Season in full swing

I think we can say that the 2005 season really got going last week-end with the first round in the Wellington men's inter-club underway on Saturday, together with a normal local competition, plus a small Waitangi Day Tournament on Sunday. The Vets were into their second day on Monday while the women had their season opening day on Tuesday.
In the inter-club competition, Masterton believed they had three matches, but in what could only be described as a glorious mix-up, found that one match had been re-scheduled. The Division 2 team travelled to the Hutt to play Te Marua, but on arrival round that flood damage late last year had closed the course, so there was no golf.
Apparently an email to this effect was sent ? it never reached us. Then our team list was sent on the Wednesday before, but no one thought to tell us at that stage that it wasn't needed.
On a happier note the other two teams played at home and came away with resounding victories. The Division 3 side thumped Waikanae 13/2 with some great golf being played right through. Ian Buchanan had a fine 73 off his 9 handicap, while even Phil Rutene, the only one to lose, still posted a 77 for a one under net 70. However, he still lost, so for this he is temporarily the owner of the new "big loser" trophy, as yet nameless although it clearly portrays a porcine posterior. It really was a great start, and one that augurs well for the rest of the season.
Similarly, Division 6 opened impressively in their newer and tougher division with a 12/3 victory over Shandon. Once again there was some fine golf with young Ben Campbell continuing to show great form with a fine 75 and a big 8/6 win. His score was matched by Bruce Watkins while Mike Dixon chimed in with a 76. The fourball was won 4/1 while only Tony Iggulden and Brian Leighton lost their singles, with the latter being the first to hold the "Rear-ender Trophy" for 2005.
Meanwhile, back at the ranch, the Indians played in a stableford competition with these results:
Division 1: Jeff Harrild 41 pts 1st.
Division 2: Terry Harrison 42 pts 1st, Trevor Drummond 42 pts 2nd, Russell Stewart 42 pts 3rd.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Trevor Hill at the Alex McLeod 8th hole, to Terry Harrison at the Money Managers 18th, and to Trevor Campbell at the Fire Services 11th. Brenda Blatchford did best in the women's competition.
Trevor Campbell is that same golfer who, some 30 years ago was one of the top Duncan Cup team members and runner-up in the Wairarapa Open on three separate occasions. Hopefully, Trevor will be able to make a contribution to Masterton's interclub scene.
Sunday saw the Waitangi Day Tournament, normally a low key affair, even more so on this occasion with the sweltering heat keeping a good number away. However, it was a pleasant occasion dominated by Dave Owens' 44 stableford points, brought about by his great 73 off a 10 handicap. Then there was Ben Campbell on the prize list again, with 42 points, and three two's. Unfortunately Ben didn't put his money in for the two's!
Results:
Men: Dave Owens 44 pts 1st, Roger Gardiner 42 pts 2nd, Trevor Hill 42 pts 3rd, Ben Campbell 42 pts 4th, Mike Dixon 40 pts 5th, Rod Garden 40 pts 6th.
Women: Lesley Roberts 40 pts 1st, Jan Wyeth 38 pts 2nd.
Nearest the pin prizes went to Ben Campbell and Susan Rutene, while long drives were taken by Jan Wyeth and Jeff Harrild.
Monday wasn't quite so bad for the 45 vets competing in their weekly stableford.
Results:
Women: Bib Vallance 29 pts 1st, Colleen Hamilton 28 pts 2nd, Barbara Hullena 26 pts 3rd.
Men Group 1: Mick Gates 29 pts 1st, Jim Picking 28 pts 2nd, Bob Hullena 28 pts 3rd.
Men Group 2: Brian Henson 32 pts 1st, Gerry Verhaart 32 pts 2nd, Colin Henwood 31 pts 3rd.
Nearest the pin prizes at the Fagan Ford 8th hole went to Ted Thornton and Barbara Hullena.
Last Tuesday saw the women stage their Opening Day with a big field of just on 60, including Vets, 9 holers and new members. With competitions starting next week, Tuesday was essentially a fun day with a 10 hole, 4 person Ambrose being staged.
The top group consisted of Marilyn Strang, Jo Bird, Bernadette Campbell and Patsy White with an incredible net score of just 7. They shot 7 birdies and 2 pars so with their combined handicaps divided by four, they finished with a super low total.
Please note that the women's mystery trip is set for Tuesday, February 22.
Next Saturday February 12, features the Chairman's Trophy, a stroke affair, the first round for the Challenge Shield, plus a qualifying round for the Markham Shoot-out. Men, please note that entries in the Oldfield Rosebowl close on Sunday.
John Coom (Shura's dad) who died this week had a long association with the Masterton Golf Club, first joining as a fifteen year old in 1932. A fine golfer himself, John played in an era when the Masterton Club was awash with golfers of the highest calibre. Men like T H Horton, John Hornabrook, Arthur Duncan, Eric Henderson, Brick Budd, Geoff Falloon and Brian Maunsell were known well beyond the bounds of the Wairarapa. On a low single figure handicap John held his own with the best, coming agonisingly close to winning the 1960 Senior Championship final. One up at the last against the late David Smith, he lost his ball in a pine tree, before conceding the victory at the 19th hole. It is sad when one of the last links with another age is severed, and we share the family's loss at this time.
Off The Fairway
Jan Williams was determined to get husband Alan out on the golf course last Sunday, despite the heat. The reason was that it was Alan's 60th birthday, and a surprise party was in store for him when they got home. It worked, though Jonesy nearly blew the gaff during the round, and afterwards