Weather smiles on Junior Open

Last week was a week that should never have happened for the girls at Martinborough Golf Club - atrocious weather and such a disappointment to cancel their 36 hole 4BBB tournament on Wednesday.
It really was a shocker week and it kept the 9 holers away too.
However, Friday morning dawned beautiful and the Junior Open went ahead with 35 boys and girls participating which produced some fantastic scores. Winner of the Boys U19 Gross was our very own Jason van Zanten with a 68 off the stick - well done Jason. I have a lot of time for Jason, who practices really hard with the urgings of his father Rob; a just reward for Jason who is such a likeable guy. Runner-up was James Perkinson from Shandon with a Gross 73.
The boys U16 Gross winner was David van Drimmelen from Karori with 79 and Daniel Hillier from Judgeford with a Gross 81 was runner-up. The girls U19 winner was Amy Austin from Royal Wellington with a Gross 77 while runner-up on count back was Gabrielle Palado from Karori with a Gross 83.
Winner of the boys U19 Nett was Reuben Crook with a Nett 62; well done Reuben, and runner-up was Scott Dunkerley from Karori with a Nett 68. The boys U16 Nett winner was Taylor Belsham from Shandon with a Nett 65 on a count back from Nathan Whalley from Shandon.
Winner of the girls U19 nett was Jenna Mumford from Wainuiomata with a Nett 72 and Katie Smart from Carterton was runner-up with 74. To all who played - we hope you had an enjoyable day.
Mary Smith presented the trophies and prizes and a special thank you to Mavis Jones and daughter Karen for making the trophy table so attractive. Thanks to all who helped make the day so successful.
With some concern I heard talk about a bit of cheating that went on - I certainly hope not; some of these kids are absolutely brilliant to watch and their swings are just so unbelievable.
The men's comp last Saturday was a benefit round for Brent Keene who absolutely scooped the pool 9 up on par, nearest the pin and best gross with a 74 off the stick.
Runners-up were little George Wilkins and Ash Reed both 8 up. You little beaut, George! Ash Reed has certainly found some form and George Kirk scored the only two.
To Sunday and Brent Keene was at it again - this time 7 up on par. Martin Napier and Terry Fraei both with 5 up were runners-up. Brent has been staying with me for the past two weeks so he must have listened to my advice!
I am sorry to say that he has moved back to Hamilton so he and his wife Carole will be sadly missed by me.
George's tournament which was earmarked for last Thursday will now be played on Thursday, 5 May and the competition for the weekend is a Medal, Putting and Shootout round.
On a sad note to end the column, John McAvoy (JF) Life Member, Vice-President and well-liked member of the Club passed away last week.
John did a lot for the club over the years and was a major fundraiser when the old club house burned down in 1973 - a celebration of his life was held in the club house following his funeral.
Good Golfing & Good Luck