Awesome ambrose fun in the sun

The centerpiece of Waahi Taakaro's 50th birthday celebrations provided a intoxicating mixture of great golf, food, drink and camaraderie played in perfect conditions.

Thirty three-person teams battled for bragging rights over 18 holes on Saturday on a course in tip-top order. 

Scoring was hot, with the top seven teams all finishing with net scores under 60.

The clear-cut winner was the Sprig n Fern Milton St team of Matt Grimes, Mike Simpson and Chris Gerrard who blitzed the course with a 12-under 60 for a net score of 55.667. A highlight was Matt driving the 274m par four No 17 green which resulted in an eagle and also won him the longest drive of the day prize.

Second was PDA comprising Pete Green, Andrew Craig and Duncan Isle who shot a 67 for a net 59. The Par then Bar combo of Noel and Sally Quinlivan and Tommy Kang finished third with a net 59.333 after posting a 73.

Tu Meke were fourth with a net 59.500 after Barbara, Aaron and Keri Kotua went round in 68. Just behind with a net 59.667 were another family team of Jasper, Sasha and and seven-year-old Eliana Broad-Kolff playing as the Sharks who recorded a meritorious 70. They beat Get In The Hole (Greg and Sali Mann and Roger Hunapo) and the Oldies (Elton Netto, Debbie Smith and Chris Rae) on countback after they too ended with a net 59.667.

The Filly and two Donkeys team of Bruce Fleet, Andrew Simpson and Alyce Graf won a gross prize for shooting a 63.

Duncan Isle was nearest the pin of No 2/11 and Peter Watson got it on No 5/14.

Our thanks go to the tournament's sponsors who included Total Golf, The Tides, Lombardi's, The Prince Albert, The Bach and The Waka and also to our wonderful BBQ cooks led by Lewis Wilson and James Campion. Special mention goes to greenkeeper James Dale, Nelmac staff and club volunteers who had the course at its best and to those who helped out with prize-giving afterwards.