General Managers Message

Omokoroa Golf Club – Member Update

From Allan Botha, General Manager

Dear Members,

Cyclone Vaianu certainly kept us on our toes over the past week. The storm created some extra work, particularly with the marquee, which had to be taken down and then put back up once conditions improved.

I would like to extend a big thank you to all our volunteers who stepped in to help. From moving furniture, taking down lights and electronic devices (including the coffee machine!), to putting everything back together again – your effort and willingness to help does not go unnoticed. Thank you for pitching in.

The storm also left us with some additional cleanup work on the course, including branches, debris, and a few downed trees. I am pleased to report that there were no damage or issues identified by Iline with the new clubhouse, which is great news.

Liquor Licence Reminder

A quick but very important reminder to all members: alcohol may only be consumed inside the marquee, in line with our strict liquor licence conditions. We have noticed a few instances where this rule has been breached.

Please understand that failure to comply with these regulations could have serious implications for the club, including the risk of our licence being stripped. I ask everyone to be mindful and help us protect this privilege for all members.

Driving Range Health & Safety

Please also note a health and safety reminder on the driving range. If you are using the range and a golfer playing the 9th or 18th hole enters the range area searching for balls, please stop hitting immediately and give way.

We had a member struck on the head last Friday, highlighting how serious this risk can be. Your cooperation is essential to keep everyone safe.

Have You Seen These Mentions?

There have been some great mentions of our club and members recently:

• An excellent article in Business North (page 129) features our new clubhouse project, well worth a read. Click here
• James Goatley, our very own mini putt champion, is heading to the championships to represent – an outstanding achievement. Be sure to read more about this fantastic story. Click here

James Goatley 200 Club Fundraiser Draw

James Goatley completed the 200 Club draw this morning as part of his fundraiser. I was present to assist by pushing the button on the random number generator to select the winners.

Without further ado, here they are:

1. Wilson Tamaki
2. Gary Younger
3. Craig Russell
4. Ravi Shearman
5. Greig Thiskell
6. Matt Garrett
7. Graeme Muir
8. Jimmy Davis

Prizes are available to collect from the office.

Thank you to everyone for your support, and to all the sponsors who contributed to the prize pool.
All the best for the tournament, James — bring the cup home! 

Masters Sweepstake Wrap-Up

Our Masters Sweepstake turned out to be a bit trickier than expected this year! With no one able to pick four players to make the cut, we adjusted the format to use the lowest combined score from each entrant’s two best picks after the cut.

Congratulations to Jacqui Kerr, Alex Lee, and John Holloway, who tied on an impressive –22, thanks to their top selections Rory McIlroy and Tyrell Hatton. Well done! Please come and grab a sleeve of balls from my desk.

The wooden spoon unfortunately goes to John Vartha, as none of his players were able to make the cut this time around.

Thanks to everyone who took part — it was great fun, and we’ll definitely do it again for the next major!

Public Walkway Update

The first section of the public walkway erosion repair and upgrade is now complete, and it certainly proved its worth during its first real test against Cyclone Vaianu.

Some remedial work to the actual walkway surface will be carried out shortly. This will include levelling the path, additional planting, and replacement of one tree. At the same time, our fence will also be repaired as part of this work.

Thanks for everyone’s patience while this important work is completed — the finished result will be well worth it.

Thank you all for your continued support of Omokoroa Golf Club. Your cooperation, care, and community spirit make a real difference.

Logo Update & Member Voting

We have received about 150 votes so far, so don't forget to use the link to have your say

I’m pleased to share that we’ve received a strong range of new logo designs, all of which met the agreed brief and were submitted on time. Each design brings its own unique concept while reflecting the values and identity of Omokoroa Golf Club.

The logos, along with their design concepts, are attached  below is a link for members to review at their leisure. Once you’ve had time to consider them, I encourage you to cast your vote via the online voting form linked here.

Please note that each member is entitled to one vote only, and all results will be independently audited. Voting closes at the end of Wednesday, 30 April. Thank you for taking the time to be part of this important decision for the future of our club.

OGC_Logo_Design_Concepts.pdf

LogoChoices_OGC.pdf

— Sue Dark
Board Member, Omokoroa Golf Club

A Word Around The Greens
Nathan Kerr, Head Greenkeeper

The greens have recovered well after the coring considering the amount of rain they have received between coring and now.

We have sand dusted the greens this week and are now curing them back down at the original height of cut which is 3.5mm.

We will continue to lightly sand dust the greens as this process smooths out any bumpiness caused by the coring and also firms the greens surface up.

There are some green approaches that are very wet at the moment.

We have eliminated irrigation leaks by digging up sprinklers and checking joins and sprinkler performance around the wet areas on approaches and it’s just the amount of rain we have had that is causing the wet issues in low collection points around some of our green approaches.

Once the ground dries out a little more we will be sending the vibramole through these wet approaches which is a very effective method of removing the surface water down into the profile, this job will be done asap when the ground conditions allow us to have an effective result because if the ground is too wet like it is now the vibramole process will not be effective with removing that surface water down.

The next project for the greens team is to turf all around the practice bunker area with roll out turf that we will be cutting out of the far end of the practice fairway which is very healthy grass growth and out of play.

We are planning on getting this job done next week as the weather looks settled with sun for a change.

Enjoy your golf.

Captains Corner
Greig Neilson

Rosie Tray Mixed Pairs — Monday 27 April 

Autumn is well and truly with us, and with it comes one of our most popular annual events. The Rosie Tray Mixed Pairs returns on Monday 27 April with a 9am shotgun start — perfect timing for a relaxed autumn round on a public holiday. With thanks to Raewyn Stanaway from Barfoot and Thomson, come join us for a most excellent day out.

The Format

Mixed pairs combined stableford — team up with your partner and combine your scores for a fun, social competition that brings out the best in everyone's game. Whether you're seasoned competitors or newer players, this format rewards good golf while keeping the pressure light. 

Entry Details

Here's where it gets interesting. The base entry fee remains $20 per person (same as last year), but we're asking all players to add a voluntary donation towards our new clubhouse outdoor furniture.

The club needs to raise $16,000 for quality outdoor furniture that will serve members for years to come. You choose your donation level — minimum total entry is $40 per team, but you can contribute whatever feels right for you. Some members are already planning generous contributions to help get this project over the line. Check out the picture below to see an example of the quality furniture we’re talking about.

How to Enter

Book your spot online via DotGolf as usual. Transfer your donation separately to the club bank account (details available from the office). Entry closes when we fill — and based on previous years' turnout, don't delay.

Why Play?

Great prizes are on offer, plus the satisfaction of contributing to a tangible project for the benefit of all members. The new outdoor furniture will create a proper gathering space around our new clubhouse — somewhere to enjoy that post-round drink while taking in the harbour views.

Personal Note

This tournament holds special meaning for Samantha and I — it was our very first event together as members two years ago and we were lucky enough to walk away winners on the day. We're already signed up with a $140 entry (including donation) and looking forward to another memorable day.

Need a partner?

If you’re keen to join but don’t have a partner just let the office know and we’ll link you up! Same-sex pairs are also welcome - we’ll have a separate prize pool for you.

Get Involved

Whether you're a regular tournament player or thinking about trying your first event, the Rosie Tray offers the perfect combination of competitive golf, social atmosphere, and community contribution.

Book online now via DotGolf and help us make this year's tournament the biggest yet.

Please see below image of potential outdoor furniture

9 Hole Ladies
Yvonne Hoskins

With a small field of only 18 - but no rain - we played LGU and Homelinks Sue Bunt.  Dianne Mahony had a very good Nett score of 34 and was the winner on the day.  Shirley Johnstone came in with 37, followed by Michelle Ballard, Brenda Anson, and Sue Smith with 38.  Last but certainly not least was Janet Burmeister with 39.  Well done to all the winners.  

We would like to acknowledge the passing of a valued past member of the 9 Hole Ladies, Sue Bigham.  Affectionately known as “Little Sue,” she was a lovely lady who brought warmth and friendliness to our club.  Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this time.

9 Hole Men
Spencer Tankard

Gentlemen

A good turnout of 31 Hagglers took to the Fairways for the 1st round of our annual Kiwi Allstars V Rest of the World Competition.

The Format was Ambrose where combined handicap scores of each team determining the winners.

Players were split into teams of 4 or 3 with the Kiwi Allstars being assigned the Front 9 and the Rest of the World playing off the Back 9.

Haggle money was awarded to:

KiwiAllstars Team of:
Blair Francis
Mike Walls
Denis Mason
Rusty Hyland 

with a combined handicap score of                      29.375 and 

Kiwi Allstars Team of:
Ken Hartley
Spencer Tankard
Larry Stocks
Tom Hansen

with a combined handicap score of                      30.875

The Kiwi Allstars (5 groups) took out the first round with a aggregate score of 31.45.

The Rest of the World teams (3 groups) came along behind with a aggregate score of 35.66.

Raffle prizes went to Ken Hartley, Rod McLeod and Frank Baggenstos.

The Lucky Draw was won  by Paul Cole.

All together a good day, the showers held off and golfing conditions were pleasant if a little boggy underfoot after all the rain.

Men's World
Peter Kilpatrick

Well done to Barry Mason on getting Two 2s on Saturday ($125) and Robert Lee winning  Hidden holes ($50) 

After 1 round of the Captains trophy Marty Jordan is leading with 41 stableford points

This week is round two of the Captains trophy and a Stableford haggle as well