Open fails to pull crowds

The 2005 New Zealand Open provided a number of positive features ? there was a very strong field, one of the best ever; lots of brilliant golf, with birdies and eagles galore; excellent weather throughout; and a really exciting finish ? the latter a knock-out in more ways that one with a spectator hit during the play-off.
However, in all the euphoria, let's not lose sight of some disturbing elements, at least in my humble opinion. The first question I would ask would be, "Where were the spectators?' Television coverage seemed to concentrate almost exclusively on the leaders, who you would expect to attract the biggest following. Their numbers were thin to say the least, certainly far fewer than I have seen at Paraparaumu or Heretaunga.
One of the reasons for staging Opens in Auckland is that it is far and away our most populous area, but it's been proven in other sports that Aucklanders don't always turn out in big numbers. Wellington and Christchurch both out-do the Queen City for sporting support.
Since it first began at Napier Golf Club in 1907 the Open has been staged on many golf courses throughout New Zealand. Paraparaumu has seen it on 12 occasions and the South Island has staged it several times, at Balmacewen and Shirley, while it has also been to Belmont, Hokowhitu and St Andrews (Hamilton). Wherever it goes it generates enthusiasm and strong support and it would be a pity if it remained for ever in Auckland, something that has been suggested.
Gulf Harbour is a typical resort course, with wide open fairways and magnificent ocean views. It is good for tourism but is it good for top class golf?
Finally I note that organisers budgeted for a loss of $500,000. Given the poor crowds I wouldn't be surprised if the figure was higher ? how will they recover that cost?
Okay, let's come down off the golfing heights and get down to the grass roots of the game. Last Saturday saw the staging of the Chairman's Trophy, a one round stroke event. It was won by Gerry Verhaart with a brilliant net 63. Now, I'm sure Gerry will forgive me for suggesting that it has been a long time since he captured a trophy but I'm certain he is delighted with his effort.
Overall results:
Men Group 1: Gavin Harris net 67 1st, Kevin Mackay net 68 2nd, Ash Peterson net 68 3rd.
Men Group 2: Gerry Verhaart net 63 1st, Vic Domanski net 67 2nd, Roger Gardner net 68 3rd.
The nearest the pin prizes went to Kevin Mackay at the Alex McLeod 8th hole, to Gavin Harris at the Fire Services 11th, and to Simon Dew at the Money Managers 18th hole. In the first round for the Challenge Shield Brent McKenzie has set the mark with a gross score of 71. Lorraine Stewart was top woman with 38 stableford points.
On Monday in cooler conditions over 40 Vets competed in their weekly stableford. Results:
Women: Bib Vallance 30 pts 1st, Cynthia Smith 30 pts 2nd, Pamela Andrew 28 pts 3rd.
Men Group 1: John Tatham 28 pts 1st, Jim Picking 28 pts 2nd, Kel Biggs 27 pts 3rd.
Men Group 2: Ken Stephenson 31 pts 1st, Rex Fowler 26 pts 2nd, George Nichols 25 pts 3rd.
Nearest the pin prizes at the Fagan Ford 8th hole went to Bill Hamilton and Cynthia Smith.
On Tuesday a big field of 60 women teed off in their first competition day of the new season. The stableford event produced these results:
Silver: Shona McHattie 41 pts 1st, Venetta Justice 39 pts 2nd.
Bronze A: Dara Carthew 38 pts 1st, Pam Griffith 37 pts 2nd.
Bronze B: Heather Small 45 pts 1st, Ann Kenny 41 pts 2nd.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Deidre Walker at the Graeme Jones Car Rental 8th hole and to Joy Cowan at the Write Price 18th.
Incidentally, it was good to see a couple of 9 holers coming over the join the longer game.
The Summer Cup was won by Helen Newlands, ahead of Marilyn Beetham.
Good luck to our Pennant team playing in their first match next Monday at Te Marua.
There is more men's Wellington interclub activity this coming Saturday with two of the three teams involved. The Division 2 team have a bye with the rest of the Division 2 teams playing at Lansdowne. For those 60 players the foursomes take off at 7.45 am from tees one, five and nine. The afternoon singles go from those same three tees which should be clear in time for normal club day to start about the usual time.
The competition for members is a stableford, by the way.
Division 3 are playing at home against Te Marua with their starting time set down for 8.15 am off number one tee. The team (not in playing order) is as follows: Phil Rutene, Ian Buchanan, Peter Jackson, Nigel Udy, Paul Fouhy, Herb Ruhe, Jeff Ogg, Ash Peterson, Bob Hill, Murray Wolland.
The absence of regular Kevin Mackay has been noted by his team mates. I'm not sure of the actual details but I gather a hefty fine is in the offing for our Kevin.
The Division 6 side front up for their first away game this Saturday against Paraparaumu on that team's course. The players involved (in no particular order) are Tony Iggulden (Capt), Derek Clarkson, Ben Campbell, Robin Carseldine, Joe Tuoro, Barry Smith, Bruce Watkins, Brian Leighton, Mike Dixon and Tony Roseingrave.
Next Sunday, February 20, sees the 105th Annual General Meeting of the club, commencing at 10.30 am in the club house. Included in the business are the Annual Report and Financial Statement, plus the election of two board members. After the meeting there will be the usual informal competition, a mixed event of some sort.
Off the Fairway
After the Sunday golfers' round last week-end it came to Phil Rutene's turn to shout. To his dismay, he found his wallet was missing (yeah right!). Our hero spent the next hour or so retracing his steps out on the course, but no joy. Despondent, he returned to his car with his clubs and, you've guessed it, there was his wallet after all.