Sharp shooters target cash card

It's almost like the carnival games of yore step up to the mark to win the prize.

Wanganui Golf Club's second annual Nearest the Pin competition has been blessed with good weather this time and is proving even more popular with the membership.

During the week before they start their round, golfers can have a crack at getting one of their three balls inside a marked zone, 122m downhill from the club house.

The true sharp shooters may even be able to hit the BNZ Pole inside the marked green area, which is exactly what Alan Peat managed yesterday afternoon in front of his delighted mates at the Belmont Links.

And why wouldn't they be pleased, given the instant prize is a $20 bar tab?

"You've got to allow for the breeze the whole three knots," said Peat, a 50-year veteran of the club."It's good fun."

All those who manage to qualify during the week will go into Saturday evening's playoff, starting at 5.30pm.

The first prize overall after the playoff will be a $1000 Prezzy Visa Card.

Golfers can still try to qualify today from 10am to 8pm, and again tomorrow from 10am-5.15pm before the final.

So far, those who have qualified are Peat, Keith Stewart, Alastair McKenzie, Kaylin Huwyler, Hamish McKay (who can't attend the final), Peter Hammond and Rick Nicolson.

McKenzie and Peat are the ones to hit the pole.

John Keating won it last year and collected $1000.