Lefties abandon Classic

Last weekend featured the Sir Bob Charles Tournament, with this prestigious event undergoing several significant changes since it was first staged away back in 1967. On that occasion, it attracted a field of 99 left-handers, who came from all over New Zealand to compete in a 72-hole stroke contest.
Golf in general, in the 1960s and 1970s rode the crest of the wave, while the success of Sir Bob Charles overseas gave lefties a boost, which culminated in special tournaments just for the "cack-handers", appearing all over the country.
Times have changed since those halcyon days, with very different working and social patterns have a profound effect on the format of the Bob Charles. Dwindling numbers saw the event reduced to 54 holes in 1983, with women left-handers coming in about that time. Then in the 90s the tournament was cut to two rounds, and Vets division was introduced, while a few years ago the ultimate step was taken - to throw the contest open to right-handers also.
This year's field was relatively modest in numbers, but it was up on 2009, largely due to the increase in righties, both men and women. The saddest feature was in fact that only 22 lefties competed, most of them from outside Wairarapa, with local lefties showing a decided reluctance to take part in their own special occasion.
Apparently, the drop in numbers is reflected throughout New Zealand, with only Taumarunui, perhaps the leader in such contests, retaining good fields.
Anyway, to last weekend, when the rough weather held off for both days, with John Hopkirk, Tony Rowntree and their helpers doing a great job in staging the event.
To the results, and here Graeme Dick, from Mahunga, captured the Sir Bob Charles Trophy for the best gross by a left-hander, with a total of 160 for the 36 holes, while Masterton's Wade Walker took the WBS Sir Bob Charles Classic with a two-round gross of 148, in the overall prize list. In the Vets, Robert Stewart, who was prize winner in 1967 inaugural contest, won the Percy Holland Cup, with a score of 176, while Sereana Phillips, won the women's section on 171.
In an extensive prize list, in this well-sponsored tournament, other winners included Brent MacKenzie (runner-up overall), Bill Steel (runner-up lefties gross and Jo Bird (runner-up women's gross). In the nett section, Paul Wapp's 134 was the best from a leftie, Ray Verhaart had the best for right-handers (136) with Sam-Maree Brown (151) tops in the women's section.
David Cook won the Sunday men's stableford on 39 points, while Lesley Stewart (33) took the women's section. Nearest the pin prizes went to Brent MacKenzie, "Muzza" Wolland, Suzette Rodgers, Graeme McIsaac, Sereana Phillips and A. Ross. There weren't many twos over the tournament although feisty left-hander Barry Goodey did claim he had five. Unfortunately they all came on the one hole, the par five first (he had a 10).
A good field participated in the New World Stableford last Thursday, with some top scores handed in. John Tatham was the star of the show with 45 points, followed by Roly Brown and Choi Jackson on 42, Franz Marwitz and Bon Hill on 41, and George Deans and Tweet Bird both with 40. Ewen MacDonald was nearest the pin at the All Teed Up 8th Hole, but the "Birds Nest" remains unstruck.
It was a great day for the 18 9-holers competing in last week's PGG Wrightson Stroke Round, and Basil's Shoot-out qualifier. Pamela Andrew squeezed out the opposition with a nett 37, just one ahead of Barbie Wallace, Errol Warren and Shona Wylie all on 38.
This coming Saturday features an HRV stableford competition, but Labour Weekend means the WBS Labour Day tournament.