Apparently we are having a Health & Safety inspection of our premises on Thursday - I immediately offered to go sick but the Regional Manager said "NO" I definitely had to tidy my office. Given I now reside in an over sized broom closet I am firmly of the view that the floor is usable space and so is every square inch of the desk, so the next few days of my life will be spent in the throes of removing or minimising hazards, filing and tidying without even the hope of a visitation on Ashburton!
On the golfing front Saturday sees the playing of the 13th round of the shootout in a Stableford three grades competition. Time is running out so you better get those good scores in now or run the risk of missing out. Thankfully the course is providing every opportunity for success so go and do your bit.
The Silver Fox Memorial Trophy in memory of Richard Mercer will be played this Sunday, if you wish to participate put your name down at the pro shop or speak with Bryan Graham. A number of the competitions continue to move on so make sure the Campbell Cup round has been played and you are up to date in the Page Trophy for mixed couples.
Just as a memory jogger Sunday is Fathers Day, that apart, it now seems relatively quiet so enjoy the week as we officially move into Spring (watch that grass grow)!!
I will see you at Shirley if not before!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Editorial Rant...........
Every now and again I think a bit of controversy and lateral thinking is healthy in fostering a dynamic and forward thinking mindset. So after nearly 9 months I may be brave enough every now and then to throw something out there and gauge the reaction. So here goes........
Is it time that we finally faced up to the fact that we need to be able to use two starting holes as a regular feature and moved from the traditional layout to the Alternate Course permanently? As I pen this heresy I hear departed members turning in their graves and the older membership checking for the next AGM but let's have a constructive debate around the issue. The opening proposition I say is "When we have finished the fairway renovations lets re-launch Shirley Links with two separate nines".
I know the arguments against of which there are four - It's a longer walk (well we are partly doing it for the exercise so what's the problem and you can always use a cart), the nines are unbalanced in terms of difficulty(let's rate the holes 1 to 18 irrespective of where they fall on the card), you have to cross the road twice (we do need to consider the traffic implications and look at creating walkways and safer crossing sites), and there are health and safety issues in moving from greens to tees (this is within our control so why don't we have a look at it and see where we can improve it's only on a few holes after all).
To maximise the use of the course, provide a more attractive option for new members, and "cash in" on the movement to 9 hole golf in my mind the answer is a foregone conclusion but what do you the members think I am interested to hear?? Please note these are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Board and/or its committees.
Is it time that we finally faced up to the fact that we need to be able to use two starting holes as a regular feature and moved from the traditional layout to the Alternate Course permanently? As I pen this heresy I hear departed members turning in their graves and the older membership checking for the next AGM but let's have a constructive debate around the issue. The opening proposition I say is "When we have finished the fairway renovations lets re-launch Shirley Links with two separate nines".
I know the arguments against of which there are four - It's a longer walk (well we are partly doing it for the exercise so what's the problem and you can always use a cart), the nines are unbalanced in terms of difficulty(let's rate the holes 1 to 18 irrespective of where they fall on the card), you have to cross the road twice (we do need to consider the traffic implications and look at creating walkways and safer crossing sites), and there are health and safety issues in moving from greens to tees (this is within our control so why don't we have a look at it and see where we can improve it's only on a few holes after all).
To maximise the use of the course, provide a more attractive option for new members, and "cash in" on the movement to 9 hole golf in my mind the answer is a foregone conclusion but what do you the members think I am interested to hear?? Please note these are my personal views and do not necessarily reflect the view of the Board and/or its committees.
Inter Club Results.................
This week Blank Cup took time off but next Sunday is a big day for them at Avondale when they play Windsor and Harewood. Win these two matches and they will be in the playoffs!! Good luck to Rod O'Brien and the team - watch out for those trees!!
Our Simon Team was away at Harewood New for the latest round and while they could not score another win once again they were highly competitive. Manager Rod Hayes led from the front with two wins and a number of matches went the full 18 with hard earned halves. While we accept this is very much a 'building' year we wish the team all the best for their final round at Templeton where they play Waimairi and Windsor.
With two wins last week the Woodward team put themselves back in the hunt but continued success at Windsor was required to ensure playoff contention. In the morning round played in blustery conditions there was a ding dong battle with other title aspirants Templeton. Wins at the top of the order to Tom Turner and Peter McDougall (at the 18th) combined with Nathan Gilbert at 6 and a half from Liam Cumberpatch saw us home 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 in a match that perhaps we should have won by more.
In the afternoon we faced off against the early competition leaders Coringa but it seemed as though we had nothing left in the tank and tumbled to a 5/1 loss - well done Nathan Gilbert in preventing a white wash. The weekend was definitely a learning experience for not just the younger members of the team and one on which they will be required to draw in the last round.
A trip northwards to Kaiapoi is scheduled for Sunday and the reality is that two wins are required to advance further. The morning game is against Waimairi who have inconsistent form while the final and perhaps vital match is in the afternoon against Russley. Currently we sit tied for fourth but behind Templeton on matches won so our fate may not be entirely in our own hands especially as Templeton have a slightly easier run home.
Many thanks to all the Club members who caddied for or supported the team on Sunday the team was most appreciative but we really do need another huge turn out on Sunday to get the boys home and into the finals!
Our Simon Team was away at Harewood New for the latest round and while they could not score another win once again they were highly competitive. Manager Rod Hayes led from the front with two wins and a number of matches went the full 18 with hard earned halves. While we accept this is very much a 'building' year we wish the team all the best for their final round at Templeton where they play Waimairi and Windsor.
With two wins last week the Woodward team put themselves back in the hunt but continued success at Windsor was required to ensure playoff contention. In the morning round played in blustery conditions there was a ding dong battle with other title aspirants Templeton. Wins at the top of the order to Tom Turner and Peter McDougall (at the 18th) combined with Nathan Gilbert at 6 and a half from Liam Cumberpatch saw us home 3 1/2 to 2 1/2 in a match that perhaps we should have won by more.
In the afternoon we faced off against the early competition leaders Coringa but it seemed as though we had nothing left in the tank and tumbled to a 5/1 loss - well done Nathan Gilbert in preventing a white wash. The weekend was definitely a learning experience for not just the younger members of the team and one on which they will be required to draw in the last round.
A trip northwards to Kaiapoi is scheduled for Sunday and the reality is that two wins are required to advance further. The morning game is against Waimairi who have inconsistent form while the final and perhaps vital match is in the afternoon against Russley. Currently we sit tied for fourth but behind Templeton on matches won so our fate may not be entirely in our own hands especially as Templeton have a slightly easier run home.
Many thanks to all the Club members who caddied for or supported the team on Sunday the team was most appreciative but we really do need another huge turn out on Sunday to get the boys home and into the finals!
ET Phone Home.............
The Blog sometimes has unusual requests - MJR &/or JLR (you know who you are & there is no need to be embarrassed) could you please phone home your Mother is worried!!
The first non related reader who is able to decipher from who & to whom this cryptic message is addressed may qualify for a glass of Sav Blanc with my compliments. Phone, text, and email replies accepted - judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into! Rod & Rose you are not eligible either!
The first non related reader who is able to decipher from who & to whom this cryptic message is addressed may qualify for a glass of Sav Blanc with my compliments. Phone, text, and email replies accepted - judges decision is final and no correspondence will be entered into! Rod & Rose you are not eligible either!
Four Flat Whites In Itlay.........
Through the auspice of the BNZ I was fortunate enough to attend the opening night of the Court Theatre's new production, Four Flat Whites in Italy written by Roger Hall. I thoroughly recommend this to any of you who are in the lucky position of being able to secure tickets (as at opening 82% of season had been sold!!!).
As always with Roger Hall be ready to have a laugh at your own expense as the nuances of New Zealand life are ruthlessly exposed for your hilarity. The story revolves around two couples on holiday together in Italy being the trip of a lifetime for one. For those of us who have shared holidays with friends this may be quite close to the bone, nevertheless, go and enjoy I did!!!
As always with Roger Hall be ready to have a laugh at your own expense as the nuances of New Zealand life are ruthlessly exposed for your hilarity. The story revolves around two couples on holiday together in Italy being the trip of a lifetime for one. For those of us who have shared holidays with friends this may be quite close to the bone, nevertheless, go and enjoy I did!!!
Shirwater Trophy..........
Given the closure of Shirley for the matchplay alternative golf was scheduled for the weekend. The Clearwater match was over subscribed but with reciprocal rights at other Clubs everyone who wanted to play got a game somewhere.
Probably the less said about the Clearwater match the better as we were clearly and unequivocally out played. Needless to say the Trophy now resides at Clearwater not Shirley. The scoring calculated on averaging the stableford of the top 75% of cards gave a victory margin of over 2 points indicating the superior scoring by the opposition. In our defence the conditions were harsh and entirely foreign to the Christchurch contingent!
There were some highlights Grant Adamson was the leading light with the best individual score of a highly creditable 43 points. Thereafter Christchurch names were few and far between but congratulations to Bruce Todd and Tracy Tatom making it onto the prize list but unfortunately not one of the Christchurch Women made it into the winners circle.
In grudge matches at the top of the order Ant Doyle and myself defeated Robin Clements and Ingrid Cadenhead largely through the good play of Ant who shot even par notwithstanding the prevailing gales. Brian Ronan and Bryan Andrews were seeking redemption following their February defeat but alas they were put to the sword once again by Marty Fuller and Phil Donnithorne. Needless to say bottles of red wine appeared on the table top at the expense of Brian & Bryan.
Despite our defeat I believe all enjoyed the challenge of Clearwater particularly with the course changes (a new bunker on 5 and lots more water on the front 9) and the subsequent comradeship of the Members Lounge. We will extract our revenge in 2010!
Probably the less said about the Clearwater match the better as we were clearly and unequivocally out played. Needless to say the Trophy now resides at Clearwater not Shirley. The scoring calculated on averaging the stableford of the top 75% of cards gave a victory margin of over 2 points indicating the superior scoring by the opposition. In our defence the conditions were harsh and entirely foreign to the Christchurch contingent!
There were some highlights Grant Adamson was the leading light with the best individual score of a highly creditable 43 points. Thereafter Christchurch names were few and far between but congratulations to Bruce Todd and Tracy Tatom making it onto the prize list but unfortunately not one of the Christchurch Women made it into the winners circle.
In grudge matches at the top of the order Ant Doyle and myself defeated Robin Clements and Ingrid Cadenhead largely through the good play of Ant who shot even par notwithstanding the prevailing gales. Brian Ronan and Bryan Andrews were seeking redemption following their February defeat but alas they were put to the sword once again by Marty Fuller and Phil Donnithorne. Needless to say bottles of red wine appeared on the table top at the expense of Brian & Bryan.
Despite our defeat I believe all enjoyed the challenge of Clearwater particularly with the course changes (a new bunker on 5 and lots more water on the front 9) and the subsequent comradeship of the Members Lounge. We will extract our revenge in 2010!
Canterbury Womens Provincial Matchplay...........
On Friday morning a field of 60 lined up for 2 rounds of stroke play qualifying in the 2009 Matchplay Championship. Caddying for my mixed partner Kate Shier we were at the front of one half of the field, playing the alternate course and in threes, we completed the morning round in just under 3 hours 55 and the afternoon 18 in 3 hours 45 (we were having our first sav in the Clubhouse at 4.15). I understand that it may not have been as quick at the back of the field.
To win the Matchplay title you have to complete 6 rounds of golf so it is no easy ask particularly in the varied conditions encountered over the three days. The top section of 16 saw a number of competitive matches during the course of the knockouts but in the the semi finals Catherine Knight prevailed over Jessica Guenzerodt and Anita Harkerss was a 4/3 winner over Robyn Pullar.
In the afternoon match Catherine Knight proved too strong for Anita Harkerss in a game that went to the 18th but finished 2 up in her favour. In the second section of 16 two Christchurch members, Nicky Webb and Kate Shier, fought out the final with Nicky being the eventual winner 3/2. It was a great effort by Kate to progress so far through the field given the competition is played "off the stick" and her handicap is 10.
To win the Matchplay title you have to complete 6 rounds of golf so it is no easy ask particularly in the varied conditions encountered over the three days. The top section of 16 saw a number of competitive matches during the course of the knockouts but in the the semi finals Catherine Knight prevailed over Jessica Guenzerodt and Anita Harkerss was a 4/3 winner over Robyn Pullar.
In the afternoon match Catherine Knight proved too strong for Anita Harkerss in a game that went to the 18th but finished 2 up in her favour. In the second section of 16 two Christchurch members, Nicky Webb and Kate Shier, fought out the final with Nicky being the eventual winner 3/2. It was a great effort by Kate to progress so far through the field given the competition is played "off the stick" and her handicap is 10.
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