Old Boys Golf Tournament Report

Proudly supported by McVerry Crawford Motors

Sunday 10^th April – the scene was set at the pristine Manawatu Golf Course. Near perfect conditions, cloudy, not too hot, not too cold, no wind. The course was in great nick. Huge thanks to the Club and green staff for coming to the party.  A larger than expected turn-out, 23 teamsin total playing for the Golf Classic Teams Trophy. Format: Stableford, best 3 scores count.

The day began at 11:30 with a BBQ lunch supplied by The Mad Butcher and McDonalds supplied the Angus burger patties. Thanks to the parents of BHS Cricketers who took command of the BBQ. Thanks also to Sharron Cutts who was on registration desk and also very bravely joined the crew on the carts for the remainder of the day.  Thanks to Gozz on the 4^th hole for his cash register (no change given) earning just under $300, a great effort.

Thanks also to Karin Leenards, based at Tee 1 taking photos of the teams and tee offs. 

Thanks to the Cart-Crew comprising of Gibbo, Tim O’Connor (trying to find an extra gear) assisted by the very capable Justin Doolan. The crew competently delivered the beer and fizz around the
course at great speed ensuring the players were well hydrated.

Teams gather for BBQ

It was noted that Dawson Tamatea had to be gently reminded that when his shot had landed and come to a halt he needed to move away so others could have a go, rather than continuing to strike poses for the camera.

The drinks cart was seen to be leaving the scene at great pace with Tim (Dixon) O’Connor and Dooley holding on for dear life after allegedly (and accidentally apparently) having driven over the said ball. After a few choice words from Tom he did manage to chunk his way out.

The generous sponsor Tom McVerry (pictured)(probably took one look at the blokes on the organising committee and thought that he’d better throw in a couple of grand so we would at least break even) is not renowned for his golfing achievements so it was no surprise at one stage when he had much difficulty finding his ball.

Snapper was another victim of a lost ball so rumour has it. About to tee off he couldn’t locate his ball, even accusing his own team of taking it. After a frantic search he managed to discover the ball was in the clutches of his left hand.

All the teams managed to get around the course in good time then it was up to the Club House for the prizes. Unfortunately our team couldn’t win the trophy again. It was a fairly disturbing sight to see Steve Gripper Lee struggling agonizingly around the course with a crook back.  The only comfort to him was the invitation he received from our team mate Mark (Pudd) Sinclair to join him in his spa pool later that evening, which would according to Mark, ease his pains away.

Good friends

The eventual Winners were Team Wenham Grain & Seed . The three brothers-in-law, Phil Wenham, Paul Lovejoy, Ronald Nolan joined by Kevin Baker. Great effort.

We were not intending to have individual prizes but Kevin Baker organised  through MasterTrade a single Fire Extinguisher. The perfect prize for the hottest player of the day that burnt the course up with 45 stableford points. This was awarded to Justin Leck (Team McDonalds), congratulations.

The prize table was large thanks to our kind and generous donators. This meant every team won a prize. Not many tournaments can equal this feat.  Gibbo was well pleased with the end result of the tournament which raised over $5,000 for PNBHS Cricket. (“A couple of bats and the rest on the bar!”) I know Mike Tairua and Paul Gibbs will put the funds to good use and for all to enjoy.

Thanks again for supporting this most enjoyable day and we look forward to a repeat next year. Hopefully our tournament will not clash with Pennants as it did this year so Mike and other Pennants players will be able to participate.

                Rolfer the Golfer

Thanks to the following Hole and Prize Sponsors:

McVerry Crawford

Fuji Xerox

Wenham Grain & Seed                   Cooper Rapley

JVL                                                      Naylor Lawrence

InSPireNet                                         ITM

Cash Converters                               InHouse Computers

AMP                                                   McDonalds

Mad Butcher                                     Jacobs Florentine

Lion Nathan                                       Coke

Westpac                                            Hunting & Fishing

Leenards Construction                 

Golf Distributors

Rangitikei Meat Distributors          MasterTrade