Victories mark inter-clubs

Three of Masterton Golf Club's four Wellington inter-club teams were in action last Saturday. All three teams must have come away feeling pleased overall, even though one team lost.
Masterton Division 7 posted a 13 / 1 win over Boulcott Farm Club, with most of the locals having easy singles victories, notably Hira Renata 8/6, Mike Dixon 5/4, Bob Hill and Leith Comer both 5/3.
In the fourball matches it was a white-wash with a 5/0 score to Masterton. Team captain Ian Harrowfield thrashed his hapless opponent 9/8.
Division 3 did almost as well, with a clear-cut win over Judgeford at Lansdowne. Once again there was a 5/0 clean-out to the locals in the fourball contest, while in the singles, good victories went to Gavin Harris 7/5, Simon Buckley, Kevin Mackay, Rob Carseldine, Phil Rutene and Tony Rowntree. On the other hand, "Muzza" will be licking his wounds as his normal consistency deserted him in a heavy defeat.
The Pauatahanui 9-hole course is a tricky affair, where local knowledge plays a vital role, so Division 11, playing in their first away match, should be reasonably satisfied with a 9/6 loss.
For Masterton Brian Pollock, Harry Quinn, Terry Harrison and skipper John Hopkirk recorded wins in their singles, while Steve Couvret and Jamie Brunton won their fourball with the pairings of Innes Kennard and Harry Quinn, Brian Pollock and Paul Williams scoring halves.
Unfortunately, with such big entry numbers in Division 11, Masterton won't get a chance for revenge as no home match is scheduled.
Competition day was last Sunday with a Stroke round schedule.
Results:
Group 1
Nigel Udy net 67, Leith Comer net 72.
Group 2
Ray Verhaart net 71, Paddy Greville net 76.
(What's going on Paddy Greville in Group 2 - he gets a prize with a net 76?)
Ray Verhaart was nearest the pin at the 8th hole, while Sam-Maree Brown was closest for the ladies.
On Saturday, March 12, the Masterton Division 1 team involved in Round 3 against Miramar is to be played at Boulcott's Farm Heritage Course. Back home, the Indians play in a Bisque Par Round, which is where you choose which holes you use handicap on (before you play the next hole).
Last Monday, nearly 30 Vets got their round in before a heavy shower, with these results:
Women
Isobelle Weaver 29 points, Sue Blathwayt 24, Theresa Cameron 21 pts.
Men Group 1
Kevin Hooper 26 pts, Franz Marwitz 26 pts, Peter Cameron 25 pts.
Men Group 2
John Wales 26 pts, John Farmer 26 pts, David Brenkley 25 pts.
Nearest the pin prizes at the Fagan Ford 8th hole went to Isobelle Weaver and Blyth King.
Last week I mentioned the new 9-hole competition will be staged on those days when Wellington Inter-club competitions claim large numbers of our male members.
The next time this occurs is Saturday, March 19, when all four teams are in action, at various venues. On the Sunday, there is of course the official replacement competition day, which doesn't suit everybody.
So those of you who like to clean up the garden, go to the TAB or just sleep in before a relaxing game of golf, here is a competition for you. It's open to all men, women, ordinary 9 holers, left handers or potential members. It's the same entry fee as an ordinary Saturday but it starts at 2.30pm and goes over 9 holes. So give it a try. The event is organised by Graeme Jones and Alan Williams.
Last week 35 Masterton women were taken on their annual mystery tour, escorted by Lola Ogg and Janna Blundell. A highlight of the trip was playing on the beautiful Hokowhitu Golf Course in Palmerston North.
On Tuesday the women were involved in the Nancy McCormick foursomes over 36 holes. Results weren't available before the Times-Age went to press.
But I can tell you that the Manor Wairarapa Women's open has been postponed until later in the year due to date clashes with other scheduled events.
Off the fairway
Local member Valda Anderson has been carrying the flag for Masterton in the New Zealand Masters Games. This is a massive event involving about 25 sports and held this year in Wanganui.
Playing on the Marton Golf Course with Paul Stephens from Foxton in the foursomes, the pair took gold by a clear-cut margin then Valda won bronze in her group in individual contests at Belmont and Castlecliff.
Not content with that, Valda went to Foxton for the popular "Yellow" tournament and won gold again in her group. Great work from our latest national champion.