Ideal conditions for Taihape golf

The Robertson Holden Xmas Cheer was contested in superb conditions.

A slight breeze and light cloud cover was complemented with receptive greens that had some pace although not lightning quick.

Despite recent grass growth the fairways and rough were excellent to play out of with enough cushioning to make it enjoyable to walk.

A field of 102 greeted the starter with visitors dominating all facets of the results including the novelty holes, twos and raffles.

Matt Thomas won the men’s gross on 73 from Mike Taiuru (Hawkestone) on 76.

Thomas’s round included only 1 birdie on the 15th and 14 pars.

In the women’s gross Lily Griffin (Manawatu¯ ) and Nicky Martin (Rangatira) both shot 85 just edging out Jenny Ritchie (Marton) on 86 with Griffin winning the half ham on the toss.

Long-time stalwart Denis McKenzie (Apiti) who won the net in 1987 presented the Snow Wind Cup to joint winners Barrie Randall (Taihape), Josh Clarke (Hawkestone) and Joe Stella (Hawkestone) all on 64 net.

However, the best score on the day came from Life Member Marian Cleaver with a phenomenal 47 points to easily blitz the ladies despite failing to score on the last hole.

Paul Early (Apiti) won the senior men with 41 points which included birdies on 2 and 18.