Weekly Notices
Callum's Bunker Practice
Next Wednesday - the 10th September - before weekly golf kicks off, for those interested Callum is running a group bunker clinic. Time is 11:00 am an hour before golf starts and the plan is to run the clinic for an hour.
Cost is $20 per person but that may change depending on numbers. If we get a good turnout then we might split into 2 groups and run half hour sessions and the cost will then be $10 per person.
You can just turn up on the day but for those interested there's a sheet on the bar where you can register or alternatively you can ring the pro shop and just let Callum know.
Southern Swing
Just a reminder that is scheduled for Friday 5th December through to Sunday 7th December playing Invercargill G C, Riversdale G C and Heriot G C on those 3 days. We have 30 confirmed starters.
The transport thinking is as follows.
As usual we will take two 12 seater vans down for the trip picking people up at the golf club on Friday morning and in Mosgiel on the way. But a couple of people have indicated they will take their cars so if we fill those up with either 2 or 3 people per car we are all sweet.
On Saturday we are thinking and planning to hire a bus for the day from Gore to take us up to Riversdale in the morning and bring us back in the evening. That way the van drivers don't have to drive nor do those taking their car and it means we can all be sociable and enjoy a drink or two with the folks at Riversdale after golf. Cost for that will be minimal.
Watch this space for final details.
2025 Christmas Function
Our annual Christmas and end of the year bash will be held on FRIDAY 12th DECEMBER. That means the last chance at Waitahuna glory is two days before on Wednesday the 10th December.
The end of year function will be held upstairs at the club. We have a new chef at the club this year so a tasty and highly nutritious meal will be provided. We will have the award of prizes and the odd speech before we all put on our dancing shoes and dance the night away. The theme this year is 1970s DISCO so dust off all those flared trousers from the back of the wardrobe, get your sequins on, buy a big fluffy wig and let's get into it. We will have a Disco Jockey as he was described yesterday with that man being the man of many talents Jamie Mackay. He's already got a playlist sorted out .....
Again, watch this space for final details.
The Race to Waitahuna - 2025
First Prize
You may remember from previous notices that this year we planned to award a bottle of very rare 15 year old Springbank Scotch whisky to our Race to Waitahuna winner this year. Hold that thought because that bottle is now being put on hold until 2026. That's because this little beauty will be awarded in 2025.
This gift set was very kindly procured by Hamish on his recent visit to Royal Portrush and he's carried it all the way back to our southern shores for some lucky person to enjoy.
Featuring a bottle of specially commissioned Loch Lomond Scotch whisky aged in chianti wine casks, 2 whisky glasses etched with the Open Championship logo on one side and Loch Lomond whisky on the other, all boxed up in a special presentation case, this is one first prize well worth winning.
So this will be awarded to the 2025 winner of the Race to Waitahuna on the 12th of December.
Friday Skins
This report kindly provided by Eddie.
To fill you in on last Friday’s skins, there was a solid team of 12 players, so $108 to play for. The competition was intense and while there was a clear winner, this meant agony and ecstacy at least for one person. Senaka played well and after a 7 iron to 1 foot on the 5th green, thought his 4 pointer was a sure skin. However Sam ( Jarod's mate ) sunk a 20 foot putt also for 4 points, so another jackpot.
In the end Senaka had 3 birdies for no bacon so no cash out from the ATM while Kallum got two birdies worth 4 points each for a grand total of 6 skins. Bruce G managed to hole a 3 foot putt on the last green to squeeze the last 2 skins.
Interesting that over the past few weeks we have had an Aussie $1 coin showing up in the coin pile, which looks like a NZ $2 coin. Suggestion is for the recycler to keep this for the next Gold Coast trip.
Same time for skins tomorrow when the forecast is for a balmy 18 degrees.
And So To Wednesday
The first order of the day was to wish Murray Cooper all the best for his recent birthday. Thanks for the shout Murray and hope you had a great day.
The above picture shows good man Andrew enjoying his whisky; it wasn't his only drop of the amber nectar. As well as downing Murray's offerings, in his group The Nugget came to grief on the 12th not quite making contact with his golf ball chipping on to the green, then only one hole later, that man Nick Nicolson once again failed to make it to those far away green tees on the 13th. So 2 more offerings.
Better call an Uber Councillor Whiley :}
The course is looking better. Recent sand additions to the bunkers makes playing out of them somewhat more straightforward and predictable. I should know, I got in a fair few. The greens were like lightning yesterday making chipping and putting no easy task. Though some mastered it.
Eddie's group featuring fellow rascals Richard Freeman, recently returned Duncan and Pro Shop Mike sneaked away with the first $140 notching up 31 points. Enter the walking ATM and his group of merry men. With 40 points then 50 points, it was a very happy Senaka and team mates Mahmoud, Bolty and Phil of the Ellis variety win the second and third sets of six. Mahmoud was seen exiting in a hurry to buy fish and chip takeaways for the family !! Oh how the group cheered to see a fully stocked ATM.
In Honour of The Mighty Southland Stags
And Their Runaway Ranfurly Shield Success
We recognised Southland rugby last week but little did we know it was about to get a whole lot better.
In an effort to cheer up Bruce Carvell who is laid up in Dunedin Hospital recovering from an appendix problem, we feature this week more Southland rugby recognition. Word has it that the Southland Stags are Bruce's second favourite NPC team. I would think they are everyone's second favourite rugby team.
With 2 birdies yesterday it was a grand day out for Phil who added to his success in the sixes. It was only right that we wear our Southland jerseys as given Canterbury show up for the shield challenge at Rugby Park this week it might all be short lived.
Believe it or not, Phil also won the raffle.
Blue Jacket Honours
The walking ATM had a great day out. Shooting a very creditable 76 off the stick in conditions which were not easy, Senaka was our worthy winner this week. He joins those who have won 3 Blue Jackets this year with Sandy and Tony being the others in that high altitude club.
You can read about Senaka's progress to Waitahuna on the Waitahuna page.
And that was another Wednesday ......