Tales From Afar
This week it's all about the Genesis Scottish Open. Now it can get a bit lost as it's played the same week as Wimbledon's second week, when the World Cup is on and the week before The Open Championship. Nevertheless something like 8 out of the top 10 golfers were there so it was a great field. The weather was awesome as well though on Saturday The Harr ( sea fog ) blew in. I was playing golf at Longniddry 5 miles down the road and it was as clear as a bell. The locals advised the weather can be a bit fickle.
Rory blew his chances on the 3rd day but came out firing on Sunday. It's funny when Rory is around there's this extra aura that goes with him. You've just seen Ryan Fox play with Justin Thomas and groups like that but when Rory is around everyone is aware they are in the company of golfing greatness. It's hard to describe but fun to experience.
We followed the last group and all the hope was on local favourite Bob MacIntyre. But he faded and as I'm sure you all know Tom Kim from South Korea won the whole gig at 17 under par. Well done him.
I can highly recommend the Scottish Open. It's a fraction of the price of The Open Championship, the crowds although big aren't enormous, and you'll get up close and personal seeing some great golf being played by top professionals making it look so easy. And I only heard one person say "Get In The Hole" once and that sounded almost apologetic. Everyone else just clapped and cheered - as it should be.
Who's Who In The Waggler Zoo
Before we go much further and announce the stories and results from this week, we need to sort out who is who. Please find below the up to date lexicon of Wagglers
The ATM : Senaka Wickramagedara
Fairway Phil : Phil Broughton
Phyllis : Well Phil Ellis morphed into Flellis which morphed into Phyllis
Fast Eddie : Eddie Walter
UpnDown Cameron : Neil Cameron
Haithness : Hamish Caithness
Chemical Keith : Keith Newton
Hannibal Harvie : Duncan Harvie
CayMAN : Tony Attenborough
The Prince of Darkness or The Dark Prince : Murray Edgar
POTUS : Lloyd Morgan
Wallcock : Warren Alcock
Farmer Adam : Alastair Adam
Farmer Mackay : Jamie ( we have more than one ..... )
Legs Cooper : Murray Cooper
Bookend : John Marsh
Special K : Kallum Croudis
Mohammed : Mahmoud
The Nugget : John Alexander
Feijoa : Rick Meder
This list will be added to no doubt
Has It Stopped Raining ?
Good Let's Play Golf
We are past the shortest day and pleased to see that the recent low pressure weather system has dropped more rain in the north Island than in Dunedin. However, it has been a significant event at Balmac and with over 110 mm of rain, it has meant closure of the golf course for a number of days, so great that we are up and running again.
Anyway, Wednesday golf saw a typical cloudy day with temperate conditions, which brought 16 golfers out to test their skills. After the previous week's golf cancellation, it was apparent that the Blue Jacket was going to be fully contested this week.
With Fairway Phil away in Bannockburn, it was Eddie's job to run the cutter this week.
We started with a birthday song for Up'n'Down Cameron who has recently turned 69 years of age, Congratulations Neil and thank you for the whisky dram and food, which made for a great start to our evening celebration.
Keith was appointed as the banker and quickly secured the $115 for the first tranche.
The first 6 holes was won in a solid 31points by ATM, Cayman, Chemical Keith and Hannibal Harvie. While the ATM won some money in the sixes, he and Duncan sadly lost the haggle to a strong running Tony and Keith.
The retired chemist, while careful not to lower his handicap, showed some good form today before the Straya trip, to win the Blue Jacket today with 37 points.
The second 6 holes saw a closer contest, which was won in 42 points by Fast Eddie, POTUS, WallCock and The Dark Prince. Murray E showed his driving consistency and putting skills today by taking out the Swingers trophy with 3 birdies.
The third 6 holes saw a very convincing win in 51 points by Farmer Adam, Legs Cooper, Phyliss and Haithness, who started slowly, then combined well to complete a winning run to the final six.
As mentioned previously, the Blue Jacket was won by Keith Newton with 37 points; well done Keith it fits you better than Special K, we need a lefty in the final run to Waitahuna.
The Swingers trophy was won by Murray Edgar with 3 birdies, who shot 79 for the day, and also won the haggle in a close fought finish with Eddie, against Lloyd and Warren A.
The raffle was won by Phil Ellis with number 17. This was after Jamie's number came out and it was declined because of lack of funds.
Calcutta Update
As mentioned, the Calcutta money of $1,500 which was won on the Smeaton Cup has been deposited into the Wagglers' bank account in the club. This will be used towards the artificial grass project on the practice fairway, due to start late August.
Noted also that Gary and Sean McConville, the winners of the Smeaton Cup, have also donated their 10% share ($150) to the TeeLine project....so good on them.
Mid Canterbury Stampede
Update
The Mid Canterbury Stampede is scheduled for the weekend of 4th - 6th December 2026. Old Woody is up for grabs.
The plan is to play three golf courses being:
Timaru Golf Club
Methven Golf Club
Pleasant Point Golf Club
Accommodation is staying two nights at Methven Southern Cross Lodge.
The golf courses and accommodation have all been confirmed.
Regarding transport two vehicles are tentatively booked, being a 14 seater van and a 13 seater van respectively, together with two covered trailers.
The cost of the vans and trailers for 27 people works out at $70 per head, which is reasonable. If there is a greater number than 27 wanting to come on the trip, then we may require an extra car or two to do the trip. The accommodation has been booked for up to 32 people.
Can you confirm your interest in going on this trip please