Gerbich the unstoppable
WAIHI GOLF REPORT
Women’s golf — 18 holes
After the odd shower or two disappeared on February 27 conditions were very pleasant for the Saturday players’ Opening Day nett competitions, the Merle Board Salver and Gerald Haszard Cup. For Niria Gerbich it was a day to remember, scoring eight under her handicap, and the outright winner of the Merle Board Trophy for the best nett score on Opening Day.
Nett results: Niria Gerbich 64; Nan Hoggard 70; Kathy Ashton, Susan Mustard 72; Phillipa Harvey 74; Bev Ireland 75; Michelle Libby 78; Martine Milicich 79. Twos: Michelle Libby on 13, Bev Ireland on 15.
The rain was hosing down on Wednesday, March 3, when about 20 women golfers turned up to play already dressed in their wet weather gear, and prepared to carry on in spite of the weather. As they stood gazing forlornly at the curtains of rain falling on the fairways and greens which were rapidly flooding, they watched three drenched, unrecognisable players heading back up the first fairway — sensibly leaving the idea of golf for another day. After much discussion, the greenkeeper declared the course temporarily closed, and most players headed home or spent time browsing in the pro shop.
Interclub Eight clubs were represented at Otumoetai on Friday, February 26, to play a
Bay of Plenty District Association Central Zone Committee Day. Representing Waihi were Captain Karen Lee, Avon Gordon, Kathy Ashton, Rae Wright, Edna Connolly, Jenny O’dwyer with Nine-hole players Mandy Piper and Julia Nicolson. Otumoetai were winners on the day with 223, Waihi 198, Tauranga 193, Omanu 191, Omokoroa 177, Te Puke 174, Mt Maunganui 173, Fairview 163.
Veterans’ golf
There was some confusion on March 1 with the sudden announcement of Covid-19 level 3 lockdown in Auckland from February 28 and the rest of the country to level 2, resulting in a smaller than usual field, restrictions on the golf course, and distance seating in the clubhouse. It was a nett medal competition, and, after a brief early shower, conditions were near perfect for golf, apart from a strange unpleasant allenveloping pong that was swirled around many fairways by a gentle breeze. Does anyone know what it was?
Nett results: Bruce Rutter, Peter Hewitt, Avon Gordon 71; Mavis Bruce 72; Nan Hoggard, Jenny Gallaugher, Wayne Gamble, Des Crene 74; Kaylene Croker, Peter Wright, Judy Saunders, Sam Gurney 75; Gerry Tompkins, Bev Ireland, Eddie Bruce, John Purkis, John Saunders, Jenny O’dwyer 76; Michael Bonnici, Adele Gunning, Geoff Lee 77; Edna Connolly, Bob Hoggard, Gyan
Prole; Gary Dunlop 79. Twos: Sam Gurney.
Pennants
Conditions were perfect for the Waikato District Veterans’ Association Zone 3 pennant meeting at Paeroa on Monday, March 1, the third in nine days. There was plenty of grass on the fairways, and just a gentle zephyr for most of the day. There was a switch around in placing on the leader-board: Waihi Nuggets, previously in third place after two rounds, jumped into the lead and knocked Waihi Quartz off their top perch into second, and forced Hauraki into third.
Results after three rounds: Waihi Nuggets 1094 (Peter Maria, John Giffney, Maurice Joyce, Allen Sarjant, Ken Purcell , Jock Stronach; Waihi Quartz 1105 (Francis Gascoigne, Susie Goodall, Mick Goodall, Michelle Libby, Rodger Bagshaw, Brian Robinson; Hauraki 1108; Tahuna One
1117; Tahuna Two 1123; Paeroa Lefties 1136; Te Aroha 1143; Paeroa Righties 1152; Thames Pub Charity 1155; Thames Shortland 1170.
The teams will have a welldeserved break until the next round at Thames on March 22.
Nine hole golf
The weather was kinder to the 22 nine-hole players on Tuesday, March 2, and the long-standing members are impressed with the new arrivals. Before long no doubt they will feature high on the prize list. Competitions were LGU, nett and putting.
Results Women Division 1: Lorraine Meyer 32; Laurel Alekna 35; Christine Mercer 36. Division 2: Margaret Hickey 31; Jill Morrison, Julia Nicolson, Jenni Mora 34. Men — Martha Nett: Norm Sanderson 33; Clyde Smith 35; Garth Pritchard 38. Putting — Women: Lorraine Meyer 14. Men: Norm Sanderson.