Pro-Am proves a big winner

The ING Eketahuna-Masterton Pro-Am held last weekend proved another very successful promotion for the two clubs. The fact that it is held at two different venues adds to its uniqueness, and possibly is a major reason why it has become so popular since it began just three years ago.
On the Saturday Eketahuna was blessed with a beautiful day, but even so, it must surely be one of the best golf courses in the country at this time of year.
It was a credit to a part-time greenkeeper and a host of voluntary labour. Lansdowne had the worst of the weather with the southerly coming through mid afternoon and bringing rain.
It was playing short as it invariably does in summer with everyone acknowledging that it is at its very best in Spring and Autumn.
The professional's competition saw some spectacular golf with last year's winner, Tim Wilkinson, a clear cut winner once again. On Saturday he smashed the Eketahuna course record with a great 64 and followed that up with 68 at Lansdowne, to take a 3 shot victory over Kevin Chun.
The youthful Chun, who has just gained entry into the Asian Tour, was a late call up for Sir Bob Charles who was unable to attend because of his father's illness.
Overall the professionals scored well at both courses with 22 sub-par rounds posted.
The local derby saw Jimmy Napier nudge out Jamie McIsaac by one shot, though Jamie had the consolation of a fine 66 at Masterton.
Former New Zealand Amateur representative, Grant Moorhead finished 4th equal with his drive to the green at the par 4 12th a feature. (Amateur Alan Williams did the same.)
The inaugural champion, Alistair Sidford, had a miserable tournament with poor rounds at both venues. Abbreviated results:
Professionals: Tim Wilkinson (64,68) 132 1st, Kevin Chun (71,64) 135 2nd, Craig Palmer (69,67) 136 3rd, Richard Best (66,71) 137 4th, Grant Moorhead (69,68) 137 5th.
Team Results: Rabobank (K Inder, M Wyeth, R Cameron, C Owen) 127/129 256 1st
GAS Eketahuna (T Johnson, W Fisher, P Murray, S Gordan) 130/121 251 2nd
Money Managers (R Stewart, R Young, B Smith, G Moorhead) 124/125 249 3rd.
Bushwackers (J Morrison, W Harriman, Christ Lewis, D Holloway) 119/127 246 4th.
With the very generous local sponsorship the team prizes were able to go right down to the 16th placing.
While it was just outside the prize list, the all women's Trust House team performed well (with a little help from Jamie McIsaac) finishing ahead of many all male sides including Graeme Jones Car Rental, Alex McLeod and Blue Star Cleaning.
Last Saturday's competition, a stableford, drew a moderate field which was totally dominated by a brilliant 64 from 4 handicapper Jeff Tuoro.
Unfortunately the round can't qualify as a record as Jeff had played 9 holes in the morning.
Last week saw the opening of the 9 holers season with a good field having lots of fun playing an Ambrose competition. Certainly everyone on the course heard the noisy demonstration when one of the teams chipped out at the third.
With 37 points the team of Patsy Ogg, Lola Ogg and Rosie Wellbrock took top honours, ahead of Pat Tomlinson, Diane Speirs and Ann Kite on 39 points.
Please note that, because of the hot weather, starting time as from next Wednesday will be at 8.30 am. If you would like to join the group, and you'll be very welcome, please contact Ann Kite at Phone 3773140.
Convenor Phil Rutene has announced the men's Wellington Inter-Club squads for the season.
Styleline Homes Division 2: B McKenzie, C Gane, H Bateman, J Paku (Captain), M Schofield, S Dew, F Murton, S Forrester, J Tuoro, B Campbell, W Walker, Alan Sandford.
Basically the same as last year, this is a young side, with its biggest gain being former Wainuiomata Division 1 player, Fred Murton.
Division 3 (18 holes): K Mackay, I Buchanan, P Rutene, P Jackson, A Peterson, B Hill, B Guckert, I Stya, J Ogg, D Clarkson, M Wolland, P Forrester.
This team of experienced, mature golfers has been strengthened with the addition of Peter Forrester (from Division 2), Derek Clarkson (Promoted from Division 6) and Bart Guckert (back after a break).
Division 6: M Dixon, N Udy, P Fouhy, J Harrild, H Ruhe, T Iggulden, R Carseldine, J Tuoro, A Sadler, T Roseingrave, G McIsaac, S Grant.
This side has a battle hardened look about it with Graeme McIsaac and Shane Grant the only "new" boys at this stage.
Styleline Division 2 play at Wainuiomata this coming Saturday while all three teams are involved the following Saturday, February 18.
Back at Lansdowne, next Saturday's competition is a stroke round coupled with a Markham's shoot-out qualifier and the first round in the Challenge Shield event.
Last Monday, Waitangi Day, featured the time-honoured Margaret Wallace Day with just on 50 in the field. Winners of the silver jugs this year were Blyth and Shirley King with 77 stableford points.
The runners up on 75 points were Sally and Evan Morch, the latter starting with a bang with an eagle at the first hole.
Men's pairs winners were Sofi Fanua and Robin Whitehead on 72 points.
On Tuesday another field of 50 got away to a rolling start in a mixed stableford competition, played in perfect conditions.
Scoring was excellent with Marilyn Beetham's 44 points the highlight, while Carol Morgan contributed with a brilliant eagle at the par 5 18th hole. Results: Silver: Joy Cowan 41 pts 1st, Carolyn Springer 40 pts 2nd.
Bronze A: Elizabeth Jones 42 pts 1st, Dara Carthew 40 pts 2nd.
Bronze B: Marilyn Beetham 44 pts 1st, Sue Falloon 34 pts 2nd.
Rachel Monk was nearest the pin at the Graeme Jones Car Rental 8th hole while Joy Cowan took the honours at the Write Price 18th.And by the way, if you have spotted the obvious anomaly, Carol Morgan, with her eagle, did not get that last prize because this week it applied to the Silver Division only.
Off the Fairway
One of the great successes of the Pro-Am last weekend was the choice of guest celebrity Martin Crowe.
Besides demonstrating his undoubted golfing ability, he proved a most entertaining speaker and a very relaxed and approachable personality.