Birchwood tournament successful
The Birchwood — one of Waihi Golf Club’s major annual tournaments — has been generously sponsored by Katikati’s Birchwood Packhouse for many years.
And along with other sponsors JC Golf Tauranga, Waihi Beach Wellness, Waihi Beach’s Owens’ Flooring and Strata Cafe´ all greatly adding to the popularity of the trophy table, Sunday’s event could not have been more enjoyable or successful.
The greens staff, as usual, went the extra mile to present the course in top condition, and even the weather turned on ideal conditions for golf as was evident in the good scores achieved by more than a few players.
Traditionally, the Saturday Ladies have been responsible for running this tournament, and their attention to detail ensured a flawless presentation, much to the enjoyment of the 106 players in mixed teams of four who came from Akarana, Titirangi, Tokoroa, Paeroa, Tauranga, Walton, Mount Maunganui, Raglan, Tairua, Stewart Alexander, Waihi and even Motueka.
The competition was stableford, with all scores in each team to count, with prizes presented by Birchwood representative Karen Roche. Winners: David Lockton, Vivienne Lilley, Jennifer and Mike Wilson with a staggering
168 points. Runners-up: Gay Bainbridge, John Drent, Avon Gordon, John Elliott 159; Pat and Keith Hay, Karen Lee, Rodger Bagshaw 157; Jan and Brian Robinson, Heather and Earle White 154; Diane and Kerry Lewis, Judy Borchard and John Purkis 152; Dot Ramsey, David Gear, Adele Gunning, Ken Purcell 152; Heather and Graham Walker, Jenny and Graham O’Dwyer 151; Kay and Richard Still, Sarah and Mark Tomsett
140; Helen and Brian Baynes, Susan and Charles Gurr 140; Nan and Bob Hoggard, Sharlene Stewart and Ross McFarland 140. Twos: Ken Purcell, Duncan Parker (Stewart Alexander), Karen Lee, Andy Roche, Rodger Bagshaw. Nearest the Pin — Women: Karen Lee, Men: Jason Baldwin. Longest Drive — Women: Pat Hay, Men: John Libby. Longest Putt — Women: Susan Gurr, Men: Ken Mustard. Sterling Tavern Trophy for Best Local Stableford winners: Vivienne Lilley and John Purkis.
Before prizegiving, club president Rodger Bagshaw thanked retiring club manager Gary Dunning, who has been responsible for the smooth and successful running of the club for more than eight years, and presented him with a gift as a token of appreciation from all club members.