Fundraiser a major success

Golf

The number six on any hole is not normally good news for golfers.

However, the Wairarapa Sports Education Trust were seeing things rather differently after their midwinter golf tournament at Masterton Golf Club's Lansdowne course.

Trust officials were chuffed at the raising of more than $6000 from the event.

Taking on the winter storms is always a gamble - but this tourney was played in summer-like conditions, something which played a big part in its success. That and the support of the Masterton Golf Club, who had the course in pristine condition for the 22 teams taking part.

The shotgun start had people scrambling to tee-off all over the course - especially those late-comers who were ducking and diving to avoid punishment.

The team competition was won by the Juken combination of Ivan Kariatiana, Haira Paku, Jack McGlashan and Colin McAuley on 153 points, followed by the BNZ team of Todd Thayer, Phillip Archibald, Jason Osborne and Chris Ranish with 145. Third place went to the The Brotherans: Phil Rutene, Leith Comer, Hira Renata and Dennis Hogg, on 144.

Leith Comer and Jack McGlashan, with 41 Stableford points, had the highest score in the individual men 0-11 and 12-plus handicap sections while Pam Griffith won the women's section with 36 points. Steve Coleman conned his way into victory in the "Burglars" (non-handicap section) with an impressive 40 points in a close battle with Brian James.

The prize list was most impressive with everything donated on the day. About 30 community sponsors contributed to a marvellous event. The silent golf cart - stacked with welcome refreshments - was a popular and welcome visitor on the course.

The day finished with a raffle well worth winning and a lively auction that raised more than $2000.

Not having seen so many old friends and faces for so long turned this into a memorable outing for the entire community and it is now firmly established as an annual event.

Education and sport go hand in hand. And over the past nine years, the Wairarapa Sports Education Trust have poured more than $150,000 into sport in the community. With days like this, there is promise of more to come.