Category: Club News

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

Happy new year!! It’s hard to believe we are already through the first month of the year!!  Summer has finally set in and we are in the midst of a beautiful heatwave …sorry farmers…thumbs up vintners and sun worshippers!

The course is looking supreme and is playing better than ever. Those of us lucky enough to play in this year’s Spark Pro-Am tournament were exceptionally grateful to the hard work of an army of volunteers that had a major clean up on their hands after the gale force winds that ripped through on the Wednesday.  I understand that the chainsaws and leaf blowers were in action by sunrise!  The day was a huge success and most enjoyable, with a fine banquet of food served after prizegiving!

The previous Thursday was another big turnout – 58 golfers! 1^stBill Gordon & Sheldon McNamara 43, 3^rdJu Allen & Dean Schaef 42, 5^thScotty the butcher 41. Twos: Joel Macklin (2), Sheldon, Richard Thompson, John Thomson and Dean Schaef, nearest the pin: Guy Walmsley.

Grumpies results 1^st Bill Jago, 41 2^ndTed Peacock, 40 3^rdNick Allen & Mariana 39. Twos: JD Smith, Rick Hargreaves and Kris Chamberlain.

Ladies news: Ladies Opening Day is not until Wednesday 13 February.  This will be the usual combined day with the 9 holers.  There will be a not too serious game over 13 holes.  More details on this nearer the time.  “She Loves Golf” event which was postponed from November is now happening this Friday (1 Feb).  It is hoped to encourage more women to take up the sport and the event begins at 6pm. There will be coaching, a glass of wine with nibbles and a goody bag. If you know anyone who may be interested please ask them to get in touch with Debbie to register: deborahjdonaldson@gmail.com

Men’s Interclub results – Div won 10-5 against Titahi Bay away and Div 11 won 9.5 to 5.5 against Boulcotts Farm – keep up the good work guys!

Club opening day is this Sunday (3^rdFebruary), format is 6 x AMBROSE, 6 x 4BBB, 6 x FOURSOMES. Registration at 10am, random draw at 10.30. BBQ and music from the Morison’s – please RSVP to Sue in the office for catering purposes.

On a final note, congratulations to Tora who achieved one of his lifetime dreams of hitting a six at the basin earlier in the month in the cricket match between Wairarapa and Wellington…I won’t mention his morning score…quack!!

Good Golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report: Week ending 16^thDecember 2018

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

As we move into the last week before Christmas, we’ve been lucky enough to enjoy some summer weather…finally!!  There has been enough rain to keep the greenkeeper (and the farmers) happy and the course is looking better than ever.

Grumpies played last week and man of the moment Terry Blacktop won the day with 44, 2^ndRick Hargreaves and Doug Fergusson 42, 4^thMalcolm Bridge 41.

Thursday club had a good turn out and the winner on an incredible 53 was Jimmy McKinnel!!  Incidentally ‘Cool Change Jimmy’ has sponsored Thursday Club and other tournaments over the past year and I would like to thank him for his generous supply of vouchers. In second place Matt ‘Tub’ Thomas, Gumboot Petersen, Rob McCreary and Sheldon MacNamara 41. Twos: C.C Jimmy, Tim Loe, Sandy Bidwill, Joel Macklin, Sheldon McNamara, Guy Walmsley and Roger Simmons; nearest the pin: Roger Simmons.

Sunday began overcast but soon burnt off to reveal a superb day for the men’s shootout. On the 1^stBob Tosswill got into the trees, and was always behind the ball game. 2^ndJohn Errington lost out on a chip out. 3^rdRick Hargreaves had a few problems up the fairway. 4^thTrevor Petersen got the (gum) boot and was beaten in a chip out with 7 others. 5^thDean Schaef could not get his chip rolling down bull hill. 6^thAndrew Lawler had already survived 3 other chip outs, but the 4th was too much. 7^thMark Lucock had an ambitious shot near the drain which did not come off. 8^thBob Schofield had been playing well, but probably the night before was too much! 9^thWayne Hunter probably had too much at the lunch break, and lost in a chip out. 10^thMalcolm Bridge was travelling well but could not survive his 2nd chip out.  11^thJohn Warner tried too hard with his chip out from the bunker and failed. 12^thShane Hartnell had been playing consistently, but seemed to go to sleep on this hole. 13^thDayle Scrimshaw failed in his only chip out. 14^thTora Boyne got into the drain, then went zigzagging, and was always behind. 15^thBill Jones the veteran, had lasted well, but was getting tired and missed out on the chip out. 16^thDerek Stephens missed out in his only chip out with 2 others. 17^thGuy Walmsley had managed to go further than ever before, but could not survive a chip out with the other 2. 18^thThen there were 2 left, Chris Ranish and Pete Griffiths. Both had net 4, so again to another chip out, made difficult by having to chip from way above the hole in the rough. Pete first did very well, and Chris could not quite make it. So the overall winner was Pete Griffiths. Pete’s uncle Whitney was his caddy and ably assisted his win by keeping him on the straight and narrow!! Thanks go to Sandra for organising AND cooking the sausages and roast beef, Kris on the tractor and Terry for his hole by hole accounts!!

This is my last column for the year so Merry Christmas and a happy new year to all the readers – enjoy the festive season with family and friends, take care and good golfing everyone!!

Photo: Pete Griffiths the winner of the Men’s Shootout

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

With less than two weeks until Christmas is upon us, and despite having to mow the lawns at home twice a week it’s good news for our greenkeeper Tim who has had the most wonderful conditions to manicure our course!  It’s looking great out there and many of us are looking forward to getting in some play during the Christmas break.

The Grumpies results last week: John Thomson on 42 from Malcolm Bridge on 41 with Rob McCreery on 39, the same evening they had their Christmas closing dinner.During the past 6 months, the best par round was by Guy Walmsley and Kris Chamberlain, the worst par round was not named but the score was -9. the best stableford was  Guy Walmsley. The winner of the order of merit was (oh no not again), Guy Walmsley with Doug Fergusson very close behind. As far as (ladies tees) jugs go, some of the Grumpies instead of buying a jug are buying a pint. 28 were recorded, and 6 of those were on 1 day, whereas the norm is around 50/70…. Terry Blacktop does a fabulous job wrangling the Grumpies; and was recognised for all his hard work he has done for the club over the (last thirty something) years by being awarded life membership at the recent AGM.  Ray Lind was also awarded life membership for his lifetime dedication to the club, congratulations gentlemen – both very well deserved!

Thursday club hosted ‘Smiddy’s Day’ last week and despite a weather bomb going off halfway through a decent number attended.  Dayle Scrimshaw won the trophy (his wife Marie won it last year!) with 43, 2^ndChris Ranish 42, 3^rdSheldon McNamara 40, 4^thEd Elworthy 38. Twos: Whitney Griffiths, Ro Griffiths, Doug Clark, Stu Taplin, Sandra Petersen, Liam Annis, Chris Ranish, John Warner, Sheldon McNamara, Ed Elworthy & Craig Andrews.  Longest drives: Sandra Petersen, Rob Lopez & Dayle Scrimshaw. Nearest the pins: Doug Clark, Malcolm Bridge, Chris Ranish & John Warner.

The ‘Master-borough’ challenge was held on Saturday; Men’s 0-18: 1^stGuy Walmsley 42, 2^ndBrian Russo & Jeff Ogg 41, 4^thRodney Orr 40. Men’s 18+ 1^stJohn Taylor 43, 2^ndBrett Gould 41, 3^rdBill Jones, Gumboot Petersen and Dayle 40. Ladies 1^stHonor Clark and Raewyn Sutton 37, 3^rdFiona Webby and Cathy Taylor.  Longest drives: Kerry Mountcastle, Pip Smith and Dayle S. Nearest the pins: Fiona Webby, Karen Shaw, Andy Pottinger & Dean Gray.  Martinborough snuck past Masterton on the challenge….33.33 average compared with 33.74!! Thanks to sponsors Jennian Homes and the usual suspects for making it a successful event!

That almost wraps it up for this year, just a few friendly days left, enjoy the festive season – good golfing everyone!!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

We are finally in summer, and hopefully the message is getting through to the weather gods!!  After a week of flash floods and thunderstorms the weather forecast is finally showing some encouraging form in the shape of sunshine!!

Last week as the bridges in and out of town went underwater, the Grumpies were washed away too so had to abandon ship.  Hopefully they enjoyed a good closing day this week and enjoyed a good Christmas dinner in the evening, with a bit of luck I can share some yearly results (and misdemeanours!) from Terry next week!

Thursday club rallied 36 players, the winner was Malcolm Wood (42), 2^ndJames Blundell (41), 3^rdMatt Thomas and Brian Russo (40), I won’t go any further down the field, so certain stock agent’s names don’t get printed and are falsely accused for being absent from drafting lambs!!  Twos: Malcolm Wood, Ed Elworthy and Rob McCReary – his first 2 incidentally and he also took the honour for nearest the pin – congratulations Rob!!!

Saturday competition was stableford, 1^stRick Hargreaves (44), 2^ndTony Taylor (42), 3^rdDayle Harwood (39 on CB).

Members closing day and prize giving was on last Sunday, the winning team was Sheldon McNamara, Karen Stephens, Terry Fraei and Frank Burton (55.75), 2^ndMalcolm Bridge, Barry Johnson, Tingay Davidson and Emily Loughnan (57.25), 3^rdDavis Lester Clark, Julie Warner, Marie Scrimshaw and Bill Jones (57.62).

Today is Smiddy’s day at Thursday club, it is always a fun day celebrating a great man who is fondly remembered by all who knew him – Neil Smith.

Saturday is the Christmas Open tournament, thanks go to our generous sponsors Jennian Homes.  The gauntlet has been thrown down for the ‘Master-borough’ challenge so let’s see some big numbers out there supporting your towns!!

As we start to close up our year, (AGM was held on Wednesday), a few thanks, firstly to our army of outside volunteers led by Trevor and Dayle; Sandra who has organised a huge array of competitions over the year; bar folk – paid AND voluntary (thanks Gretal); Sue in the office who ensures things run smoothly behind the scenes as well as on the front line.  Thanks to everyone else who has given up their time to help the club – too many to mention!  Finally thank you to Andy Morison, our ICC (interim club captain) who has stepped up to the role with enthusiasm, determination and humour.

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

As we edge into summer this weekend and tire of yet another ten-day forecast of rainclouds and inclement weather, we’re hanging out to use our umbrellas to shade us from sun rather than raindrops!!

On Tuesday some of the Grumpies must have thought that it would be as wet as it had been on Monday, however, the afternoon turned out nice. Numbers were only 15 with the winner Guy Walmsley on +4 from Terry Blacktop on +3, with Randall Warner and Griff Page on +2.

Nine amphibious golfers waded round the course on Thursday.  Tim Loe and Richard Thompson took the spoils with 38, 3^rdArthur Warren, James Blundell and Boyd Kenna 37. Nearest the pin Boyd Kenna – no two’s.  Clearly the farmer’s rain-dance paid off!

The ladies and 9-holers have wound up for the year so no more results from them.

Saturday’s competition was shootout-medal-putting. 1^stJulie Warner (65), 2^ndJu Allen (66), 3^rdAndrew Lawler (68).  Ju also won the putting with 32 putts AND got the only two of the day.

On Sunday Martinborough hosted Royal Wellington at the home to contest the Bidwill Cup.   This golf match between Martinborough and Royal Wellington has been played every year for about 60 years.  Last year we played at Heretaunga and lost the cup pretty decisively.  This year on our home course we managed to win (by a narrow margin – but who’s counting?!).

Member’s closing day and prize-giving is on this Sunday and then the Open – closing day is the following Saturday 8^thDecember.  The Men’s shootout final has been rescheduled to 16^thDecember.

Take care out there in the elements, enjoy watching the grass grow and listening to the water tanks filling!!  Good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

As we surge towards December and dare I mention the C word…..(Christmas is only 5 weeks away), the toasters are toasted and the Irish are probably still celebrating their win; but hopefully everyone is enjoying the course and getting some good golf in.

Club champs were played last week and the results are as follows:- Senior – John Warner, Intermediate – Derek Stephens, Junior – Craig Andrews, Bellingham Cup – Trevor Petersen, Vets Cup – Griff Page, congratulation to all the winners.

Grumpies on Tuesdayhad 40 playing with 11 from other clubsso a great gathering; 1^stRo Griffiths (44) 2^ndAndrew McKenzie, Bill Jago and Terry Blacktop (42).

Thursday club as usual had a big turnout, 1^stTony Taylor (43), 2^ndAli Holmes, John Warner and Nick Morison (42), 5^thGeorge Kirk, Paul McKenzie & Guy Walmsley (41). Twos: Paul McKenzie, George Kirk, Colin Whibly-Smith, Nick Morison, Nearest the pin – Paul McKenzie.  Don’t forget ‘Smiddy’s Day’ 6^thDecember.

On Sunday we  hosted the “Baahaahaa Trophy” with Eketahuna.  Men’s: 1^stSteven Croft, 2^ndTrevor Petersen & Michael Wyeth (Eke.), 4^thBrian Russo & Frazer Mailman (Eke.)  Ladies – 1^stJane Terpstra, 2^ndKaren Stephens, 3^rdMariana McDermott.  Martinborough beat Eketahuna (by the skin of their teeth!).   Twos: Pete Price, Sandra Petersen, Tora, & Karen Stephens (Mba) and Jack Bosstcher, Barry Auckram, Robert Cameron (Eke).

The men’s Shootout Final is on Sunday, 9 December and is a great spectator sport, so come along and give the guys support, and enjoy a few laughs!

The club’s AGM will be held on Wednesday, 5^thDecember in the club house commencing at 5.30pm.

Hopefully the weather might favour the golfers as well as the farmers over the next week – good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

As we creep another week closer to summer and sneak another close rugby game the evenings are getting warmer and the golf should be getting longer. The course is drying out and the greens are improving after the coring.

Grumpies results this week:- 1^stDoug Fergusson on 44 from Griff Page on 41, and Tom Bunny and Andy Morison on 39.

Thursday club had a good turn out, the two Trevor’s (Hawkins & Gumboot) won with 42 points, 3^rdCraig Andrews (41), 4^thGriff Page and Sandra Petersen 40.

Saturday competition:- 1^stMalcolm Wood 41, 2^ndBill Jones 38.

Sunday’s tournament was nett and the Two Trevor’s dominated again, Gumboot (Mr Petersen) 62 edged out Mr Hawkins on 63, 3^rdJulie Warner 65, 4^thRick Hargreaves 67.

This week sees John Warner take on Chris Ranish in the Men’s senior club champs, and Darren O’Dwyer take on Craig Andrews for the Junior’s – good luck to everyone.

Coming up….Thursday 6^thDecember ‘Smiddy’s Day’, Saturday 8^thDecember Christmas tournament and ‘Master-borough’ challenge.

Have a great weekend and enjoy Toast for those that are going – hopefully the sun will shine and the wind won’t blow!!  Good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

We certainly have experienced some interesting spring weather over the last week with freezing rain one day and hot sun the next!!

Last week the 9 holers held the 9 Hole Open Day Stableford with 72 in the field, participation from 11 Clubs.  Weather was perfect and a fun day was had by all. Mens Division : 1st: Julian Howard 23 Pauatahanui, 2nd: Vallis Peet 16 C/b Feilding, 3rd: Colin Payne 16 Waikanae. Ladies Division 1: 1st: Sherryl Howie 21 Martinborough, 2nd: Heather Haswell 20 Feilding, 3rd: Fiona Burrows 20 Pauatahanui. Ladies Division 2: 1st: Jaquee Reid 23 & Winner of the Barb Smith Open Day Trophy –Martinborough, 2nd: Allison Russell 22 Martinborough, 3rd: Jodine Bunn 21 Paraparaumu Beach.

The grumpies decided against venturing out in the nasty weather so no results from them!

The ladies shootout final was held last Wednesday.  It was a close competition with several chip outs along the way to determine who would be next to drop out.  In fact, even the decider for first and second places came down to a chip out.  In the end Angela Busby had a great chip which landed about 30 cm from the hole, but Sylvia Beavis’s was even better and she took top prize.

Thursday was a miserable day but 29 golfers braved the fairways, 1^stNick Morison (46), 2^ndCraig Andrews and Andrew Sim (41), 4^thBrian Russo (40). Nearest the pin – George Kirk, Twos: Craig Andrews took the entire pot!

The weekend was a mixed bag of weather but we saw 17 couples entered for the 36 hole mixed foursomes (only 3 couples entered for the 72 hole, so this was shelved). Gross:- 1^stNuki Gordon & Sereana Phillips, 2^ndNigel & Ailsa Malneek, 3^rdNick & Ju Allen. Nett:- 1^stTrevor & Sandra Petersen (who also won the Sunday stableford challenge with a brilliant 48 points AND put the winnings on the bar – Cheers Gumboot!) 2^ndRick Hargreaves & Elaine Howe, 3^rdDayle Scrimshaw & Emily Laughan. Stableford:- 1^stRo & Lyle Griffiths, 2^ndDerek & Kareen Stephens, 3^rdRaymond Matthews & Nicky Warren. Thanks to sponsors Pain & Kershaw and Sandra for organising the event so well.

Finally, we sadly report the death of Ivan Taplin, an absolute stalwart of the Martinborough Golf Club who did huge amounts of work making the club what it is today.  He will be sadly missed and are thoughts are with his family; there will be many happy golfing and euchre memories from all who knew him.

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

Well golfers, another great week of weather and a full round up to report for all groups!

Grumpies start us off with Peter Price and Terry Blacktop winning with 43, 3^rdGriff Page 41 and 4^thNick Allen 40.

The 9 holers went to Eketahuna last week for a fun day, a great day was had by all, Katrina Burgess came in with the best score of the day, and was extra special as it was her Birthday.

Last week the club held two Murray Halberg competitions.  The ladies winner on Sunday was Marie Scrimshaw and on Wednesday the winner was Marion McKenzie (on a countback from Sylvia Beavis).

Thursday club’s winner was Julie Warner on a whopping 47! 2^ndMalcolm Bridge 43, 3^rdTrevor Hawkins and Sandy Bidwill 42. Nearest the pin – Ed Elworthy, twos: Greg Dalton, Malcolm Bridge, Sandra Petersen, Chris Ranish & Nick Allen.  The annual ‘Smiddy’s Day Tournament’ has been booked in for 6^thDecember, more details closer to the time.

Sunday’s competition was nett and the winner was Darren O’Dwyer 66, 2^ndKaren Stephens 67, 3^rdMalcolm Bridge and Marie Scrimshaw 68, 5^thRo Griffiths, John Taylor, Trevor Hawkins, Bill Jones, George Kirk & Trevor Petersen 69.

The course is looking fantastic, special thanks to Trevor, Dayle and their army of volunteers. The final piece of exciting news isthe appointment of a new Head Greenkeeper. Tim Bargh will commence with the club on 5^thNovember. Tim is born and bred in South Wairarapa and is currently 2nd in command at Miramar Golf Club.

Enjoy the week and hopefully no lawyers will be required after the 72 holes mixed foursomes – good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

Well, what a weather turn-around – suddenly we’ve been plunged into a taste of summer (to come hopefully)!  All the various golfing contingents got games this week.

Grumpies played stableford and the winner was Gary Cuttance 41 points from Guy Walmsley and Bill Jones 40 with Murray Blackwell and Lester Smith on 39.

The 9 holers played Best Nett & Shootout the winner was Billie Holmes 34, 2^ndBarbie Cox 36, and 3^rdSherryl Howie and Leonie Wilde 38.

The ladiesClub Championship finals were held last Wednesday.  The weather was perfect and there was some great golf played.  The Silvers had an epic battle seeing Debbie Donaldson and Kris Chamberlein going right up to the wire with Debbie winning by one putt on the 36th hole.  In the Plate Jenny Wilkie and Carol Parkinson had to go to the 19th hole to decide their match.  Putting is not usually Jenny’s strongest point, but in this match she sunk the final putt from several metres away!  The Bronze A match was played between Bindy McLeod and Karen with Bindy coming out on top.  Sylvia Beavis was the winner of the Plate. The Bronze B battle was between Lyle Griffiths and Angela Busby with Lyle’s greater experience coming to the fore. Sharon and Elaine Howe had a very friendly close match for the Plate but Elaine was lucky on the day. In the Vets division Pamela got the better of Mariana McDermott and Louise beat Jan.

Thursday club winners were Gary Cuttance, Bill Gordon, Andy Pottinger and Julie Warner with 42 points, 5^thEd Elworthy 41. Nearest the pin: Nick Allen, twos: Trev Hawkins, Malcolm Wood and Nick Allen.

Sunday was a stunning day and was Murray Halberg day. The men’s winner was Malcolm Wood 41, 2^ndTerry Fraei 40, 3^rdBill Jones, Mike Newport & Marcus Howie 39. Nearest the pin Derek Stephens, twos: Derek Stephens, Craig Colton, George Kirk, Terry Fraei and Bill Jones. The ladies winner was Marie Scrimshaw 41, 2^ndTingey Davidson 40 and 3^rdJulie Warner 37. Nearest the pin: Cathy Taylor.

It’s not too late to enter the 72/36 hole mixed foursomes ‘divorce-a-ment’ 3^rd/4^thNovember – entries to Sue or Sandra.

The forecast for the weekend is possible precipitation, but hopefully it won’t deter too much play – good golfing everyone!