Category: Club News

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

With the first of autumn underway the temperatures are still pleasant and as long as you’re not planning to play at 6am – (head lamps necessary), there is a good amount of golf to be enjoyed out there!

Grumpies kick us off as usual at the beginning of the week – 1^stElaine Howe 48, 2^nd Ted Peacock and Ali Holmes 42, 4^th Mariana McDermott  41 and 5^thGriff Page on 40 no twos.

Last Wednesday the 18 hole ladies competition was National Teams where the four players with the best nett scores go on to represent Martinborough in the Wellington region finals in May.  These were: Elaine Howe 64, Jenny Wilkie 65, Jo Loe 67, Louise Smith 68.  Twos: Angels Busby and Sherry Weatherstone.  Nearest the pin: Lyle Griffiths and Angela Busby. Wednesday 13^thMarch is the Nancy McCormick 36 hole foursomes where 2 people play with one ball, taking alternate shots. Find yourself a partner and either put your name on the noticeboard or email Elaine Howe. If you would like to play but don’t have a partner let her know and she will endeavour to find one for you.  This will be an 8.30 start.

Thursday club enjoyed another big day with Shayne Hammond winning on 42 points, 2^ndTony Taylor 41, 3^rdBill Jones & Chris Ranish 40, 5^thPaul McKenzie, Gary Cuttance and Keith Rayner 39. Twos: Shayne Hammond, Rob Smith, Pete Price, Nick Morison and Dean Schaef; nearest the pin Bevan Sweeney.

Saturday’s round was nett, 1^stColin Whibley-Smith 64, 2^ndEddy Brown & Bill Jones 65, 4^thJohn Warner 69, 5^thDoug Ferguson & John-Dean Smith 71.  Twos: Colin Whibley-Smith (2), and John Warner.

Sunday’s competition was Stableford and had a good turnout, 1^stJulie Dondertman 46, 2^ndJohn Warner 44, 3^rdBill Jones & Terry Fraei 43, 5^thAlec Dondertman & Tony Taylor. Twos: John Warner, Bill Jones, Julie Dondertman, Malcolm Wood, Bevan Sweeney & Tony Price.

This Saturday, men’s interclub (round 5) Div 5 plays Karori at Karori and Div 11 plays at home v Pauatahanui – good luck to all involved.  On Sunday it’s round 1 of Captain’s Trophy.

Have a good week and good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

As we reach the end of February and the mornings get darker, the weather is finally giving us a heat respite, overnight at least!!  Play straight and putt well and your name will keep appearing in print!!

Grumpies results from last week, 1^stRob McCreary and Murray Blackwell on +9, 3^rdBill Jones, Ali Holmes and Terry Blacktop on +7, 6^thGriff Page Brent Mortensen and Mariana McDermott on +6.  Twos were Ali Holmes and Terry Blacktop.

The 9-holers had their first official outing on their own; 16 enthusiasts played par and the scores were high, 1^st: Pat Wood +6, 2^nd: Billie Holmes +6 and 3^rd: Debbie Coom +5.

Ladies day and there were some sizzling scores last week with Louise Smith winning on a countback from Felicity Warren, both with nett 61, 3^rdSylvia Beavis 63.  Nearest the Pins were Kris Chamberlain and  Alison Tipler.  Twos: Kris Chamberlain, Jenny Wilkie and Jo Loe. On the subject of winners, the Martinborough girls did well at the Wellington Women’s 36 hole Open.  Ju Allen won Div 1 Gross with Marilyn MacKenzie in second place. Marie Scrimshaw won Div 2 nett and Karen Shaw won Div 2 Stableford.  Sandra Petersen was 2nd nett in Div 1.  As this goes to print,  the National Teams competition will have been played, another nett round, where the players with the top 4  scores go on to play in the Wellington final. On Monday 4 March they host the Silver Pennants.  Good luck ladies.

Thursday club saw 50 entrants and top of the stack was Pete Griffiths 50, 2^ndAndrew Sim 49, 3^rdRob McCreary 48, 4^thGary James 47, 5^thBill Jago, Johnny Gray and Ailsa Malneek. Twos, Doug Clark (2), Colin Whibley-Smith, Bill Jago, Robert Coy, Mariana McDermott, Johnny Gray, Ed Elworthy and Chris Cole – Nearest the pin – Eddie Brown.

In the men’s interclub (played in some pretty inclement weather!), The div 5 boys have continued on their merry way with a whopping 11-4 win away to Wainuiomata and now lead by 13 points after four rounds Big wins to Sheldon McNamara 5/3 and Gavin Lovejoy 5/4 and ably supported by John Warner 2/1 Derek Stevens 2/1 Rob Lopez 1 up and debutant Rob Coy 1 up. A solid 6 points for the division 11 team away to Trentham.  Player of the day performance from Dayle Scrimshaw  6/4 and a great 5/4 win to Pete Griffiths and was supported by debutant Rick Thompson 3/2. Steve Croft continued his excellent form with a 3/1 win. Two wins to Alan Heath/Dayle Scrimshaw 3/2 and Malcolm Bridge/Steve Croft 2/1in the 4ball. Keep it up boys!

Enjoy the last week of official summer, look after the course and good golfing everyone!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

Another week and another blistering assault from the sunshine!! The fairways are running like a racetrack but the greens are holding beautifully – great work Tim and team!

The Grumpies results, 1^st  Mariana McDermott 42, 2^ndRandall Warner and Ray Lind 41, 4^thGarry Cuttance, Peter Price  and Rick Hargreaves on 40. Twos were  Peter Price and Nick Allen.

Ladies opening day was last Wednesday and saw a mix of 9 and 18 hole players take to the course for a Las Vegas Ambrose competition over 13 holes.  The dice didn’t always roll as hoped and lead to some interesting playing positions.  This week they will play an LGU nett round.  It will be the first qualifying round for Captain’s Trophy and Shootout.

Thursday club had it’s usual high turnout, 1^stAlec Dondertman 46, 2^ndNick Allen 42, 3^rdRichard Mills, Doug Clark, Ro Griffiths, Bob Schofield, Sheldon McNamara, Bill Gordon and Robert Coy on 41. Twos: Sheldon (2), Sky Elworthy, Mariana, Andrew Lawler and John Warner, nearest the pin – Sandra Petersen.

Saturday’s competition was par and was a small but distinguished show of golfers! 1^stBarry Johnson + 4, 2^ndTerry Fleet +3.

Sunday rallied a few more players for medal, putting and shoot-out. 1^stCathy Taylor 57, 2^ndMarie Scrimshaw 59, 3^rdDayle Scrimshaw 62, 4^thKevin Williams 65. Putting was won by Dayle, twos: Marie Scrimshaw, Trevor Hawkins, Derek Stephens and Bill Jones.

On the horizon there’s the St John Tournament 5^thApril. In the meantime there is plenty of interclub and other matches so good luck to all involved.

Make the most of the sunshine – unless you’re outside working in it; however there is rain forecast soon…phew!!  Good golfing everyone!!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

We’re already mid-way through February and no end in sight for this glorious spell of fine weather, and as expected we are seeing some colossal scores – even a total ‘duff’ shot seems to roll forever down the fairways!!

Grumpies results for Tuesday,  Elaine Howe 1^st55, 2^ndJohn Errington 48, 3^rdMariana McDermott 46, and 4^thBill Jones  45. Twos were Kris Chamberlain and John Errington.  A ball was donated to Nick Allan for not putting his card in, as it was useless!

The ladies are gearing up for their opening day at time of this being written, but played by point of printing, so will report all their news next week!

Thursday club had 50 players and there were some extraordinary scores……handicapper, get back in your broom-cupboard!!!  1^stJohnny Gray 51, 2^ndGumboot Petersen 50 (he did shoot his personal best!), 3^rdRaymond Matthews 48, 4^thSandra Petersen 45, 5 players on 42 and another 11 on 40 and 41!! Twos: Rick Hargreaves (2), Gumboot, Greg Dalton, Doug Clark, Colin Whibley-Smith, Johnny Gray, Nick Allen, Brian Russo, Chris Ranish, Raymond Matthews and George Kirk. Nearest the pin – Nick Allen.

Saturday had a small turn out but played medal, putting and shoot-out, 1^stGary Cuttance 67, 2^ndEmily Loughan 71 and 3^rdShayne Hammond 73.  Sunday had a good showing and they played stableford; 1^stRob Lopez 44, 2^ndBill Jones 43, 3^rdAlex Donderman 42, 4^thMarie Scrimshaw 41.  Malcolm Wood had two twos and took home the loot for the bird’s nest…the first for the season so the eggs weren’t very rich!!

Coming soon…. the 2019 St John Wairarapa Charity Golf Tournament, for entry and tournament details for this popular charity event to be held at Martinborough Golf Club on Friday 5th April 2019 go to the website https://martinboroughgolfclub.co.nz/ or see Sue in the office.  This is a really fun day out and always has a full field so get in early!!

Enjoy the weather and stay sun safe, good golfing everyone…..and Happy Valentines Day!!

Martinborough Golf Report

Reporter: Ailsa Malneek

Well, the heatwave has (apparently) passed us but it’s still pretty warm out there, and some pretty hot golf scoring…finally the run of the fairway is paying dividends!

Grumpies had a good turnout despite the heat (mad dogs and Englishmen?!), 22 game players battled it out, the winner was Ro Griffiths on +7, from Mariana McDermott on +6, and the old veteran Ray Lind at 90 years young on +4. Twos went to Ro Griffiths, and Roger Smeaten.

Thursday club saw the thermometer hitting 34°c and many players were thankful their shots took them into the trees keeping them, off the straight and narrow..and oh so hot fairways!!  The winners were Mariana McDermott & Bob Schofield 46, 3^rdBill Jago 45, 4^thKris Chamberlain & Arthur Warren 44. Two’s: Kris Chamberlain, Sandra Petersen, Trucker Trev, Pete Price, Malcolm Wood, Dayle Scrimshaw &  Captain Andy; nearest the pin: Captain Andy….fortunately for Andy’s group, tap beer was unavailable as there were penalty jugs aplenty in his foursome!

Ladies interclub has begun with the Silvers going to Masterton and the Bronze team to Kapiti.  Amazingly, as we in Martinborough were basking in hot sunshine, the golfers over the hill were all decked out in their wet weather gear!  After the first round the Silvers are in 3rd place and the Bronzes are top of their division.  On 11^thFebruary the Silvers head to Otaki and the Bronzes play at home against Masterton.  Debbie hosted 20 women for the “She Loves Golf” event.  It was good to see them having a bit of fun while learning a few rudiments of golf from Joel.  Hopefully some of them will be inspired to take up the sport.  Thanks for all of your efforts Debbie.
Wednesday 13 February is ladies opening day.  18 and 9 hole players will join together to play 13 holes of Las Vegas Ambrose where the roll of the dice decides whose tee shot will be used!

Club opening day was held on Sunday, with random drawn partnerships playing holes 1-6 ambrose, 7-12 4BBB and 13-18 foursomes. The winners were Captain Andy & Ann Hume 63, 2^ndLizzy Thomson & Malcolm Henderson 56, 3^rdSally Fairbrother & Bindy McLeod 55, 4^thTora & Lizzy Goodall 54.

Good luck to all the guys heading out to Riversdale this weekend – make sure you pack plenty of Panadol in case of any more hole-in-1’s!!

Make the most of the good weather and good golfing everyone!

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!