trolling through cook books looking for a vegetarian, gluten free recipe for stuffed peppers for the daughter of a work colleague and you think it's been time well spent!
1) You impress your friends by operating their Sky remote with your left hand while continuing to drink their Sav blanc with your right.
2) The only excitement you have is seeing the "out of office replies" when circulating the blog mailing list or being able to establish if in fact Mike Sidey is actually in!
3) You spent Tuesday evening trolling through cook books looking for a vegetarian, gluten free recipe for stuffed peppers for the daughter of a work colleague and you think it's been time well spent!
Sunday, June 14, 2009
What's Happening Week of 15 June..........
Saturday 20 June sees us undertake a trial of a "one time" shotgun start at 11.00am. The competition of the day is stableford three grades and we hope top see if we can get more people on and around the course at a better speed without the added pressures of a frost delay and of pending darkness. Hopefully everyone will be in the clubhouse together which will make for a good club atmosphere. At this stage we are envisaging having fires going in both the bar area and in the common room. If you have not got your name down for Saturday please speak with the pro shop as soon as possible.
As indicated this is an experiment so we would welcome your feedback positive or otherwise and at the outset we acknowledge that the timing will not suit everyone but the Committee is committed to increasing the speed of play by whatever means possible. Saturday also sees a number of the matchplay competitions move into the next round with some interesting matches scheduled results will follow next week.
Sunday sees the revised date for the AEG Rhodes Bowl being a mixed event four-ball par. Tee off is from 1 & 16 from 11.30 with a meal to follow so get your names down asap. The Men's committee meets this Wednesday and we will be looking at Business House / Twilight Golf for the summer months. On Friday it is planned to have a get together over drinks in the Clubhouse at 5.00 for the two Committees and the Board so feel free to come along and have a chat - the more the merrier.
My week has just taken a turn for the better in that a two day Conference (and an associated project meeting) have been cancelled due to the threat of Swine Flu, H1N1, so I am not sure how the rest of the week will pan out so to speak.
In the interim good golfing and I will see you soon!!
As indicated this is an experiment so we would welcome your feedback positive or otherwise and at the outset we acknowledge that the timing will not suit everyone but the Committee is committed to increasing the speed of play by whatever means possible. Saturday also sees a number of the matchplay competitions move into the next round with some interesting matches scheduled results will follow next week.
Sunday sees the revised date for the AEG Rhodes Bowl being a mixed event four-ball par. Tee off is from 1 & 16 from 11.30 with a meal to follow so get your names down asap. The Men's committee meets this Wednesday and we will be looking at Business House / Twilight Golf for the summer months. On Friday it is planned to have a get together over drinks in the Clubhouse at 5.00 for the two Committees and the Board so feel free to come along and have a chat - the more the merrier.
My week has just taken a turn for the better in that a two day Conference (and an associated project meeting) have been cancelled due to the threat of Swine Flu, H1N1, so I am not sure how the rest of the week will pan out so to speak.
In the interim good golfing and I will see you soon!!
Odd Spots.....
For those of you who are not in receipt of The Cut it may pay to pick up a copy of the June edition where at page 58 you will find a picture of those members (Rod O'Brien Ken Fergus, Ray Vivian, Mike Sidey Ray Barakaukas) who toured to Scotland on the golf odyssey in 2008. The accompanying article is also of interest. Well done guys you are obviously very photogenic.
A perennial problem at this time of the year is pitch marks on the greens. If you fly in a shot at any height it will inevitably leave a pitch mark on the green - just fix it!! Recently Andrew Sloane advised he had repaired 10 pitch marks on one green while this is great work everyone should be repairing their own marks and one other so then the problem would disappear.
Keeping up with members overseas Harry Green recently played in the 2009 St Andrews Links Trophy. While he did not make the cut he shot two rounds of 76 on the old and new course respectively. Hopefully we will keep in touch with Harry's progress while he is overseas.
Earlier this year former Club President and a current active playing member (especially on Tuesdays & Thursdays) Roger Gowans was elected to the R&A. This is the culmination of a long involved process over a number of years so congratulations to Roger on joining such a prestigious organisation.
Rumour has it that Michael Hadley was recently the "mystery diner" at the Dux de Lux. Michael's son Jimmy is a manager there which is apparently why he got the assignment. I am advised everything went well and Michael is not too much of a difficult customer off the golf course allowing the waitress to get a bonus and a commendation.
A perennial problem at this time of the year is pitch marks on the greens. If you fly in a shot at any height it will inevitably leave a pitch mark on the green - just fix it!! Recently Andrew Sloane advised he had repaired 10 pitch marks on one green while this is great work everyone should be repairing their own marks and one other so then the problem would disappear.
Keeping up with members overseas Harry Green recently played in the 2009 St Andrews Links Trophy. While he did not make the cut he shot two rounds of 76 on the old and new course respectively. Hopefully we will keep in touch with Harry's progress while he is overseas.
Earlier this year former Club President and a current active playing member (especially on Tuesdays & Thursdays) Roger Gowans was elected to the R&A. This is the culmination of a long involved process over a number of years so congratulations to Roger on joining such a prestigious organisation.
Rumour has it that Michael Hadley was recently the "mystery diner" at the Dux de Lux. Michael's son Jimmy is a manager there which is apparently why he got the assignment. I am advised everything went well and Michael is not too much of a difficult customer off the golf course allowing the waitress to get a bonus and a commendation.
Shirley Open........
For those of you who are avid golf followers you will have noted that the first event on the 2009 Charles Tour was recently held at Tauranga. The Club has secured sponsorship funding for the 2009 Shirley Open which will again be held over Labour Weekend from the Friday 23 to the Monday 26 October.
As part of the Tournament a Pro-am event will be held on Thursday 22 October 2009 so put that date in your diaries and more information will follow. The Tournament offers the Club a real chance of generating a substantial return which will help off set the current economic downturn so it is important we capitalise on the opportunity. As we draw nearer to the time we will be asking for your help and support.
As part of the Tournament a Pro-am event will be held on Thursday 22 October 2009 so put that date in your diaries and more information will follow. The Tournament offers the Club a real chance of generating a substantial return which will help off set the current economic downturn so it is important we capitalise on the opportunity. As we draw nearer to the time we will be asking for your help and support.
The Mid Winter International....
Obviously in the interests of advancing International Detente the weather gods smiled upon the Christchurch Golf Club and Sunday avoided earlier predicted unsettled weather allowing a shotgun start at 11.00am to proceed. David Robinson (Internationals) and Paddy Helmore (New Zealand) had done a magnificent job in ensuring a full field headed out, all in all there were 26 teams - 11 Internationals, 9 Kiwi and 6 Ladies. Given the splendid conditions it seemed highly likely that somewhere along the way some good golf would be played and so it turned out to be!!
Tony McKeogh made sure that the day was more than memorable by securing a hole in one on the 11th. Possibly given the size of the field it may have not been the day on which to achieve this milestone but nevertheless Tony shouted a bottle of wine for each table in the Clubhouse and this was much appreciated by the participants. Congratulations Tony and many thanks for for such an open handed gesture in the shout I can say I certainly enjoyed my glass of Dancing Water!!
The event was sponsored by AMI and there was a truly outstanding prize table prepared under the auspicious of John Balmforth which ensured that every member of every team received a prize. The generosity of AMI and John in the circumstances was overwhelming and we are much indebted to to then for their kindness.
The competition of the day was a bamboozle with the three best of the four stableford scores counting on each hole. The winning score on the day was a very credible 125 by the Christchurch team of Tony McKeogh, Geoff Brodie, Rob Campbell and David Blair while on countback in second were the United Nations Team of Tracy Tatom, Ahmed Hosseini, Ole Hansen & Kim Leung. A further point back on 124 were last years winners North Canterbury being Bryan Graham, Garry Forward, Graham Watson and Marcus Annan.
Playing in a team of St Andrew's Old Boys (David Young, Peter Strurge & John Hibbard) we were a fast finishing 5th on 121 points with John contributing 42 points. Clearly we were the best dressed team smartly turned out in our blue stripped polo shirts bearing the Scottish Thistle. We are now entering into negotiations with STAC for the ultimate purchase of the same.
The Women's side of the draw was won with 119 points by Julie O'Neill, Janet Osborn, Rose O'Brien and Glennys Burns who finished just ahead of Mihee Woo, Jae Hee Lee,Sung Ja Park, & Hwa Ja Cho with Liz Balmforth, Robyn Fletcher,Ru Brodie, and Imelda Musgrave in third. Olwyn Rae won closest to the pin for Women while Tony McKeogh's ace was good enough to win the Men's closest to the pin competition.
The day concluded with a curry meal (chicken & beef) supplied by Andrew and Amanda which rounded off the event more than appropriately and was enjoyed by all. I would say that this was one of the most enjoyable and successful International Days to date - well done to the organisers.
Tony McKeogh made sure that the day was more than memorable by securing a hole in one on the 11th. Possibly given the size of the field it may have not been the day on which to achieve this milestone but nevertheless Tony shouted a bottle of wine for each table in the Clubhouse and this was much appreciated by the participants. Congratulations Tony and many thanks for for such an open handed gesture in the shout I can say I certainly enjoyed my glass of Dancing Water!!
The event was sponsored by AMI and there was a truly outstanding prize table prepared under the auspicious of John Balmforth which ensured that every member of every team received a prize. The generosity of AMI and John in the circumstances was overwhelming and we are much indebted to to then for their kindness.
The competition of the day was a bamboozle with the three best of the four stableford scores counting on each hole. The winning score on the day was a very credible 125 by the Christchurch team of Tony McKeogh, Geoff Brodie, Rob Campbell and David Blair while on countback in second were the United Nations Team of Tracy Tatom, Ahmed Hosseini, Ole Hansen & Kim Leung. A further point back on 124 were last years winners North Canterbury being Bryan Graham, Garry Forward, Graham Watson and Marcus Annan.
Playing in a team of St Andrew's Old Boys (David Young, Peter Strurge & John Hibbard) we were a fast finishing 5th on 121 points with John contributing 42 points. Clearly we were the best dressed team smartly turned out in our blue stripped polo shirts bearing the Scottish Thistle. We are now entering into negotiations with STAC for the ultimate purchase of the same.
The Women's side of the draw was won with 119 points by Julie O'Neill, Janet Osborn, Rose O'Brien and Glennys Burns who finished just ahead of Mihee Woo, Jae Hee Lee,Sung Ja Park, & Hwa Ja Cho with Liz Balmforth, Robyn Fletcher,Ru Brodie, and Imelda Musgrave in third. Olwyn Rae won closest to the pin for Women while Tony McKeogh's ace was good enough to win the Men's closest to the pin competition.
The day concluded with a curry meal (chicken & beef) supplied by Andrew and Amanda which rounded off the event more than appropriately and was enjoyed by all. I would say that this was one of the most enjoyable and successful International Days to date - well done to the organisers.
The Week That Was......
Despite the dire weather predictions from earlier in the week Saturday was overcast and chilly but importantly dry. Again we had a large field that was almost full to capacity apart from a few later tee times. Match of the day was the Dominion Cup a four-ball par competition.
The overall winners on a very impressive score of plus 10 were Graham Purkas & Mike Stenhouse while Brian Ronan & Greg Stanley finished one behind on plus 9. David Blair & John Parkes were third on countback on plus eight from Geoff Brodie & Stewart Sinclair. The two's pool reached $245 and a payout of $16.35 for each of the lucky 15 winners. The two's jackpot was not struck and $65 carries forward.
Nearest the pin on No.3 was Bryan Graham and on No.11 Dennis Maguire $40 each. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden leaves was won by Philip Hong. Playing in the early morning Mitchell Vincent collected the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize for closest to the pin on 18 and in the circumstances it was awarded to Amanda!!
Net Eagles had hole 11 drawn which would normally be quite safe but on this occasion John Aitchison holed out a bunker shot for a two net 1 to take the pool of $160.00. There may have been a suggestion this was a little bit fortuitous given Dennis Maguire's recounting of the shot which had the ball thinned into the face of the bunker, lobbing out with top spin and disappearing into the hole on the fly. Whatever the case well done John!
It was pleasing to note a marked increase in the pace of play that enabled the field to get around albeit playing 18 in fading light. For those interested yes I did lose my ball on the last but was pleased to find it on Sunday, well hidden in the long grass on the right past the pine tree!!
The overall winners on a very impressive score of plus 10 were Graham Purkas & Mike Stenhouse while Brian Ronan & Greg Stanley finished one behind on plus 9. David Blair & John Parkes were third on countback on plus eight from Geoff Brodie & Stewart Sinclair. The two's pool reached $245 and a payout of $16.35 for each of the lucky 15 winners. The two's jackpot was not struck and $65 carries forward.
Nearest the pin on No.3 was Bryan Graham and on No.11 Dennis Maguire $40 each. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden leaves was won by Philip Hong. Playing in the early morning Mitchell Vincent collected the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize for closest to the pin on 18 and in the circumstances it was awarded to Amanda!!
Net Eagles had hole 11 drawn which would normally be quite safe but on this occasion John Aitchison holed out a bunker shot for a two net 1 to take the pool of $160.00. There may have been a suggestion this was a little bit fortuitous given Dennis Maguire's recounting of the shot which had the ball thinned into the face of the bunker, lobbing out with top spin and disappearing into the hole on the fly. Whatever the case well done John!
It was pleasing to note a marked increase in the pace of play that enabled the field to get around albeit playing 18 in fading light. For those interested yes I did lose my ball on the last but was pleased to find it on Sunday, well hidden in the long grass on the right past the pine tree!!
Thursday, June 11, 2009
From Our European Correspondent..........
I have received the latest e-mail from Steve Ellis in Italy if you would like to see the full version let me know and I will forward it to you. As far as the health situation is concerned Alberto is home and has finished his brain tumor treatment and while he appears well his condition is continually deteriorating. The home care and interaction with Alberto's mother is testing but Steve,Sue, and Sarah are coping with admirable restraint. For movement outside the apartment Alberto is now confined to a wheelchair. Below is the journal away from these trials and tribulations.
We took 3 days out from Bergamo last week travelling by Eurostar Train - 4 hours - to Florence. After 28 years it was good to see that it's architectural merits still submerge the Tourist trappings. Like many of you , we took the Bus up into the surrounding hills for a touch of Tuscan landscape, visiting that little beauty Fiesole and enjoying a great crusted lamb dish for lunch in the Townsquare. Our Florence trip was memorable for the food, we now acknowledging that fresh pasta is best cooked in butter ( 4 Mins ), and not served bathed in some sauce.
The Italian Elections have concluded, the best comic piece we could make out being to Quote: " When Clinton stated " I did not have sexual relations with that Woman " nobody believed him. When Berlusconi (aged 74) stated " I did have sexual relations with that Woman "(aged18) nobody believed him! They did however agree that his Political Manifesto was better than his Bedroom Manifesto, returning him for another Term. ( I'm not sure whats happened to that magnificent old piece of political Theatre - The Italian Coalition! )
Typing away at this in Sarah's A/pment I got a call from down below. Sarah with Alberto on the footpath. Together we pushed Alberto down a couple of blocks to the Scooter Shop, where we put new air into the chair's tyres to improve its " speed and performance". A chance for some outdoor time for Alberto. Tomorrow we will likely try the park some blocks away and take in a Gelati. The weather is still holding - mid 20's, blue sky. They have sure got the Spring/Summer weather sorted over here.
Ciao, arrivederci Sue Sarah Alberto and Steve
We took 3 days out from Bergamo last week travelling by Eurostar Train - 4 hours - to Florence. After 28 years it was good to see that it's architectural merits still submerge the Tourist trappings. Like many of you , we took the Bus up into the surrounding hills for a touch of Tuscan landscape, visiting that little beauty Fiesole and enjoying a great crusted lamb dish for lunch in the Townsquare. Our Florence trip was memorable for the food, we now acknowledging that fresh pasta is best cooked in butter ( 4 Mins ), and not served bathed in some sauce.
The Italian Elections have concluded, the best comic piece we could make out being to Quote: " When Clinton stated " I did not have sexual relations with that Woman " nobody believed him. When Berlusconi (aged 74) stated " I did have sexual relations with that Woman "(aged18) nobody believed him! They did however agree that his Political Manifesto was better than his Bedroom Manifesto, returning him for another Term. ( I'm not sure whats happened to that magnificent old piece of political Theatre - The Italian Coalition! )
Typing away at this in Sarah's A/pment I got a call from down below. Sarah with Alberto on the footpath. Together we pushed Alberto down a couple of blocks to the Scooter Shop, where we put new air into the chair's tyres to improve its " speed and performance". A chance for some outdoor time for Alberto. Tomorrow we will likely try the park some blocks away and take in a Gelati. The weather is still holding - mid 20's, blue sky. They have sure got the Spring/Summer weather sorted over here.
Ciao, arrivederci Sue Sarah Alberto and Steve
Life In Napier............
I arrived in the Napier office at 9.30am on Wednesday morning and it felt as though I had already done a days work having been up since 5.30. My Wednesday mediation settled and my Thursday one will but there were no offers on Friday and I was done by 11.30. Unfortunately my flight out was at 5.30pm and the cost of altering the booking was $361.00 and for some reason DoL weren't too keen to pay!! Luckily an ex-colleague (Gary Tayler of Gary Tayler Employment Law) is in business just down the hall and his bar opened at 3.15 (actually it may have been slightly earlier!!).
During my stay I was booked into the Scenic Circle Te Pania which was most comfortable, centrally located close to the town centre and numerous restaurants with a great sea aspect, I would recommend it for any travellers to Napier. At an early stage I located a small cafe know as DMP Cafe in the Civic Court Centre which provided a good cup of coffee brewed from Bruno Rossi beans. The selection of food was good but at the top end of the price range.
The weather was variable so I did not miss my golf clubs. The Napier office has posed its challenges in its environment as I was allocated a work station with an ergonomic keyboard and a 'joy stick" mouse, also the desk was very tidy so I felt like an intruder. The view of the Norfolk Pines and sea out the window is immensely better than that with which I am faced in Christchurch. All in all it was a pleasant change to the normal working week but as unfortunately happens I arrived back in Christchurch an hour before my luggage which Air New Zealand subsequently delivered out.
During my stay I was booked into the Scenic Circle Te Pania which was most comfortable, centrally located close to the town centre and numerous restaurants with a great sea aspect, I would recommend it for any travellers to Napier. At an early stage I located a small cafe know as DMP Cafe in the Civic Court Centre which provided a good cup of coffee brewed from Bruno Rossi beans. The selection of food was good but at the top end of the price range.
The weather was variable so I did not miss my golf clubs. The Napier office has posed its challenges in its environment as I was allocated a work station with an ergonomic keyboard and a 'joy stick" mouse, also the desk was very tidy so I felt like an intruder. The view of the Norfolk Pines and sea out the window is immensely better than that with which I am faced in Christchurch. All in all it was a pleasant change to the normal working week but as unfortunately happens I arrived back in Christchurch an hour before my luggage which Air New Zealand subsequently delivered out.
Sunday, June 7, 2009
What's Happening Week of 8 June........
For the latter part of this week I will be based in Napier departing Christchurch at the unseasonable and unsociable hour of 6.45am on Wednesday morning. For those interested, no I won't be taking my golf clubs as the Department has fully booked me with Mediations over the three day period. Worse than that I do not land back in Christchurch until 8.30pm on Friday so it looks like no drinks for me straight home and into bed (alone still).
However no doubt a full report on the Hawkes Bay cafe scene will follow. It is disappointing that given the season it is unlikely that there will be time to explore the vineyards in and around the area. If worst comes to worst I suspect I can always visit the movies and eat popcorn.
This Saturday sees the Dominion Cup up for competition by way of a Four Ball Par Handicap (the best of plus half minus of each pair). While this may not be everyones choice of format it does have the advantage of being reasonably quick as there is no obligation to hole out (excepting the haggle) after the hole has been lost. We will have a course marshall out and about on Saturday to speed things along but again your assistance is requested - please don't dawdle your way around as this increases pressure at the back of the field.
Sunday has the course booked out for the International - see below. In the interim good golfing.
However no doubt a full report on the Hawkes Bay cafe scene will follow. It is disappointing that given the season it is unlikely that there will be time to explore the vineyards in and around the area. If worst comes to worst I suspect I can always visit the movies and eat popcorn.
This Saturday sees the Dominion Cup up for competition by way of a Four Ball Par Handicap (the best of plus half minus of each pair). While this may not be everyones choice of format it does have the advantage of being reasonably quick as there is no obligation to hole out (excepting the haggle) after the hole has been lost. We will have a course marshall out and about on Saturday to speed things along but again your assistance is requested - please don't dawdle your way around as this increases pressure at the back of the field.
Sunday has the course booked out for the International - see below. In the interim good golfing.
The International...........
Sunday 14 June sees the playing of the Mid Winter International Match, a teams competition with a shot gun start at 11.00am. If you are of International heritage and wish to play see Dave Robinson if you are of a Kiwi background please speak with Paddy Helmore.
At this stage the field is very nearly full so please do not delay in getting your name into the mix!!
At this stage the field is very nearly full so please do not delay in getting your name into the mix!!
Frost Delay...........
Yes it's that time of the year!! For the avoidance of doubt the policy on frost is as follows and has been formulated balancing the interests of the morning (frost) and afternoon (darkness) players.
The Greens Superintendent determines when there is to be frost delay and the time that the course will subsequently open. At that time players will be allocated, by the pro shop, to the tees where they would have been had there not been a frost delay. On reaching 18 the players have no rights to play through the first, prior to conclusion of the field, but may re-enter the field after the Saturday Afternoon Ladies to complete the round for the purposes of Match of the Day or otherwise.
Any questions please feel free to speak with me.
The Greens Superintendent determines when there is to be frost delay and the time that the course will subsequently open. At that time players will be allocated, by the pro shop, to the tees where they would have been had there not been a frost delay. On reaching 18 the players have no rights to play through the first, prior to conclusion of the field, but may re-enter the field after the Saturday Afternoon Ladies to complete the round for the purposes of Match of the Day or otherwise.
Any questions please feel free to speak with me.
Another New Idea............
In a continuing attempt to address the issue of slow play the Committee has resolved to trial a one time shot gun start on Saturday 20 June 2009. Generally our experience has been that shotgun starts tend to get the field moving at a better pace and prevent the clogging at choke points for example at 7.
The other consideration is that we are currently in the middle of the frost season and by delaying the start to 11.00 we anticipate being able to get more players around 18 holes in the limited time available as a we approach the shortest day. A by-product is that hopefully we will have a good turnout in the clubhouse after the round. I can confidentially say there will be at least two fires burning!
We accept that an 11 start may not suit everyone but we would be pleased to receive any feedback from members positive or otherwise. So if you have a view raise it with me or a committee member. Your support in this venture would be greatly appreciated.
The other consideration is that we are currently in the middle of the frost season and by delaying the start to 11.00 we anticipate being able to get more players around 18 holes in the limited time available as a we approach the shortest day. A by-product is that hopefully we will have a good turnout in the clubhouse after the round. I can confidentially say there will be at least two fires burning!
We accept that an 11 start may not suit everyone but we would be pleased to receive any feedback from members positive or otherwise. So if you have a view raise it with me or a committee member. Your support in this venture would be greatly appreciated.
Inter Club Golf........
On Wednesday evening Brian Ronan and I attended a meeting called by Canterbury Golf to initially discuss the 2009 Woodward Competition. However the meeting was wider than that and sought views on the composition and timing of the competition. As usual there was much debate over 6 or 8 men teams and a 10, 12 or larger team competition and Saturday v Sunday play. As befits a New Zealand organisation the matter has now been referred to a committee for review!
There was also a report back as to proposed changes in the Blank and Simon Competitions where the suggestion is to reduce the teams to 6 and play a home or away round robin on Saturdays over a longer period of time. Potentially there are some issues for us as regards tee times and the interface with Club golf so the Men's Committee will be looking into this in some more depth over the coming weeks. I will keep you informed of progress as it occurs.
There was also a report back as to proposed changes in the Blank and Simon Competitions where the suggestion is to reduce the teams to 6 and play a home or away round robin on Saturdays over a longer period of time. Potentially there are some issues for us as regards tee times and the interface with Club golf so the Men's Committee will be looking into this in some more depth over the coming weeks. I will keep you informed of progress as it occurs.
The Week that Was............
Well there is nothing like a bit of controversy to get cyber space humming with a few e-mails, up dates on the gum trees will be provided as and when required. Unfortunately I am not sure there is anything as topical this week but perhaps too much excitement is not good for us!!
Our overseas correspondents made contact during the week and I am able to confirm David & Olivia Page are currently in Strasbourg visiting their daughter with temperatures in the high 20's. I had another note from Steve Ellis who confirms he is tirelessly trying to establish broadcasting rights with the European Networks for the Metro competition.
Firstly many thanks to all those who supported the Caltex Eagles fundraising for Junior Golf. Ken Fergus advises that business was brisk and by 10.30am he had sold out of raffle tickets so well done Ken and the morning field hopefully we will snare some prizes.
Match of the day was Stableford three grades and the conditions were overcast but dry with a bitterly cold southerly blowing sending the wind chill factor skyrocketing. In the seniors showing a return to form of yesteryear Glenn Bongartz shot 40 points to lead in the seniors from Kim Sanders on 37 and a host of players- Tony Park, Soshi Hirai, Brendan Hicks and Ray Barakauskas on 36.
Warren Glass won the intermediates on 38 points on countback from Jim McBryde with Peter Hollister on 37 in third followed by Graham Watson and Grant Mitchell on 36. The Junior section saw similar scoring with Stu Kemp being successful on 40 points from Peter Davey on 37 with John Aitchison and Mike Stenhouse on 36.
Two's were worth $20.40 to the twelve lucky winners and the jackpot of $75 was struck by Tony McKeogh, Peter McDougall and Ray Barakauskas so $25 each. Nearest the pins were won by Peter Guthrey on 3 and Ray Barakauskas on 11 $35 each.Nearest the pin on 2 for 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was won by Paul Needs while on 18 Aidan Millar took away the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize. The new nett eagles pool of $80 was not struck with hole 8 being drawn (very long back into the wind!!).
On Sunday our course was used by Canterbury Golf as a trial for selection of a Women's team but in and around the tee times a number of Page Trophy Matches took place. Moving through to the next round are the Cains who recorded a win over the Sinclairs, Grant and Janet Osborn who were successful over the McKeoghs, Joe and Sue Mullins who overcame the Pankhursts and Murray and Lorraine Smith who outlasted Dave Robinson and Stephanie Beth to win 2up.
As with all match play events please review the draw and see when the next round is due so that you do not run out of time.
Our overseas correspondents made contact during the week and I am able to confirm David & Olivia Page are currently in Strasbourg visiting their daughter with temperatures in the high 20's. I had another note from Steve Ellis who confirms he is tirelessly trying to establish broadcasting rights with the European Networks for the Metro competition.
Firstly many thanks to all those who supported the Caltex Eagles fundraising for Junior Golf. Ken Fergus advises that business was brisk and by 10.30am he had sold out of raffle tickets so well done Ken and the morning field hopefully we will snare some prizes.
Match of the day was Stableford three grades and the conditions were overcast but dry with a bitterly cold southerly blowing sending the wind chill factor skyrocketing. In the seniors showing a return to form of yesteryear Glenn Bongartz shot 40 points to lead in the seniors from Kim Sanders on 37 and a host of players- Tony Park, Soshi Hirai, Brendan Hicks and Ray Barakauskas on 36.
Warren Glass won the intermediates on 38 points on countback from Jim McBryde with Peter Hollister on 37 in third followed by Graham Watson and Grant Mitchell on 36. The Junior section saw similar scoring with Stu Kemp being successful on 40 points from Peter Davey on 37 with John Aitchison and Mike Stenhouse on 36.
Two's were worth $20.40 to the twelve lucky winners and the jackpot of $75 was struck by Tony McKeogh, Peter McDougall and Ray Barakauskas so $25 each. Nearest the pins were won by Peter Guthrey on 3 and Ray Barakauskas on 11 $35 each.Nearest the pin on 2 for 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was won by Paul Needs while on 18 Aidan Millar took away the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize. The new nett eagles pool of $80 was not struck with hole 8 being drawn (very long back into the wind!!).
On Sunday our course was used by Canterbury Golf as a trial for selection of a Women's team but in and around the tee times a number of Page Trophy Matches took place. Moving through to the next round are the Cains who recorded a win over the Sinclairs, Grant and Janet Osborn who were successful over the McKeoghs, Joe and Sue Mullins who overcame the Pankhursts and Murray and Lorraine Smith who outlasted Dave Robinson and Stephanie Beth to win 2up.
As with all match play events please review the draw and see when the next round is due so that you do not run out of time.
Metro To Seek Redemption in........2010
We approached our final match for 2009 away at Russley in a confident frame of mind having previously postponed from the inclement weather a fortnight before. Our team comprised the ingredients of youth and enthusiasm with age and experience and we anticipated a closely contested tussle. It was disturbing to see Savill leaving the car park as I arrived but I subsequently found he needed to replenish his nicotine supply. The Russley team hit the mark of 80 right on the head while at 81.4 we were not giving too much away.
At the top of the order in his Metro debut Brendan Hicks drew the Russley stalwart David Johnson a former Real Estate Agent now semi retired (friend of Joe Mullins and brother in law of Brian Tyro) who plays golf 3 or 4 times a week and at the end of May had shot a gross 66 around his home course. Brendan showed much perspicacity in shooting and even par 36 on the front 9 but unfortunately he could not maintain the standard on the back side recording a 41 but a very credible 77 off the stick on a course that really doesn’t favour his ball striking abilities. Proving just how tough Metro is David Johnson shot 74 to record a 4/2 victory for Russley at no.1. Steve Savill had come off the interchange bench to replace the unavailable Andrew Hopkins and given the course and weather conditions we were hopeful that Steve could even up the score in the first pairing. Alas it was not to be as Steve fell to a 5/4 loss notwithstanding he was 1 stroke ahead in the handicap. The magnitude of the loss was such that Savill paid the maximum fine for the first time without question.
As always we sought to establish our strength in the middle order with our normal 1 Tony Park playing at three and accompanied by Ben Frampton in for the absent JD at four. Tony wearing a new club shirt (he has bulked up from small to medium – he says it will shrink slightly in the wash) had drawn the Russley captain Steve Garland and immediately put him to the sword with a great 6/5 victory. Ben as always was nagging away and after falling behind early scrambled back to even through the back nine playing another old Russley campaigner David Silk. In the only match that went to the 18th neither could wrestle an advantage and the game ended in a half, with Ben carding a highly respectable 83 off the stick.
Brian Tyro making a quest appearance by special request came in for Dave Morrison and was kept company by Marcus Annan. Playing immediately behind me I was closely informed of the progress of the match. Much to my chagrin the comments that come up the line were not positive in nature and almost from the start the Christchurch pair were behind the 8 ball. On their home track the Russley combination had too much local knowledge especially around the greens where Vern Guy effectively putted Marcus off the course for 3/2 victory. Brian Tyro (perhaps still thinking about the gum trees) could not match Neville Cleeve and went down 5/4.
At the bottom of the order I was being placed under some pressure by Savill in regards my win/loss ratio. The discussion had started on Saturday in the clubhouse and by tee off all of the Russley Team and I suspect all the people on the course were conversant with Savill’s view of the world – nothing like a bit of pressure!! Playing at 8 was Pater Davey a former team regular who had previously gone through the ’07 season unbeaten however Sunday was not his day and he fell 5/3 to a more consistent player after several times battling back into the match. After a flawless start I was 2 over after 6 and 2 up before a slight reversal of form saw me loss 7 & then 8 to go back to square as we finished the nine halving in 6’s. I reasserted myself winning 10 with a par and halving 11 with another par.
My opponent made birdie up 12 to go back to square and then I chopped it up that trick par 5 13th to go 1 down for the first time in the match. Clearly it was time to “back up the bus” and “regroup”. Notwithstanding a shocking drive that only just made the fairway I managed to scramble a win on 14 – back to square. A solid 5 iron on the 15th put me on the green just past pin high while my partner was short right, a solid 2 putt (never the easiest for me) put me one up playing the treacherous 16 after he couldn’t get up and down. Determining discretion was the better part of valour and forsaking the driver for 3 wood I smacked one up the right hand side safe from the white pegs. My opposition drilled a driver through the waste area close enough to o/b to warrant hitting a provisional. Closer inspection determined his first was out so playing his provisional ball he carved his next into the hedge again requiring a provisional. In a moment of clarity and course management (unusual factors for me in a round of golf) I hit 5 iron up the middle. By my calculation the Russley player hit the green for 7 and when my pitching wedge made the putting surface for 3 he conceded the hole. Two with two to play - at least I couldn’t lose but the spectre of 18 was looming large.
A slight slice off the tee up 17 saw me with a blocked shot to the green and I then duffed what was meant to be a low running shot under the intervening tree – at least I made it to the middle of the fairway and pitched on. Meanwhile my Russley player had gone AWOL cross country up 16 fairway and took 4 before he navigated his way back to the green. Trusting my putting stroke, down hill, left to right, with heart in mouth I put it close enough for a gimme 5 – a half on the hole after he sunk a 15 ft doubled breaking cross green putt – but more importantly a win on the match. Now some people at this stage would gloat but a chastened and muted Savill at the after match was reward enough no more will be said!
All in all we finished with a loss 5 ½ to 2 ½ and the end to a forgettable season. Unfortunately our away run of lack of form continues for another year but I am sure we will turn it around in 2010. Please watch this space as I work out when we will have the Metro wind up and lunch. In the interim good golfing!!
At the top of the order in his Metro debut Brendan Hicks drew the Russley stalwart David Johnson a former Real Estate Agent now semi retired (friend of Joe Mullins and brother in law of Brian Tyro) who plays golf 3 or 4 times a week and at the end of May had shot a gross 66 around his home course. Brendan showed much perspicacity in shooting and even par 36 on the front 9 but unfortunately he could not maintain the standard on the back side recording a 41 but a very credible 77 off the stick on a course that really doesn’t favour his ball striking abilities. Proving just how tough Metro is David Johnson shot 74 to record a 4/2 victory for Russley at no.1. Steve Savill had come off the interchange bench to replace the unavailable Andrew Hopkins and given the course and weather conditions we were hopeful that Steve could even up the score in the first pairing. Alas it was not to be as Steve fell to a 5/4 loss notwithstanding he was 1 stroke ahead in the handicap. The magnitude of the loss was such that Savill paid the maximum fine for the first time without question.
As always we sought to establish our strength in the middle order with our normal 1 Tony Park playing at three and accompanied by Ben Frampton in for the absent JD at four. Tony wearing a new club shirt (he has bulked up from small to medium – he says it will shrink slightly in the wash) had drawn the Russley captain Steve Garland and immediately put him to the sword with a great 6/5 victory. Ben as always was nagging away and after falling behind early scrambled back to even through the back nine playing another old Russley campaigner David Silk. In the only match that went to the 18th neither could wrestle an advantage and the game ended in a half, with Ben carding a highly respectable 83 off the stick.
Brian Tyro making a quest appearance by special request came in for Dave Morrison and was kept company by Marcus Annan. Playing immediately behind me I was closely informed of the progress of the match. Much to my chagrin the comments that come up the line were not positive in nature and almost from the start the Christchurch pair were behind the 8 ball. On their home track the Russley combination had too much local knowledge especially around the greens where Vern Guy effectively putted Marcus off the course for 3/2 victory. Brian Tyro (perhaps still thinking about the gum trees) could not match Neville Cleeve and went down 5/4.
At the bottom of the order I was being placed under some pressure by Savill in regards my win/loss ratio. The discussion had started on Saturday in the clubhouse and by tee off all of the Russley Team and I suspect all the people on the course were conversant with Savill’s view of the world – nothing like a bit of pressure!! Playing at 8 was Pater Davey a former team regular who had previously gone through the ’07 season unbeaten however Sunday was not his day and he fell 5/3 to a more consistent player after several times battling back into the match. After a flawless start I was 2 over after 6 and 2 up before a slight reversal of form saw me loss 7 & then 8 to go back to square as we finished the nine halving in 6’s. I reasserted myself winning 10 with a par and halving 11 with another par.
My opponent made birdie up 12 to go back to square and then I chopped it up that trick par 5 13th to go 1 down for the first time in the match. Clearly it was time to “back up the bus” and “regroup”. Notwithstanding a shocking drive that only just made the fairway I managed to scramble a win on 14 – back to square. A solid 5 iron on the 15th put me on the green just past pin high while my partner was short right, a solid 2 putt (never the easiest for me) put me one up playing the treacherous 16 after he couldn’t get up and down. Determining discretion was the better part of valour and forsaking the driver for 3 wood I smacked one up the right hand side safe from the white pegs. My opposition drilled a driver through the waste area close enough to o/b to warrant hitting a provisional. Closer inspection determined his first was out so playing his provisional ball he carved his next into the hedge again requiring a provisional. In a moment of clarity and course management (unusual factors for me in a round of golf) I hit 5 iron up the middle. By my calculation the Russley player hit the green for 7 and when my pitching wedge made the putting surface for 3 he conceded the hole. Two with two to play - at least I couldn’t lose but the spectre of 18 was looming large.
A slight slice off the tee up 17 saw me with a blocked shot to the green and I then duffed what was meant to be a low running shot under the intervening tree – at least I made it to the middle of the fairway and pitched on. Meanwhile my Russley player had gone AWOL cross country up 16 fairway and took 4 before he navigated his way back to the green. Trusting my putting stroke, down hill, left to right, with heart in mouth I put it close enough for a gimme 5 – a half on the hole after he sunk a 15 ft doubled breaking cross green putt – but more importantly a win on the match. Now some people at this stage would gloat but a chastened and muted Savill at the after match was reward enough no more will be said!
All in all we finished with a loss 5 ½ to 2 ½ and the end to a forgettable season. Unfortunately our away run of lack of form continues for another year but I am sure we will turn it around in 2010. Please watch this space as I work out when we will have the Metro wind up and lunch. In the interim good golfing!!
Monday, June 1, 2009
What's Happening Week of 1 June .........
Inevitably it seems the older you get the faster time flies!! It is almost impossible to believe we are in June already and that soon it will be Christmas!!
Next Saturday sees a Stableford Competition 3 Grades that doubles as the the Caltex Eagles fundraising for Junior Golf. Ken Fergus will be selling raffle tickets on the day so have your money ready as quite possibly you will not be allowed to tee off without proof of purchase.
As we approach the shortest day the "Mid Winter International" swings into force on Sunday week - the 14 June. This is a Teams Event based on country of origin for the Internationals and state/province/commonality of interest for the Kiwis. To participate as an International please contact Dave Robinson and as a Kiwi Paddy Helmore. Following a shotgun start a meal will follow in the Clubhouse. This is one of the highlights of the Club calendar and I urge you to join in if at all possible.
The next Mixed Match is scheduled for the 21 June and is the rescheduled AEG Rhodes Bowl. It would be great if we had another strong field so ring the day in your diary. As an early heads up please book out the evening of the 15 August as the Club brings you the Social Event of the Year - A Wine Tasting Experience - more information will follow but please note numbers will be limited so get in early when tickets become available.
In the interim good golfing..........
Next Saturday sees a Stableford Competition 3 Grades that doubles as the the Caltex Eagles fundraising for Junior Golf. Ken Fergus will be selling raffle tickets on the day so have your money ready as quite possibly you will not be allowed to tee off without proof of purchase.
As we approach the shortest day the "Mid Winter International" swings into force on Sunday week - the 14 June. This is a Teams Event based on country of origin for the Internationals and state/province/commonality of interest for the Kiwis. To participate as an International please contact Dave Robinson and as a Kiwi Paddy Helmore. Following a shotgun start a meal will follow in the Clubhouse. This is one of the highlights of the Club calendar and I urge you to join in if at all possible.
The next Mixed Match is scheduled for the 21 June and is the rescheduled AEG Rhodes Bowl. It would be great if we had another strong field so ring the day in your diary. As an early heads up please book out the evening of the 15 August as the Club brings you the Social Event of the Year - A Wine Tasting Experience - more information will follow but please note numbers will be limited so get in early when tickets become available.
In the interim good golfing..........
Mixed Ambrose..........
The prospects for golf on Queen's Birthday Monday at no stage looked good but on Sunday taking courage in both hands I told Amanda to take the beef out of the freezer and we would proceed. I then spent a worrying night listening to the precipitation falling on the roof however Sunday arrived dry at least but with a biting cold.
Notwithstanding this a full field of 42 intended players turned out for a Team Ambrose sponsored by the Christchurch Casino, the Shirley Links Golf Shop (Ant Doyle & John Sanders), Club on 45 (Amanda & Andrew Vincent) and the Christchurch Golf Club. The format of 2 driving and the other two putting rotating through the round was universally found to be an exciting and acceptable Ambrose variation.
Although late to the tee, and losing items along the way (sandwiches, gloves and card) Dave Robinson led his team of Grahame Buist, Sue Townsend, and Stephanie Beth to a well deserved victory showing a continued run of good form and the benefit of playing off 9. In second place again showing good form was the team of Dennis Maguire, Olwyn Rae, and Paddy & Jane Helmore who held off Barry & Robyn Fletcher and Tony & Annette McKeogh in third. Following close behind in fourth was Stru & Terri Cain with Brent & Imelda Musgrave. All who braved the conditions received a prize including me who played in a two with Janine Haselden (a very enjoyable experience!!).
For the first time dinner was served at tables around the fire in the bar area which created a wonderful cosy atmosphere for the post match discussions. As befitted a cold day Roast Beef and roast vegetables with Yorkshire Pudding and gravy was on the menu and appreciated by all as was the Berry Crumble dessert with lashings of cream!! Notwithstanding the cold it was a great day and lovely early evening event.
Notwithstanding this a full field of 42 intended players turned out for a Team Ambrose sponsored by the Christchurch Casino, the Shirley Links Golf Shop (Ant Doyle & John Sanders), Club on 45 (Amanda & Andrew Vincent) and the Christchurch Golf Club. The format of 2 driving and the other two putting rotating through the round was universally found to be an exciting and acceptable Ambrose variation.
Although late to the tee, and losing items along the way (sandwiches, gloves and card) Dave Robinson led his team of Grahame Buist, Sue Townsend, and Stephanie Beth to a well deserved victory showing a continued run of good form and the benefit of playing off 9. In second place again showing good form was the team of Dennis Maguire, Olwyn Rae, and Paddy & Jane Helmore who held off Barry & Robyn Fletcher and Tony & Annette McKeogh in third. Following close behind in fourth was Stru & Terri Cain with Brent & Imelda Musgrave. All who braved the conditions received a prize including me who played in a two with Janine Haselden (a very enjoyable experience!!).
For the first time dinner was served at tables around the fire in the bar area which created a wonderful cosy atmosphere for the post match discussions. As befitted a cold day Roast Beef and roast vegetables with Yorkshire Pudding and gravy was on the menu and appreciated by all as was the Berry Crumble dessert with lashings of cream!! Notwithstanding the cold it was a great day and lovely early evening event.
Around The Course........
Mark Lawson, our Greens Superintendent, made his monthly report to the Board and there are a few points of interest. Following the visit of the arborist it has been decided to remove the three leaning Macrocarpa's on the right of the 8th fairway. The view is that they can not be effectively pruned and in the long term they will be unable to be saved. In due course that area will be replanted with fast growing replacements. In addition the Blue Gum on the left of 9 by the bunker will be removed together with the smaller Gum further along on the same side.
Mark has indicated that during the Winter months members can assist with the appearance of the course by repairing all pitch marks on the greens and observing the "traffic management plan" by respecting the no go zones as defined by the white lines and the roped off areas. I am sure all members do this without having too be asked!!
The new fairways continue to progress well but have been deliberately left long (16mm as opposed to 13mm) to provide the new grass with some extra protection. The new fairways may appear slightly wetter than the others and this is because they were more heavily watered in the Summer to encourage growth and cover and now have a higher moisture level. When established the grass will require lesser amounts of irrigation and will be trimmed down to 10mm to provide a better playing surface.
Please remember this is our course and the better we maintain it the better it is for us the members so - rake the bunkers, replace and sand divots and always repair your pitch mark and one other!!
Mark has indicated that during the Winter months members can assist with the appearance of the course by repairing all pitch marks on the greens and observing the "traffic management plan" by respecting the no go zones as defined by the white lines and the roped off areas. I am sure all members do this without having too be asked!!
The new fairways continue to progress well but have been deliberately left long (16mm as opposed to 13mm) to provide the new grass with some extra protection. The new fairways may appear slightly wetter than the others and this is because they were more heavily watered in the Summer to encourage growth and cover and now have a higher moisture level. When established the grass will require lesser amounts of irrigation and will be trimmed down to 10mm to provide a better playing surface.
Please remember this is our course and the better we maintain it the better it is for us the members so - rake the bunkers, replace and sand divots and always repair your pitch mark and one other!!
Odd Spots........
We now know that winter has officially arrived as Patrice McLeod-Holman departed these shores for Canada on Sunday. While she did not play golf on Saturday she did pop down for a wine and to say farewell. We wish her all the best for her trip and look forward to seeing her and Marty either later this year or early in 2010.
Questions are being asked!! Due to the Doctors Dentists Golf Day on Wednesday the Men's Committee meeting was moved upstairs to the White Parsons Room where a fire was burning merrily. Clearly discernibly on the conflagration were two exceptionally large pine cones that burned with special brightness. Amanda is now seeking Alan Scott to ascertain why her ornamental cones carefully put to one side have now disappeared into a pile of ash. I suspect we will not be allowed back into the room for some time!!
Thanks to Dermot Martin who returned to me one of my lost golf balls from down 9 during the Easter Masters unfortunately having survived Saturday it went missing down the left of 12 towards 4 on Sunday. Anyone at anytime finding a ball marked with a smiley face please return to me as it hasn't been abandoned just temporarily misplaced (I can confirm there are a few out there)!!
With Patrice now resident back in Canada our overseas readership list continues to grow currently in receipt of this missive are Steve Ellis (somewhere in Italy) David Page (in parts of the UK unknown) and Michael Ronan in Brisbane. Please let me know if you are travelling overseas and feel free to make a contribution from afar especially if like Richard Peate you will be playing a number of golf courses (in Scotland). Another to head for warmer climes is Sue Townsend who leaves for the UK on Wednesday to visit her mother and will be away for a couple of months. We wish her all the best and look forward to her return.
Thanks to Dermot Martin who returned to me one of my lost golf balls from down 9 during the Easter Masters unfortunately having survived Saturday it went missing down the left of 12 towards 4 on Sunday. Anyone at anytime finding a ball marked with a smiley face please return to me as it hasn't been abandoned just temporarily misplaced (I can confirm there are a few out there)!!
Racing This Time..........
The Christchurch Golf Club appears over the years to have developed a close relationship with Harness Racing through shared membership and the Harness Jewels raced at Ashburton on Saturday highlighted this involvement. Absent from golf were Ian Dobson and Grant Adamson who had both ventured south to watch their respective entries.
In Race 2 2yo Ruby Mobile, Grant Adamson's Jinja Gal was successful but at $17.30 & $3.60 I am not sure Grant had shared out too much information to his fellow members. In the following race the 3yo Diamond Mobile Ian Dobson's horse Joyfuljoy was the winner again paying a healthy dividend of $13.80 & $2.60.
Anyone simply following the club members on Saturday would have been guaranteed a good return, although I do understand in one race Ian Dobson did have three entries. Well done Dobbie and Grant we trust you both had a good collect!!
In Race 2 2yo Ruby Mobile, Grant Adamson's Jinja Gal was successful but at $17.30 & $3.60 I am not sure Grant had shared out too much information to his fellow members. In the following race the 3yo Diamond Mobile Ian Dobson's horse Joyfuljoy was the winner again paying a healthy dividend of $13.80 & $2.60.
Anyone simply following the club members on Saturday would have been guaranteed a good return, although I do understand in one race Ian Dobson did have three entries. Well done Dobbie and Grant we trust you both had a good collect!!
Congratulations.....
It was wonderful to see that club member Brigit Blair received the MNZM in the Queen's Birthday Honours List for services to business. Brigit is the founder and CEO of Linden Leaves and with her husband David is a strong supporter and sponsor of our club. In particular they provide the weekly gift pack prize for closest to 2 on 2. Clearly this honour is recognition for the sterling work undertaken by Brigit particularly in the area of export trade and as such it is very well deserved. On behalf of the Club and its members I extend to Brigit our congratulations.
The Week That Was ..........
Against all predictions Saturday dawned dry and clear if somewhat chilly. In an effort to move play along not only did we have a Starter and a Course Marshall but also a Spotter down one. I think it fair to say that the morning field moved reasonably well but we suffered from "creep" in the afternoon which resulted in slower rounds than envisaged. Please note there will continue to be initiatives, efforts and pressure to increase the speed of play.
Following cancellation of Match of the Day from the previous Saturday we rescheduled a Stableford Shootout round instead of the advertised Canadian Foursome. Generally speaking the golf and scoring was of a high standard - Tony Park won the Senior grade with 41 points from Ray Vivian 40 & Wayne Tucker 37. Brian Nixey was successful in the Intermediates with 37 points on countback from Brian Adams. In the Juniors Peter Law returned to form with a stunning 41 points amongst other highlights to be in front of Peter Guthery 36 from Stu Kemp 35 on c/b from Dermot Martin.
Two's were worth $13.25 and there were 17 winners. Peter Law struck the 2x2's jackpot worth $275 and collected another $35 for closest to the pin on 3, Mark Lawson secured the $35 on 11. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was Geoff Saunders and Vaughan McMillan snared the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize on 18. In a week where jackpots fell the nett eagles draw saw 9th come out with 3 winners, Peter Guthery, Phil Loughnan & Dennis Maguire sharing the $235.
The final day for the rescheduled Top Dog round saw a number of teams out competing on the course. David Blair playing with the in form David Robinson scored a good win over Tony McKeogh & Grahame Buist while Jeff Sanders & John Parlane saw off the McBryde father and son combination. Also moving forward in the draw are the Maguire/Bond team, Andrew Fergus & Rob Campbell, and the Kotzikas brothers. Inspite of trying to enter match of the day(he had 37 points) in a Godby match Alan Scott was successful over Bryan Andrews.
The Top Dog is now at an interesting stage and there look to be a number of interesting clashes in the next match ups. With the Godby and Denniston still underway there a number of matchplay events current so keep abreast of the results by checking the Men's locker room notice board.
Following cancellation of Match of the Day from the previous Saturday we rescheduled a Stableford Shootout round instead of the advertised Canadian Foursome. Generally speaking the golf and scoring was of a high standard - Tony Park won the Senior grade with 41 points from Ray Vivian 40 & Wayne Tucker 37. Brian Nixey was successful in the Intermediates with 37 points on countback from Brian Adams. In the Juniors Peter Law returned to form with a stunning 41 points amongst other highlights to be in front of Peter Guthery 36 from Stu Kemp 35 on c/b from Dermot Martin.
Two's were worth $13.25 and there were 17 winners. Peter Law struck the 2x2's jackpot worth $275 and collected another $35 for closest to the pin on 3, Mark Lawson secured the $35 on 11. Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was Geoff Saunders and Vaughan McMillan snared the Benjarong Thai Cuisine prize on 18. In a week where jackpots fell the nett eagles draw saw 9th come out with 3 winners, Peter Guthery, Phil Loughnan & Dennis Maguire sharing the $235.
The final day for the rescheduled Top Dog round saw a number of teams out competing on the course. David Blair playing with the in form David Robinson scored a good win over Tony McKeogh & Grahame Buist while Jeff Sanders & John Parlane saw off the McBryde father and son combination. Also moving forward in the draw are the Maguire/Bond team, Andrew Fergus & Rob Campbell, and the Kotzikas brothers. Inspite of trying to enter match of the day(he had 37 points) in a Godby match Alan Scott was successful over Bryan Andrews.
The Top Dog is now at an interesting stage and there look to be a number of interesting clashes in the next match ups. With the Godby and Denniston still underway there a number of matchplay events current so keep abreast of the results by checking the Men's locker room notice board.
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