Shootout 2021

In most years the weather has been fine on the day of this annual test of nerves, but it was very wet and uninviting very early on Sunday, October 31 when the ladies' contingent trudged up to the 5^th tee to begin the 2021 Shootout journey over the next 14 holes.

Normally there would be a field of 19 players starting on the first hole, but some contestants withdrew due to a clash of dates with other responsibilities.

Organisers Kay Marshall and Denise McConnon, with the precision of a military exercise, before starting off, gave very clear and strict instructions in order to keep ahead of the men's field that could soon be snapping at their heels: for instance only one practice swing, and keep moving.

Yes Sir! Fourteen players stood nervously watching top qualifier Dot Ramsey hit first off the tee on 5: a tricky hole to start, and where there are many traps for the wayward ball. They all survived the dreaded 'first” hole until Jacquie Bain's ball landed in the rain-sodden greenside bunker, and after some futile attempts to get it out, with many sympathetic hugs she was sent on her way.

With a collective sigh of relief, Dot Ramsey's tee shot on 6 was shorter than usual, then two chips to the green followed by three putts put her out of the game.

Trudi Gatland, in her first Shootout, lost in a chip-out with experienced campaigner Jenny Tubman on 7. Karen Lee's putts just would not drop in the hole on 8 and Adele Gunning lost to Susan Mustard in a chip-out on 9.

On 10 Jeanette Culton produced a beautiful airshot that rattled her concentration for a while and spoiled her game with extra shots! Susan Mustard lost to Jill Morrison in a chip-out on 11.

On 12, Nan Hoggard's tee shot hit a tree, and recovery was sweet until an awful chip on to the green in a four-way chipout put her back in her cart.

There was an even larger group in a chip-out on 13 where Robyn Kirby didn't make the grade, and Wendy Matutinovich uncharacteristically short-chipped in her contest with Jenny Tubman on 14.

After surviving many chip-outs, Jenny Tubman's short tee shot on 15 put writing on the wall with Karen Diggelmann's drive sitting on the green near the pin, and at last she was out.

On 16, with only four players left, it was getting tense, and Kaylene Croker's chip-out lost to Kathy Ashton by a whisker or two.

On 17 Kathy Ashton survived yet another chipout, putting serious contender Karen Diggelmann out.

Down to two players now on 18—Jill Morrison first on the tee, and the ball landed sideways still on the teeing ground!. Kathy Ashton was quick to take advantage with a good tee shot, followed by an equally good second, and put her third onto the green not far from the pin. Jill had a great recovery with her second and third shots, on the green for four. Kathy held her nerve, and with one putt slotted her ball for five and a win by one shot. Hearty congratulations for a third-time win. Runner-up Jill Morrison deserves a mention in despatches for a remarkable achievement in her first year of golf. It was an exciting day played in great spirit.

Veterans' golf

There were 50 players in the field on Monday, November 1, all keen to get on the way in the Individual stableford competition in such beautiful weather. Results: Mark Mora, Helen Baynes 40 points; Gerry Tompkins 39; Peter Hewitt, Andrew McLennan. Diane Lewis, Ken Mustard 37; Adele Gunning, Ross Fitness, Allen Smith, Karen Lee, Jim Evans, Dennis Tanner 34; Al McMillan, John Purkis, Gyan Prole, Peter Robertson, Brian Robinson 33; David Croker, Ken Purcell, Bill Tiffin, Willie Lynch 32; Tim Parish, Jan Robinson 31; Rae Brown, Sarah Tomsett, Kaylene Croker, Rae Wright 30.

Twos: Dennis Tanner, Andrew McLennan, Helen Baynes, John Purkis—all on 15.

Women's golf - 18 holes

There was a small field to play a stableford haggle and last Rosebowl round on Saturday October 30. The weather wasn't marvellous and it was not easy to score. Results— Kathy Ashton 34 points; Jill Morrison 33; Jacquie Bain 32; Susie Goodall 31; Karen Roche 30. Hidden Holes—Kathy Ashton and Jill Morrison: 8 points.

On Wednesday November 3, in wet, cold and windy conditions, 13 women set out to play, but sensibly, no one finished 18 holes, not even the newest and most enthusiastic player!

Champion of Champions at Turangi

On Monday, November 1 Mavis Bruce Bronze 2 Champion, Avon Gordon Bronze 2 Runner up, and Jill Morrison Waihi's Bronze 3 champion represented Waihi in the Central, Eastern and Southern zones Bay of Plenty District Association Champion of Champions tournament. The Bronze 2 Championship was won by Jenny Chapman from Kawerau and Runner-up Suzanne Hodder from Otumoetai. Bronze 3 winner was Pauline Tolley from Omanu. Waihi's team did not feature on the leaderboard, but it was a great day.

- Nan Hoggard