Strong bond to fore: interclub marks 50year relationship

THE St Clair Golf Club and Templeton Golf Club will this weekend celebrate a marriage which has lasted 50 years.

The clubs have staged an annual interclub match since 1968.

It is quite an achievement and the occasion will not go uncelebrated.

St Clair Golf Club president David Myers said festivities started last evening with a chipping competition and a meal.

Today has been set aside for individual match play followed by a formal dinner.

The guest of honour is former New Zealand distance runner Dick Tayler, who won gold in the 10,000m at the 1974 Commonwealth Games in Christchurch. He will be roasted by a racing personality for the enjoyment of about 100 guests.

The celebration ends with fourball match play tomorrow.

Templeton’s Roy Newman, who is in his 80s, has played in every interclub fixture and has made the journey south to play.

Jullian Sullivan (Templeton) also competed in the 1968 interclub fixture and had plan ned to attend this weekend. He lives in Australia these days and could not make the journey because of health problems.

Myers will be taking part in his 46th consecutive interclub match.

The inaugural interclub was organised by Bill Peterson (Templeton) and Graeme Skelton (St Clair).

Skelton will be attending the games and celebrations over the weekend but not playing.

Peter Stoddart, who was the professional at both St Clair and Templeton, will also be playing.

Many sportsmen have played for the Templeton team over the years, including former All Black Rex Orr and harness racing personality John Noble.

St Clair has had notable people play as well, including All Black Laurie Haig and New Zealand golfer Ron Johnston.