Tournament now open to all-comers

This weekend brings a significant change in the format of the 41-year-old Bob Charles Left-Handers golf tournament. Back in 1967, just on 100 lefties from all over New Zealand played four rounds of golf over the weekend before Paul Adams from Invercargill claimed the prestigious trophy.
Incidentally, Adams is still playing good golf and is currently on a 2 handicap.
The Bob Charles rapidly became a real flagship for the club and a must for lefties to take part in.
However, changing social conditions in the country saw a decline in 4 round golf tournaments, forcing Masterton to reduce the event to 54 holes in 1983 and later to 36 holes, still spread over two days.
Despite the reduction and the introduction of a Vets and a women's section, there has been a continuing struggle to maintain entries at a respectable level.
We are informed that left-handers make up 10 per cent of golfers but, if that is so, they show a decided reluctance to play in their own special event, particularly when it is scheduled when the course is at its best.
However, as all clubs have found, times change and administrators have to change with them so, this year, Masterton has made another alteration to the tournament.
While retaining the Charles name and the original trophy for left-handers, the tournament has been thrown open to all golfers, lefties and righties alike. There are four divisions: left, right, women and vets with prizes in each category with the name now becoming the Sir Bob Charles Classic.
An added bonus is the WBS Trophy for the overall winner.
So here is a unique opportunity for all golfers to be the very first name on this splendid new trophy.
It's not too late to enter either contact the clubhouse right away.
Remember that the first round is Saturday afternoon with the final 18 holes on Sunday morning.
Meanwhile last Saturday featured a Barney Woollard USANA Stroke round coupled with a Markham's shootout qualifier.
Results:
Group 1: Nigel Udy nett 67 1st, Barry Smith nett 68 2nd, Ian Buchanan nett 69 3rd.
Group 2: Ian Tuoro nett 66 1st, Ray Verhaart nett 66 2nd, Trevor Smith nett 67 3rd.
Mike Dixon struck the double being nearest the pin at the Alex McLeod 8th and the Money Managers 18th, while Janie Buchanan took the putting prize in the women's section.
Last week the 9-holers started at the summer time of 9 am and rather cleverly avoided the windy conditions by playing the back nine holes.
They also got an early lunch and a free afternoon.
Pamela Andrews was tops in the competition with a gross 53 from Susie Williams on 57 while Geri Southey pounded out the longest drive.
Please note it is a 9am start during the upcoming months.
On Monday just on 40 Vets took part in their weekly stableford.
Women: Theresa Cameron 26 pts 1st, Bib Vallance 24 pts 2nd, Pam Sutherland 24 pts 3rd.
Men Group 1: Blair Harvey 27 pts 1st, Hamish Buchanan 25 pts 2nd, George Grantham 25 pts 3rd.
Men Group 2: John Farmer 26 pts 1st, David Brenkley 26 pts 2nd, Robin Whitehead 24 pts 3rd.
It is Tuesday as I write and I've just heard that all the women involved in the Club Champs have been pulled off the course because of the wild weather.
They will resume their matches tomorrow (Wednesday) at the point where they were today.
The finals will now be held next Tuesday (October 14) with the Senior and Bronze Championships over 36 holes and the remainder of the competition over 18 holes.
Off the Fairway
There's another reminder that The Manor Wairarapa Women's Open, to be staged in association with Provincial Insurance Brokers, is scheduled for next Friday, October 17.
It is over 18 holes with morning tea at 9.15 am before the tee-off at 10 am.
There are Gross, Nett and Stableford prizes with entry fee just $15.00.
To enter contact the Club Office at 06 3774984, fax 06 3774616 or email enquiries@mastergolf.org.nz.