Captain's Corner
Club Report


Good morning golfers
 
What a hectic period the last couple of weeks has been. 
 
Big ups to the green staff and volunteers in transforming the course into an attractive playable condition.  The feedback from the Champion of Champions was very complimentary, all the more so because a number of golfers who had taken the time to get out for a game on Thursday had seen the army of volunteers who were busy adding value to all the effort from our staff.  Great effort.
 
We are heading up to our Annual General Meeting and hopefully we will get a good turnout of members.  We need committee members and we really need a competent treasurer.  This is a position for a 'professional' so I would appeal to any accountants who may be members to consider making themselves available for this position.
 
The AGM is to be held on Saturday 9 December 2023.  Papers are being sent out.
 
So, on to the report.
 
1. Thank you Isaac
 
As a rule I do not single out staff for special mention, but Isaac found himself on his own with a full club house at the conclusion of Champion of Champions.  To his credit he kept his demeanour and tended to the needs of our visitors with good grace and professionalism.  Fortunately Adrian Porter was in the clubhouse helping Steve Weir with the results and was able to step in and help Isaac (when he had time from his other efforts for Wellington Golf).  And to their credit, the crowd in the clubhouse were good natured after a fabulous day of golf.
 
Well done Isaac, you are a star.
 
2. Karori Eagles Foundation Halberg Day
 
It could be said that the weather was the winner but more than half the field completed the 18 holes of golf. 
 
Terry Bastion on behalf of the Eagles gave a brief history of the event and indicated that the Karori Eagles in their time had managed to contribute about $50K to the Halberg Trust.  This is a wonderful effort and they should be congratulated.
 
It's fair to say that the golf wasn't spectacular but those who finished (and those who didn't) enjoyed the ambience of the clubhouse afterwards.
 
Terry expressed the hope that for 2024 the weather might cooperate.
 
3. Champion of Champions
 
The Karori Golf Club was represented by David Farmer (Senior), Fergus McDougall (Intermediate) and Tim Kirby (Junior).  While I am not in posessions of all the results I do know that the Karori Team were only a couple of points away from the top teams (three tied for the top) which even though it was our home track was a mighty effort.
 
For Karori Golf Club the charge was lead by Fergus McDougall who won the overall Intermediate Division.  Well done Fergus.  You have had a great year and this will cap it off nicely for you.
 
4. Nine Hole Women's District Championships, 21 November
 
‘While Wellington city and airport was shrouded in mist and drizzle, with many flights disrupted; the motorway to the Royal Wellington Golf Course was dry.

It was a warm, still, and cloudy Spring day which made for enjoyable golf on a well prepared course. Women had travelled from as far as Masterton to play. This year it was particularly special for one of our 9 hole ladies- Jane Campbell. She shared the trophy for the best Net with Vivienne Smith from Shandon Golf club.  Paula Thomson from Paraparaumu Beach Golf Course won the  best gross trophy. Great Effort Jane!

Jane Campbell in the navy blue Karori uniform.
 
5. Blue Tee - Number 2
 
The Blue Tee on number 2 is closed at the moment while TK gets on with the job of returfing it.  Both the left hand (lower level) and right hand (upper level) are being renovated. 
 
Hopefully the tee will be available for Inter Club, but if not, it's worth the wait to get the job done properly. 
 
Keep an eye out as TK gets on with other improvements (such as spraying off the toadrush - evidence of toadrush dying off is evident in the practice green right now).
 
6. Inter Club -  We Need You!
 
Trial matches commence this Saturday 2 December (tee time 8.16am).
 
The likely contenders have been emailed but anyone who wishes to try out is welcome to come to the clubhouse by 7.45am and a match will be organised for them  Note, this season Divs 2,5,and 9 will play off the Blue Tees.  Div 12 (The Hillbillies) will be off the Whites.
 
Trial matches will be off both tees but for those seeking inclusion in the first three teams these matches will be off the Blues. 
 
Silverware is up for grabs in both the White and Blue divisions.
 
7. Miners Arms
 
This is a 4BBB Stableford competition played during the summer.
 
Keith will put a sheet up in the foyer for teams to be entered for the event.
 
Organise your own tee times but make sure that you have a 'marker' with you and that the 'scoring ball' is putted out.  No gimmes.
 
You play a round in December, January and February.  You must nominate the round before you play.
 
The team with the most accumulated stableford points after three rounds wins the Miners Arms.  In the event of a tie there is an 18 hole playoff at a time mutually agreed by the teams concerned.
 
8. Summer Eclectic
 
I've returned to the traditional eclectic to be played on any Wednesday, Saturday, Sunday or public holidays from December 2 2023 until the 28th of February 2024.  You may play as many rounds as you like through the summer. Please make sure that you have a marker with you.
 
Please enter your name on the sheet (which Keith will put up in the foyer) and your starting handicap.  At the conclusion of the season you deduct half your handicap to get your nett score.  Lowest nett wins.
 
9. Shootout - Sunday 3 December, Tee time 8am
 
There are 17 horses in the Shootout (two are injured) so if everyone turns up fifteen will compete in the shootout.
 
Captain Norks will be Sheriff for the day so an entertaining day is ensured.  He might even talk hiself in to the win.
 
I have asked that club tee times on Sunday start from the 10th hole to give the field time to clear the front nine.  Let's hope for good weather.
 
10. Winner of Top Dog 2023
 
The nine monthly medal winners played the Top Dog playoff for 2023. 
 
The winner was Gavin Lowe with nett 64 from Marcus Henry with a nett 68.  Good golf you two, commiserations to the other starters and congratulations to 'Top Dog' Gavin Lowe on an outstanding round of golf.
 
11. Winner of Top Cat (LGU Winners) for 2023
 
Congratulations to Denise Marten on winning the 2023 Top Cat. 
 
Good effort and good reward for a hard working committee member.
 
12. Sunday Club Day Consolidated Results for 2023
 
The winner of the Sunday Club Day (best ten scores over the season) is Ian Dumbleton on 381 points from Tim Richards on 379 and Gary Clarke 378.  Really close results at the top.
 
The best of the women was Gail Kirkland on 366 which placed her 7th overall.
 
This was the best subscribed competition in 2023 with 193 golfers competing over the year long season.
 
13. Tuesday Women's Day and Wednesday Competition
 
Our women have their day today.
 
Looks like the wind will be a little challenging, but fine none the less. 
 
Have a great day!
 
Wednesday Competition
 
You know the drill.  Be at the clubhouse by 10.15am for the disc draw ahead of the 10.30 Tee Time.
 
$5 pays competition fee and buys a raffle.
 
Everyone most welcome.
 
14. Thursday Twilight
 
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Coming to the end of the year but this lovely event continues on.  Come join the fun from the short tees on a Thursday evening and enjoy the gourmet barbecue dinner after the golf.  Prizes every week.
 
And that's it for this week.
The weather is getting better so head out and enjoy our beautiful surroundings.
I really enjoyed yesterday looking over the vista from the tops of our course and listening to the continual birdsong.  How lucky we are.
 
Mark Peck
Club Captain
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