Club results for 17/1/26

Neil McLaren shot his best ever competition score at Waahi Taakaro on Saturday to take an early lead in the Stubberfield Cup.

Playing off a 16 handicap from the white tees, the left-hander tore round a rain-softened course in 78 for a net 62. His stellar round included three birdies, including a two and successive threes at the par four No 16 and 17.

Out in 40 and back in 38, his round could have been even better but for a couple of short misses on the green. Even so, he only took 28 putts which meant he totalled an outstanding 90 in the four-round net plus putts competition to lay down a tough marker.

Even better on the greens was Andy Isle with just 24 putts who holds second with a total of 93 after a solid net 69.

Sharing third are Gareth Edwards and Craig Barron who both totalled 95, with Andrew Craig (96) and Dave Huntley (100) making up the top six. 

The competition is decided by golfers totalling their best three of four scores, with the second round to be played on January 31 off the blue tees.

There was further excitment as Andrew Dodson, who has recently returned to Saturday golf after a lengthy absence, nabbed a maximum jackpot by holing two mid range putts on the par threes No 2 and 11. Others to pot twos were Craig Barron, Neil McLaren, Ryan Smith and Peter Watson.

The competition was hot among the 9-holers, with Andrew Green taking the honours with a net 32 off the front nine. John Dixon finished a close second on 33, with Mike De Veer third on 34. Andrew Dean and Jack Denton were next with 35 apiece.

The day finished with a function in the clubhouse to celebrate the life of club member Jonathan Tuheke who died suddenly earlier this month.

Next Saturday (Jan 24) we play the fourth and final round of the Burns Philp Cup, a stableford round off the blue tees, with Gareth Edwards holding a strong lead.

The 9-holers play a net round off the back nine.