Three-hole playoff drama on opening day

WHANGAROA. A new season officially got under way at the Whangaroa Golf Club on Sunday with life member Francis Hills teeing off the first ceremonial ball as part of the club’s opening day tradition.

Following that, 23 mixed pairs took to the course to play for the opening day trophies, the Hanning Cups.

Played on a best-four-ball stableford format, Whangaroa golfing commentator Dave Nicholas noted club vice president Darren ‘Brotty’ Brott and partner Francis Hills emerged as worthy winners after a three-hole play-off, with runners-up Tom Mills and Jackie Thompson.

“Both teams were locked on 46 stableford points after 18 holes of regular play,” said Nicholas, adding the winning pair eventually snuck home by one stableford point after the playoff.

“Brotty is delighted to get his name on this prestigious cup and will now not have to have one made, inscribed with his own name to sneak it into the trophy cabinet.”

Results from the opening day tournament were as follows. Hanning Cups: Darren Brott and Francis Hills 46 points, 1, Tom Mills and Jackie Thompson 46, 2, with Stephen and Mary Tansey, and Gary Foster and Patrina Maddren each finishing on 45 points to share equal third. Also, 2s for Carol Boyed, Carol Jerome, Tom Mills and Noel Taylor.

In other news, the club ladies held their opening day yesterday (Wednesday, February 28), results forthcoming.

HOUHORA. Results from the midweek 9-hole haggle at Houhora last Wednesday (February 21) saw Glenys Rogers placing first with 19 stableford points followed by runner up Ian Davies with 17 points on a countback from third-placed Warren Rogers. And results from the haggle last Sunday were, Ian Davies 38 points, 1, Ivor Bates 36, 2, with John McIntyre 35 and Frank Hurinui 34 finishing third and fourth respectively.

Also in action on the 25th was the club’s pennants team which played Northland 2 at Northland, eventually going down 31⁄2 points to 51⁄2. Elsewhere, the club extended a big thank you to all the sponsors of its ladies open [report featured in Tuesday edition].