The Wood Trowel..............

The Wood Trowel weekend is always a highlight in the club calendar and this year once again it did not disappoint. A tremendous amount of organisation goes into making this both an enjoyable and successful weekend, although thanked on the day we again extend our gratitude to the hard working team - Bryan Andrews as auctioneer, Ian Wagstaff as the scribe on the board, Struan Cain as the recorder and Dennis Maguire as the checker - your efforts were much appreciated.

After an outstanding qualifying score of 45 points Jeff Suddens was top qualifier and rearranged his Sunday to participate in the finals along with 32 others who were available and recorded 34 points (on countback) or better. Grant Mitchell shot a meritorious 43 points but was unavailable for the second day however Anthony Seeto who recorded the same score was in the field.

Two's were worth a staggering $31.25 each for the 8 winners and nearest the pins, of which I was one and Chris Brockett the other, received $50. Marty Holman was closest to the pin on 18 for 2 as sponsored by Linden Leaves. Neither the jackpot nor nett eagles was struck and carried forward. The dinner and evening was an outstanding success, in large part to the efforts of Amanda Andrew and their team, and the stage was well and truly set for the battle on the morrow.

An advantage of the Alternate course it that you receive an update after 9 holes and it was apparent as the groups moved through that the scores were of the highest calibre and it would take an exceptional effort to reach the head of the pack!! Joe Mullins had set the early pace with 23 on the front 9 with last year's second place getter Grant Adamson still in the hunt after putting together a tidy 20 points.

Joe played to his handicap coming home to finish with a score of 41 points but Grant pulled out all the stops and compiled a healthy 22 to emerge as a worthy winner with 42 points. Close behind came Peter Hollister on 39 with David Barley on 38, in many past years such scores would have guaranteed a win but alas it was not so in 2010.

For me as Club Captain it was encouraging to see so many of the members arriving at the Club as the afternoon progressed to watch the participants hole out and I believe it created a very special atmosphere and one that typifies the Christchurch Golf Club. Congratulations to all the winners you played well to the rest of us there is always next year!!