Fairways fast as dry spell stretches out
The summer period has proved to be an extremely busy one for the Waihi course with large numbers of visitors and holidaymakers enjoying it as well as good numbers of members battling some very hot conditions. Despite the heavy traffic the course has remained in great condition, although the long spell of dry weather has started to burn the fairways off, giving the ball plenty of run. The recent forecast cyclone didn’t come and it is back to December 14-15 since we had a decent amount of rain.
The longest day
For the majority of golfers to play one round of golf in the January heat can be exhausting, but to play FOUR full rounds in the one day seems impossible. On Friday 21st, two teams of four lead by Waihi members Deane Vipond and Liam de Andrad-alway commenced the Longest Day Golf Challenge at 6.30am to raise money for the Cancer Society. The two teams finally completed the 72nd hole in the evening twilight at 8pm with much deserved elation. This was a outstanding effort for a great cause.
Ladies’ Summer Cup
The Waihi Ladies’ summer cup, which was for the best four medal rounds over the 12 round summer period was completed last week.
The winner was Kathy Ashton with a total of 279 by one shot ahead of Karen Roche (whose scores included a fine nett 63), with Niria Gerbich in third.
Meat Pack tournament
The club’s 2022 season is now getting underway and on January 27 the monthly meat pack was held. Despite some rain earlier in the week which did little to alter the drought conditions to any great extent, and the course was in great condition. This tournament is held on the fourth Thursday of every month and is open to men, ladies and visitors. This popular tournament is kindly sponsored each month by Hume’s Katikati’s Kiwifruit Company. The January event attracted a good field of 66 players, which included visitors from 10 other clubs. The scoring overall was very strong, and the Gross winner was Nick Kirsopp (Mt Maunganui) with a fine one-under 71. The best Nett was a great 46 points played by Howard Anderson (Waihi) off a 10 handicap. The Stableford was won by Waihi’s Bob Hoggard with 44 points, an outstanding result as Bob played the round for a total of three shots under his age! In the senior division (+5 — 14) Gary Dunning (42), and Brian Baynes, Graeme Parkinson, and John Taylor all had 41 points, and in the Junior division (15 — 54) Graham O’dwyer and David
Campbell both had 42 points, followed by Mark Hope (Te Awamutu) on 40.
Upcoming
The club has a busy time coming into February with two major tournaments and the official opening of the 2022 season on February 14.
The annual Oji-sponsored 54 hole strokeplay tournament is being held on February 5-6. This popular event has been conducted by the Waihi club for the past 40 years. Due to the present Covid red light requirements the number of entrants has had to be reduced to keep under the limited numbers allowable.
The following weekend (12-13) is the Expol Pro-am, which already has a full field, but is running a waiting list to cover any withdrawals. On Wednesday, February 16 at 9am the club is holding its annual buddy day. It is an opportunity for anyone interested in playing golf, or thinking of returning to the game to come along. There is no charge, and equipment and balls will be available, and basic skills coaching provided. This is a fun chance to try out your own skills, so don’t be shy miss this friendly chance for both men and ladies.