After two postponements we were finally able to host our 'She Loves Golf' event on Tuesday - and what a spectacular evening it was! This event, coupled with an outstanding turnout for Wednesday Twilight and Junior Coaching Programme on Sunday, made for a busy week in the clubhouse and lots of happy golfers. Thanks to the many volunteers who make these events happen, particularly Maurice Munro who has been instrumental in ensuring the experience for first time golfers is well-organised and fun. 

We've had five new members join this week. A big welcome to:

• Thomas Mallender (Student)
• Geoff Beynon (9 Hole Intro)
• Ben Loudon (Summer Student)
• Johny Haylock (9 Hole Intro)
• Beauyn Goochwood (Junior 19-25)

Ladies

• 9 Hole Midweek Women’s: We had the good fortune to play two competitions on a beautiful sunny Tuesday this week. Congratulations to Lindsey Pickering who won the nett competition with a 37 nett score. Trish Titcombe was second with a nett 38 and therefore the lucky recipient of Lindsey’s prize, as tradition dictates we don’t win our own prize. We also played the last round of the putting competition where the best of 3 rounds wins the Putting Trophy. Once again congratulations to Lindsey Pickering who won Round 6 on a countback from Chris Suggate and Sue McLaren, also with 14 putts. Clearly a great day for Lindsey who also won a prize for her efforts. (Cheers Chris).
   

• She Loves Golf: It was a case of third time lucky and what a beautiful day for 17 learner golfers to try their hand under the guidance of Maurice Munro and our many women volunteers. Everybody seemed enthusiastic and keen to try it again, and five returned to play a few holes with Karen Simcox the following night. So many thank you's are in order – to Maurice Munro who skilfully introduced golf to a group of learners, to Denise Marten and Chris Suggate for getting the programme off the ground, aided by Susan Wright & Jodi Willocks with administration, artwork and marketing/promotion material, and to our many volunteers who helped with chipping and putting under the initial guidance of Maurice. Everybody found it such a positive experience. We will host another She Loves Golf session in January. Until then, participants are welcome to try:

  • Midweek Ladies, Tuesdays @ 9.30am

  • Ladies Golf & Wine, Tuesdays @ 5.45pm

  • Wednesday Twilight, Tee-off @ 5.45pm

• Golf & Wine: Every Tuesday evening there's an open invite to meet other ladies for a fun and relaxed game of golf. Non-members welcome. All levels. Perfect way to get in a round of golf after work. Tee-off from 5:45pm. Thanks to Sarah Ellis for co-ordinating.

Wednesday Club

• 21 golfers enjoyed brilliant sunny, calm conditions for a Par round after recent weather cancellations. After a month in Manila (where wife Ossie won prizes in a couple of tournaments), Terry McAllister was rewarded with a bottle of wine for his win on a +2 score. Visitor from Hutt Park, Utan Pannu, received 2 balls as runner up on +1. Fergus McLean had a return to form on -1 to receive chocolates for his 3rd place. Derek Fitzgibbon, Michael Cox, and Chris Pearce also each received a ball  on -1. Alex Lim won a ball for NTP but paid the pig and Fergus and Martin Leung (recently returned from Hong Kong) won the raffle. (Cheers Ian).  

Wednesday Twilight

• Something happened this week: maybe is was the 23 degree temperature, the awesome "She Loves Golf" event or perhaps the new Twilight Flyer? Whatever it was saw a record 30+ come out to play Twilight golf!
   
• It was fantastic to see a group of new members and some from the "She Loves Golf" event join in the fun. The golf scores were equally impressive, with three golfers collecting a $5 voucher with 16 stableford points: Andrew Gardiner, Jeff Mason and Russell Dickson. Four came in joint second place with 17 points ($10): Daren Riley, Peter Nichols, Gail Kirkland and Ronaldo Vollenhoven (from 'casual golf'). Our winner this week, with the lowest winning score in the history of Twilight (maybe), was our friend from Miramar, Laurie Vitale with........18 points (winning a $20 voucher). Golf balls went to Steve Witkowski for NTP and to Laurie for the only 'two' of the day.
   
• Thanks again to those who helped out: Jeff Mason on the BBQ, Karen Simcox for the lovely salad and to Lina behind the bar. Come along & join us next week! (Cheers Gail)

Gaskies - 9am Every Sunday

• Gaskies is an "all comers" group of members who meet on Sunday morning to play golf and enjoy each other's company. It is particularly good for new members who are looking for people to pair up with to enjoy their golf. Be at the picnic table at 8.45am for the card draw before the 9am tee off.  You never know who you will be playing with so your chance of meeting new club members is pretty good.

Junior Golf

• Junior Golf Coaching Programme: 45 juniors will be back this Sunday. Holes 1 - 9 will be for the exclusive use of programme participants between 1:30/2:00 - 4:30/5:00pm. Timings vary depending on which groups are playing the course each week. The practice facilities (fairway and putting green) will also be closed for programme use from 3:00 - 4:30pm. Please consider this when planning your golfing weekend.

IMPORTANT: For the latest course status visit - www.karorigolf.co.nz

Spraying Update

Next week we will apply two different sprays. The first is a fungicide called Flick to prevent spring and summer diseases from spreading. The second spray is a mixture of two sprays: 

1. Ethephon - regulates poa seed head from developing
2. Primo Maxx - regulates poa annua shoot growth

Applying these over time will knock back the poa and allow the brown top to take over and grow. Please read the signs displayed at the clubhouse advising of our spraying activities and take the necessary hygiene precautions (i.e. avoid touching your face & wash hands thoroughly after play).

Improvements Continue

You'll notice the gardens around the Clubhouse have had a face lift this week. Thanks to TK and his brother Peter Ross (pictured - he's helping out while Matt Roche is overseas) for your efforts, as well as Maurice Munro, Susan Wright and our other garden fairies who regularly lend a hand.
 

Personal Details

We routinely have at least a dozen emails 'bounce' for various reasons. These typically relate to hotmail, outlook & live email addresses. If you know of someone not receiving our regular newsletters, please encourage them to let the clubhouse know (clubhouse@karorigolf.co.nz).

Course Marshalling!

Sadly, we seem to catch freeloaders daily - over 20 in just a few weeks. They all have typical excuses (I thought I was a member, my dad's a member, I used to be a member, I paid for 18H last week but only played 9H.... the list goes on). Concerningly, some have even been caught whilst playing with a member. Encouragly, two have subsequently joined as full-playing members!

We've been lenient to date, given a warning and charged the standard green fee, but it'll be an instant penalty going forward. Currently this is $70 but will likely increase after the committee meets next week. Our staff work hard to keep the course in great condition, and this comes at significant cost. Members should not be subsidising freeloaders - so any help with course marshalling would be greatly appreciated. Contact the Club Captain if you're able to assist (clubcaptain@karorigolf.co.nz)

Annual General Meeting

The 2024 AGM (the 56th for lovers of history) will be held at the Clubrooms, 9.30am on Sat 07 Dec 24. This will be followed by a disc draw for 18- or 9-Holes of golf. We are still seeking members to join the committee. Nomination forms are available on the Clubhouse noticeboard and must be received by 30 Nov 24.