General Managers Message
Allan Botha

Message from the General Manager – Allan Botha 

Well, it was meant to be one of our busier weeks of the year with the ever-popular Bay of Plenty 5-Course Classic. Unfortunately, the weather had other plans. With nearly 300mm of rain in just 24 hours, we were forced to cancel two of the three scheduled Classic rounds on Wednesday and Thursday. Course closures in those conditions are unavoidable. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with those who were severely affected by slips at the Mount and the rest of the Country. 

The good news is that the golf course reopened for play at 12pm on Friday, and it was great to see players back out enjoying the course. A huge thank-you goes to our greenkeeping team and the volunteers who worked tirelessly to get the course cleaned up and playable again. 

Here’s a snapshot of one of the many efforts around the course this week—someone trying to unblock a stormwater drain! 

Member Etiquette Reminders 

This week, we’re focusing on a few important points to ensure a smooth experience for all members: 

1. Book a Tee Time 

Please remember to book your tee time before arriving at the course. This helps us manage flow and avoid unnecessary congestion. 

2. Start on the Hole You’re Booked On 

We’ve received reports of players booked off the 1st tee but starting on the 10th instead. 
This causes significant disruption to the flow of play and the overall pace of the course. Please ensure you start from your allocated tee. 

3. Repair the Course as You Play 

Filling divots and repairing pitch marks on greens is essential for course quality. 
Every golfer should do this—even the best in the world do it. If they do, so should we. 

Pictured Matt Kuchar repairing his ball mark

4. Pace of Play 

An important reminder: 

• 18 holes should be completed in 4 hours 
• 9 holes in 2 hours 
• A four-ball should take 12 minutes per hole on average 

Please keep up with the group ahead and monitor your own pace throughout the round. Slow play impacts everyone behind you. 

Local Rules Update 

Due to the significant rainfall this week, we have reverted to preferred lies (placing within one club length) on fairways in play. 
Once conditions improve and the course dries out sufficiently, we will provide an update. 

TECT Grant – Full Funding Received! 

We are thrilled to announce that we have received the full TECT grant of $300,000 

A massive thank-you to TECT for their generous support—this is a substantial contribution toward the construction of our new clubhouse, which is currently underway. 

A heartfelt word of appreciation also goes to our Board, who have been working tirelessly behind the scenes to secure this funding and keep the project progressing. 

Weekly Member Drop-In Session 

In an effort to ensure accurate information is shared and to keep communication open, I will be making myself available on Tuesday 27 January in the Marquee from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm. 

Feel free to grab a coffee and join me to discuss any issues, concerns, or ideas you may have. If I don’t have an immediate answer for you, I will make sure to follow up as soon as possible. 

Fuel Up at the Caddie Shack  

Whether you’re heading out for a quick nine, finishing 18 holes, or just dropping by the club, The Caddie Shack food truck has you covered with a great range of tasty, convenient options—right here on course at Omokoroa Golf Club. 

Our cabinet food selection includes freshly made sandwiches, baked goods, barista coffee and hot drinks, along with smoothies—perfect for a pre-round boost or a mid-game pick-me-up. 

If you’re after something more substantial, the hot food menu delivers classic favourites such as pies and sausage rolls, toasted sandwiches, hot chips, fish bites and chips, and mini hot dogs with chips. Ideal for refuelling after your round or grabbing something quick between shots. 

Be sure to ask about the combo deals for great value meals—you’ll be pleasantly surprised. 

Please support your local on-course Caddie Shack food truck and we’ll make sure your food cravings go away! 

Twilight

 Wednesday, 28th January, It will be a  5:30pm shotgun start.

To keep things running smoothly, please follow these steps:

1. Book your game on DotGolf as usual.
2. Register on the day from 4:30pm onwards in the office—print your scorecard and pay your haggle.
3. Report to the starters, Kerry and Swampy, at the marquee no later than 5:10pm.
4. Head to your starting hole in time for the 5:30pm shotgun start.

Make a Night of It

Remember to take the night off cooking and support the Caddy Shack by grabbing your dinner there after golf. Great food, great atmosphere—it’s part of what makes Twilight such a fun weekly event.

Please click here to view the season leaderboard:

Format for next week:

Stringball (Bring a pair of scissors)

See you next week!

You Travel Friday Haggle
Terry Golder

No Haggle today. Look forward to seeing you all next Friday 30th Jan