With a brilliantly fine Easter Holiday weekend, the Waihi Golf Course enjoyed an extremely busy time, with loads of visitors and members enjoying the ideal golfing experience.

Easter Saturday saw the playing of the men’s Summer Shootout Competition.

The original 19 starters had been whittled down to seven when the 13th tee was reached, but then Michael Matutinovich played the shot of the whole day with a hole-n-one, which greatly enhanced the occasion.

The excitement must have been too much as he was eliminated on the next hole!

The overall winner of this summers event was Mark (Sparky) Bryant, who defeated Peter Dagg on the 18th. Wayne Green went on the 17th, and Mark Mora on the 16th, while Malcolm Coldicutt went out on 15.

Due to Easter there was no Vets’ Competition this week, and the Ladies Sections were involved playing the Nancy McCormick Competition.

Nine Hole Section:

This week as well as playing in the weekly nett haggle, a putting competition was held in conjunction.

In the nett haggle, both Mandy Piper and Glen Bennett had the top scores with both having nett 30’s. Next, all with a nett 31 score were Tukatara Tangiia, Jenni Mora, and Margaret Meldrum.

Meanwhile the Putting Competition was won by Margaret Meldrum with 13 putts, with Liz Wylie in second with 15. Mandy Piper scored a two on the 8th hole.

Thursday Men:

It was ideal conditions again for the two haggles this week.

The Morning Haggle resulted in Brian Baynes taking out the top spot with 40 stableford points, with Norm Sanderson close behind with 39. Next were Bob Hoggard (recently turned 95!), Bruce Rutter, and Raymond Fisher all with 38 points. Willie Lynch and Tom Wallace both had 37.

Scoring two’s were Allen Sarjant, Ross Fitness, and Pete Rowe (who also took out the hidden hole with a staggering 11 points).

There was tight scoring in the afternoon with 17 players playing to their handicaps or better.

Out on his own in first place was Graeme Parkinson with 42 points, with David Morris next with 39. Terry Gerbich, Eddie Evans, and Paul Weaver all scored 38 points, while seven other players scored 37.

Two’s were recorded by Paul Weaver, Bryce Lawrence (Mt Maunganui), Graeme Parkinson, and Wayne Brierley.

Saturday Men:

Both fields were slightly reduced with the Shootout final taking place.

The morning field played a different format this week, where players alternated between front and back tees. In Division One, Earl Hoskin was first with 40 points, with Ken Mustard next with38.

John Giffney, Rob Page, and Daryll Denyer all had 37. In Division Two, Eddie Ruha had the round of the morning with 43 points. Next was Francis Gascoigne with 42, then Bob Hoggard (again) with 41, David Croker 40, and Harry Shepherd 39.

In the Afternoon Haggle, Chris Hale, with 40 points, sneaked in ahead of Graeme Parkinson and John Taylor, with both on 39. Jonathan Clare had 37, and Jason Baldwin 36, with Mark Hume and Eddie Evans both with 35.

Waihi Golf Report, April 7, 2024, by Rodger Bagshaw