I enjoy getting feedback about this column even when its a bit challenging.

 

So while not naming the person, thank you for your comments about the history of the course and the efforts of the staff over many years to keep the course in good and playable condition. 

 

And also for exposing an error in my report about the 'plate' component of the club champs.  It has been a feature in the past but was discontinued from lack of interest.  Hopefully this year's efforts will serve to revive the event around the club champs.

 

The semi finals of the club champs produced some fine results in some very close matches.

 

The Seniors went with form with the winner of the Stroke Play Championship David Farmer defeating the clubs lowest handicap golfer David McNaughtan 1up.  Adrian Porter will be joining David Farmer in the final when his opponnent had to default to go to India for Cricket Coaching.  We wish Charlie Jackson well in all his sporting endeavours and we are certain that at his young age, and given his considerable talent, he will get his name on the honours board in the future.

 

Again in the Intermediate division form was the guide. 

 

The Strokeplay Champion Ngatau Hemopo prevailed against a fine opponent James Nimmo by a margin of 2/1 while Fergus McDougall (runner up in the strokeplay) beat the ageless Steve Witkowski in an even closer tussle 1up.  This has set up what looks to be a titanic struggle for this years intermediate championship.

 

Form once again was the story in the Junior A semi final with Strokeplay winner Ian Dumbleton prevailing over one of our newer members Neil Hoskin 2up with one to go.  Captain Norks (Kevin Norquay) however came out to serve up a warning to Ian Dumbleton by taking out a plucky Tim Kirby by 7 & 6.  Another worthy match where anyone could prevail on the day.

 

The Junior B Championship is a bit different.  Form was not the indicator with one or two golfers being victim to the inclement weather and tight schedules but at any rate the finalists have emerged.  Terry McAlister (who had to prevail over his new bride Marcosa (Ossie) Santos in his quarter final) defeated Phil Watts at the 19th hole to meet the toast of the Irish Ciaran O'Kelly who was taken to the 18th hole before he sealed his final place from Phil Hartley. 

 

In the plate finals Grant Pollard will meet Dominic Milicich in the Senior Plate; Treasurer Marcus Henry will play Eric McAuley in the Intermediates;  Matthew Everett and Nicholas will meet at the first tee too in the Junior A; and, Jim Waters will contest the Junior B Plate against Garth Mickell.

 

The long term weather forecast for Sunday is patchy but more fine than not so hopefully some good contests will be forthcoming.  I'm sure you will wish all competitors well in their matches.

 

 

Once again the weather was the winner conspiring to deny the women and the Wednesday Club their opportunity to play golf.  The only results apart from the quarter finals being completed for the club champs and the semi finals (already reported) was Sunday Club Day which was well supported with a number of visitors including a mainlander Simon Tohill from Heriot.  He was so comfortable on our hilly course with its raised greens that he went on to top the pops on 39 points from Gail Kirkland on 38 and Gary Clarke on 36.

 

Now that we are getting back to something resembling 'normal' in golf a reminder that Sunday Club Day is supported by Shirties, Matts Mob and Gaskies.  Come along and join in.  You will be made most welcome.

 

For new members and those without a 'buddy' be at the picnic table by 8.45am for the card draw for a 9.06am tee off.  Everyone is welcome and the random draw means you never know who you will share time with around the course.  Afterwards the conviviality in the club house can be quite infectious.  Also, remember that any member who introduces a visitor gets a reduced green fee for the visitor to enjoy our day too.  No charge for entry to the competition.

 

 

These continue and if the weather will behave good progress will be made. 

 

We have had more heavy winds and there is a lot of debris on fairways around the course.  Once TK lets me know what volunteers he needs I will put out a call for help.  It was highly encouraging to see twenty two members volunteered (over two days) on the last occasion to clear the fairways so that Robyn could give them one last mow.

 

It will take a while before greens are in top shape again and once again your patience is appreciated.

 

A large Macrocapra tree has fallen down to the right of the 13th green (close to the green keepers shed) and TK has asked an arborist for quotes to get it removed.  While at it a number of trees that need some trimming (eg the big pines alongside the blue tee on the 4th hole) and a stand of trees on the left of the 18th fairway were looked at. The course committee (and ultimately the committee) will have some serious decisions to make.  Many of these trees are dead and this that means they are potential safety hazards. 

 

TK and the committee will take a good look at the problem to see how we can manage their ultimate removal in a safe and efficient manner.  One of the issues regarding the trees on the 18th is that they protect players on the 10th tee and the ninth green from errant drives off the 18th tee.  Happy days.

 

 

A reminder that the clubhouse stocks a good range of golf equipment for members and guests.  Take some time to familiarise yourself with what we can assist you with.

 

Please let the shop know that you have arrived for your round of golf too please.  That way we have an idea who is on the course in the case of any emergencies/events. 

 

Please also book a tee if you are playing the course and are not a part of an organised group.

 

After your round pop in for some refreshments.  There is a good range of beer, wines and spirits, soft drinks; tee and coffee, and , a good variety of food.  A full clubhouse is a happy clubhouse.

 

 

With luck the women will today be playing a 9hole par event.

 

 

Be at the club house by 10.15am for the disc draw ahead of a 10.30 tee off.

 

This competition is open to all members and affiliated visitors (remember about our special green fee for a visitor playing with a member).  While it is school holidays maybe some of our younger members would like to join in for the day.  Come along, all welcome.

 

$5 entry fee covers you match entry and buys a raffle.  You can also buy a fundraising raffle for $5. 

 

 

 

Come as you are. Fours are made up on the day.

 

This is a great fun social way to finish your day.  A round of golf off the short tees followed by a barbecue tea and a tipple of your choice.  There is a weekly prizegiving towards the season ending cumulative results.  And there are some very helpful 'rules' if that's what they are called.

 

The emphasis is on fun!

 

 

This is open to all members this Sunday.

 

It is being held in conjunction with the Club Champ Finals and while there will be a prize pool (no entry fee) it is about filling the club house to congratulate the club's champion golfers after they have completed their matches.

 

Bring $2 to enter the two's.

 

 

 

 

 

You can enter on this link (https://www.karorigolf.co.nz/event-calendar) or email the club clubhouse@karorigolf.co.nz or call the club (04) 476 7337 and speak to a person.

 

There is a mens and a womens field. 

 

This is the clubs pre eminent event of the year.  There is a full prize table and the event counts towards the Wellington Golf Incorporated order of merit so it is certain to attract some of Wellington's top golfers.  Come join in.

 

All Inter Club Players and aspiring Inter Club Players should make this event a priority. 

 

 

This event is being held on 25 November and you can enter on this link (https://www.karorigolf.co.nz/event-calendar) or email the club clubhouse@karorigolf.co.nz or call the club (04) 476 7337 and speak to a person.

 

There is no entry fee but there will be other fundraising events to help fund this worth charity.

 

Full details of the event will be forthcoming shortly.  All members and affiliated visitors most welcome.

 

 

The date for the annual general meeting will be notified shortly.

 

Hopefully you are all thinking about who should be elected to the officer and committee positions for the 2024 year.

 

Following the AGM a stableford event is held commencing with a disc draw using multiple tees (if possible).

 

 

Our President Mike Suggate will make an announcement on this shortly.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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