Masterton Golf Club

On that occasion, Lansdowne was actually closed to golf for 19 consecutive days - if it wasn't raining, the ground was still much too sodden to allow any play. This year, despite the miserable weather the course has not closed once, and while there have been a few competition postponements, there wouldn't have been a day without a few hardy (or foolhardy) people out on the fairways. 

I spoke to the green keepers about this last Monday, and they put the difference down to a number of factors. 

The main reason seems to be the fact that there is improved fairway and green drainage, plus better air flow, which leads to quicker drying out. Apart from the big pine up the 18th fairway that went down a while back, there have been many others that have gone in the last 20 - 30 years either through design, or because they blew over. Greens in particular, are nowhere as shaded as they used to be, so disease is less common and drainage is quicker. 

Extensive new mole drainage, and the use of coring a great deal too, add to the process. Basically, water movement off the course is far quicker than it used to be. So please remember, that while Lansdowne clay can create some problems, if you tackle it correctly, it can be mastered. 

In the meantime, however, there has been some golf, starting with last Saturday, when a good field took part in a H.R.V. Stroke competition.

Mens Group 1                         

Bob Hill                        net 71               1st

Leith Comer                 net 72               2nd

Mens Group 2

Roly Brown                  net 70               ^1st

John Hopkirk               net 72               ^2nd

Dennis Hogg                 net 74               ^3rd

Graeme Jones               net 74               ^4th

Kevin McKay was nearest the pin at the Alex McLeod 8th hole, while Ray Verhaart did best at the M.M.G. Advisory Partners 18th.

Last week only 8 amazons turned up for the 9 holers day, so while there was golf, there was no competition. A new prospect, as yet unnamed turned up for her first game of golf, and showed her exciting potential by having a three at the 8th.

On Monday, with five conditions overhead but wet underfoot, the Vets played in an Ambrose stableford. Top team, with 32 points was the team comprising Jack Richmond, Shirley King, Isobelle Weaver, Jamie Brunton and Barry Smith, with second place on 29 points going to the group of Sue Blathwayt, Harvey Ward, Charles Anderson and George Grantham.

Nearest the pin prizes at the Fagan Ford 8th Hole went to Sue Blathwayt and Kevin Biggs,

Jo and Tweet Bird seem to be making the Combined Mixed 4 Ball Match play event for the Jimmy Shearer their own special competition. After being runners up on a couple of occasions, they won the trophy in 2009, and now have taken it once again by defeating Lesley and Robert Stewart 3/2 in the final last Monday. In a match where no shots were given by either pair, the Birds shot out to be 5 up after 12 holes. Then the Stewarts fought back to take the next three holes, but after looking to be in real trouble at the 16th, Jo chipped out for a five to seal the contest. Of interest, at the par 3 8th^, the pairs halved the hole both sides claiming a pair and a birdie.

This Saturday is Starter's choice, so who knows what will happen.

On Tuesday 34 women golfers teed off in rather blustery conditions, for the McCalmont Trophy, an all day eclectic competition. The event was won by a relatively new member,  Ann Smith, with a fine net 65. Nearest the pin prizes went to Brenda Blatchford (Graeme Jones Car Rentals 8th) and Hannah Meulenbrock (New World 18th).

Off The Fair Way

The sexy sixteen, that well known group if golfing ambassadors, are off on their annual jaunt to the Sunshine Coast today (29 July) returning Friday 6 August, after playing (officially) on 6 courses.  Mr Efficient seems to have the programme well organized with everyone allocated specific tasks.  I note Leith and Phil are allocated in charge of the Haka while watching the rgby test on Saturday They might need to appoint a coupld of enforcers if the Aussies are getting thumped, and start to get stroppy.