 |
 |
|
 | ||
 |
Holden Scramble |
|
|
|
The Te Puke #2 team of PGA pro Nick Davey, Andrew Gentle, Haydyn Pope and Charlie Hillier recorded one of the two gross 60’s of the afternoon in finishing second, scoring six birdies on each side, their handicap of 4.750 netting them a 55.250. They were half a shot ahead of the Mount Maunganui #1 team of PGA pro Glenn Millin, Damian Bosher, Carl Newman and Aaron Williams, whose gross of 60 was made up of a seven birdie front nine 29, five more coming home for a 31. Their handicap of 4.250 netted them 55.750.
Countbacks Determine Paraparaumu FinalSunday, Nov 16, 2008
Kevin Gray and Duane Ruru from Boulcott, with Neil Mudge from Mornington teamed up with PGA professional Andrew Dorsey to take out the Greater Wellington Region Final in a count-back. They made seven birdies in their first 13 holes, and in finishing with five pars they thought that they had blown their chances, however their gross 64, less handicap of 7.5, netted them 56.5 and tied them with the Rangatira #1 team. The Rangatira qualifiers are all Taihape members, Koke Cashell, Brian Bristol and Brent Hamilton, with PGA professional Stephen Wood, and they also had a no error round, seven birdies and an eagle on the par five 7th hole for a gross 62, less 5.5, net 56.5. The count-back system requires the teams back nine total on the card less half the handicap, and the winners scored 31 to the runner-up’s 32, their higher handicap making the obvious difference. It was count-backs again to determine third and fourth places, the second Te Marua team of PGA professional Brad Carter, Allen Fayen, Mike Barrott and Cedrick Iwikau scoring a gross 62, netting 56.875. Tied with them but in fourth place was PGA professional Kevin McAllister, John Rowland, Grant Sinclair and Brett Krause from Royal Wellington, gross 61, net 56.875. Such was the closeness of scoring if the team that finished in eighth position were one shot better they would have tied the winning score. The Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club have their course on track for a return to it’s glory days when it’s reputation was at the top amongst New Zealand courses, and with a lot of the finalists playing it for the first time the comments were very complimentary. The scoring was consistently low, and the professionals in the field commented that this could be put down to the purity of the putting surface. The winning team now head off to Australia for the Championship Final in late November. Other teams in the top ten were (Professionals in bold) 5th Hutt #2, John Thwaites, Dylan Meadows, John Heap, Laurie Vitale, gross 61, less 4.000, net 57.000 6th Paraparaumu, Dominic Sainsbury, Bert Chang, Shane Hearn, John Beaumont, gross 61, less 3.875, net 57.125 7th Castlecliff #1, Geoff Smart, Stuart Watts, Garry Ross, Craig Osman, gross 62, less 4.625, net 57.375 8th Rangatira #2, Andrew Henare, Tom Ratima, Robert Cargill, Danny Waerea, gross 63, less 5.500, net 57.500 9th Pahiatua #2, Richard Best, Ivan Karaitiana, Byron Karaitiana, Willem Nel, gross 62, less 3.875, net 58.125 10th Pahiatua #1, Alan Hyatt, John Clapperton, Paul Clapperton, Whetu Ponga, gross 65, less 6.625, net 58.375 South Island Holden Scramble FinalsWednesday, Oct 15, 2008Over 40 winning local teams came together at the Clearwater Golf Club recently to determine the two teams that would progress through to Australia for the Championship Final in late November. Those teams south of Christchurch plus the West Coast competed in the morning, with the others playing in the afternoon. It is at this level that they are joined by a PGA professional and become a team of four. No further rules change, the event is still an elimination style scramble, with no player playing consecutive shots. Conditions could not have been better, a perfect spring day with the snow on the distant mountains reminding everyone that we are only just out of winter. Brooking Leads Hororata Team to Victory
Other top ten results, PGA Professional in Bold Jordan Dazzles Team to 10 Under Par
They were more than one full shot ahead of the local Clearwater team, Mike Howat, Ant Gale and Dylan Fitzgerald, led by their Professional Craig Mitchell. Their nine birdie round of 63, net 58 was looking good but word had come in from out on the course that The Dazzler and Co were running hot, confirmed when the got back to the clubhouse. The Waimairi Beach #2 of pro James Oh and Peter Webb, Aaron Forsyth and Tony Forsyth were third with a gross 64, netting 58.125, once again showing the closeness of the event, with the exclusion of the winners exceptional score. Other top ten results, PGA Professionals in Bold Waimairi Beach Holden Scramble Tops Canterbury Events AgainTuesday, Oct 21, 2008September 26th finally saw the Holden Scramble completed at Waimairi Beach. Previous attempts with the course development of the trees being removed on the front nine coupled with the adverse weather conditions the event had to be postponed twice However a field of 40 teams the largest of any Holden Scramble in Canterbury by far completed the day in beautiful weather and a well run event thanks to the resident PGA professional Duane Robinson and his staff. Special thanks also to Barry Whittle from Blackwell Motors Holden who along with Duane ensured the success of the day. The Holden Young Lions were also on hand with Aidan Berry on the 4th Tee and Duane Robinson on the 17th giving out Free tips and advice all-day to the players as part of the Holden Scramble promotion which was well received. The special prize of the Open “Nearest the Pin” on the 132 meter 17th par 3 saw a great shot from the elevated Tee by Des Haines to take away the prize of the Holden Epica Free for a weekend with a full tank of fuel to do what ever he wants. I am sure Des and family will enjoy the weekend. Waimairi Beach was in great order and is a credit to Andrew Grimes and the greens staff and many favorable comments were passed on the day from players who obviously enjoyed the fast greens as reflected in the scores. All in all a great day and a credit to all involved. Brothers Three Repeat at Akarana FinalWednesday, Oct 15, 2008
Together with PGA Professional Ryan Woollerton, they started fast off the 17th tee in the shotgun format, birdying their first four holes. Steady stuff from that point on saw more birdies on 8 and 10 before a final one on the 16th hole, their last. A gross 63, less their adjusted handicap of 3.190, netted them out at 59.810. These boys, aged 18, 16 and 14 respectively, won this event two years ago and with the rules requiring a 25% handicap reduction for the next two years, they decided to play together once more regardless, and so to win again was a remarkable achievement. They are now off to the final in Australia once more and maybe with the two years of extra experience they could be a serious threat for the top honours. A valiant second was the Formosa #1 team, Gary Van Rensburg, Rimo Ribechini and Sanjay Rana, captained by PGA Professional Marcus Wheelhouse. Starting on the 16th hole, they were five under par through their first eight, but will surely be regretting those that got away on their last 10 holes only making a string of pars. One more would have done it! Their gross score of 65, less handicap of 5.125, left them at 59.875 and only .065 from tying the lead. Twenty-six teams from around the regions had qualified, and if the fifth placed team were one shot less they would have won the event. With the weather right across Auckland being wet all day the Akarana course stood up to the conditions very well. As usual the club hospitality was second to none and went some way to compensating for the wet conditions. Other top ten results, PGA Professional in Bold
Clearwater to Determine South Island TeamsSaturday, Oct 11, 2008Monday will see the two South Island Holden Scramble Regional Finals decided, with both winning teams moving on to the Championship Final on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Those teams that are generally south of Christchurhc will play in the morning, and those from the City and North the afternoon. It is at stage that the teams are joined by a PGA Professional, they are now a team of four and some low numbers can be expected. Click on the links below for the two draws for these events. Kaikoura Double-Header Scramble a RipperTuesday, Aug 26, 2008
They pushed their luck this year however, because the weather forecast was very much against them. Not a problem, 35 teams lined up on the Saturday, qualifying two teams for the Regional Final, and 36 teams played on the Sunday, another two teams going through. It started to rain at about 4.30pm, just as the last players were finishing, and as the whole country knows, it did not stop for three days. As this article is being written the town of Kaikoura is isolated from the rest of New Zealand, all roads and rail blocked by flooding and massive hillside slips. They say that perseverance is one of the great virtues, and this can be said of the local team of Pete Tanirau, Wayne and Jo Broadhurst, who finally made it after five previous attempts. Not sure what their gross score was but their net of 62.5 was good enough to win from visitors Dave Palmer and Alan Hurley (Hokitika) and Bruce Wallace from Russley on 63.0
Sunday again saw a local team come out in front. Neil Pablecheque is a great sponsor of the golf club, and it was great to see him win with Chris Cuff and Geoff Pacey, scoring a net 62.50. Regular visitors from Kaituna Tony Voice, Nigel Starkie and Mike Roche also qualified on 62.67. Wadsco Holden from Blenheim were the Holden hosts for the day and were represented by Dealer Principal John Wadsworth and stalwart Rex Scoble, and Peter Giles, the host PGA Professional is now looking for three more Professionals to help him out at Regional Final time. Timaru Scramble goes to VisitorsTuesday, Aug 26, 2008
It was the Gleniti boys that took it out, Matt Mayo, Nic Coles and John Gibbs scoring four birdies and one eagle in their round of 66, less their handicap of 5.83 netting then 60.17. Temuka was second, the team of Kevin Histen, Brent Foxcroft and Dave McLachlan scoring 67, net 61.17. The local team of Tim Leonard, Matt Dorgan and Michael King were the unlucky ones, finishing in third spot with 61.83, less than half a shot from qualifying. That’s the way it goes in the Holden Scramble, in that it can come down to one putt, and everyone can certainly remember the one that got away. One of the highlights of the day can be put down to the generosity of the local Holden Dealership. At each Holden Scramble event the club is asked to conduct a couple of nearest the pin competitions, with the proceeds going to the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation. This is an initiative that the PGA of New Zealand and Holden New Zealand entered into last year, and it is proving to be very successful. The two winners’ names are added to a list from which a lucky winner will be drawn later in the year, and will receive, courtesy of Holden NZ, an Air New Zealand Mystery Golfing Weekend with a vehicle provided by Holden NZ. $375 was raised at this event but when Tony Babbage, Dealer Principal of Drummond and Etheridge Holden heard about this, he immediately said that the company would double the figure, so now $750 goes forward to this very worthwhile organisation. Mark Sandri is the host Professional at the Timaru Golf Club, and last year he went all the way to Australia for the Championship Final with the 2007 winners of this event, so now he is looking to repeat the deed at the Regional Final at Clearwater in October. Family Team Qualifies at HororataSaturday, Jul 26, 2008Richard Priddle teamed up with his two sisters, Raewyn Kars and Gina Atkins, to qualify for the Regional Final at the Hororata Holden Scramble. They did not win the event, but their second placing was good enough to go through, courtesy of the 32 teams who lined up in the event. They had a gross score of 67, 4 under par for the course, and it was made up of four birdies and no bogey errors. With their handicap of 6.33 they netted 60.67. The winning team were visitors from the Tai Tapu Golf Club, Dennis Price, Hamish Stalker and Alf Sherman, also no bogeys but they had three birdies and an eagle in their round of 66, less 6.83, netting 59.17. A good event is all about being organised, and Hororata are fortunate in having Pip Deans as their Secretary/Co-ordinator. Although it was the club’s first ever event Pip followed the manual every step of the way, and by the time the PGA’s Events Manager Jim Clelland arrived there was nothing for him to do but watch it all unfold. Some good marketing had ensured that word of this new event had spread, and a good number of clubs were represented. The weather was perfect and the shotgun start had them all out on the course in good time. Nearest the pin and long drive prizes were provided by Blackwell Holden, who were represented on the day by Barry Whittle. The search is now on to find a couple of PGA prosfessionals to join these two teams and take them through to the Regional Final at Clearwater in October. Hokitika Scramble Decided By “Duckworth-Lewis”Saturday, Jul 26, 2008National Events Manager of the PGA, Jim Clelland, has always wondered what happens when an event such as the Holden Scramble has to be called off because of inclement weather conditions. He has had a solution in the back of his mind for some time now, and because he was present on the day it finally got utilised at the recent Hokitika event. Conditions were not great as the players began their round, and remained indifferent throughout the first two thirds of the event. One final downpour put the greens under water and so play was called off with all of the field having played 12 holes. Because of the shotgun start they had not all played the same 12 holes, so this is where the "Duckworth-Lewis-Clelland" system came into play. It sounds complicated, but it meant that the par of the holes that each team had played was added up, and the percentage of the course's par that they had completed was calculated. This same percentage was applied to their handicap, and then taken off their gross score. Sound complicated? Maybe so, but it seemed that a fair result was arrived at, and the local team of Stephen Shirtliff, Paul and Sharon Davidson took out the event for the second year running with a gross score (over 12 holes) of 49, less their adjusted handicap of 5.18, netting 43.82. Another local team of Geoff Day, Matt Day and Gary Lee had the same gross score but with a lesser handicap finished in second place (49 - 3.82 - 45.18), with the next three teams all inside a shot away and rueing that one missed putt. The hard luck story of the day has to be that of the visiting Westport team of Doug Taffs, Michelle Murphy and Glenn Drummond. On their first hole Drummond hit a very long tee shot, so the other two picked up their drives as they walked forward to the best drive. however it was nowhere to be seen, a lost ball and back to the tee to play three. The resulting quadruple bogey 8 put paid to their chances, and even a bogey on the hole would have won the day for them. A lesson learnt! Blackwell Holden were represented by Barry Whittle who played on the day, and like everyone else finished up wet through and very cold. Blackwell’s contribution to the day was however very much appreciated by all the players, who remained in good spirits in the warmth of the clubhouse for some time after the early finish. It is on to the final again for the winners , and they are hopeful of securing the services of the same PGA professional that they had last year. Taupo Begins Trophy DefenceThursday, May 22, 2008
It was not to be however for any of the three from last years winning team, the rules meaning that they had to split up this year or suffer a huge reduction in handicap. In fact it was a trio from around the mountain that took out first place, Ruapehu College teacher and Waimarino member Bevan Thompson and two of his 14 year old pupils, Jackson Campbell and Hadlee Radford scoring a gross 69, netting 61.67. It was however not all smooth fairways for them with three bogeys offsetting the six birdies, but good enough on the day to ensure that they will be at the Regional Final at Wairakei in November. In second place, and also qualifying for the next stage, was locals Steven Lockett, Fane Troy and Fay Bagley. Their gross score of 70 netting them 62.33. The third placed team of locals Brad Potter, Shaun Ashford and Colin Dyer will be rueing their bogey start on their first hole (the par three 18th). They came home flying with birdies on 12, 14, 15, 16 and 17 for the best gross of the day, a 67, but their net score of 62.5 was 0.17 away from qualifying. Ebbett Taupo was the hosting Holden Dealership. Air Force Scramble All Tied UpTuesday, May 13, 2008
Local members David Lark, together with Melissa and Bubba Hallinan scored an excellent gross round of 65, four birdies and no mistakes on this par 69 course, and with the three of them all on a 12 handicap their net score calculated out at 59.00. This was tied by Larry Kapinga, Helen Walker and Kepa Lousi, their gross score of 65 being a bit more adventurous with six birdies and two bogeys. Larry was a ring-in at the last minute, a South Head member who obviously clicked with the two locals to their collective benefit. The third placed team of Graeme Shaw, Brian Brooks and Rex De-Bettencor will be rueing a missed putt somewhere, their gross also being a 65 bit their lower handicap netting them 59.67, less that a shot from winning. PGA Professional Terry Leech co-hosted the day together with great input and contribution from John Blewett, the Dealer Principal of West City Holden, who also presented the prizes. Their day was greatly assisted by Margaret Nelson and her team, with the event running like clockwork, but that is what you would expect from a military organisation. Wet Scrambles in WeekendTuesday, May 6, 2008The drought is officially over, with two Holden Scrambles being held over the weekend and both of them experiencing very wet conditions. LochielAn excellent turnout considering the conditions saw two teams qualify for the Regional Final stage, which will be at Wairakei in early November. Just as well that two go through, because the top two teams were all tied up and it took a countback to the last six holes to get a winner. The local team of Ross McFarlane, Jason Redwood and Justin Bell mixed five birdies with a couple of bogeys for a gross score of 69, netting out at 63.17. Visitors Max Kara and James Raina from Te Awamutu, and Atutahi Te Ao from Stewart Alexander had the same score, started with a bogey on their first hole, and mixed five birdies with another bogey for their 69, net 63.17. Craig carrington is the host PGA Professional at Lochiel, and he will be determining who the professionals will be that joins these teams for the next stage.Clarks BeachThe feature from this event was not the winners, but the performance of the second team. This is the Walynetz brothers, Nicolai, Ivan and Anton. Two years ago they won the Auckland area Regional Final and went to Australia for the Championship Final. Because of this they had to play under a 25% handicap penalty, which meant that their effort in qualifying once again was extraordinary. Like all young golfers there handicaps have reduced considerably over the time, with Nicolia on zero, Ivan on 11 and young Anton on 24. Their gross score of 67 netted out at 62.63. Full credit however to the team that did win the event. Locals Layne Shepherd, Shae Wright and Evan Bateup, all on a 17 handicap, scored a gross 68, netting an excellent 59.50 PGA Professional Gary Watson is in charge of sorting out their professionals for the Regional Final.Taieri Golf Club Gets 2008 Scramble Under WayWednesday, Mar 19, 2008
Local members made up about 90% of the field, and last years winners (Chris Sherburd, Aaron Geeves and Jim Reay) repeated again with a 67 gross, their handicap of 7.33 netting them out at 59.67. Runners-up with a gross 68 and nett 60.67 were the team of D Willcock, Regan Finch and Brent Cayford. The hard luck story of the day would have to be the third placed team of Ross Farquhar and Gavin Middleton from sponsors Cooke Howlison Holden, with Mark Andrews, scoring a nett 61.5. Great supporters of the Holden Scramble in the Otago area and also keen golfers. They will qualify!! A big thank you goes out to all concerned in presenting the course in first class order, and tremendous support and organisation from the aforementioned Farquhar and Middleton, also Dick Hambleton, from the Holden dealership. Holden Scramble Championship Final Trophy heads to TaupoTuesday, Dec 4, 2007
Taupo Golf Club have done the impossible, shooting a third round of 50 3/8 to finish with a 54 hole score of 161.125 and claim the 2007 Holden Scramble Championship Final - the first ever win for a New Zealand team six years in the making. Flying the flag for New Zealand Taupo were one of two kiwi teams in contention for the trophy after Sunday nights cut. Tour Professional Kurt Barnes joining the team of PGA Professional James Morgan and amateurs Lawrie Chandler, Roslyn Skinner & David MacDonald for Monday's final round in which they extended upon their overnight lead. Queensland teams Riverlakes and Robina Woods put up a tough last round fight for the Championship however with a score of fourteen under the New Zealanders were unstoppable in their mission to claim the trophy. Full Results (showing all three rounds nett scores and total team score)
Queensland teams triple-threat hinder NZ breakthrough victoryMonday, Dec 3, 2007Three Queensland teams have shot gross scores of 61 in Sunday's second round of the Holden Scramble Championship Final with the mission of stopping the trophy heading across the Tasman as New Zealand's Taupo Golf Club continues their dream run on day two. Starting the day tied for first with NSW's Links Shell Cove, Taupo continued their winning ways in near perfect conditions at Twin Waters Golf Club to end the day with eight birdies and a nett score of 56 3/8- their two day winning total now at 110.25 while Links Shell Cove dropped off the quickening pace. However the NZ hopefuls will be forced to keep watch over their shoulder in Monday's final round with a trio of QLD contenders hot on their heels. Home state qualifiers Riverlakes, Robina Woods and Bundaberg currently round out the top four at the end of round two scoring, all three hoping the final round tour pro draw will help them to overcome the Kiwi's at the final stage. Riverlakes Golf Club were the biggest movers of round two, their second round 55 nett (61 gross) the lowest score of the day securing the second spot with a progressive score of 111 over 36 holes. Teeing off the tenth hole for the two tee start, Riverlakes started slowly with four birdies on the back nine however came home strong with a score of 29 on the front nine to finish only ¼ of a shot behind Taupo. Robina Woods currently sit in third with a hole in one from Professional Chris Taylor helping the team ascend the leader board to finish well within striking distance. Rounding out Queensland's triple threat is Bundaberg Golf Club who equaled their first round 61 to prove the most consistent performers of the tournament, the Bundy boys having to find a few extra birdies on Monday should they wish to take the trophy back north. The top sixteen teams of the 31 team field will now find out which Touring Professional will become their fifth team member for the final round- names such as Peter Lonard, Nick Flanagan and Nathan Green sure to bring with them a few master strokes crucial for the final round of play. With the consolation final kicking off from 6.00am (local time) the top sixteen will tee it up in the afternoon field, the winner expected to be crowned at a nineteenth green presentation today. Full Progressive Results (with gross and net team scores shown)
Taupo Golf Club lead Holden Scramble Championship FinalMonday, Dec 3, 2007
With a round of 62 off the stick for a nett score of 58.875, Taupo carded ten birdies throughout their round at Twin Waters Golf Club to finish in the shared lead of the 54 hole tournament, taking the Kiwis one step closer to claiming New Zealand's first victory. The Links Shell Cove carded the lowest gross score of the round with an impressive 59 off the stick, Professional Craig Baldwin leading the way for team members Robby Stephenson (1) Nathan Reid (16) and Michael Carruthers (20) in matching Taupo's nett of 58.875. PGA member Baldwin, a Queensland native, is a new addition to the NSW combination, the Logan City Pro joining the Championship Final team by invitation from the club, The Links General Manager (and Scramble team member) Stephenson looking for a big hitting Pro to join their team in this his last chance to claim an amateur win before taking on a PGA Professional Traineeship in January. With the lowest gross score of the round Links Shell Cove will prove a formidable front runner in the tournament provided their form holds up over the next two days. South Australia's Blackwood Golf Club finished with a final nett of 55.875 to round out the top three spots on day one. Round One Results (showing nett scores)
Past News Items:
|
|
|
|
PGA Professionals - Making Golf a Better Game! | top | home | |
|||||||||
| The PGA of New Zealand is supported by: | © Copyright 2007-2009 | ||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||
