Busy over long weekend
Auckland Anniversary weekend brought great fine warm weather which saw the Waihi golf course very busy right over the three days, with many visitors, as well as the club members’ playing their usual Saturday competitions.
Saturday Ladies held a net medal round, with Karen Roche carding a nett 67 to take first place, with Jenny Tubman one shot further back. Susan Mustard (70) and Robyn Kirby (71) were the best of the remaining field.
Saturday Men: A larger field for the morning haggle resulted in Terry Mischefski leading the senior division home with 40 points, on a countback from Sam Gurney. They were followed by Brian Robinson (38) and Peter Wright (37). In the Juniors Garry Towler won with 39 points, followed by Peter Hewitt, Des Johns and Bob Baunton all on 37.
A good field in the afternoon competition saw Zac Te Wake top the field with 41 points, Followed by Wayne Brierley (40), Jason Baldwin (39) and Mark Hope (37) they being the only players to better 36 points. Wednesday Ladies competition this week was a net round, and a good field enjoyed the cloudy but very warm, humid conditions. The winner was Linda Wixon with a very good 67 net. Runner-up was Rae Brown (69), with three Trudi Gatland, Jacquie Bain and Sarah Tomsett all on 70 next. New player Tamara Morris, playing in her very first competition round, came in seventh with a 73 net.
Veterans Pennants: The Veterans pennants competition got under way on February 2 with the first of six rounds being played at the Hauraki club course. Zone 3 takes in the six courses in the Thames Valley, and Waihi has increased their team numbers to three this season. In keeping with the Waihi theme they are called the Nuggets, the Quartz, and the Ingots. Last year the Nuggets not only won the zone final and went on to win the Waikato regional final, so there is some heated competition this year! Each team has six players, and the five best nett scores count each round.
The Hauraki course was very dry which gave plenty of run, although too much run often led in to trouble. The Nuggets carried on from last year and finished this first round in equal first with Hauraki 1, with the Quartz 7 shots behind, with the Ingots one shot further back. Still a long way to go with five rounds yet to be played. Outstanding Waihi scores were David Lockton (Ingots) with 64, and Kristine Gascoigne (Quartz) 69.
Thursday Men: The scoring was again good in the morning with Gary Dunlop heading the field with 43 points, followed by Norm Sanderson 40, Graham O’dwyer, David Croker and Pete Rowe with 38. In a field of 29 players there were five twos which shows the keen competition evident. In the afternoon the scoring was very good with Selwyn Heaton and Mike Rose both having 40 points. Gary Dunning continued his recent good form to register 39 as did Charles Gurr and Jonathon Clare. And the same as the morning field, five players scored twos, with Mark Hope having two on holes 6 and 15.
Reminder: The Waihi Club is having a Buddy Day on Wednesday, February 16, at 9am.
This is for anyone who would like to try and see what is involved in the game of golf, and for any former players who think they may wish to return to the sport. It is a friendly, relaxed event that is free of any charge or commitment. If you feel you would like to come, please phone the club on 863 8678.