Alpine Classic has not been held for the past few years, although many members will have fond memories of the event which took place on several occasions a few years back.
Mike Gibbon, former club captain now resident in Hanmer Springs, has managed to obtain the facilities of the Hanmer Springs Golf Club for the event to be held this year on the weekend of 3 - 5 April.
The weekend has been selected to avoid as little clash as possible with events at the Club, school holidays etc. Unfortunately, the Sunday is the final day of the President's grade competition. It was not possible to obtain a weekend that was completely clean.
The format for the weekend is a 36 hole stableford competition along the following lines:
Friday pm - own arrangements, practice round at Hanmer or other selected venue.
Friday evening - welcoming drinks at Hanmer Springs Golf Club house followed by bbq meal and drinks/bar facilities (meal included in entry)
Saturday from 9am - 18 hole stableford
Saturday pm - own arrangements
Saturday evening - drinks and dinner at Hanmer Springs Golf Club (dinner included in entry)
Sunday from 9am - 18 hole stableford
Sunday pm - lunch and prizegiving
Entry forms will be available as soon as Mike has confirmed the catering costs. It is hoped that as many people as possible can find the time for this event. It is outside the school holiday period, so that there should be no problem obtaining suitable accommodation in Hanmer Springs. Entry forms will be circulated, and anyone interested should contact John Dickson, John Parlane or Ben Frampton to confirm entry arrangements.
Monday, February 23, 2009
Email Communication & All That............
Obviously if you read my blog I probably have your e-mail address but does the Christchurch Golf Club??
We are seeking to extend our data base so it would be great if you could confirm by e-mail to the club the address at which you would like all electronic messages sent. If in addition you know someone who would be interested in this blog either send their email address to me or my link on to them.
Electronic communication is environmentally friendly and CHEAP!!
We are seeking to extend our data base so it would be great if you could confirm by e-mail to the club the address at which you would like all electronic messages sent. If in addition you know someone who would be interested in this blog either send their email address to me or my link on to them.
Electronic communication is environmentally friendly and CHEAP!!
My Phone..............
As a by-product of the heavy rain in Dunedin over the weekend my phone (which was in my golf bag) got absolutely drenched. Unsurprisingly it now does not go and can not be fixed. A replacement is on order but who knows when it will arrive. In the interim I can be reached on a work number of (03) 9647827 and I promise to clear the message system. Sorry for being largely incommunicado but that's life as we know it.
What's Happening Week of 23 February......
Apologies for the delay in blogging but a trip to Dunedin and a corporate golf day on Monday has seen me behind times!
Yesterday I had the benefit of playing in the AMI Stadium Members Golf Day as a representative of the club. This proved to be an excellent opportunity to showcase our course to a wide cross section of dedicated sports followers. The hosts VBase ensured it was a day to be remembered and a couple of our representatives won splendid prizes. Events such as these reinforce the standard of our club as compared to others in the Christchurch area.
On Wednesday I will be attending the AGM of Canterbury Golf on your behalf. There may (or not) be more on that next week.
Saturday sees the first round of the Godby Trophy - matchplay on handicap with a draw having been published and competitors notified in writing. If you are in doubt please check. For the others a pairs stableford competition is in place. In addition the first round of the Club Championship qualifying is set down for the 7 March so get your entry in now. Note there are 2 rounds for qualifying and then 2 weekends of matchplay so please check your availability.
Sunday sees a return of the Metro and Presidents competition- Metro away, President's at home. Sunday is also the next Mixed Match the Centennial Icebucket. This is an Irish Stableford Competition where a draw is held to make the two pairings for the round. This is a great format so roll on up. Unfortunately I have Metro followed by Pony Club so I won't be there perhaps this may increase the turn out!!?
In the interim good golfing!!!
Yesterday I had the benefit of playing in the AMI Stadium Members Golf Day as a representative of the club. This proved to be an excellent opportunity to showcase our course to a wide cross section of dedicated sports followers. The hosts VBase ensured it was a day to be remembered and a couple of our representatives won splendid prizes. Events such as these reinforce the standard of our club as compared to others in the Christchurch area.
On Wednesday I will be attending the AGM of Canterbury Golf on your behalf. There may (or not) be more on that next week.
Saturday sees the first round of the Godby Trophy - matchplay on handicap with a draw having been published and competitors notified in writing. If you are in doubt please check. For the others a pairs stableford competition is in place. In addition the first round of the Club Championship qualifying is set down for the 7 March so get your entry in now. Note there are 2 rounds for qualifying and then 2 weekends of matchplay so please check your availability.
Sunday sees a return of the Metro and Presidents competition- Metro away, President's at home. Sunday is also the next Mixed Match the Centennial Icebucket. This is an Irish Stableford Competition where a draw is held to make the two pairings for the round. This is a great format so roll on up. Unfortunately I have Metro followed by Pony Club so I won't be there perhaps this may increase the turn out!!?
In the interim good golfing!!!
Course Closure......
Being in Dunedin for the weekend I have no first hand knowledge of the weather or course closure on Saturday morning but I am more than happy to discuss the position with you and the decision making process bearing in mind as always hindsight is a wonderful tool.
Following the heavy rain on Friday and the cancellation of corporate event together with persistent overnight and continuing rain at 6.30am the greens staff were unable to mow 4 greens which were effectively unplayable at that time. Given this situation and a forecast of ongoing rain throughout the day the decision was made to close the course (I understand that it continued to rain at Shirley until nearly 11.00am).
When the weather patterns altered during the morning and the rain stopped allowing the greens to drain the decision was made to open the course from midday. While not perfect this did allow members to get in some golf on Saturday. As always we will review our procedures to ensure that the best possible decision is made with what information is at hand. I hope this has clarified the position for you but as I say I am happy to talk further about it.
Following the heavy rain on Friday and the cancellation of corporate event together with persistent overnight and continuing rain at 6.30am the greens staff were unable to mow 4 greens which were effectively unplayable at that time. Given this situation and a forecast of ongoing rain throughout the day the decision was made to close the course (I understand that it continued to rain at Shirley until nearly 11.00am).
When the weather patterns altered during the morning and the rain stopped allowing the greens to drain the decision was made to open the course from midday. While not perfect this did allow members to get in some golf on Saturday. As always we will review our procedures to ensure that the best possible decision is made with what information is at hand. I hope this has clarified the position for you but as I say I am happy to talk further about it.
Otago Here We Come......
At 9.05 on Friday morning I questioned the wisdom of travelling to Dunedin for the annual Otago Golf Club match given the uninspiring weather forecasts that had been promulgated. Notwithstanding my pessimistic outlook the convoy assembled and headed South.
Our advance party of Alan Scott, Joe Mullins, and Grant Osborn flew in on the 7.00am flight and immediately headed for Balmac. Their early report was encouraging - on the 4th tee and no rain while for us the windscreen wipers were working overtime. Occasionally there appeared to be a lightening towards the south but inevitably the rains continued. The advance group finished the round in a light drizzle. In a reversal of previous form it appeared that those on the road partook in their first alcoholic beverage (at Fleurs) before the after match drinks!!
The closer we edged to Dunedin the worse became the weather. A halt was called at Waikouatiti in order to watch Miss Moet race at Motukarara. A strong second placing lifted the travellers spirits despite payment of a relatively small dividend. We reached town just after 5.00 and any chance of a late afternoon round disintegrated as the precipitation continued to fall.
We booked into the Law Courts and adjourned to the bar to welcome each new arrival prior to heading to Little India for dinner. Sukhi Gill was delayed in Wellington by the weather and was lucky to arrive just as we finished the entrees at 8.30. Meanwhile the rain continued unabated.....
I wish I could say Saturday dawned clear and fine but I can't. After breakfast I donned wet weather gear and trudged uptown in search of real coffee in the hope that the dismal scene would improve - it didn't. By 11.00 we assembled in the bar for the transfer to Balmac. Whatever the state of the weather we received a warm welcome from the Otago team but tinged with scepticism about the wisdom of playing golf - it was after all still raining heavily and the course had been closed. The specular view from the club rooms only showed a grey bleak outlook as the Low appeared to have centred directly above the clubhouse.
The four team captains met and decided that after a late lunch a course inspection would be undertaken by Ken Fergus and Danny Gin to ascertain if and when we could tee off. Soon they disappeared off in a cloud of water that almost engulfed their cart. They returned very wet somewhat later to announce that golf would commence at 2.30 with 3 holes declared unplayable 1 , 17 & 18. The senior foursomes match for the Hanmer Shield would proceed. Unexpectedly the Friendly teams also evinced a desire to battle the elements (it was still raining - hard) in a fourball format.
The Friendly match was immediately hampered by the fact Barry Fletcher was unable to take a cart onto the course for health and safety reasons so his match with Sam Kerr was declared null & void. Martin Toon then agreed to play Ian MacPherson in a singles match so as not to waste the afternoon - as a precursor Ian stipulated that if he was to get drenched the match must count towards the Shield.
As always the Friendly match was keenly contested. Scottie and I battled the elements for the 15 holes to finally secure a half with me having to make a 3 foot put on the last - the ball aquaplaned in and almost floated out. Having missed a similar putt on the previous hole for a win it was with some relief we posted the half. Sukhi Gill and Grant Osborn were unlucky to lose one down having come from behind to reach square with only 3 holes to play. Meanwhile Joe Mullins and Barry O'Neill confirmed they play better in the dry losing 6/5 on a day when nothing went their way!
Grant Mitchell (who hadn't played in the rain since last century - in anticipation he had on Thursday bought new wet weather gear) and Stuart Kemp secured a vital win at the top of the order to keep us in the match. The fate of the Christchurch team now rested with the two greyhounds who had zoomed around the course at the head of the field. When eventually tracked down in the clubhouse drying out Martin was able to confirm a 3/1 win. We were now tied 2 1/2 each going into the singles on Sunday - and the rain continued to fall.
The senior team were not quite so lucky Ken Fergus and Karl Kitchingham secured a 4 up win and Bruce Cooper & Kerry Haycock won 3 up to give us some hope but the golfing gods were against Christchurch as JB & Bong lost 6 down as did Rod O'Brien & Dave Robinson - tall stories were told of the difficulty of the climatic conditions but the outcome was a 5 hole win to Otago and the Hanmer Shield changed hands.
We returned to the hotel to dry our drenched clothing and gear in anticipation of more golf on the morrow. First of course came the formal dinner which was as always a delightful event where much merriment and fun was had during the course of the evening despite the rain continuing to fall outside. It was a chastened bunch that assembled on Sunday morning to be told at 9.30am there was no chance of play (it was still raining) and golf together with the lunch was cancelled. At 10.00 we headed out the gates and back to Christchurch with the wipers working overtime. As holders we were deemed to have retained the Friendly Shield and the other Senior Trophy.
After a detour just past Oamaru because of flooding and when it finally stopped raining a light luncheon was had at Timaru and we arrived back home just in time to see Danny Lee play the last few holes and win the Johnnie Walker. It was sad to say but the rain did ruin what was otherwise a great weekend. All other matters are concealed under the blanket of "What happens on tour stays on Tour!".We look forward to welcoming Otago in 2010.
Our advance party of Alan Scott, Joe Mullins, and Grant Osborn flew in on the 7.00am flight and immediately headed for Balmac. Their early report was encouraging - on the 4th tee and no rain while for us the windscreen wipers were working overtime. Occasionally there appeared to be a lightening towards the south but inevitably the rains continued. The advance group finished the round in a light drizzle. In a reversal of previous form it appeared that those on the road partook in their first alcoholic beverage (at Fleurs) before the after match drinks!!
The closer we edged to Dunedin the worse became the weather. A halt was called at Waikouatiti in order to watch Miss Moet race at Motukarara. A strong second placing lifted the travellers spirits despite payment of a relatively small dividend. We reached town just after 5.00 and any chance of a late afternoon round disintegrated as the precipitation continued to fall.
We booked into the Law Courts and adjourned to the bar to welcome each new arrival prior to heading to Little India for dinner. Sukhi Gill was delayed in Wellington by the weather and was lucky to arrive just as we finished the entrees at 8.30. Meanwhile the rain continued unabated.....
I wish I could say Saturday dawned clear and fine but I can't. After breakfast I donned wet weather gear and trudged uptown in search of real coffee in the hope that the dismal scene would improve - it didn't. By 11.00 we assembled in the bar for the transfer to Balmac. Whatever the state of the weather we received a warm welcome from the Otago team but tinged with scepticism about the wisdom of playing golf - it was after all still raining heavily and the course had been closed. The specular view from the club rooms only showed a grey bleak outlook as the Low appeared to have centred directly above the clubhouse.
The four team captains met and decided that after a late lunch a course inspection would be undertaken by Ken Fergus and Danny Gin to ascertain if and when we could tee off. Soon they disappeared off in a cloud of water that almost engulfed their cart. They returned very wet somewhat later to announce that golf would commence at 2.30 with 3 holes declared unplayable 1 , 17 & 18. The senior foursomes match for the Hanmer Shield would proceed. Unexpectedly the Friendly teams also evinced a desire to battle the elements (it was still raining - hard) in a fourball format.
The Friendly match was immediately hampered by the fact Barry Fletcher was unable to take a cart onto the course for health and safety reasons so his match with Sam Kerr was declared null & void. Martin Toon then agreed to play Ian MacPherson in a singles match so as not to waste the afternoon - as a precursor Ian stipulated that if he was to get drenched the match must count towards the Shield.
As always the Friendly match was keenly contested. Scottie and I battled the elements for the 15 holes to finally secure a half with me having to make a 3 foot put on the last - the ball aquaplaned in and almost floated out. Having missed a similar putt on the previous hole for a win it was with some relief we posted the half. Sukhi Gill and Grant Osborn were unlucky to lose one down having come from behind to reach square with only 3 holes to play. Meanwhile Joe Mullins and Barry O'Neill confirmed they play better in the dry losing 6/5 on a day when nothing went their way!
Grant Mitchell (who hadn't played in the rain since last century - in anticipation he had on Thursday bought new wet weather gear) and Stuart Kemp secured a vital win at the top of the order to keep us in the match. The fate of the Christchurch team now rested with the two greyhounds who had zoomed around the course at the head of the field. When eventually tracked down in the clubhouse drying out Martin was able to confirm a 3/1 win. We were now tied 2 1/2 each going into the singles on Sunday - and the rain continued to fall.
The senior team were not quite so lucky Ken Fergus and Karl Kitchingham secured a 4 up win and Bruce Cooper & Kerry Haycock won 3 up to give us some hope but the golfing gods were against Christchurch as JB & Bong lost 6 down as did Rod O'Brien & Dave Robinson - tall stories were told of the difficulty of the climatic conditions but the outcome was a 5 hole win to Otago and the Hanmer Shield changed hands.
We returned to the hotel to dry our drenched clothing and gear in anticipation of more golf on the morrow. First of course came the formal dinner which was as always a delightful event where much merriment and fun was had during the course of the evening despite the rain continuing to fall outside. It was a chastened bunch that assembled on Sunday morning to be told at 9.30am there was no chance of play (it was still raining) and golf together with the lunch was cancelled. At 10.00 we headed out the gates and back to Christchurch with the wipers working overtime. As holders we were deemed to have retained the Friendly Shield and the other Senior Trophy.
After a detour just past Oamaru because of flooding and when it finally stopped raining a light luncheon was had at Timaru and we arrived back home just in time to see Danny Lee play the last few holes and win the Johnnie Walker. It was sad to say but the rain did ruin what was otherwise a great weekend. All other matters are concealed under the blanket of "What happens on tour stays on Tour!".We look forward to welcoming Otago in 2010.
Fleurs Place .............
The downward trip to Dunedin was broken by a stop at Moeraki for lunch at Fleurs Place. While some of our number had dined there before it was my first visit to this eclectic eating place. With the rain continuing to fall the outside seating area was empty which was a disappointment as a pair of dolphins were frolicking in the bay in and around the moored boats.
Entering the "wooden shed" we were transported into a bustling metropolitan cafe scene albeit furnished by older style tables and chairs - no chrome in site/sight!! Notwithstanding it was 1.00pm on a Friday afternoon the cafe was full to overflowing. We were assured that a table for 5 would be available in about 20 minutes and in the interim we were made welcome at the bar where there was an interesting selection 0f beers local/imported , bottled/on tap as well as an extensive wine list. I chose a Central Otago Sav Blanc which had a fruitier taste than those I would normally consume but not altogether unpleasant.
Nearer to 30 minutes later we were seated and our orders taken - I was impressed by the palm held device that was used to record the order. Four of the group went for the Blue Cod which came with a choice of four sauces while I requested a mussel dish that comprised a herb cream and white wine sauce. I was confronted with an enormous bowl over flowing with mussels and accompanied by a finger bowl and several hand towels (all were used!!). The old fashioned cutlery and china also provided another talking point.
There was some doubt that that I would finish the repast but for me that was never a consideration. The bottom of the bowl contained a healthy serving of sauce which I unashamedly scoped up with a half shell. It was absolutely delicious!! Good reports were also received from the cod eaters and a later group of golfers indulged in the seafood chowder about which they raved. The second group were also fortunate in being seated upstairs by a window that gave a picture perfect aspect of the bay.
Overall I unreservedly recommend stopping and enjoying the experience of dining at Fleurs. The many good reviews and personal referalls I had were well justified. I intend to return as soon as I possibly can. While it may well be at the top end of the price range I can say it is worth both the expense and the travel.
Entering the "wooden shed" we were transported into a bustling metropolitan cafe scene albeit furnished by older style tables and chairs - no chrome in site/sight!! Notwithstanding it was 1.00pm on a Friday afternoon the cafe was full to overflowing. We were assured that a table for 5 would be available in about 20 minutes and in the interim we were made welcome at the bar where there was an interesting selection 0f beers local/imported , bottled/on tap as well as an extensive wine list. I chose a Central Otago Sav Blanc which had a fruitier taste than those I would normally consume but not altogether unpleasant.
Nearer to 30 minutes later we were seated and our orders taken - I was impressed by the palm held device that was used to record the order. Four of the group went for the Blue Cod which came with a choice of four sauces while I requested a mussel dish that comprised a herb cream and white wine sauce. I was confronted with an enormous bowl over flowing with mussels and accompanied by a finger bowl and several hand towels (all were used!!). The old fashioned cutlery and china also provided another talking point.
There was some doubt that that I would finish the repast but for me that was never a consideration. The bottom of the bowl contained a healthy serving of sauce which I unashamedly scoped up with a half shell. It was absolutely delicious!! Good reports were also received from the cod eaters and a later group of golfers indulged in the seafood chowder about which they raved. The second group were also fortunate in being seated upstairs by a window that gave a picture perfect aspect of the bay.
Overall I unreservedly recommend stopping and enjoying the experience of dining at Fleurs. The many good reviews and personal referalls I had were well justified. I intend to return as soon as I possibly can. While it may well be at the top end of the price range I can say it is worth both the expense and the travel.
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