Microchip moves onto score cards

The irresistible advance of technology has now moved into the area of golf score recording. Following the lead of a good number of other golf clubs, Masterton is on the point of introducing "Autoscore", a Card Management System, a fully automated affair, unlike some of the other systems that are around at present.
Already much of the equipment, including 2 consoles, is in place and ready to go. The special cards are being printed at present and when they arrive, within a few days, the new system will be introduced.
Now, despite my undoubted talents in some areas, I would certainly not claim to be a techno whiz. However, even I can appreciate the simplicity of the process.
All you need is your club ID number which you tap into the main console before starting your round. Out comes a personalised card with the date, your name, your handicap and other details printed on it.
As your round proceeds you put in your score in the various score columns provided with a vertical stroke as in Lotto cards. At the end of the round your card is signed, you hand it in, and the machine does the rest ? instantly. It will be a huge aid to administrators, particularly at tournament time.
All three of the men's Wellington interclub teams were in action last Saturday with very satisfactory overall results. The Styleline Homes Division 2 team played middle of the table Paraparaumu at Te Marua and after a clear-cut 4/1 win in the morning's foursomes, they ran out easy 12/3 winners after the singles.
Big 6/5 victories were scored by Courtney Gane and Ben Campbell, Sam Forrester won 3/2 after being 3 down after 7 holes, while Jason Paku, Alan Sandford, Simon Dew and Harry Bateman all turned in wins. Team selector and manager Jimmy Napier reports that he has been most impressed with the attitude and form of what is a very young team. Though they have a buy in the next round they are 16 points clear of second placed Te Marua who next play Wainuiomata, the third team.
We mustn't get over confident but the Masterton team certainly seem well placed to go into the promotion-relegation play off, with only two rounds remaining. Division 3 played Te Marua at Lansdowne, and while they had a victory, the 8?/6? margin wasn't entirely convincing.
The locals won the fourball 3?/1?, with singles victories going to Bart Guckert, Ash Peterson (6/5), Derek Clarkson (6/4) and Ithial Stya. Kevin Mackay and Ian Buchanan contributed halves. Phil Rutene seems to have been absent without leave with his big 6/5 defeat making him the undisputed "winner" of the Tuibum Trophy.
The Division 6 side travelled to Judgeford to take on that side on their home territory. This is not the easiest of tasks as a 13/2 thrashing at Judgeford last season will show. However, Masterton this time had cause to be satisfied with a 7?/7? tie.
The Fourballs went to Masterton 3/2, while the singles saw wins to Nigel Udy (7/6), Robin Carseldine, Herb Ruhe and Joe Tuoro with Graeme McIsaac adding a half. Paul Fouhy had the dubious honour of claiming the Rear Enders Trophy after his loss.
Recently Masterton 9-holers competed in the Wellington Regional 9-Holers Tournament which was held in Featherston and attracted 50-60 competitors. And delight of delights, the overall winner was our own Noelene Eastwood who took away the best nett award. Other Masterton winners were Ruth Wiley, Jill Cameron, Marie Wilson, Rosie Wellbrock and Pat Tomlinson.
Last Wednesday the 9-Holers found overhead and underfoot conditions more like winter in their stroke competition. Gill Neal and Errol Warren had the best scores of the day, both with nett 36, one ahead of Jill Cameron
Meanwhile at Lansdowne last Saturday, in difficult weather conditions, members played in a two ball stableford. The day was dominated by that dashing duo, Gold and Waddington, Masterton's loveable left-handed lawyers, who came in with 45 points, well clear of two pairings on 42 points, Jeff Ogg and Simon Hodge, and Murray Johnston and Hira Renata.
Best of the women was Edith Clarkson, ahead of Linda Cameron, while nearest the pin awards went to Earl Kjestrup at the Alex McLeod 8th hole, to Dave Thomas at the Fire Service 11th and to Brian Campbell at the Money Managers 18th.
This Saturday, April 1, sees a stroke round, a Markham shoot-out qualifier, and a further round in the Challenge Shield. Two of the Wellington interclub teams are in action with Division 3 against Waikanae at Waikanae while Division 6 are at home to Karori.
Then on Sunday it's Marquis Shield time again, with Masterton up against Featherston at Mahunga. Selector Steve Hemingway has selected the following warriors to do battle for Masterton:
Seniors: Bob Hill, Colin Hicks, Keith Morgan, Jamie Brunton. Intermediates: Goff Moorcock, Roley Brown, Arthur Sandford, Graeme Jones. Juniors: Tweet Bird, Steve Hemingway, Rex Fowler, Alex Tulloch.
Don't forget that Easter is just two weeks away and with it comes the Juken NZ Easter Bunny Tournament on the Monday, April 17th.
Off the Fairway
I've been told that my use of the term "console" to describe the Card Management System is incorrect. Instead, one is a "kiosk" and the other just a lap-top computer. I like my term better as I'd expect to get an ice-cream from a kiosk, not a score card.
Finally, I should mention that a few drops of rain were enough to scare off both the Vets and the Women in their scheduled rounds this week.