The Waihi Golf Club Nine Hole Section has been a successful tournament, but weather has impacted heavily on the weekend golf, says Waihi Golf Club member Rodger Bagshaw in this week's golfing report.

NINE HOLE INVITATIONAL TOURNAMENT:

The Nine Hole Section held their Invitational tournament on Tuesday in great autumn conditions.

A field of sixty players, with 42 visitors from 8 other clubs joined the Waihi members for a stableford competition.

In division one ladies, Mandy Piper (Walton) was first with 20 points, with Jacquie Crossfield (Omokoroa) next on 17. Carol Fleet (Fairview), and Margaret Meldrum both had 16 points. In ladies division two, Tracy Millar (Paeroa) had the top score of the day with 25 points, ahead of June O'Brien (Walton) with 23. Judith Dee (Waihi) had 22, and Gale Albert (Walton) 19.

In the Men's division, Rex Smith won with 17 points, followed by John Vautier, and John Twemlow with both on 16. Peter Bartlett (Fairview) was next with 15.

MONDAY VETS:

In sunny conditions, but with a chilly wind, fifty one starters played the first of two qualifying rounds for the Vets Match Play Championship.

The current top qualifier and carrying on her good form from last week, was Edna Connolly with a fine 67, but was closely followed by Bev Ireland with 68.

They were followed by Helen Baynes, and John Giffney, both on 71, then Norn Sanderson, and Di Lewis with 72. Susan Mustard, John Purkis, and Kaylene Croker all had 73.

WEDNESDAY LADIES:

The ladies enjoyed a crisp start to their nett haggle this week, and it was very pleasing to see Life Member Avon Gordon come in at the head of the field with a nett 70.

Avon has had a enforced layoff due amongst other things some major surgery, so it's great to see she is back in full flight.

Next was Carol Leary with 72, then Di Lockwood on 73. All on 74 were Di lewis, Rosalind Giffney, and Kay Marshall. The 'Dreamers Player of the Week” was Avon Gordon with her nett 70.

THURSDAY MEN:

A cracker of a frost delayed the morning haggle start. In division 1, Jim Powell, and Rhys Peden both had 37 points, while Teddy Murray and Alan Kurtovich were next with 36.

In division 2, Des Johns continued to finally show some form with 37 points along with Paul Morgan, and then Davis Ashton on 36, and Rodger Bagshaw 35.

In the afternoon haggle there was also a tie at the top with Logan Phillips, and Wilson McGillivray both having 40 points. They were followed by Mark Bryant (39), Craig Sandlant (38), Chris Hale (37), and Dave Campbell (36).

The period of fine weather ended with a very wet and cold weekend, which impacted heavily on the Saturday men's fields, and caused the cancellation of the annual Men versus Women challenge on Sunday.

Only 8 players battled the elements in the morning haggle, and Jock Stronach finished three shots ahead of Allen Sarjant. It must have been due to the Scottish type weather!

In the afternoon the weather appeared to be clearing a little and 14 players braved the conditions, with Mark Tomsett with 37 points, finishing well clear of Murray Gutry, and Terry Gerbich, both on 33. Frank Van Hattum, Peter Jones (Whitford Park), and Chris Hale all had 30 points.

Rodger Bagshaw, June 18, 2023