I not sure if it was deliberate or accidental but mysteriously my visit to the West Coast somehow coincided with the new Ministers visit to the Christchurch Office ...Yeah Right!
I left on Monday afternoon with a reasonably full book of mediations scheduled over the next three days. However there are two matters no mediator can guarantee firstly that the parties will turn up and secondly just how long it will take when they do. Tuesday mornings mediation went down to the wire but settled just after one. I scoffed my half avocado for lunch and was ready to go at 1.30 for the next one. Unfortunately the Applicant arrived but the Respondent was no where to be seen. We delayed kick off for 45 minutes in the hope they may turn up but calls and waiting went unanswered - it was a washout!
Too make matters worse I was then advised that the Wednesday mediation had settled without my assistance and was off - there was now a large hole in my calandar. My final mediation was not scheduled until 10 on Thursday morning. Having updated dated my computer files I then participated in two of my other interests - finding the best coffee around and reading trashy novels!! Making for the second hand shop (where else do you buy trashy novels) I uncovered a previously unread Judith Krantz , an early John Francome and a Victoria Holt - all for $3. I then went in search of coffee.
For those who visit Greymouth I strongly recommend The Smelting House Cafe it uses Pomeroy's Coffee from Nelson and has in addition a good selection of muffins and scones. It is a place that was in the end probably keen to see the back of me as I seeemed to return for lunch , morning tea 11's and aternoon tea.
Wednesday morning dawned overcast with that persistent West Coast drizzle that just won't go away. More coffee and reading saw no improvement as the day wore on. By 2 I was suffering cabin fever so decided to take my courage in my hands and see if the outlook was any better in Hokitika. Just down the road the sky began to break and by the time I arrived at the Hokitka Golf Course I could put my jersey in the bag and not on. As the afternoon progressed the weather only improved until by the 18th I was bathed in sunshine.
For those of you who have not played at Hokitika it is a fine example of a New Zealand links golf course - barely 200m at its widest point you travel out for 6 holes play the 7th a par 3 across the bottom and then play 8 thru 14 coming back before playing the last four 2 out and 2 back on the eastern side of the course. Since being introduced to the course a couple of years ago I try to play it as often as possible albeit by myself.
I have been fortunate enough to play it when there have not been too many others around (and when it hasn't been blowing) which is a plus as in typical links fashion fairways cross over and greens and tees are in close proximity especially at the par 3 10th where I suspect you could hold a special AGM on most Saturdays. The sea although not visible is omnipresent with the constant sound of waves crashing into the shore. If you take a few moments and exit through the rear of the 10th tee you have a fine view north and south along the exposed coastline.
At the far end of the course the 7th tee on a clear day provides you with a wonderful view of the Southern Alps that is in itself worth the cost of the green fees. If you are super critical you could say the course does not dry out as a typical links - well we are on the West Coast after all - accordingly there is not a lot of run but given the relatively short nature of the course this is not a negative factor particularly as the rough is thick and penal. In the holes coming back the swales look almost regular which gives a half pipe effect but they are quite narrow so there is a premium on accuracy.
I highly recommend Hokitika as a course worth a special trip and it is a club that I would be happy to join if I lived outside of Christchurch. Refreshed in body and mind I completed Thursday mediation by 3.30 left the Coast by 4.00 and was back in Christchurch not too late ready for a weekend of ..............GOLF!
Friday, February 6, 2009
Sunday, February 1, 2009
What's Happening week of 2 Feb........
This week Christchurch sees the back of me for 4 days as I head to the West Coast for a round of mediations. Hopefully in the evening I will get a round (or 2) of golf at Hokitika which is one of the best kept secrets of New Zealand golf! (watch this space).
Over the next few weeks there is heavy programme of golf so you should be preparing yourself to partake as frequently as possible. Friday 6 February (Waitangi Day) sees the playing of the 2008 Randolph Cup - entry fee $5 for members with a shotgun start at 12.30. This event is sponsored by PGF so there will be an impressive prize table so get your names down to play.
Saturday sees us host Clearwater in another inter club match. Again we have a shotgun start with an entry fee of $25 to cover the prizes and give you a meal at the end of the round. There is a morning shotgun for members not wishing to participate. If you are still up for it there is the International on Sunday 8 February.
If you want to be part of the International please contact Dave Robinson if you were born overseas or to play for the New Zealand team please speak to Bryan Graham. Once again there is the opportunity to dine at the club following the event soooo... get involved.
Each year the top dog competition for the Ralph Beadel Memorial Salver is keenly contested and the entry sheet is now posted in the clubhouse please get your pairings in as soon as possible. For those who play mixed events the entry sheet for the Page Family Trophy is also posted in the clubhouse.
All in all there is a lot happening at Shirley so get to it and enjoy yourself. Great golfing till next time.
Over the next few weeks there is heavy programme of golf so you should be preparing yourself to partake as frequently as possible. Friday 6 February (Waitangi Day) sees the playing of the 2008 Randolph Cup - entry fee $5 for members with a shotgun start at 12.30. This event is sponsored by PGF so there will be an impressive prize table so get your names down to play.
Saturday sees us host Clearwater in another inter club match. Again we have a shotgun start with an entry fee of $25 to cover the prizes and give you a meal at the end of the round. There is a morning shotgun for members not wishing to participate. If you are still up for it there is the International on Sunday 8 February.
If you want to be part of the International please contact Dave Robinson if you were born overseas or to play for the New Zealand team please speak to Bryan Graham. Once again there is the opportunity to dine at the club following the event soooo... get involved.
Each year the top dog competition for the Ralph Beadel Memorial Salver is keenly contested and the entry sheet is now posted in the clubhouse please get your pairings in as soon as possible. For those who play mixed events the entry sheet for the Page Family Trophy is also posted in the clubhouse.
All in all there is a lot happening at Shirley so get to it and enjoy yourself. Great golfing till next time.
Stunning Opening to Metro Season..........
Sunday morning in spite of dire weather forecasting to the contrary dawned bright and clear and promised only to get better once the cloud cover diminished. The President’s team departed the first tee on time and by 9.15am we were all present and ready to do battle with Avondale.
Contrary to normal practice within the Metro grade Avondale had tried to fool us by playing a number of younger players but the older wiser and sage members of the Christchurch Team were not to be so easily put off. Savill was relieved to see an opponent of almost equal age but confided to our number 3 Ben Frampton that 3 was the hardest position in the line up and inevitably they were younger fitter stronger and longer than you – at least on initial view this seemed to be the situation.
My continuing slide down the handicap index for the first time meant I was off in the leading group. A review of the handicaps indicated that we may be behind at the top but we had an advantage as we moved down the order. So it was with some anticipation that we teed up to hit off. Almost simultaneously the temperature started to rise into a hot clingy muggy heat. At no.8 Cran and I got off to a flying start but things were on a more even keel by the time we crossed the road. Both matches followed an up and down / left to right course and it was with some relief we made the 10th for refreshments kindly provided Julie O’Neill. Both Cran & I were engaged in stern battles and I knew the outcome could be critical to deciding the overall result.
There are no easy games in Metro I birdied 3, the two Avondale players birdied 7 and Cran birdied 11 so we all had 2’s on our card. By playing out of his skin Cran was managing to maintain a slender 1up advantage. Eventually Cran won on the 17th 2/1 having shot 84 (including an 8 on 4 – net 67) his opponent had a net 66 and was possibly one of the best 18 handicappers I have ever seen! (Cran was absolutely trenched in sweat with his shirt dripping wet). My match continued to ebb and flow but on 14 I once again got back to square and managed to hold off the heat and a fast finishing opponent for a half. Inevitably I had my problems on 18 with my drive barely making the ladies tee but I scrambled a 5 having to putt a 2 footer at the end for the half.
John Dickson made a slow start but buoyed by his success on Saturday showed no mercy in quickly despatching his opposite number 5/4 indicating a return to his true form and collecting an 82 which according to him “Could have been better had I had any luck at all!!”. Joe Mullins started slowly but was making a solid recovery when he was subjected to what can only be described as a dubious rules call by the Avondale player – quite honestly I have never heard of anything like it in Metro. It was to Joe’s credit he took it on the chin and simply walked to the next tee. Aroused Joe immediately lifted his game and by 16 was in front and in remorseless fashion he finished the match at 17 winning 2/1.
One of the critical match ups was at 3 & 4 where we hoped Ben & Steve Savill could give us some much needed points. Ben playing a younger and lower handicapped player was all business as he carted an 80 and moved to a 3/2 victory. Age and course knowledge clearly giving Ben the edge! Steve Savill also put in an impressive effort winning 4/3 with an 82 despite his age and the heat (the cart may well have been a critical advantage? - but I’m not sure about the shorts). In the difficult No.1 position Tony Park had warmed up on Saturday with one of his best rounds ever unfortunately he couldn’t carry that form into Sunday as the young Avondale player carted a 73 to win 5/4. Making his Metro debut at No.2 Rod O’Brien was facing another “young gun” who boomed the ball out past his not insignificant drives causing some concerns to the grouping in front. However around the greens Rod was able to press home an advantage for a 3/1 win with a 77 (including a double on 18). Again it was a close match showing the standard of golf especially at the top of the order is competitive within Metro.
All in all a 6½ to a 1½ victory and a great start to the campaign. Unfortunately such fine play may have a disastrous effect on the slope indices making selection in a fortnight more difficult! Our next match is again at home on the 15 February against Waimairi – more info will follow.
Cheers & in the interim good golfing…….
Contrary to normal practice within the Metro grade Avondale had tried to fool us by playing a number of younger players but the older wiser and sage members of the Christchurch Team were not to be so easily put off. Savill was relieved to see an opponent of almost equal age but confided to our number 3 Ben Frampton that 3 was the hardest position in the line up and inevitably they were younger fitter stronger and longer than you – at least on initial view this seemed to be the situation.
My continuing slide down the handicap index for the first time meant I was off in the leading group. A review of the handicaps indicated that we may be behind at the top but we had an advantage as we moved down the order. So it was with some anticipation that we teed up to hit off. Almost simultaneously the temperature started to rise into a hot clingy muggy heat. At no.8 Cran and I got off to a flying start but things were on a more even keel by the time we crossed the road. Both matches followed an up and down / left to right course and it was with some relief we made the 10th for refreshments kindly provided Julie O’Neill. Both Cran & I were engaged in stern battles and I knew the outcome could be critical to deciding the overall result.
There are no easy games in Metro I birdied 3, the two Avondale players birdied 7 and Cran birdied 11 so we all had 2’s on our card. By playing out of his skin Cran was managing to maintain a slender 1up advantage. Eventually Cran won on the 17th 2/1 having shot 84 (including an 8 on 4 – net 67) his opponent had a net 66 and was possibly one of the best 18 handicappers I have ever seen! (Cran was absolutely trenched in sweat with his shirt dripping wet). My match continued to ebb and flow but on 14 I once again got back to square and managed to hold off the heat and a fast finishing opponent for a half. Inevitably I had my problems on 18 with my drive barely making the ladies tee but I scrambled a 5 having to putt a 2 footer at the end for the half.
John Dickson made a slow start but buoyed by his success on Saturday showed no mercy in quickly despatching his opposite number 5/4 indicating a return to his true form and collecting an 82 which according to him “Could have been better had I had any luck at all!!”. Joe Mullins started slowly but was making a solid recovery when he was subjected to what can only be described as a dubious rules call by the Avondale player – quite honestly I have never heard of anything like it in Metro. It was to Joe’s credit he took it on the chin and simply walked to the next tee. Aroused Joe immediately lifted his game and by 16 was in front and in remorseless fashion he finished the match at 17 winning 2/1.
One of the critical match ups was at 3 & 4 where we hoped Ben & Steve Savill could give us some much needed points. Ben playing a younger and lower handicapped player was all business as he carted an 80 and moved to a 3/2 victory. Age and course knowledge clearly giving Ben the edge! Steve Savill also put in an impressive effort winning 4/3 with an 82 despite his age and the heat (the cart may well have been a critical advantage? - but I’m not sure about the shorts). In the difficult No.1 position Tony Park had warmed up on Saturday with one of his best rounds ever unfortunately he couldn’t carry that form into Sunday as the young Avondale player carted a 73 to win 5/4. Making his Metro debut at No.2 Rod O’Brien was facing another “young gun” who boomed the ball out past his not insignificant drives causing some concerns to the grouping in front. However around the greens Rod was able to press home an advantage for a 3/1 win with a 77 (including a double on 18). Again it was a close match showing the standard of golf especially at the top of the order is competitive within Metro.
All in all a 6½ to a 1½ victory and a great start to the campaign. Unfortunately such fine play may have a disastrous effect on the slope indices making selection in a fortnight more difficult! Our next match is again at home on the 15 February against Waimairi – more info will follow.
Cheers & in the interim good golfing…….
Successful Opening Day
Saturday saw the commencement of the the Men's competitive season for the '09 year. There was a very full morning field and while the temperature soared the wind stayed away giving them arguably the best of the conditions.
Having arrived for the 8.00am tee-off to see off the field I spent a pleasant morning under the shade of the umbrella behind the 18th green reading the paper, drinking coffee and watching the players come through - to me it seemed the best place to be. It was clear from the start the competition for the best teams net score would be competitive as there were 3 net eagles in the first 6 groups through 18.
The afternoon field was blessed by a cooling Nor'easter which lowered the temperature markedly but perspiration was clearly prevalent although not to the extent of the morning players. The afternoon field was bolstered was some Clearwater members and the afternoon Ladies. The day was sponsored by Lion Breweries who were represented by Alan Stroud and Scott McKenzie and we thank them for their support and contribution to the day.
The winning team score was a net 54 from the morning group of Toon Pearse Borrie & Davey (returning after a year away from golf) in second place was another morning team of Page Burt Watson & Todd on c/b from in third place the afternoon players of Nixey Love Osborn & Garthwaite. A special thanks to Richard Pearse and Graeme Watson & Bruce Todd who made the effort to return for the presentation it was appreciated by the sponsor and the club.
Given the condition of the course , the weather and the field it is clear we have put the troubles of 2008 behind us and we have a great season looking forward. In interim good golfing.....
Having arrived for the 8.00am tee-off to see off the field I spent a pleasant morning under the shade of the umbrella behind the 18th green reading the paper, drinking coffee and watching the players come through - to me it seemed the best place to be. It was clear from the start the competition for the best teams net score would be competitive as there were 3 net eagles in the first 6 groups through 18.
The afternoon field was blessed by a cooling Nor'easter which lowered the temperature markedly but perspiration was clearly prevalent although not to the extent of the morning players. The afternoon field was bolstered was some Clearwater members and the afternoon Ladies. The day was sponsored by Lion Breweries who were represented by Alan Stroud and Scott McKenzie and we thank them for their support and contribution to the day.
The winning team score was a net 54 from the morning group of Toon Pearse Borrie & Davey (returning after a year away from golf) in second place was another morning team of Page Burt Watson & Todd on c/b from in third place the afternoon players of Nixey Love Osborn & Garthwaite. A special thanks to Richard Pearse and Graeme Watson & Bruce Todd who made the effort to return for the presentation it was appreciated by the sponsor and the club.
Given the condition of the course , the weather and the field it is clear we have put the troubles of 2008 behind us and we have a great season looking forward. In interim good golfing.....
Presidents win.............
A very successful day on Sunday - A WIN !!!!! Congratulations to the team - great effort - & a big thank you to Paul Needs - who could not play because of injury but kept us informed of the ebbs & flows of the various matches.
I will keep my report brief as the Metropolitan Team had a stunning victory - & Simon's report is awaited with anticipation.
Very strong wins from David Isaac 3/2 ( who has eyes on the now vacant No1 spot ( more to come here)- well coached & controlled by Barry Fletcher )), Barry Fletcher 4/3 - (who turned around a disastrous Saturday game - golf is a very strange game), Richard Pearse 4/2 ( who maintained his winning form from Saturday ( Team score of net 54 - well done Richard)); Brian Tyro 3/2 ( who always seemed to have the upper hand); Ray Vivian 2/1 ( shooting a 38 - actually it may have been a 37 on the 2nd nine - & needed it - to overcome a very good chipper - this may well be Ray's sole game for the team - he will be below the 10.0 cut-off & was hitting the ball magnificently - thanks Ray). A well taken half by Tony McKeogh - against a very good putter. Shaun Xiong lost a close encounter 1 down against a very seasoned opponent - Mike Davies & yours truly after winning the first 2 holes went down to preserve his 100% record this year, 3/1 to player who had a 100 on Saturday and an 82 on Sunday.
Next game is on Sunday 15 February another home game - same tee off time of 8:30am - I will announce the team at the end of the week.
Dennis Doherty
(Guest Commentator)
I will keep my report brief as the Metropolitan Team had a stunning victory - & Simon's report is awaited with anticipation.
Very strong wins from David Isaac 3/2 ( who has eyes on the now vacant No1 spot ( more to come here)- well coached & controlled by Barry Fletcher )), Barry Fletcher 4/3 - (who turned around a disastrous Saturday game - golf is a very strange game), Richard Pearse 4/2 ( who maintained his winning form from Saturday ( Team score of net 54 - well done Richard)); Brian Tyro 3/2 ( who always seemed to have the upper hand); Ray Vivian 2/1 ( shooting a 38 - actually it may have been a 37 on the 2nd nine - & needed it - to overcome a very good chipper - this may well be Ray's sole game for the team - he will be below the 10.0 cut-off & was hitting the ball magnificently - thanks Ray). A well taken half by Tony McKeogh - against a very good putter. Shaun Xiong lost a close encounter 1 down against a very seasoned opponent - Mike Davies & yours truly after winning the first 2 holes went down to preserve his 100% record this year, 3/1 to player who had a 100 on Saturday and an 82 on Sunday.
Next game is on Sunday 15 February another home game - same tee off time of 8:30am - I will announce the team at the end of the week.
Dennis Doherty
(Guest Commentator)
Christchurch beaten at Waitikiri
On Friday afternoon a team comprised of past and present Committee and Board members fronted at Waitikiri for an annual get together match. Unfortunately for the Christchurch team the best thing was the lunch and the after match drinks as they were soundly beaten on a total stableford calculation.
It would be fair to say neither team set the course alight but David Browne of the home team was the best individual scorer with 37 points closely followed by their Club Captain Colin Hight on 34 (who scored 23 points on the back nine). Top scorers for Christchurch were Bruce Taylor & Dennis Doherty both on 32 - 28 seemed a popular number for a lot of Christchurch team members with the low score being 27. Significant money seemed to flow from the Christchurch pairings to their Waitikirir counterparts.
The day was well organised by Ron McPhail and his team of helpers and Christchurch looks forward to hosting the event next year at Shirley and reversing the result.
It would be fair to say neither team set the course alight but David Browne of the home team was the best individual scorer with 37 points closely followed by their Club Captain Colin Hight on 34 (who scored 23 points on the back nine). Top scorers for Christchurch were Bruce Taylor & Dennis Doherty both on 32 - 28 seemed a popular number for a lot of Christchurch team members with the low score being 27. Significant money seemed to flow from the Christchurch pairings to their Waitikirir counterparts.
The day was well organised by Ron McPhail and his team of helpers and Christchurch looks forward to hosting the event next year at Shirley and reversing the result.
Issac & Annan .............lose
The formidable pairing of Issac & Annan took on their traditional rivals John (JD) Dickson & Stu Kemp in an opening day grudge match. As promise earlier this match was closely followed and we able to report that the smiling assassins were soundly flogged 5&4.
Marcus Annan was heard to comment to JD after 4 holes "JD you can't play this well" to which the reply came "I can and I am so get used to it!". Congratulations to JD & Stu on their win which was suitably celebrated in the clubhouse highlighted by Marcus winning the nett eagles which prompted the purchase on another bottle of red wine.
Marcus Annan was heard to comment to JD after 4 holes "JD you can't play this well" to which the reply came "I can and I am so get used to it!". Congratulations to JD & Stu on their win which was suitably celebrated in the clubhouse highlighted by Marcus winning the nett eagles which prompted the purchase on another bottle of red wine.
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