Golf trophy a trailblazer

While the Maunsell Trophy may not be quite the oldest competition staged by the Masterton Golf Club the actual trophy must surely be one of the oldest offered by any golf club in New Zealand.
The award itself is an old-fashioned type of three wood, known as a Baffy, which was donated to the club in 1952 by the late Ted Maunsell. The club was once owned by the great Scottish golfer Willie Auchterlonie, who won the Open in 1892. It was made about 1870 by David Anderson, one of the founders of the famous golf manufacturing firm, Robert Forgan Limited. Competitors played a stroke round last Saturday with the top 10 qualifiers going on to play a par event on Sunday for the trophy. Dennis Hogg, one of Saturday's top players faded badly, with Innes Kennard coming through, to take the prize on plus three. Hira Renata was one back on plus two, with Phil Rutene third on plus one. The vets struck a fine day for their Stableford, with a good field involved.
Women: Isobelle Weaver 31 points 1, Helen Falloon 27 2, Brenda Perry 24 3.
Men: Group 1: Peter Cameron 27 points 1, John Hopkirk 26 2, Charles Anderson 25 3.
Men: Group 2: Nick Thornton 29 points 1, John Farmer 28 2, Brian Henson 26 3. Charles Anderson was nearest the pin at the Fagan Ford.Club members were shocked and saddened by the sudden death of Colin Hicks last week. In his relatively short time with the club, Colin had made a marked impact both as a golfer and as an administrator. He had been a member of the men's match committee and also an elected member of the golf club board. He was the club's representative on the Wairarapa Sub Association, while he has also been involved in junior golf and the club constitution, which he was rewriting.
Last week the 15 9-Holers played in a PGG Wrightson Stableford and Putting event, in what was described as a day with good weather and good company. With 22 points, Di Herbert had the best Stableford followed by Isobelle Weaver and Jane Watts on 21, while Ruth Wiley took the putting, with just 14, one ahead of Di Herbert and Barbie Wallace on 15. Isobelle Weaver pounded out the longest drive, while Jane Watts was nearest the pin at the All Teed Up 8th hole.
Saturday features Murray Halberg Day, which had to be postponed previously. It is also the last chance to win the Challenge Trophy, with David Cook leading on 70.
Please note the Jameson Cup is now being staged on November 13. Masterton should note the final round in the MetLife Care Tournament will be held next Monday. A field of 54 women and 10 men produced some stunning results for the big Trust House Melbourne Cup Day.
Melbourne Cup - Best Overall Stableford Winner: Diana Eagle on 44 points.
Group 1: Sereana Phillipps 38 1, Loora Rota 37 2, Robyn Guildford 37 3, Pam Bissett 36 4, Lusiana Williams 35 5, Jan McLaren 35 6.
Longest Drive Carolyn Stevenson; Nearest the Pin Pam Bissett.
Group 2: Venetia Bateman 41 1, Janna Blundell 36 2, Sylvia Beavis 35 3, Jenni Johnston 34 4, Jenni Ellison 34 5, Venetta Justice 33 6.
Longest Drive Margaret Irwin; Nearest The Pin Jan Thompson.
Group 3: Nicky Orsborn 43 1, Ngaire Stevens 39 2, Rachel Blundell 37 3, Ann Kenny 35 4, Yvonne Baylis 34 5, Lesley Stewart 33 6.
Longest Drive Nicky Orsborn; Nearest The Pin Rachel Blundell.
Men: Kevin Hooper 46 1, Michael Batley 43 2, Rob Irwin 40 3.
Longest Drive Simon Smith; Nearest The Pin Murray Wolland.