May 2022 Club Newsletter

General Manager’s Update

It does seem our autumns are becoming the preferable season as we are again experiencing better weather than we had over much of summer (last weekend being the exception). Our course and clubhouse are being well used by members and visitors, with the quality of both being increasing recognised. It is interesting to see the stats on our rounds from Dotgolf, with impressive growth this year:

The other reality is we are now almost half-way through the year, with some normality returning after the various Covid restrictions. It is certainly an easier world without Vaccine Passports, and it does seem the legacy “safe health” practices are helping with our new normal. It is a credit to our staff that we continued to provide all the facilities to enjoy golf at Waitikiri in the last three months, even with most having time away with the damn virus. The extra effort all gave over the recent period is acknowledged.

Rod Templeton

General Manager

Course Improvement

After a period of unseasonal weather (remember the rain in February?) and staff way with Covid or on leave, the course is heading into winter in good condition. Members will have noticed we have removed shading trees on Holes 1 and 2 plus trimmed the gum shading the Hole 10 green. There is still some additional work to complete, with the effect being much better growth and recovery of the fairways over winter.

Picture 1. Trees removed from Hole 2

Picture 2. Spiking in front of Hole 18 green

It is planned to re-turf the women’s tees on Holes 14 and 15, while the areas in front of the Hole 2, 14 and 18 greens will be done in spring. Quotes are being obtained to cut the tree roots imposing themselves on to fairways, with this work best done in winter. Addressing the melting out that we (and most courses) have is being planned for spring

Our Frost Rules

We have already had frosts - more of the Global Weirdness. Please be aware that during the week, play might not start until 9am should we have frost. On the weekend, play will continue even with frost.

To help protect our greens, please knock any accumulated frost from your shoes before walking on the greens. With soft spikes, it does not take long to accumulate large ice-sprigs that seriously indent the greens.

Refurbishing our Clubhouse

Proposed Office Frosting

At the recent Board meeting, it was agreed making minor changes to the colour scheme as indicated in the Space Studio booklet will be investigated. The refurbishment will occur in stages as we need to still have the Clubhouse operating. This will also allow us to gauge the impact of the work done. It is exciting to have progress being made, with work beginning within two months.

Women’s News

Our Annual Women Team Tournament

On Thursday 21st April, we had 92 players come to the Club on a wonderful, sunny day. There was great feedback with a terrific range of prizes and raffle table. We would like to thank all our sponsors - The Beauty Parlour, Oderings Gardening, Rowdy Kitchen, No 4 Bar, Hellers, New World Preston’s and Lion Breweries. Also thank our helpers Tony Thomas, Mike Davies, Joan Roberts and Jeff McCarthy and our bar staff. Shirley and her team in our Clubhouse did a wonderful job with much positive Comment. Also, a thank-you to Ricky and his team with the course playing great and looking a picture.

Club Championships

Qualifying is all done, with the first match started on Saturday 14th May.

Interclub

While we didn’t score well on the leader board, there were some closely contested matches. Better luck next year. Pollock cup is now being run by Chris Marple and we wish her all the best to putting a team together.

Pastoral Care

Fay Harley has come through her operation and is recovering well. There has been several of our women out with Covid but thankfully all have come through.

Fay McCarthy

Women’s Club Captain

Men’s News

Men’s Interclub Teams (Woodward, Blank, Simon)

There is still time for those players to add their names to the list on the Clubhouse notice board if you wish to participate in 2022 Interclub.  We are hoping to enter a team in all three grades, so if you wish to play, please add you name to the list. You will be advised shortly when the matchplay trials will be held in early June.

Club Championships

These are currently underway with the semi-finals being played this weekend and the finals on the Saturday 28^th May. The matches this Saturday are:

Senior:  Woo Bong Kim v Aaron Forsyth/ Simon Marshall v Cooper Moore

Intermediate: Kieran Hight v Stephen Gellen/ Bryan Walters v Evan Williams

Junior A: Stuart Orr v Brent Davies/ Paul Warren v Ian Fowler

Junior B: Chris Thornhill v Phil Kinnock/ Howard Duncan v Neil Hesson

Super Grade: John Morris v Callum Copeland/ Mike Hodgins v Peter Elder

Askew Mixed Tournament - Combined Net

This popular tournament is being held this Sunday 22^nd May, with a shotgun start at 11.30. Draw being done at 5pm on Wednesday 18^th May. If you want to enter, please email Tony Thomas at kay_tony@xtra.co.nz.

Stuart Turner

Men’s Club Captain

A Great Looking Carpark

In March, member Nick Lane offered his company’s services to repaint our carpark and drive markings. The end result is fantastic, giving a lift to our “front door” for members and visitors. Many thanks to the SprayMarks team.

 Café News

Many members have had, or are having, covid including me. If anyone would like a great home-styled meal, just email cafe@waitikirigolf.co.nz or message me on 021- 145-3689 and I will let you know what I have available.

We have just hired two new staff to help with the much increased business we are doing. Annette will be mainly Tuesdays and for tournaments. Wendy will be rocking with me on Saturdays and other shifts to be decided. Please give them the Waitikiri welcome and please understand they will be training for a little while – although I’m sure I will learn something from both.

Hopefully this will enable me to start implementing the new menus. As from next week, soup or chowders will be on the menu. And as of the first week in June takeaway meals will be available for pick up on Friday and Saturday. These meals will also be available on Saturdays in Café. So if you are interested, please let me know.

I would like to close with a huge thanks to Colin and Vicky Hight for the donation of two lemon trees. With our herb garden and now these, we are becoming very self-sufficient.

Shirley Bruning

Café Manager

Professional’s News

NEW IN STORE

TITLEIST SM9 wedges. We have a huge selection of wedges with various bounce and grind angles to suit all golfers. With demos available, why not come and get fitted for a wedge that suits your game. 

TITLEIST 2022 golf bags have also landed. Come in store to check out the latest offering. 

The new Footjoy shoes have also landed. Check out the full range at www.Footjoy.com.au 

Our Pro Shop needs a part-time, permanent person to help with our increasing activity. If you might be interested in finding out what is involved, drop in for a chat.

Steve Moye

Head Professional