Ideal time to set New Year goals

With the end of January fast approaching, its time to give your surf boards a rest, and dust off your golf clubs in readiness for a new golf season.
Now I know that you've already broken all those fine resolutions you made back at New Year, but why not make a few right now for the 2006 golf season.
Okay, we know that you're not going to aspire to the heights of Michael Campbell, but within the range of your own abilities, there are plenty of resolutions you can make.
Reducing your handicap to a certain figure is an obvious choice, but you could also consider having a crack at the various interclub competitions, or just entering in a number of the Club's major competitions. (Last year's entries in the club championships were pretty pathetic, number wise).
For my part, I think I'll resolve not to mock left handers ? we have to live with them after all.
I must also try to be nicer to Graeme Jones, Rod Garden and Mike Dixon, oh yes, and to Morrie the barman. Above all, I must actually try to get out and play a little golf this season.
Now last Monday, Wellington Anniversary Day, Masterton Golf Club staged the first formal tournament of the year, a 2 ball Ambrose. Overall winners of the event were Jeff and Phillip Tuoro, with a gross 61 (net 59.25).
Other results:-
Men's Group:
1. Mike Dixon and Barry Smith net 61
2. Kevin Mackay and Innes Kennard net 62
3. Dave Thomas and Geoff Masters net 64.75
Mixed Group:
1. Hira Renata and Sereana Phillipps net 63.75
2. Lola and Jeff Ogg net 64
3. Kaye and Graeme McIsaac net 64.25
Most of what I have to say this week is about the future, and in particular a very busy time over the next three or four weeks.
Masterton Vets have their Opening Day next Monday, 30 January, and they start with a Mixed Ambrose Tournament. Cards should be in by 9.45am, while there's a real welcome for existing, and of course, new members.
On Tuesday next, 31 January, it's the turn of the women to have their first official day of the season. Starting at 9am you'll be playing in groups of four, in what is called a "Scratch and Scramble.
Just the thing for a few of those rusty swings. Afterwards, I'm told there's a shared lunch, while I'm also told that there's a special invitation to new members, vets and 9 holers, on what should be a good fun day.
Now the women have their first Pennant Round on Monday 13 February, Bronze only, I believe.
The Pennants competition is played in the Silver and Bronze grades, with teams of six in each case. Anyone can qualify, so if you are interested in selection, put your name down on the displayed lists.
I was speaking to the new women's Club Captain, Rachel Monk, and it is obvious that she is looking to a good positive season, with lots of participation from all concerned
Now to the men, who have their first competition day this coming Saturday, a stroke round, coupled with a Markham's Shootout qualifier.
Saturday also features the sorting out of the various Wellington interclub teams.
All those hoping to play in one or other of the teams, should report to the 19th at 11.45am for briefing, before the golf. If you can't be there, contact Phil Rutene on 06 377 1979.
The Twilight Golf competition continues every Wednesday starting from 3.30pm. I believe there are just 7 weeks to go to the final night.
It is just over a week to one of the major events of the year on the local Golf Calendar, the ING Eketahuna-Masterton Pro-Am Tournament.
This well sponsored event kicks off at Eketahuna on Saturday 4 February, starting at 11am, followed by Round 2 at Lansdowne on the Sunday, commencing at 10am.
There is a full field of 36 teams, each including a professional, while the guest celebrity is the great New Zealand batsman, Martin Crowe, whom I'm told is no slug as a golfer.
The Pro-Am comes just before Waitangi Day, with a change this year for the day's tournament.
The long established and always popular, Margaret Wallace Day has shifted forward to Waitangi Day this year, so that should be a good event to round off the long weekend.
Finally, just over two weeks away, we have the staging of the Wairarapa "Festival of Golf" Day on Sunday 12 February.
More of that next week, but it is basically a day to promote golf, and encourage new members to join.
Off the Fairway
It has just been confirmed that Sir Bob Charles is a definite starter in the ING Eketahuna-Masterton Pro-Am, so that's some more excitement for golfers in the near future.