Centenary makes the cut

ON THE GREEN: Kalvin Field in front of the Marton clubhouse yesterday. PHOTOS/LEWIS GARDNER 261014WCLGGOLF2

There was nearly one golfer competing for every year of the Marton Golf Club's existence during its 100-year anniversary tournament at the Santoft course yesterday.

A field of 97-98 players, some veterans and other acknowledged part-timers, played in windy conditions for the annual tournament which this year doubled with the centenary celebrations.

"They are saying it was cold, they had a shotgun start at 10am," said Shirley Ballard, organising committee secretary.

Committee chairwoman Erica Clark displayed the memorabilia collection.

With contributions from Pat Connolly and others, there was everything from china cups to classic books, scorecards, and original maps of the club's various course layouts, going back to when they started at the Marton Racecourse in May 1914, through to moving to Tutaenui Rd and then their Santoft home.

"These gorgeous little [clubs] here, these were played with by the Deighton family from Marton in the 1930s," said Clark as she moved through the display.

"We've got lots and lots of photos and recordings from over the years."

The oral history would come later as old personal stories were swapped when the players returned to the club house around 5.30pm.

After the nibbles and drinks, Marton club president Bruce Craig made the official welcoming speech, followed by guest speaker Sue Foley.

The cutting of the centenary cake came with the dessert.