Cup holds century of history

Marton golfing great, the late Bessie Fullerton-Smith, will be fondly remembered at her club's centenary on Sunday. PHOTO/SUPPLIED

The drive is on to claim bragging rights for winning the centennial version of the Marton Golf Club's major tournament at Santoft on Sunday.

Held in conjunction with the annual tournament, this year's version will celebrate the 100-year anniversary of a club steeped in history dating back to May 1914.

Centennial organising committee chair Erica Clark said former members and guests from far and wide were arriving for the Labour Weekend festivities.

"We have 121 registered for the formal dinner on Sunday night and more than 60 entered for the stableford tournament, although late entries will be taken for that," Clark said yesterday.

"We have guest speakers and will also release the book featuring the 100-year history of the club written by local identity Dave Tarrant.

"We will also have lots of memorabilia on display, including from the family with the most involvement with the club, the Fullerton-Smiths who were represented by five generations over the 100 years."

Bessie Fullerton-Smith, who passed away in 2008 after turning 101 herself, is arguably the most notable.

"Bessie was a great golfer and represented New Zealand at two Tasman Cups and in 1934 she travelled to Europe with another New Zealand woman to compete in the ladies British Open and the French Open," Clark said.

"She was also twice winner of national titles and twice runner-up and was patron of the Marton Golf Club in her latter years.

"Bessie was that well known in New Zealand ladies competition they named a trophy in memory of her.

"Lydia Ko has won the Bessie Fullerton-Smith Trophy for being the leading lady amateur in the New Zealand Open."

The club began in May 1914 at the Marton Racecourse before moving to Tutaenui Rd, then to its current home at Santoft.