Manager's Message
Marcus Niles

Well, what a year!!  My first year at the club can be summed up as ‘challenging’.  It has been a huge learning curve for me as I try to settle into a new role, new club and new community.  And I have a lot more to learn.  I can’t say I have come close to mastering the nuances of the club and the demands of the role… but I promise you I am giving it my best shot. 

In my opinion this club has a very exciting future, and we can all be part of shaping what we want to see here.  They say the only constant in this world is change, and while that is a scary word for many of our members, it is happening whether we like it or not.  It is happening in so many ways, and you just have to look around to see the growth and diversification occurring in our community.  The challenge is how we react to change, and to get the balance right to look after our number one stakeholders (the members) while still moving forward.  To that end the Board has diligently embarked on a process to develop a new strategic plan.  A special thanks to Lynda Smith who has worked tirelessly to see it completed.  The final version will be released soon, and it will provide a guiding document for the club  We won’t get everything right, and many will disagree with some of the decisions, but all I ask is that you treat everyone with respect and be nice to each other.  Especially the amazing volunteers that we have in this club.  ALL of these incredible people do what they do because they love this club, so remember none of them are getting paid and they are doing it for love.

It is always risky to name a few people to thank them in case I miss someone, but I’m going to take that risk to thank a few key people that have supported the club this year (in no particular order)...

John ‘Swampy’ Marsh – Our President is dedicated to our club and is loved by everyone.  He is here every day and often does jobs no-one sees.  Incredible dedication and passion.

Colin Gee & Kevin Donald – Amazing effort again from these two guys.  They are an incredible asset to the club and without them we wouldn’t have has such an outstanding year of development on the course (when the weather allows!)

Gail Nicholls – Our club captain role is never easy, and it is impossible to keep everyone happy.  The players group is a difficult thing to manage, and Gail’s caring and empathetic manner has enabled our groups to communicate well together.  The club events she has run this year have all gone very well and she has provided very good guidance for me through the year

Ken Shirley – The Board Chair is not an easy role, and many seem to forget it is done by a volunteer who steps into the role to try to provide a service to the club.  He has navigated his way through a very difficult year and led the Board professionally and with aplomb. 

Our Board – Lynda Smith, Ben van den Borst, Keith Roberts, Max Greer, Rob Mitford-Burgess.  I think we have an amazing group leading our club.  Their only motivation is to lead the club and improve things for everyone, and they operate in a considered and professional way to try to achieve that.

Nathan, Mike and Shane – I think most will agree, our course has been steadily improving for a number of years and this is thanks to the work of our greens staff (with help from volunteers).  Compared to similar courses we are understaffed, so it’s a credit to these guys that they can maintain this course as they do, especially with the ludicrous weather we have had.

Clubhouse Staff – Sue, Sandra, Barb, Geraldine.  The friendly service they provide is amazing.  You just have to sit in the office for a few hours to realise how diverse and challenging the office role can be, so it’s a credit to each of these awesome ladies that things run as well as they do. 

Bar Staff – Rachel, Tina, Steph, Sharon, Patrick.  Man, we are lucky to have a good team of bar staff.  In a climate where many bars are having to close their doors, we have a fantastic group of friendly staff who we all love.

Brittany and Ana – I consistently get awesome feedback about the food that comes out of the kitchen, and the great service they give to the members.  It's great to have such an awesome crew in the kitchen.

The rest of the amazing volunteers – you know who you are and I know you don’t do it for the thanks, but THANKS!

Merry Xmas Folks!

Captains Corner
Gail Nicholls

1. Remember to enter the New Year’s Eve tournament. The afternoon field is nearly full but there are spaces available in the morning.

2. The 5 Course Classic will take place from Monday 16th-Thursday 19th January. This event is financially worthwhile for the golf club. As usual, volunteers will be required each day. If you are interested in helping out, or if you have volunteered in the past and would like to do so again, please get in touch. We will also probably require a few extra carts. Owners will receive the money charged by Par NZ.

3. I would like to wish you all a very happy Christmas. This is a special time to spend with loved ones and friends. I know of members who will be reunited with family who live and work overseas, and I wish them a wonderful time.

It is important to remember that some of our members are less fortunate through illness, loss of loved ones and other burdens. In this season of goodwill and sharing, let us extend our caring and sympathy to them.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who have extended support to me since taking on the role of Club Captain. A big thank you also, to members of the Board, Staff and the Committees who manage all aspects of club life.

May your scorecards be memorable, your friendships multiplied and your three-putts be extremely rare.

Men's World
John 'Swampy' Marsh

1^st Round Summer Cup
Considering the conditions and also playing off the blue tees, some remarkably good scores

Div 1:
Ravi Shearman      44
Bruce McKenzie   41
Martin Smith        40

Div 2:
Tony Dunseath     39
Mark Yalden         39
Stephen Davis      38

This will be our last newsletter before Santa arrives, so a very Merry Christmas to all our members.

A big thank you to Hugh Clark, six years mate you deserve a break.  Thank you to the men’s committee who do sterling work during the year

To Annan Law for the huge sponsorship to the Saturday Haggle and all our tee sponsors, a Merry Christmas.

A reminder about our New Year Tournament.  It is filling up very fast.  Early spaces available, bring your visitors and family members along for a fun day

All the best everyone, stay safe.

Women's World
Debbie Clark

Saturday Christmas Hamper
This was a teams’ event using combined stableford points, the best single score on the first 6 holes, the best 2 scores on the 2^nd 6 holes, then the 3 best scores on the 3^rd 6 holes. 

It was won by the Chirpy Chippers: Chrissy Anderson, Kellie Orchard, Pink Leow & Maree Lawson with a total score of 78pts.

Summer Cup will resume on the 7^th January.

Tuesday Haggle & Summer Cup
This was a wash out, to say the least, on Tuesday. Any ladies who entered the Haggle will have them $5 entry transferred to Tuesday 10^th January, the same day that the Summer Cup resumes.

Welcome to the Committee
Diane Hughes has volunteered her services as computer secretary, so will join the new ladies committee. Thank you Diane.

Vets Vibes
Ross Milne

Update –Meteorologist Vacancy  
Last week this vacancy was listed. We received wide spread enquiries for this role – some more serious than others. The preferred candidate was a gentleman –Mabele Lumumba, a Shaman from Congo. Unfortunately the Minister for Immigration has declined the visa application for Mr Lumumba, his 5 wives and tools of trade, viz devining sticks and bones of unknown origin. For the time being we are resorting to accuweather and rain radar and hopefully will get most calls correct.

Anyway – Results

Cross Country
Firstly thanks to Terry Golder and Mick Wheatley for setting up the course. Well planned and challenging.  Despite this some good scores were posted.

Div 1
Des Hammond                   42 points
Alan Nicholls                      39 points
Tony Parkinson                  39 points

Div 2
Willem Potze                     41 points
Crusher Chapman            39  points
Ian Jory                              39 points

Out of The Blue
$50 voucher   - Lucky Draw ( how else would he win ) - Bill Neeley
Let our sponsors know your connection when visiting their caravan. Very popular spot on Fridays

Vets Committee
We welcome Ian Howells who has been added to our committee and adds to what he is already contributing around the course.

We also record the recent resignation of Steve Weatherly from the committee but acknowledge his input and contributions over recent times. Many thanks Steve from us all.

Diary Dates
3 day Mixed Pairs    Feb 13^th/14^th/15^th Feb

Great to report that Omokoroa Country Estate are continuing their much appreciated sponsorship of this popular event.

Please note the Flyer and Entry Forms have now been posted online and enquiries already being received.

4^th January - Resumption Vets

Until then to you all.
Merry Christmas
Hari Kirihimete
Travel safe.  Stay well