GOLF: Emotions high as club pro bows out

Hamish Bidwell
There won't be a dry eye in the house when the 36-year reign of Maraenui Golf Club professional George Maisey comes to an end today.
The Englishman has become an institution at the club during that time and his incomparable contribution will be recognised during a special presentation tomorrow afternoon.
With his 65th birthday beckoning, Maisey has decided to call it a day, although he will remain at the club in a part-time capacity to help smooth over the transfer of assistant professional Duane Todd into the top job.
Maraenui president Bob Gray says Maisey has been hugely popular with club members over the years and his departure will be keenly felt.
"He is definitely not the kind of person that likes a fuss, but I can assure you that George will break into tears," Gray says.
"And I can safely say that when that happens, there won't be a dry eye in the house."
Gray uses Maisey's trip back to his home club of Robin Hood in England to illustrate how it is that he knows Maisey will cry and the kind of esteem that he is held in by club members.
"Because of George we've always had a close association with the Robin Hood club and for many years we've played a postal tournament, the last one of which will be in April.
"We all play on a certain day and the professional at Robin Hood picks a team and George picks a team and our scores get matched up against each other. George always said his impossible dream was to go back for the Robin Hood Centennial and so I went to the committee and said 'we've got to try and make this dream come true'.
"I decided we'd need $10,000 and we allowed ourselves 12 months to raise it. In the finish, I ended up presenting George with a cheque for $12,000, which was raised from donations by the members.
"He burst into tears on that occasion, and, as I say, there wasn't a dry eye then, either. That's just an example of the mana of the guy and George, his wife Irene and daughter Karen were all able to go back."
For the record, Maisey does know that the presentation will be taking place and that the club members have once again delved into their pockets to show their appreciation.
Fittingly, one or two old sparring partners are expected to make an appearance, but exactly who they are and what gifts Maisey will be receiving will have to remain a mystery until 5.30pm tomorrow.