Sunday, September 26, 2010

Thought For The Week.........

An earthquake theme - sort of:

What happens if you get scared half to death twice.

Sunday, September 19, 2010

What's Happening This Week................

This week is a bit of a mix and match for me as I have been deployed as a Department of Labour representative in the cross government agency Recovery Assistance Centres. I spent last Thursday at Central City and then Friday at New Brighton. Monday sees me at Kaiapoi and on Tuesday I move closer to home by being stationed at Linwood. On Wednesday I have a days special leave and I have been assured by Steve Ellis there will be a place for me in the Wednesday group.

In golfing terms matters now heat up until early December so I have a reasonably full calendar. This Saturday match of the day is a Pairs Aggregate Stableford for the PP Hall Trophy doubling as Round 14 of the Shirley Links Shootout. Our Simon team plays a catch up match against Waitikiri at Shirley so the Men's field closes at 12.24. Already the field is filling up so book in as soon as possible to avoid disappointment. I am the afternoon starter so make sure you get to the tee on time!!

On Sunday our Woodward Cup team journeys to Clearwater to play Templeton in the morning and Coringa in the afternoon. This is an important day in the context of the competition and two wins will put us in a position to press for qualification in one of the two top positions for finals day.

The following week we travel to Timaru for the Orbell Cup match and there are still a few vacancies especially for Women players. If you know of anyone interested please give me a call.

The second weekend in October sees Royal Wellington arrive for the Tuson match and then we are into such things as the Mainland Masters closely followed by the Shirley Open. At this stage we are planning to core the greens on the week of 8 November and the fairway project will begin on the week of 15 November. Just before then we have the final of the Shirley Links Shootout and the Norton Francis - don't blink or you will miss something!!!

In the interim good golfing and I will see you at Shirley if not before!

On Tour......................

This Friday a contingent of 8 under the direction and leadership of Dave Robinson heads to San Francisco to visit former club member Chris Woodward at the Claremont Golf Club. Two years ago Chris's group made a visit to Christchurch on their New Zealand odyssey and this is the reciprocal trip. We currently hold the Shirley Trophy and confidently expect it to return with the team.

The group plans to play Roddy Ranch on Saturday and then I am told there is the possibility of a mystery match on the Monday after Claremont on the Sunday. While different members of the party have separate agendas a number of them are then heading north of the boarder to Canada where they will catch up with Marty Holman and Patrice and play Royal Colwood and Victoria before heading back to Vancouver and some more golf at the weekend.

Effectively it is a hit and run affair with most of the team being back in New Zealand in nine days - Monday week!! To Dave, Rex, Tracey, Glenn, Grant, Keith, Bruce and Ahmad all the best have an awesome time and do not forget we expect a report for the blog/web site.

Odd Spots...................

A little over a week ago a group of members made the trek to Hanmer for the annual 54 hole tournament. Unfortunately no one made it to the podium but the weekend was not without incident!!

Paul "special" Needs had been allocated only one task - when he arrived - namely to turn on the hot water cylinder. Having located the switch he swears he turned it on but it appears he pushed it the wrong way as Rod O'Brien and the others found out the following morning when confronted with an exceptionally cold shower!!

At the same residence Grant Osborn was in charge of cooking Saturday morning breakfast which I understand was of top quality however the diners may have preferred the sausages and hash browns to be only the plate rather than left under the grill from whence they were rescued just before the smoke alarm kicked in in a distinctly blackened state.

The Shirley Open..............

We are fast approaching that time of the year when we host the Shirley Open over Labour weekend 22 - 25 October 2010. This is a showcase event for the Club and provides us with not only an opportunity publicise our course but also raise funds from the associated activities.

At this stage we are looking for support in three areas - firstly in the pro-am event which will be held on Thursday 21 October so if you wish to enter a team please speak with either myself or Struan.

As always the succes or otherwise of the tournement depends on the organisation which in turn is dependant upon the voluntary assistence that is provided by Club members. If you are available to help out over the weekend please drop me a line. The whole team is looking forward to the return of "Scoreboard Steve" hooked up and reporting from his post in the distant outside paddock!

Finally due to a last minute withdrawal we are seeking some "associate sponsors" with some very flexible packages available if you are interested please speak to either Struan, myself or Ken Fergus.

Islington Cup.............

Sunday saw a slightly smaller than normal mixed field line up for the Islington Cup - a teams best ball stroke event. This year we were very lucky to have the support of Little India Bistro and Tandoor as sponsors and we thank Sukhi Gill and Jose Pallippat for their contribution not only to the prize table but also in providing "A Taste of India" for the aftermatch meal (a Rojan Josh Lamb, a Butter Chicken and a Spiced Vegetarian served with basmati rice).

With a nett 55 the successful team was Tony & Annette McKeogh, Vaughan McMillan and Linda Sumner. In second place was the team of Richard & Rosemary McElrea and Peter & Kathryn Phelan on nett 59 - they completed the front 9 in a nett 24 but faded somewhat on the homeward 9. Bruce & Ruth Cooper accompanied by Shaun & Cher Xiong were third on nett 60 just one ahead of the Gillespies - Andrew & Robyn and the Richmonds - Chris & Helen on nett 61 (at the front of the field they finished in 3 hours 40!!)

The individual prizes fell as follows; two's were recorded by Linda Sumner and Dodge Healey - 3 balls each while Tony Park was closest to the pin for two for men and Terry Cain secured the women's prize being nearest for three.

The next Mixed event is the Hill Skinner Cup for Husbands and Wives a four-ball par on Sunday 31 October. Please note only one of the pairing need be a member of the Club so it is a chance for you to show your spouse Shirley at near its best if your partner plays somewhere else. In an inclusive spirit there will be a section for"other pairings".

The Week That Was.............

The good scoring of a week ago was mirrored in the second round of the War Memorial Cup on Saturday no doubt helped by the clement weather conditions. In fact I was joined by Simon Yorke and Mark Dunn in baring my legs to the spring sunshine, here's hoping for a long hot summer. And yes along with a number of others I used the nor'west to good advantage and drove over the creek on 17.

Once again the leading score came from the ranks of the Juniors with Michael Kirkland ($50) crafting a round of 64 to be 8 shots ahead of his nearest grade rival, Rob Aitken ($30) 72 on countback from Jin Ho Neoh($10) with Grant Mitchell and John Sinclair on the same score. Peter Sim ($50) was first in the seniors with a 70 closely followed by Chris Richmond ($30) on 71 by countback from Tony Park ($10).

Club stalwart Ian Dobson ($50) was the winning Intermediate on 71 on countback from Ross Campbell with a plethora of players on 72 Mark Sanders ($10), Vaughan McMillan, Cowan Leckie, and Brian Adams. The two's pool was $220 and was well distributed with 17 winners each collecting $12.95. Making his return debut to Shirley after a European sojourn was Ray Vivian who collected the jackpot for 2x2 only $70 this week.

Nearest the pins were worth $40 and picked up by Bryan Andrews (no.3) and Brian Tyro (no.11). Nearest the pin on 18 for two sponsored by Linden Leaves was captured by Bruce Taylor. In what was a good weekend for Mike Kirkland he was fortunate enough to have 18 drawn for nett eagles and was the only candidate taking away $140.

Mike's good luck continued as he was the winner of the War Memorial Cup with a nett score of 138 over the two rounds. The top eight scores qualify for the Borthwick Vase - matchplay on handicap, the cut off point was 144 on countback (even par - not too bad) participants will be notified.

President's Grade Round 1...............

Presidents finished the 09/10 season with a rush compiling a run of seven unbeaten games, hopes were high that this form would flow over into the 10/11 competition especially as the first round was at home against Everglades.

Unfortunately this was not to happen and the team suffered a severe early setback being on the wrong side of a 6/2 scoreline. Congratulations to Jin Ho Neoh and Jeff Gray who secured the only wins I am sure the Team will rally for its next match against Russley away on 3 October.

Thought For The Week............

Real golfers don't cry lining up their fourth putt!!! (Speaking from experience!!!)

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Two Weeks On...............

I have and still am procrastinating in the production of this blog on the basis I do not yet know how to express my perceptions and feelings to the events of 4 September in a coherent manner but recognising that to say nothing would be inappropriate.

"The quake" has affected Cantabrians in many differing ways and perhaps it is the indiscriminate and random nature of the consequences that have been hardest to comprehend. While most of us have emerged relatively unscathed the damage to property across the City has been both comprehensive and widespread; recovery and rebuilding will take time, healing of the spirit while well underway may take slightly longer.

Our thoughts go out to those who have not been so fortunate especially to Simon Robinson, who was badly injured, and to his family at this difficult time. Thankfully we are able to say there was no loss of life but I am reasonably sure this was due in a large part to good fortune - as they say of nearly all things "Timing is everything".

While most of us harboured concerns as to the stability of the Clubhouse and its chimneys at this stage no significant damage is evident but for safety reasons and as apreventative action one chimney will come down, in a similar vein the course appears untouched. Both facts give pause for thought given the destruction that took place in close proximity to our locale, just ask Peter Davey whose business premises were destroyed or those in the streets off New Brighton Road.

Notwithstanding the losses that have been suffered I am drawn to the inescapable conclusion we were and all are very very lucky!!

Wednesday, September 15, 2010

What's Happening This Week...........

On Saturday we tee it up for the second round of the War Memorial Cup so once again it is a stroke round. The top eight qualify for the Borthwick Vase matchplay on handicap. The clock in timing system seemed to work well last week notwithstanding the small field so we will be continuing the trial in the interim. The field looks very full so this should provide us with a better opportunity so ascertain its success or otherwise. I will be out marshalling in the morning before teeing off just after 11.00 (a chance to see how the middle of the field travels!!).


This Sunday sees the next in our schedule of Mixed events with the Islington Cup a Teams Best Ball Stroke Nett. The day is being sponsored by Little India Bistro & Tandoor who in addition to providing the prize table will be the caterers of the day with a Taste of India - the next in our series of different cuisines. The entry fee is the same great value as normal of $22.50. Entries are being taken at the pro shop so get your names down as soon as possible!!

No more stroke events for a while - promise!

Orbell Cup.......

Our Annual Mixed Match against Timaru is scheduled for Sunday 3 October, away at Levels. If you were not in the team last year and if I have not spoken to you already if and you are interested in playing please drop me an email as a matter of urgency. In the absence of a suitable response especially in respect of female participants expect phone calls!!

Saturday 11 September............

If there is one thing other than earthquake to get the nerves jangling it is a stroke round!! Saturday saw the first of 2 rounds for the War Memorial Cup and qualifying for the Borthwick Vase. Match of the day was stroke three grades.

The Juniors lead the way with Ian Matthews ($30) recording the low round of the day with 64 one ahead of David Blair ($20) on 65 with Clifford Chan on 70. Good rounds were also posted by Stewart Sinclair and Jim Glass with 70's. Scoring was just as competitive in the Intermediates where Brian Tyro ($30) was out in front with 68 closely followed by Richard Blunt ($20) on 69 by countback from Tony Millar, Steve Hicks, Ross Campbell, & Leon Thom. It was great to see Leon back on the course playing so well after his recent health problems.

Garry Forward ($30) headed the Seniors with 69 from Ken Fregus ($20) on 70 with Tony Park 71 and a host of players on 72 - Bruce Taylor, Henry Pearson, & Edward Henley. Wonderful to see good scores from two young players Henry & Edward.

The twos pool grew to $276 which is just as well given there were 24 winners each recouping just $11.50. The jackpot topped out at $500 and was split between Ken Fergus and a young Simon Cup player Sam van Hulten. A $70 jackpot carries forward for the nett eagles. Ending the week on a positive note Peter Davey put his second in the hole on 18 to collect the Linden Leaves prize.

Good luck in the coming week as stroke round 2 commences.

Wednesday Winner............

The winner of the August Wednesday compeition, Ross Campbell, submitted the following contribution.

If you've the time & space,you might include a big thank-you in your blog to Amanda & her team for our wonderful luncheon on Sunday 5 September.

I was joined by my Wed golfing buddy, Richard McIntosh and our wives for a quite memorable dining experience in the Sir Bob Charles Long Room. Richard & I played a leisurely 9 holes am to sharpen the appetite, and were joined by Sue & Madeline at the appointed hour. Bubbles to greet, a wonderful rich tomato soup & croutons to start, followed by herb-crusted rack of lamb, accompanied by a very good Waipara Pinot Noir.

Between the sunshine, good company,panoramic vista of golfers playing up the 18th, all thoughts of the earthquake were well and truly set aside by the time the chocalate roll & boysenberries arrived. Coffee to finish, then a reluctant exit back to reality.

Thank you Amanda & Andrew for your Wed sponsorship; we are very extremely fortunate to have caterers of your personal & professional calibre.

Fathers & Sons / Mothers & Daughters................

Since moving the date of this fixture to September, to coincide with Father's Day, there has been a growth of numbers participating and only a few withdrew on the day.

The competition was pairs best ball stableford. In the Mothers & Daughters Bowl section Janet Osborn and mother-in-law Jan retained their title with Janet collecting the longest drive and Jan nearest to the pin. In the Other Pairings group long time member Colin Caldwell playing with his son-in-law Gareth James were successful with 36 points narrowly heading off Michael Kerr partnered by his granddaughter Emilie Batt.

Considerable interest focused on the Father & Son competition and there was a wide spread of ages and abilities ensuring a very close competition would ensue. In the end a countback was required to separate the two top combinations with Andrew Sloane and son Alex being the eventual winners with 45 points the same number as Grant and Gerard Osborn as runners up. Close behind in third were Dodge and Danny Healy on 44 just ahead of Dean & Don Corry on 43.

George Sim won the longest drive for a Son with a shot that was only just short of green on 18 and making it a family affair, father Peter was closest to the pin for 2 on 18. The players were all greeted with a fish and chip dinner when they entered the Clubhouse which seemed the perfect way to end the day. We look forward to an expanded event in 2011 and are already considering ways in which to improve the event and make it more enjoyable.

Saturday 4 September

Given the course and clubhouse had suffered little or no damage it was decided that the Saturday competition would proceed albeit on a reduced scale. While there were understandably a number of withdrawals in the morning a fairly full field turned out in the afternoon.

The competition was reduced to Stableford one grade and Grant Osborn ($30) compiled a healthy 40 points to be the winner one point ahead of Stewart Sinclair ($15) on countback from Toby Giles ($10). Only two twos were recorded each worth $42.50 each, well done JB Sanders & Ross Campbell. The jackpot was not struck.

Nearest the pins were collected by Steve Ellis on 3 ($20) and Ross Campbell on 11 ($20). Nett eagles had climbed to $375 and Steve Ellis after insisting that as a visitor Jan Osborn drew the number he was rewarded when number 14 was picked out and he was the only winner - a shout did follow. Gerard Osborn was the recipient of the Linden Leaves sponsored prize on 18 being closest for two.

Monday, September 13, 2010

Inter Club Round Up............

Blank and Simon Cup matches were postponed due to the earthquake aftermath and will be rescheduled at a later time.

The second round of Woodward was a week later so on Sunday the competition descended on Shirley. In line with current policy as the home club we had a bye in the morning and then we were drawn against Kaiapoi for the afternoon round. Kaiapoi have been a consistent high performer since entering the competition in their own right three seasons ago and promised no easy match especially after falling to Russley 3.5 to 2.5 in the morning when realistically they could have squeaked out with a half.

Using home course advantage to its fullest the team emerged as a 4/2 victor. Nathan Gilbert returned to form with a vengeance posting a 7/6 win to get us on the board early. Brad Clark put the disappointments of Templeton behind him and secured a 5/3 success. Andrew Caldwell, a new, young, left handed member showed admirable patience and persistence to come from behind and win one up playing 8 as the last.

At the top of the order Tom Turner had moved to a three up lead but two birdies by the opposition on the par fives, 4 & 5, left him 1 up with three to play and the momentum threatening to change. Showing that he is at his best when scrambling Tom got up and down for par on the last three holes to ensure that there was no late Kaiapoi comeback. Well done to all of the team it was a good albeit much needed result.

The next round takes place at Clearwater and promises to pose its own challenges given the greens have just been cored!

Top Dog Finalists Found..................

Both semi finals turned out, as expected, to be close tussles. In the first semi Dennis Maguire & Glenn Keen prevailed over the Sanders brothers - John & Kim 1 up. A week later Shane Gloury & Struan Cain managed to head off the two Marks - Dunn & Fiebig by the same score.

So in the coming month there will be a clash of the titans and the odds look pretty even at this stage no doubt form and handicaps in the next few weeks will be closely scrutinised. I expect the sledging will be heavy and the side bet to involve more than one bottle of red!!

Thought For The Week................

Dance, Sing, Floss, and Travel!!!!!