Golf: Nine-hole just ticket for club's appeal

Glenn Roberts

Maraenui Golf Club in Napier is trying to do its share to avert a national crisis plaguing the sport.

Newly-elected club president Glenn Roberts says "The Friendly Club" is zeroing in on amateurs who don't have time to tame he fairways for 18 holes.

Among its offers are a nine-hole membership package as well as twilight golf and Sunday afternoon "Just 9" for affiliated or non-affiliated golfers.

"Maraenui, like many other golf clubs, are feeling the pinch of an ageing society and a tough economic climate," he says. "The challenge we face in golf is making the sport more accessible, cost effective and economically viable."

Club general manager Bruce More says the Just 9 will be from 3pm.

"You don't have to be affiliated to any other club. You can just walk off the street to play that," More says.

Research shows the average age of golfers in New Zealand is 62 "so that says something".

Says Roberts: "It's a tough ask. We are looking at attracting new golfers and retain older members - some of whom have been with the club for more than 40 years. We will be looking at improving storage facilities for golf carts so that members who have health issues can continue to play the sport they love."

The club boasts "one of the finest golf courses" in the Bay following the investment of thousands of dollars to improve irrigation and drainage.

It has removed trees posing problems and planted new ones with the help of the Reserves Beautification Trust to attain a greener outlook.

It charges $1065 subscription for a year's membership.

The neighbouring Awatoto public course, which the club manages, will continue improvements with Napier PaknSave sponsorship.

"Awatoto is a popular public course and we hope that by improving certain features we will be attracting the young and mature golfers in a relaxed and casual atmosphere. Awatoto is about making golf fun," Roberts says.

-Office bearers elected at AGM: Glenn Roberts (president), Ben Thomas (vp), Phil Carew (capt), Tony Garrett (vc).

Committee: Pat Allison, George Barton, Gary Campbell, Graham Copp, Neil Edmundson, Scott Findlay, Barry Molineux.