Taupo Begins Trophy Defence

Ebbett Taupo's James Ridley, Jackson Campbell, Hadlee Radford, Bevan Thompson, and PGA Pro James Morgan

The Taupo Golf Club, riding high on their Championship Final win of 2007, hosted their open Holden Scramble recently, with members and visiting teams vying for the chance to have successful PGA club pro James Morgan be the man to get them through the next stage, and possibly off to Australia to repeat the deeds of last year.

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 Up

West City's John Blewett, PGA Pro Terry Leech, Kepa Lousi, Helen Walker, Dave Lark, Melissa and Bubba Hallinan (Larry Kapinga was absent)

An excellent field of 36 teams (108 players) participated in the RNZAF Auckland Holden Scramble at their Whenuapai course recently, and in a day of exceptionally close scoring the top two teams could only be separated by a protracted count-back application. Not that it really mattered because such were the numbers that they will both go forward to the Regional Final later in the year.

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 Weekend

The drought is officially over, with two Holden Scrambles being held over the weekend and both of them experiencing very wet conditions.

Lochiel  

Clarks Beach

Taieri Golf Club Gets 2008 Scramble Under Way

PGA Pro Duncan Bennett with Sherburd, Geeves, Reay, and Cook Howlison's Ross Farquhar

PGA Professional Duncan Bennett kicked off the 2008 Holden Scramble season with his usual quality event at the Taieri Golf Club recently. It was a great day weather-wise although the gusty southwester made the scoring tough at times. An excellent field of 108 players ensured that the first two teams would qualify for the Regional Final, along way off as it seems to be. Lots of time to keep their game sharp!

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 Taupo

The winning team with their tour Pro, Kurt Barnes (third from left)

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)

• NZ Taupo Golf Club  54.375 56.375 50.375 161.125
• QLD Proserpine Golf Club  57.25 59.25 53.25 169.75
• NSW Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club  60.5 55.5 54.5 170.5
• NZ Timaru Golf Club  61.375 57.375 53.375 172.125
• QLD Robina Woods Golf Club  55.875 55.875 54.875 166.625
• SA Riverside Golf Club  58.25 60.25 53.25 171.75
• QLD Beaudesert Golf Club  58.25 58.25 55.25 171.75
• NSW Harden Country Club  59.25 58.25 55.25 172.75
• NSW New Brighton Golf Club  58.5 60.5 55.5 174.5
• QLD Kumbia Golf Club  62.5 57.5 54.5 174.5
• QLD Bundaberg Golf Club  56.625 56.625 56.625 169.875
• WA Harvey Golf Club  56.75 60.75 55.75 173.25
• NSW Port Kembla Golf Club  58.125 59.125 56.125 173.375
• QLD  Riverlakes Golf Club  56 55 56 167
• NSW Links Shell Cove  54.375 59.375 57.375 171.125
• NSW Massey Park Golf Club  58.75 56.75 56.75 172.25
• VIC Patterson River Country Club  58.75 60.75 56.75 176.25
• NSW Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club  58.375 60.375 57.375 176.125
• VIC  Timboon Golf Club  57.875 61.875 57.875 177.625
• SA Blackwood Golf Club  55.875 65.875 58.875 180.625
• NSW Oatlands Golf Club  60.875 59.875 59.875 180.625
• TAS Claremont Golf Club  61.75 60.75 58.75 181.25
• NZ Palmerston North Golf Club  61.25 59.25 60.25 180.75
• VIC Heidelberg Golf Club  59 61 62 182
• VIC The Kew Golf Club  57 62 60 179
• NZ Westport Golf Club  61.375 60.375 60.375 182.125
• WA The Golf Club Kennedy Bay  61.125 62.125 63.125 186.375
• NSW Kempsey Golf Club  58.75 60.75 62.75 182.25
• NZ Omaha Beach Golf Club  60.125 60.125 63.125 183.375
• NZ Cambridge Golf Club  60.25 60.25 63.25 183.75

Queensland teams triple-threat hinder NZ breakthrough victory

Three 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 (gross) 126  (net) 110.75
• Riverlakes Golf Club 123 111
• Robina Woods Golf Club 122 111.75
• Bundaberg Golf Club 122 113.25
• Links Shell Cove 123 113.75
• Massey Park Golf Club 126 115.5
• Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 125 116
• Beaudesert Golf Club 126 116.5
• Proserpine Golf Club 126 116.5
• Port Kembla Golf Club 127 117.25
• Harden Country Club 127 117.5
• Harvey Golf Club 128 117.5
• Riverside Golf Club 132 118.5
• Timaru Golf Club 130 118.75
• Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club 130 118.75
• New Brighton Golf Club 128 119
• The Kew Golf Club 133 119
• Kempsey Golf Club 132 119.5
• Patterson River Country Club 130 119.5
• Timboon Golf Club 130 119.75
• Kumbia Golf Club 131 120
• Heidelberg Golf Club 128 120
• Omaha Beach Golf Club 132 120.25
• Palmerston North Golf Club 130 120.5
• Cambridge Golf Club 132 120.5
• Cootamundra Golf Club 129 120.75
• Oatlands Golf Club 129 120.75
• Westport Golf Club 135 121.75
• Blackwood Golf Club 130 121.75
• Claremont Golf Club 133 122.5
• The Golf Club Kennedy Bay 133 123.25

Taupo Golf Club lead Holden Scramble Championship Final

The Taupo Team

New Zealand are in the box seat on their mission to claim their first ever Championship Final trophy with Taupo Golf Club currently tied for the lead with New South Wales' Links Shell Cove after the first round of the Holden Scramble Championship Final.

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)

• Taupo Golf Club 54.375
• Links Shell Cove 54.75
• Blackwood Golf Club 55.875
• Robina Woods Golf Club 55.875
• Riverlakes Golf Club 56
• Bundaberg Golf Club 56.625
• Harvey Golf Club 56.75
• The Kew Golf Club 57
• Proserpine Golf Club 57.25
• Timboon Golf Club 57.875
• Port Kembla Golf Club 58.125
• Beaudesert Golf Club 58.25
• Riverside Golf Club 58.25
• Tuggerah Lakes Golf Club 58.375
• New Brighton Golf Club 58.5
• Kempsey Golf Club 58.75
• Massey Park Golf Club 58.75
• Patterson River Country Club 58.75
• Heidelberg Golf Club 59
• Harden Country Club 59.25
• Omaha Beach Golf Club 60.125
• Cambridge Golf Club 60.25
• Magenta Shores Golf & Country Club 60.5
• Cootamundra Golf Club 60.875
• Oatlands Golf Club 60.875
• The Golf Club Kennedy Bay 61.125
• Palmerston North Golf Club 61.25
• Timaru Golf Club 61.375
• Westport Golf Club 61.375
• Claremont Golf Club 61.75
• Kumbia Golf Club 62.5

Palmerston North Qualifiers Win At Paraparaumu

PGA Professional Stephen Wood, with Mark Salmon, Alana Braybrook and Wayne Clews

PGA Professional Stephen Wood is the Junior Development Officer for the Manawatu/Wanganui region, but he returned to the front line recently to help out at the Holden Scramble Regional Final at Paraparaumu. He was playing with one of fellow PGA member Sam Warner's teams that qualified at Palmerston North, and helped them put together a ten-birdie round of 61, good enough to take out the final and send them on to the big finale in Australia. The team was made up of Te Marua members Wayne Clews and Alana Braybrook, together with Linton Camp's Mark Salmon, and their handicap of 4.625 netted them out at 56.375. It was a narrow victory, with the Levin #2 team only a fraction of a shot behind. Craig Caldwell, Gavin Byford and Damian Parata were captained by PGA Pro Hamish Blair, they also had ten birdies, but the handicap was the difference, netting 56.750. The difference was in the finishing, with Wood's team birdying three of their last four holes, while Blair & Co fired early but could only par their last five holes.

Taupo Team Runaway Winners at Bay of Plenty Final

David McDonald, Roslyn Skinner, Laurie Chandler, and PGA Pro James Morgan

Taupo's Club Professional James Morgan led his team to an outstanding win in the Greater Bay of Plenty Holden Scramble Regional Final at Wairakei recently, scoring a nine under par round of 63 and with their handicap of 7.75 they netted out at 55.25, scoring a clear two shot victory. His team of Taupo members David McDonald, Laurie Chandler and Roslyn Skinner now get ready for the big final in Australia, and in Morgan's opinion they might well be the best of the New Zealand teams. But he would say that, wouldn't he!

There was a tie for second place, shared by the Brent McKay-led Te Puke team and Jay Carter's #1 Tauranga team, both netting 57.875. Twenty-six teams from around the region took part on what was a perfect day on an exceptional golf course. A feature of the event was the number of teams that were made up of a variation of family members, one being a dad playing with his son and daughter. Another team from the Poverty Bay area consisted of two brothers and wife of one of them. This continues to be one of the great benefits of the Holden Scramble event, where there is no restriction on the make-up of teams, only that they must all have a recognised 18 whole handicap.

Cambridge Wins Waikato Final

PGA Pro Bryce Mawhinney, Larry Williams, John Dudson, Jim Teehan.

John Dudson from the Cambridge Golf Club would have to be the classic Holden Scramble Junky, having played in 26 local events in the last four years, but he is the perfect example of the never-give-up attitude, qualifying for the first time this year and then winning at the Final stage. Together with his team mates Larry Williams and Jim Teehan, and with a lot of help from Cambridge Professional Bryce Mawhinney, they put together a nine birdie round at Wairakei to come out on top with a net score of 57.250. They won by the narrowest of margins from the family threesome of Thomas, Howard and Jeremy Johnson, who had qualified at the Tirau Golf Club event. This team had the best gross score of the day, a ten under par 62, but their handicap of 4.625 saw them fall 1/8th of a shot behind the winners. The next three teams will also be rueing that one missed putt, all finishing less than a stroke from winning the event. The Wairakei course was in great order for the event, and proved to be a great test for all of the teams. The General Manager, Kevin Park, and his team, ensured that the day ran very smoothly in absolutely perfect conditions, so good in fact that there was a frost delay at the beginning of the round. A pleasant change indeed from the indifferent weather that has been following the events around over the last couple of months.

Westport and Timaru Qualify for Final

The Westport team of Bradley Ranger, Mark Millings, PGA Pro Glyn Delany and Paul Chambers

It was a huge day at Clearwater when both South Island Regional Finals were decided on the same day, with 24 teams in each event. The morning field consisted of all teams south of Christchurch plus those from the West Coast, while the teams in the afternoon were from the Christchurch area and north. Both winning teams are now on their way to the Championship Final.

The morning event was won by the Westport team of Mark Millings, Paul Chambers and Bradley Ranger, who together with their appointed PGA Professional in Glyn Delany, were solid and made no mistakes in putting together a round of 65, birdying the four par fives plus three others, and with their handicap of 6.625 they netted a winning score of 58.375. There were three teams stacked in behind them, all inside of a shot of the lead and no doubt able to identify the missed putt that made the difference. Two Cromwell teams were second and third with gross scores of 64, with PGA Pro Jonti Philipson leading Michael Taylor, Paul Taylor and David Welsh in to second place on a nett of 58.625. Only a quarter of a shot back in third place was the team of David Harper, Brad Harper and Lindsay Moffatt on 58.875.

Omaha Team Off To Australia

Neville Snooks, Paul and Ann Marie Elsden, and PGA Professional Paul Reid

The first Holden Scramble Regional Final was held at the Akarana Golf Club in early October, and it was the Omaha team that came out on top on what was an eventful day, weather-wise. Most teams had played about 14 holes when the thunderstorm struck, and in a flash the course was under water. A delay of about 80 minutes occurred, and in that time the water runoff was good enough to get back out there and try to finish. Back came the ugly weather but to the credit of the teams they got it done with some great scoring. The superb condition of the Akarana course was also a huge contributing factor to the quick recovery.

The winning Omaha team of Neville Snooks, Paul and Ann Marie Elsden, captained by PGA Professional Paul Reid, put together a flawless round of nine pars and nine birdies. Starting from the eighth hole with a birdie 2, they added another birdie on the 10th, before reeling off four in a row from 12 to 15. Some steady pars followed before more birdies on the 1st and 2nd, and a final one on their last hole. Their gross 61 netted them an excellent score of 55.25, more than two shots clear of second place. This was the first final under the new format, where everyone tees off but only three hit from each position during the play of the hole. The advantage at this level is that the team has now been joined by a Professional. Paul Reid was simply helping out both the Omaha Golf Club and his PGA at the local event, but his team could not be more pleased with him being their steadying influence at Akarana and they are of course looking forward to the final.

So now passports are being checked and plans are in place for this team to head off to the Twin Waters Resort in Queensland for the Championship Final. They will be joined by five other teams from finals that will be played over the next few weeks.

Top Five Teams

1st OMAHA: PAUL REID, Neville Snooks, Paul and Ann Marie Elsden, 61 - 5.75 - 55.25

2nd MANGAWHIA #1: JAMES PEARSON, Kevin, Peter and Michael Robinson, 62 - 4.63 - 57.37

3rd CLARKS BEACH #3: PETER HAY, Alistair Baker, Barry Parker, Gordon Douglas, 65 - 6.88 - 58.12

4th FORMOSA #2: STEVE HANCOCK, Willie Martin, Allan Taylor, Robyn Heta, 64 - 5.0 - 59.0

5th KERIKERI: BRUCE SOLAND, Kevin Eastlake, Warrenn Mulcahy, Anton Coetzee, 64 - 4.88 - 59.12

Nineteen Golf Clubs Represented at Rangatira Scramble

Mark Harris of Robertson Holden, Tony Neilson, Nicola Martin, Tony Johnson and PGA Pro Sam Warner

They came from all of the neighbouring clubs for the Rangatira Golf Club Holden Scramble, but they couldn't stop a hot local threesome from taking out the event. Most winning scores have been in the low 60's but Tony Neilson, Tony Johnson and Nicola Martin went low with six birdies and the seemingly unavoidable bogey, a gross score of 67, less 7.83, netting out at 59.17. This was a comfortable margin in front of the second qualifying team from Taihape, who had to survive a back nine countback. Ron Sisson is a bit of a legend in this part of the country, and he lead his team of Alan Thomas and Hayden Tapp to a flying start, birdying their first three holes on their way to a 67, six birdies and that one bogey on their last hole. A handicap of 6.33 saw then net 60.67. Mark Harris from Robertson Holden from Palmerston North played the major sponsor role, with an on-course BBQ and some additional prizes. PGA Professional Sam Warner took care of the scoring and the prizes, and will now match up a couple of his fellow professionals top take the two teams on to the Regional Final at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club in early November. They have big shoes to fill, as it was a team from this event last year that won through at the next stage and went on to Australia, finishing up as the best New Zealand team in the Championship Final.

Check out this View

The Rangatira Golf Club is situated on Sate Highway One just north of Hunterville, and is a unique layout with six holes on each of three levels. You do finish up way down by the river but then you get to ride the cable car back to the clubhouse. If you are travelling through this part of the country anytime soon, do yourself a favour and take a break for a round, or if time does not allow at least call in and check out the stunning view form the clubhouse. The locals will always make you welcome.

Kaikoura goes Double Scramble

The Kaikoura Golf Club, already the venue of what many say is the best pro-am in the country, expanded on their annual Holden Scramble this year by stretching it out over both Saturday and Sunday. A great concept which encouraged teams from as far away as Ashburton to the south and Blenheim to the north to take time out and play both days. Kaikoura is a stunning place with more than its share of great weather, and this weekend heralded the early arrival of spring. Two warm and sunny days, sensational ocean and snow-capped mountain views, and a course that was set up for great scoring. Forty teams lined up on the Saturday, with 38 playing the next day. Many of them played both events, determined to improve, but it was interesting how consistent the scores were over the weekend.

Scramble at Air Force Base

West City Holden's Damon Elias, Stu James, Les Banks and Brett Goodall, & in front, Stephen Hoeft, Claude Radics and Kevin Marshall

The course at the Whenuapai RNZAF Base in Auckland must be one of the best kept golfing secrets, but over 100 players got to try it out recently in their local Holden Scramble event. As you would expect of such a place, everything went with military precision, the weather cooperated and the 34 teams enjoyed the hospitality of the club and that of the supporting dealership, West City Holden. Lunch packs were provided, refreshments half way round, and a sausage sizzle at the end, together with an excellent prize table.

The first two teams qualify for the Regional Final stage, and leading the way was locals Brett Goodall, Les Banks and Stu James with a solid 3 birdie-1 bogey round of 67, less 6.0, netting 61.0. One third of a shot separated them from second placed Claude Radics, Kevin Marshall and Stephen Hoeft (70 - 8.67 - 61.33). They in turn were only one sixth of a shot ahead of the unlucky third team.

The PGA's National Events Manager, Jim Clelland, was on hand for the event together with fellow professional Terry Leech, and West City Holden's Damon Elias spent the day with the golfers taking care of their well-being.

Mount Maunganui Scramble

PGA Pro Mike Nicholson, Graham Coleman, Ian Humble, Karl Taylor, and PGA Pro Ian Rentoul

Thirty-eight teams enjoyed a perfect day on the Mount Maunganui Golf Course recently, and with the planning already in place for this year's men's Inter-Provincial Championship, they got a taste of tournament conditions on greens running at near double-digit on the stimpmetre. The scoring was very close, with the first three teams being separated by only 1/6th of a shot. There was a Holden content in the winning team, with host dealer Ebbett Tauranga being represented by Ian Humble, and supported by Graham Coleman and Karl Taylor they scored a bit of a roller-coaster round of six birdies and three bogeys, 69, less their handicap of 7.33, netting 61.67. Only 1/6th of a shot away was the youthful team of Brendon Muller, Gordon Campbell and Ben Cochrane 70 - 8.17 - 61.83). Both of these teams will now be joined by PGA Professionals for the Regional Final stage at Wairakei in late October.

Mike Nicholson is the resident PGA Professional at the Mount, and with his fellow pro Ian Rentoul, plus the assistance of General Manager Brian Jopson and committee man Brian Ducker they ensured that the day ran smoothly for all concerned.

Ace At Mount Holden Scramble 

Mount's PGA Professional Mike Nicholson congratulates Ian Pollard

Local member Ian Pollard repeated an earlier effort in acing the par three 9th hole (160Metres) in the Mount Maunganui Holden Scramble. He used his trusty seven wood and by all reports the shot was never in doubt, straight at the hole. In this format the shot not only is pleasing to the player concerned, but also to his team-mates, making a significant impact on the scorecard. However it would seem that the rest of the round did not back up this effort, and they were noticibly absent from the prize list.

South Africa Strikes Back in Wairakei Scramble

Roy Menton, Bryce Jessup, Dax Menton, and PGA Professional David Park

The South Africans struck back the day after the rugby test, with father and son team of Roy and Dax Menton, teamed up with Bryce Jessup, taking out the Wairakei Holden Scramble in perfect conditions. The Menton family are reasonably recent arrivals in New Zealand from South Africa, Dax works in the Wairakei pro shop alongside Bryce's son Steve, so it was all a bit "in-house", their score of 69 netting out at 62.17. They got to four under par reasonably early in their round, but three bogeys in a row from 12 through to 14 put the brakes on, however they made a couple more birdies late in the round for their winning score.

It was a very close event, with a number of teams within a couple of shots, and plenty of comment about the one that lipped out, but at the end of the day it's all about the putts that drop. The Wairakei team, headed up by PGA Professionals David Park and Steve Jessup, ensured that the day ran smoothly, the BBQ on the 11th tee being a popular spot, and the clubhouse hospitality appreciated by all. David now takes this winning team on to the Regional Final in late October.

Big Numbers at Winton Scramble

Winton qualifiers Hamish Knowles, Annie & Darrell Osment, Anita & Simon Fraser, and Bruce Thomas

Winton had to put their Holden Scramble back a week, because although the course was playable the roads in were not driveable, such was the winter weather conditions. The week delay however did not put anyone off, in fact the extra promotion time probably helped the numbers grow to a healthy 45 teams, that's 135 individuals.

They came from far and wide, with the winners, representing the Lumsden Club, Hamish Knowles, Annie and Darrell Osment scoring an excellent 67 off the stick, their handicap of 7.83 netting them out at 59.17. This was over a shot clear of second place, the team of Bruce Thomas, with Simon and Anita Fraser of Riverton Golf Club scoring a 70, their handicap of 9.33 netting them 60.67. The next five teams were within one shot of second place, but it is only the top two that now are joined by a PGA Professional and move on to the Regional Final stage.

50 Teams at Akarana

Lihae, PGA Pro Peter Hay-Mackenzie, Maree, Reg, and Scholfield's Terry Honan

It's always a big event at the Akarana Golf Club, and this year's Holden Scramble was no exception. The weather did not look great early in the day but it cleared away and 150 players spread to all corners of the course for the traditional shotgun start. Host Dealer Schofields had sent them out with their complimentary lunch packs and the rest was up to them. More sponsor hospitality awaited their return, with refreshments and a full meal also provided for all players.

Holden Scramble Charity Passes $4000

The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation Charity competition, a joint venture between Holden New Zealand and the PGA, has passed the $4000 mark by the end of June.

Each participating Holden Scramble runs a double nearest-the-pin competition with the two winners having their names entered into an end of season lucky draw. The winner will be Holden NZ's guest at the Holden Scramble Championship final to be held at the Twin Waters Resort in Queensland in late November. They will get plenty of golf as one of the VIP players, and of course will enjoy all of the special functions throughout the long weekend.

July is a quiet month for the event, but with almost 60 tournaments to go in August and September it is estimated that over $10,000 will be achieved for this very worthwhile cause.

Triple Tie at Turangi

Dennis Butterworth, Keith Aldridge, Reece Neil, and PGA Professional Kevin Park

Its official, winter arrived in Turangi at exactly the same time that the siren sounded for the mass-tee start of their Holden Scramble recently. The cloud ceiling and rain dropped on the players and the temperature plummeted to zero and below. Not enough of a deterrent however to stop the large field of 34 teams taking to the course in their attempt to become one of the two teams who would qualify for the Regional Final stage later in the year. When the cloud lifted as play neared completion the snow line was well down on Mount Pihanga and the Kaimanawa Ranges and the Desert Road was closed to all traffic.

Hole-in-One at Matarangi Scramble

Zim Mareroa, Clive Linn, Dennis Crosland, PGA Pro Greg Fitzgerald, Gary Bancroft

It might seem that Matarangi is a long way from anywhere, but they travel from all around for the opportunity to play on this links style golf course. 148 players turned up, 48 teams in total, which means that the top three proceed to the Regional Final stage. It is a par 73, and the winning team showed what you must do, and that is avoid the bogeys while making the birdies. Gary Bancroft, Dennis Crosland and Zim Mareroa put together a four under par gross score of 69 netted them out at 61.83 and a clear two shots ahead of the next team. Second was Kay Buckeridge, Gary Howard and Carl Hamlin (73 - 9.0 - 64.0), and holding on to third place by count back was Craig Dudson, Kevin Adlam and Peter Richardson (72 - 7.17 - 64.83).

Sandy McLean scored her second ever hole-in-

Sandy McLean retrieves her ball from the cup on the 18th hole

one with a perfectly executed six iron shot on the par-three 18th hole, a couple of bounces and then zeroed into the cup. Sandy is a local single figure golfer and it was a most popular achievement.

Clive Linn of Linn Motors represented Holden on the day, with all the hard work done by PGA Professional and Golf Manager Greg Fitzgerald, who now looks for a couple of fellow PGA members to help him out at Regional Final stage.

Hole in One at Chisholm Park Scramble

Dick Hambleton from Cook Howlison with Ace-man Keith Brownlie

On Sunday, May 20th, thirty-two teams enjoyed a great day of golf at the Chisholm Park Golf Club. This number ensured that the first two teams would go through to the Regional Final at Clearwater on October 15th. With brilliant sunshine and pleasant temperatures, the links course played well which was reflected in some good scores.

The winning team of local golfers playing off a 7.5 handicap scored a solid 70 and a net 62.5. David Archer from Taieri GC, Kevin Archer from Twelve Oaks GC and Mike Kernaghan from Otago GC. They were narrow winners over the team of Paul Bone and Christine Chambers of Taieri GC and Bob Beentjes from Otago GC.

A highlight of the day was Keith Brownlie acing the par 3, 4th hole using an 8-iron. This was the same hole as the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation "Closest to the Pin" competition. Keith had made his $5 donation before starting so he definitely was the Closest to the Pin!

Great support was received from the local Holden dealer Cooke Howlison. Chisholm Park's resident PGA Professional, Andrew Whiley, hosted the day ensuring that everyone had a great experience. Thanks to Cooke Howlison Holden $145 was raised for junior golf from the sausage sizzle. Golfers representing over 9 different golf clubs made this event a true success and the Holden Scramble has become a highlight on the Dunedin golfing calendar. Those who did not qualify are already looking forward to participating in the next Holden Scramble.

Policemen Run Away With Taupo Scramble

PGA Professional James Morgan, Steven Lockett, Alan O'Donnell, Fane Troy, and James Ridley from Ebbett Holden Taupo

Thirty-seven teams lined up for the Taupo Golf Club's Open Holden Scramble recently, and with everyone still trying to get used to the new rules, the local police team of Fane Troy, Steven Lockett and Alan O'Donnell ran out as easy winners. They had an excellent gross score of seven under par 65, eight birdies and a three-putt bogey, to net out at 60.67. A fitting result, with most police cars being Holdens! They were almost three full shots clear of second place, another local team of Mike Messenger, Nigel Katene and Willie Henare.

Big Turnout for Hutt Scramble

The Hutt Golf Club decided to run their event as a member-invite and this proved to be very popular, with 43 teams lining up, ensuring that two of them would go forward to the Regional Final later in the year. The new format made scoring a little higher than previous years but evened out the teams making it a close fought battle. First place was a dead-heat, but with both teams qualifying it wasn't a big problem, although the count-back determined that Roger Simmons, Tim Ackroyd and Libbi Southward were the winners with a gross score 67, netting out at 61.83. Colin Fox, June Ralphs and Robbie Kearney scored a 69, with their higher handicap netting out the same score.

All participants had a fantastic day regardless of their scores as the weather was good and the course superintendent Brett Burgess had it in great order. PGA Professional Alistair Sidford, with a lot of help from Amy and trainee Brad Carter, together with the usual superb support from Brendan Foot Holden, ensured that the day ran smoothly for all concerned.

Family Team Wins Tirau Scramble

Howard, Thomas and Jeremy Johnson, with Stuart Koch and Scott Pickett

The Tirau Golf Club on SH1 is a unique course in that it has eight par three holes. However this does not make it a push-over, quite the opposite, as most of the Holden Scramble teams recently discovered. No problem however for the Johnson family from Whakatane. Howard lined up with his brother Jeremy and son Thomas to score a flawless five under par round of 60, their handicap of 5.17 netting them 54.83 and a convincing win. PGA Professional Scott Pickett together with Stuart Koch from Nicholson Autos Matamata hosted the event.

Dead-Heat at Harewood Scramble

PGA Pro Aiden Berry, Antony Dale, Costa Constanti, Michael Hunter, PGA Host Pro David Hartshorne

The Harewood Golf Club is one of the only two clubs in New Zealand that has two course, the other one being Taupo. Harewood chose to host their local Holden Scramble on what they call the old course, more established and with some large trees and dog-leg holes. It proved to be an excellent test for the 36 teams that contested the event, and it took a complicated count-back to separate the first two teams. An excellent round of seven under par 65 was put together by Harewood members Costa Constanti, Antony Dale and Michael Hunter, their handicap netting them 60.00. Tied with them was the team of Aaron and Tony Forsyth from Waimairi Beach and Christchurch Golf Clubs Carl Lawson (67 - 7.00 - 60.00). PGA Professional David Hartshorne and his trainee Aiden Berry will now join these teams for the Regional Final. Once again the Holden host was Graham Rouse of Blackwells, a great supporter of the event throughout the Canterbury area.

Family Teams Succeed at Clarks Beach Scramble

Daniel Kelp, Tony Marlow, Warren Kelp, and Club President Greg Schipper

About 12 months ago Daniel Kelp could have been forgiven for thinking that his golfing days were over, or at least severely curtailed. He suffered a major injury that resulted in his left hand being crushed and a metal plate being inserted. Against the odds he not only got back to the game in good time, but now plays off his lowest mark ever, a scratch handicap. He has recently fired a new course record at Clarks Beach. Now his latest achievement, with some considerable help from his dad Warren, and friend Tony Marlow, was to take out his local club's Holden Scramble event. Their five under par round of 66 consisted of seven birdies and two bogeys, netted out at 59.

Fields Wide Open as New Format Makes its Mark

Quickly approaching the two month mark of the 2007 Holden Scramble season, Scramblers across the country continue to take an interest in the latest local results hoping to get an idea as to what challenges the new elimination style format will bring their way.

In this the sixth season of the Holden Scramble in New Zealand, (but this the first played with the elimination twist), fifteen local events have already been run and won at local Golf Clubs. And while interest in the event and the level of competition to qualify through to the Regional Final round is as fierce as ever, one notable difference is team tactics polished from previous Scramble seasons have well and truly been thrown out the window.

Feedback and results from across the country suggest that under the new format strategy is as equally important, if not more important, than the handicap combination of each team.

With one player effectively eliminated from each shot following the tee shot, teams are now faced with fewer options during play, emphasising the need for all team members to make an equal contribution throughout the round regardless of their handicap.

Put simply, more so than ever - anyone can win.

In addition to the new strategy, there are also several other notable changes to the event including the overall time taken for each round to be completed and also the winning scores.

And although specifics will certainly differ from club to club, the general consensus remains that the changes are a positive step for an event that continues to go from strength to strength- challenging even the most experienced Ambrose golfer along the way.

There are still over 60 events to be played throughout New Zealand this year. Just check the website, www.pga.org.nz for events to come in your area.

Low Score at Te Awamutu

Stu Tervit from Rosetown Holden, Pat Heke, Kori MacAlister, PGA Pro Craig Carrington. (Shane Parkes at home milking cows!)

Early days for the 2007 Holden Scramble throughout New Zealand, and everyone is watching the scoring under the new playing format. For those who are not yet aware, most of last years rules remain the same, the only difference is that whose-ever shot is chosen does not play the next one, thus only two players at any one time for the rest of the hole.

It made very little difference to the winning team at Te Awamutu. Pat Heke from the Stewart Alexander Club was the anchor man, Kori MacAlister and Shane Parkes from the Kawhia Club made up the team, and they set a score that will be hard to beat for the rest of the year. Their nine-birdie round did have one bogey on the third hole, but their gross score of 62, less their handicap of 7.50, netted out at 54.50 and won by a clear five shots.

Twenty-six teams lined up, so the winners are early qualifiers for the regional Final later in the year. Craig Carrington was the host PGA Professional and Rosetown Holden, with Dealer Principal Stu Tervit in attendance represented the main sponsor of the day.

The general consensus was that the new playing format met with approval of the players, making the participants a bit more accountable as individuals, and the time taken to play the events was dramatically quicker than previous years.  

Taieri Scramblers Enjoy New Format

Cooke Howlison's Ross Farqahar, Chris Sherburd, Aaron Geeves, Jim Reay, and PGA Professional Duncan Bennett

A busy day again with 38 teams participating in the Holden Scramble at Taieri Golf Club, there were a few light showers before the teams took off and the temperatures were around the 16-degree mark most of day but still very pleasant for golf.

Due to the new rule changes many teams were unsure what score was needed and a few low handicap players struggled in the new format, but not the winning team of Chris Sherburd, Aaron Geeves and Jim Reay. They shot a 67 off the stick from a 7.33 handicap with a net of 59.67, winning comfortably from runners-up Paul McBeath, Ian and Dave Cameron who had a gross of 65 and net of 60.50 from a 4.5 handicap.

The course was in great condition with only positive feedback from the players. There was no question that the new format made everyone more accountable and host PGA Professional Duncan Bennett was very pleased with the event. He had the usual great support from the Cooke Howlison Holden Dealer team of Dick Hambleton, Ross Farquhar and Gavin Middleton.

The $5.00 donation to the Leukaemia & Blood Foundation proved popular as more than half the field entered into the closest to the pin and longest drive competition. These were won by Graham Woodhead and Merv Clearwater from the Taieri Golf Club. They both now go into the draw at the end of the season, with the lucky winner being taken with the teams to the Championship Final in Australia.

Holden Scramble Under Way For 2007

The first two events for the year have now been held, and with the new playing format in place there has been some interesting and supportive comment.

The only change this year is that the event has become an elimination scramble, in that whose-ever shot is chosen does not play the next one. The result of this is that the game is quicker, and it has evened out the teams with the low handicap player not being able to dominate the game to the same extent as in the past. It becomes a lot more strategic with some extra thought needed as to which shot to chose, leaving the most suited players to play the next one. Winning scores appear to be about four shots higher than in previous years.

The next two events are coming up next weekend. For the central North Island there is an open event at the Te Awamutu Golf Club, and way down south the Balclutha Golf Club hosts their event, both on Sunday 15th April

Clearwater will give all players a great opportunity to experience their golf course on Thursday 19th April, and up north the Whangarei Golf Club event is on Saturday 21st April.

"Scramble for a Cure"

The PGA of New Zealand together with Holden New Zealand are pleased to announce that they have entered into a partnership with the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF), and will be "Scrambling for a Cure" during the 2007 local Holden Scramble season.

At each Scramble event this year the players will be given the opportunity to win a trip to the Championship Final at the Twin Waters Resort on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland.

They will be asked to enter an additional Long Drive and Nearest the Pin competition. These two winners will have their names entered into the draw with that lucky winner making the trip to Australia.

The entry fee is $5 and this in donated to the Leukaemia and Blood Foundation (LBF).

The Leukaemia and Blood Foundation exists to support New Zealanders with leukaemia and other related blood disorders, by providing Patient Support Programs, Education, Research, Advocacy and Medical Equipment.

Low Scoring at Paraparaumu Final

PGA of Australia's Wendy Missingham, PGA Professional Scott Puddick, Lesley Hardwidge, Rodney Donaldson, Horima Potaka, and Holden NZ's Mark Rakich

The wonderful links layout at the Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club was in absolutely stunning condition for the last Holden Scramble Regional Final of 2006, and the perfect weather conditions ensured that low scoring was more the norm than the exception. Many of the players involved in the 31 teams from around the bottom half of the North Island had never played this course, and the comments in the clubhouse afterwards were nothing but complimentary. There are subtle changes going on at this course that are bringing it back to it's glory days when it was ranked in the top 100 in the World.

It was a great day for the team from the small country golf club at Taihape, consisting of Rodney Donaldson (4), Horima Potaka (25) and Lesley Hardwidge (40). They qualified at the Palmerston North Golf Club local event, were teamed up very late with PGA Professional Scott Puddick from the Royal Wellington Golf Club, and they put together a very good score of eleven under par 59, less their handicap of 8.63, netting out at 50.37. Their round commenced on the 12th hole with an eagle, birdied 15 and 17, then threw in another eagle on the par five 18th, made four more birdies on their way round to the 10th hole, where Lesley almost broke the flagstick with an eagle chip that dropped into the hole for what Puddick called the defining shot of their round. They now move on to the Championship Final in Australia, that is after two of them make a hurried application for a passport!

The second placed team can consider themselves very unlucky, in that they scored a sensational gross round of 56. PGA Professional Glenn Naylor from the Shandon Golf Club, captained Shaun Richards (+3), Peter Sharpe (27) and Brent Smaill (16), whose handicap of 5.00 netted them 51.00. They eagled the par five 12th hole and made 13 birdies. Third place went tho the Wainuiomata #2 team of Martin and Sharon Veale with Murray Oliver and captained by PGA Professional Dylan Lindstrom. They made 12 birdies and an eagle in their gross 57, less 4.75, netting 52.25.

The Holden Scramble for 2006 now draws to an end, setting new records along the way with 86 local tournaments and 9269 individual players taking part. Six teams with their PGA Professionals now move on to the Twin Waters Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, where they will be joined by 26 teams from around Australia to determine the Australasian Champions.

The support from the Holden Dealership network around New Zealand has been a sponsorship involvement that event promoters can normally only dream about. The event numbers have doubled in the five years that it has been running in this country, and the PGA of New Zealand now looks forward to 2007 with some new initiatives that they are confident will meet with the approval of all participants, past, present and future.

Worthy Winners at Wairakei Final

Bruce Wilson, James Ridley from Ebbett Holden Taupo, PGA Professional David Park, Glenys Plowman, Holden NZ's Mark Rakich, and Nick Codyre

The greater Bay of Plenty area Holden Scramble Regional Final was hosted by the Wairakei International Golf Course for the first time, and it was indeed a day for all participants to remember on such a great golf course. Play was from the white tees for the men, although these were set up to be in strong positions, and the women played from the reds. The weather had been very ordinary right up until tee-off, but came right for the duration of the event.

The winning team was that one representing the Wairakei Tui Club, with PGA Pro David Park captaining Bruce Wilson, Nick Codyre from Auckland and Glenys Plowman, to a very good score of 59 gross, 13 under par and netting out at 54.12. They began their round slowly, starting from the 10th hole, and were 2 under par through their first five holes. They got hot with the putter from this point on and birdied the next eight straight before making another par on the 5th hole, followed this with a birdie, birdie, par, birdie finish. Park did indicate that while everyone contributed to the effort, he holed a lot of putts going last than he would have expected, and a couple of these missed would have seen quite a different result. Worthy winners however, as their gross score was also the best on the day. Second place was taken out by the Maraenui #2 team of PGA Professional Mark Leach, with Blair Wakely, Rachelle Coles and Dianne Brady. They had 10 birdies in their 62, less 6.63, netting 55.37. The Taupo #3 team of Stephen Hancock (PGA Pro) Troy Taylor, Shirl Taylor and Charley Boocock finished third with a nine-birdie round of 63, netting 55.50.

In taking the team to Australia David Park will follow in brother and fellow PGA Pro Kevin's footsteps, Kevin having been there in 2004 with the team from the Piopio-Aria Golf Club.

So Close at Lochiel Final

PGA's Jim Clelland, Arthur Drummond, Bryan Foster, John Mohn, Holden NZ's Mark Rakich. (PGA Pro Brad Cater was flying home).

In the Holden Scramble format, a putt that spins out can make all the difference, as a number of teams can give testament to at the recent Regional Final at the Lochiel Golf Club. Thirty-three teams lined up in what was New Zealand's biggest final in the five years of the competition (33 teams), and at the end of the day the first five teams were separated by less than one shot.

Brad Carter, PGA trainee professional at the Hutt Golf Club, flew up to Hamilton for the day to help make up the required Professional numbers, and it proved to be a great decision for the Cambridge #1 qualifying team, represented by Arthur Drummond, Bryan Foster and John Mohn. They had scored 10 birdies by the time they came to their final hole, the par five 13th, and using Brad's drive they were on the putting surface in two, with Mohn stepping up as the third to putt and drilling the eagle chance dead centre. Such was the closeness of the event that had they missed this putt they would have finished in sixth place.

There was a remarkable three-way tie for second place on net 55.75, with The Grange PGA Pro Stuart Thompson captaining the Walton #1 team of John Stevens, Michael and Susan Garrud to an eleven birdie 61 and taking out the placing courtesy of a 30 back nine and the higher handicap. The Lochiel #1 and #2 teams were third and fourth, with PGA Pro Craig Carrington captaining David Douglas, Tyler Kennedy and Doug Cassey, and fellow PGA Pro Scott Pickett leading Max Kara, Peter Travers and Pat Goldsmith.

The Tauranga #1 team, captained by PGA Pro Jay Carter, was considered by many to be the favourites for this event, with Bay of Plenty rep Kevin Smith on a plus one backing up Carter, and Arthur Singh and Don Waugh pulling their weight, but they came up just short, their eleven birdies being less than one shot shy of the winning score.

It was not a great day weather-wise but such was the excellent state of the Lochiel course that playing conditions remained fair to all throughout the day, and the hospitality within the clubhouse was also of a high standard. Holden New Zealand was represented by their Sponsorship Business Partner Mark Rakich, who complimented all concerned on a great event in trying circumstances.

As "owner" of the winning Cambridge team it is PGA Pro Bryce Mawhinney's right to take over and escort them to Australia, however he very generously agreed that as Carter had got them though this event he should be the one to accompany the team all the way. So it is off to Twin Waters in Queensland in early December for the very excited team, even their scorer is considering making the trip.

Locals Take Out Millbrook Final

PGA Professional Bevan Kidd, with Judy and Ken Buck, Ben Lynch, and Holden NZ's Mark Rakich

The second Regional Final in the South Island, hosted by Millbrook Resort, was taken out in emphatic style by the team that won their local event. Resident Professional Bevan Kidd was joined by scratch golfer Ben Lynch and husband and wife combo from Auckland, Judy and Ken Buck. Through their first nine holes they were 10 under par with eight birdies and an eagle two on the seventh hole. At this point they had used only one of Judy's compulsory tee-shots and none of Ken's, so the back nine looked like it was going to require some serious management. No problem, they birdied the 10th and 13th, then finished off with another three on the last three holes, scoring an amazing 15 under par round of 57, less their handicap of 6.0, netting in at 51.0. Only four pars, but 13 birdies and the eagle!

The first hot score returned was that of the Queenstown #3 team of Simon and Dion Boland with Chris Pearson and captained by PGA Pro Christopher Judd. Their gross 59 (13 birdies), net 54.12, looked like a winning score until PGA Pro Mark Sandri and the Lower Waitaki family team of John, Peter and Susan Rudduck handed in their gross 61 (9 birdies and an eagle), net 54. Not to be however, with the winning card coming in moments later.

The Millbrook Resort course was in stunning condition and this was reflected in the excellent scoring. Holden New Zealand was once again represented by their Sponsorship Business Partner Mark Rakich, who was joined by other Holden personnel from around the South Island.

So now the winners are planning their trip to the Championship Final at the Twin Waters resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast n early December, where they will be joined by five other New Zealand teams competing with 28 from around Australia

Terrace Downs Regional Final

PGA of Australia's Natalie Ritter. Gordon Harvey, PGA Pro Brent McKay, David Kircher, Sam Parsons, and Holden NZ's Mark Rakich

The high country resort at Terrace Downs was the venue for the top half of the South Island Holden Scramble Regional Final, and while it is a very special place, high country means "expect the unexpected" when it comes to weather, even in the spring months. The day began with promise of perfect conditions, but the southerly swept in, bringing with it some sleet and snow. While not enough to settle on the ground it made conditions extremely cold, so the players were brought back to the clubhouse mid-round while play was suspended for an hour. It was an opportunity to warm up and dry out while the southerly rapidly passed through. Play resumed and the round was completed without too many more problems.

The "Top of the North" teams from the Nelson area dominated the scores, with the winning team being Nelson #2, captained by adopted PGA Professional Brent McKay from the Te Puke club. The three players were David Kircher, Sam Parsons and Gordon Harvey, with a gross score of 12 under par 60, less 4.5 handicap, netting 55.5. With the shotgun start their round commenced on the fourth hole and they charged off with four consecutive birdies, then three pars when the weather roughed up. They were facing a long putt for par on the eleventh hole when play was suspended, came back after the resumption and drained it, followed up with a superb solo eagle from Parsons on the 12th, and then birdied seven of their last nine holes.

In-form PGA Professional Christopher Judd from Queenstown captained the Greenacres #3 team to second place, with Chris Stringer, Aaron Lawrence and Emily Greenhough scoring a 10 birdie-one bogey 63 - 6.13 - 56.87. Close behind in third place was PGA Professional Scott Overend from the Peninsular Golf Club with the Motueka #2 team of Peter Cederman, Tyler Cederman and Levi Kearns, scoring a blemish-free nine birdie 63, less 5.75, netting 57.25.

So with Brent McKay playing for Nelson Golf Club Professional Ken Allan, it is Ken who takes the team forward to the Championship Final at twin Waters on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on the first weekend of December.

Holden support on the day was strong, with their sponsorship manager Mark Rakich playing in a social team with a number of dealers from around the South Island, and Natalie Ritter from the PGA of Australia also attended, her main wish was to see some snow but she was not expecting it to be so up close and personal!

Akarana Manager off to Australia

Akarana Golf Club General Manager Steve Hackett

In a thank you gesture to the golf clubs around New Zealand that have hosted a Holden Scramble event in 2006, (including those coming up in this last week) the PGA decided to place all these clubs into a lucky draw and take the winner to the Championship Final in Australia.

The draw took place at the prize giving ceremony at the first Regional Final at Akarana, and the lucky winner just happened to be from that club. So now Steven Hackett (pictured) will travel with the six winning teams on the first weekend of December to the Twin Waters Resort in Queensland. He will get to watch the Final, attend all of the functions, and even gat in a couple of rounds of golf. Steven is a single figure player so he is certainly in for a very special time.

Brothers Three Win at Akarana

PGA Professional Scott Pickett, Holden NZ's Mark Rakich, Ivan Nicolai and Anton Walynetz, Wendy Missingham from PGA of Australia

On a day when the weather gods did their best to wipe out the first Regional Final of 2006, the three Walynetz brothers took out the title in emphatic fashion, with a fourteen birdie romp, blemished by only the one bogey, to score a gross 57, netting 51.50. PGA Professional Scott Pickett for Lochiel was their pro for the day, and the four of them meshed magnificently to win by almost three shots. It could not have been a better 17th birthday present for Nicolai, sharing it with brothers Anton and Ivan. Anton was the highest handicapped player in the team, yet they still birdied his three compulsory tee-shot holes, and Ivan capped of a great weekend personally, having won the Clarks Beach Intermediate Champs the day before.

With heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning in Auckland start of play was delayed until 12 noon, and another heavy downpour saw all players leave the course at 1.30 for almost two hours. Back out again at 3.15, the round was finally completed by 6.30, a great testimony to the recent works at Akarana which while very wet, was drying out quickly and sufficiently enough that a final result was possible.

Wendy Missingham, National Events Manager from the PGA of Australia, was present, together with Holden New Zealand's Mark Rakich.

So the three boys, representing Clarks Beach Golf Club, are the first to qualify for the Championship Final at the Twin Waters Resort in Queensland, where they will be captained by their host PGA Professional Gary Watson.

59 Gross at Tirau

Winners Gavin Hooper, Bill and Lauchie Phillips, with PGA Professional Scott Pickett and Nicholson Autos Sales Manager Stuart Koch

It is not often that the magical 60 barrier is broken on a golf course, 59 is a great score but it is made easier under the Holden Scramble format and when the course has eight par three holes. Such is Tirau's layout, with only the one par five hole. But when you think about it, this does not necessarily make it any easier to shoot low numbers, par three holes can be very unforgiving. Club Captain Lauchie Phillips teamed up with his father Bill, and Gavin Hooper to take out the top spot (60 - 6.7 - 52.3), scoring six birdies and the rest pars. They are now joined by a PGA professional and are off to the Regional Final at Lochiel on Labour Monday.

Nicholson Autos Matamata were the host Holden dealers and their contribution to the prize table and refreshments helped to ensure a very successful first up event for the Tirau Golf Club. The PGA was represented by professional Scott Pickett out of Lochiel whose job it will be to determine who plays with the team at the next stage.

Ripper at Rangatira

Shaun and Ross helping Josh (in front) to line up yet another birdie putt

It was a first time Holden Scramble at Rangatira, but as often happens at these small clubs, the organisation was such that the field of 126 players (42 teams) moved along at good speed, in spite of the two BBQ and refreshment stands on the course.

 These were provided courtesy of Robertson Holden out of Palmerston North, together with the travelling drinks cart. There were a good number of locals in the field, but the strong support from around the district meant that sixteen other clubs were also represented.

Hastings Hosts Record Holden Scramble

PGA Professionals Mark Mills (left) & Ross Morpeth (right) flank Karamu Holden's Carl Hunt and the winning team of Raewyn, Kris and Brian.

Forty-eight teams (144 Players) lined up at the Hastings Golf Club on Wednesday to set a new record for a member-only Holden Scramble in New Zealand. Such were the numbers that the first three teams now qualify to compete in the Regional Final at Wairakei on Monday 30th October. The winning team from that Final will be off to the Championship Final at the Twin Waters Resort on Queensland's Sunshine Coast.

This is one of two events that Karamu Holden sponsor at the club, with an Open event yet to be played. PGA Professional Ross Morpeth states that interest is high for this second event from members of other clubs in the district and it is likely that another two teams will qualify on that day also.

Keeping the bogeys off the card was the key to the winning teams round, with Kris Bower, Brian Rivers and Raewyn McClintock making seven birdies in their gross score of 65, less 7.8, netting 57.2. They won comfortably from Club President Alan Chapman, Noel Stubbs and Graham Linwood, who has one bogey/eight birdies in their 65 - 6.2 - 58.8. In third place was Waka Wilkie, Sean Poulton and Rob Brangwin, with an eagle, seven birdies and two dreaded bogeys in their 65 - 6.0 - 59.0.

The Bridge Pa course was presented in tournament condition, with the greens running at a good speed, and the weather cooperated to ensure that no excuses could be seriously believed.

Akarana Celebrates 30,000th Player

Grahame Voysey, flanked by Holden New Zealand's Managing Director, Peter Keley (left), and PGA of NZ President, Dennis Clark

The Holden Scramble Event in New Zealand continues to climb in popularity, now into its fifth year with 90 events in 2006 and an anticipated 9000 players taking part this year alone. The 30,000th player milestone was celebrated at the Akarana event, with all players on the day being placed into a draw, the lucky winner being Grahame Voysey. Grahame will enjoy two rounds of golf at Kauri Cliffs as their guest, a gift pack of wine courtesy of Jacobs Creek, and a Holden Racing team jacket from Holden NZ.

Holes-in-One Commonplace in Akarana Scrambles

Alan Quek pictured with Holden New Zealand's Managing Director, Peter Keley

For the third time in five years, there has been a hole in one scored in Akarana's Holden Scramble. This year it was the turn of Alan Quek on the 16th hole. His two team-mates were almost as excited as Alan himself was, with the obvious benefit to the team score. It does seem however that it was the exception rather than the rule, with the rest of the round being not quite so exciting. Holden New Zealand came to the party by offering Alan one of the new VE Commodores for a weekends use of his choosing.

Family Affair at Queenstown

The Harper Family, David, Jill and Cory, with GWD-Russels Lindsay Moffatt second left

It was a full on family affair with the Harper family taking top honours in the Queenstown Scramble, led by low marker Cody playing off a one handicap mum and dad( David and Jill ) were pleased with the team effort that saw them take the winners spot on a bitterly cold Central Otago day. Their gross was 66, less 8.8, netting 57.2. Snow showers only just held off until the game was over, second place went to the rest of the local Harpers, Alan and Kerry, who teamed with friend and Queenstown member John Frampton, scoring 65 - 7.0 - 58.0. In third place, and also qualifying for the Regional Final, were the Boland brothers Simon and Dion, with Chris Pearson completing the trio. (65 - 6.8 - 58.2).

This was the fourth and last event for 2006 being sponsored by the Holden Team from GWD-Russells. Marketing Manager Lindsay Moffatt has always put his all in behind the Holden Scramble, and for good reason, as he has once again managed to qualify for the next stage. Regardless of his ulterior motive, the company support is very much welcomed by the PGA of New Zealand. PGA Professional Allan McKay has a strong reputation when it comes to running events, and once again his team combined to ensure that this was an tournament to be remembered by all who participated.

Castlecliff Hiccup

PGA's National Events Manager Jim Clelland on Castlecliff's waterlogged 11th green

All was in readiness for a monster Holden Scramble last weekend at the Castlecliff Golf Club in Wanganui, with 64 teams (192 players) gathering for their shotgun start. But as can be seen on the accompanying photo the weather gods objected and no play was possible. Fortunately there is enough time before the Regional Final to re-set the date, this has now been done and another effort will be made on the 10th September. All who had entered have indicated that they will be back and all that is needed is cooperation from the heavens. The Castlecliff Golf Club had done a great job in promoting the event with Grant Clark at the helm of a good team, and Tony Guthrie from Guthrie Holden has also pitched in to ensure that this was going to be an event to remember. So now we wait………..

Hokitika Hospitality

Hokitika winners, Wit Alexander, Dale Green, Colin Nicoll, with Club Captain Allen Hurley

It is legendary on the West Coast, and the Hokitika Holden Scramble was certainly no exception. Because of other commitments the Holden Dealer and the usual PGA Professional could not attend, so the PGA's Events Manager Jim Clelland took over all roles on the day for a very successful event. Mind you, as is usually the case at these smaller and more distant clubs, the hard work had all been done by the time he arrived. Club Captain Allen Hurley had it all under control, and teams travelled from as far north as Karamea and south to Franz Josef to participate.

As seems to be the norm, it was a very close event, with less than one shot separating the top three teams, and consistency was the key. The winners were the only ones to go bogey-free and this made the difference. So locals Dale Green, Colin Nicoll and Wit Alexander with six birdies in their gross 65, hcp 8.5, net 56.5 now go forward to the Regional Final at the Terrace Downs High Country Resort in October, with the winners from that stage packing their bags for Australia.

The Hokitika Golf Course is classic links golf, with the clubhouse to the north end and almost all holes flowing north and south along the coast. It is seven holes to the South, then seven back north, with another loop of four near the clubhouse. It is always great to see golf holes with names and the second hole here is known as Mount Cook, with the green framed by the mountain in the distance. For the visitor the green fee cost of a little over a dollar a hole is a gift and should not be bypassed.

Wairakei Scramble Trials for Final

Nick Codyre, Bruce Wilson, Glenys Plowman, James Ridley and PGA Pro David Park

The Wairakei International Golf Course will be hosting one of New Zealand's six Regional finals later this year, and their local event was a great opportunity to set the course up as it will be for the later event. PGA Pro David Park decided that strong white tees would be appropriate for the men, with the women getting the same treatment off the red. This all worked out very well with the course playing strong enough to be challenging but at the same time fair to the cross section of participants involved.

Paeroa Scramble All Tied Up

Brenda Paul, PGA Pro Scott Pickett, Richard Baker, Doug Millington, and Holden Dealer Clive Linn

When you are dealing in handicaps that contains fractions, it is rare that you get two teams tied. The amazing result at the Paeroa Holden Scramble was not only a tie for first place, but with the teams being on the same handicap (7.3) and the individual hole-by-hole scores being so similar, that the countback went all the way back to the eight hole before a winner was found. In fact the cards differed only on two holes, the 3rd and the 8th. So it is the near-Paeroa team of Doug Millington, Richard Baker and Brenda Paul who go forward to the Regional Final with a seven birdie-no blemish round of 65, net 57.7, over Waihi visitors Richard Farrell, Daryll Denyer and Jim Clark on the same score.

PGA Professional Scott Pickett ran the day, with Clive Linn of Linn Motors being the Holden host for the event. You could say all the big guns were present on the day, with PGA President Dennis "Yogi" Clark putting in an appearance with the PGA's events manager Jim Clelland, and Holden's new Sponsorship Business Partner, Mark Rakich also calling in.

New Zealand is blessed with many pleasant and almost secret golf courses, and Paeroa should not be left of your itinerary if you are on a golfing trip in this area. It costs you $1.39 a hole for a round ($25), and you will be struggling to find better value anywhere.

Chisholm Park Scramble, Finally!

Dave Cameron, Cooke Howlison's Dick Hambleton, PGA Pro Andrew Whiley, Paul McBeath, and Ian Cameron

After a rain-out cancellation earlier in the year, Chisholm Park managed a very successful event in late June, with thirty-five teams turning out for the event. This number ensured that the first two teams would go through to the Regional Final at Millbrook on October 21st. With brilliant sunshine and pleasant temperatures after a very heavy frost, the links course played well which was reflected in some great scores.

Waikanae Event Popular

Winners Phil Aicken, Robyn Boone and Steve Weir, with Guy Weaver and PGA Pro Kevin Smith

The Waikanae Golf Club closed off their entries for their Holden Scramble prior to the day, happy with 32 teams in mid-winter, thus ensuring that the first two would go through to the regional final stage. They also chose to start early, in the knowledge that this form of play can stretch out to more than five hours. Not that anyone minds, they are all having too much fun!

A well-known name in New Zealand golf featured in the winning team, with Phil Aicken being enticed out for his first ever taste of this event. He teamed up with Steve Weir and Robyn Boon, scoring a flawless six-birdie round of 65, less 6.8, netting 58.2 to win by half a shot. In second place was John Schaafhausen & Wayne Barton from Wainuiomata, with Shandon's Mark Lee, scoring 7 birdies but 2 bogies in their 66 - 7.3 - 58.7.

Holden support was supplied via Guy Weaver's Auto Village with Guy Weaver himself taking part and also inviting a few friends to join in. They acquitted themselves well, with three of these teams featuring in the prize list, just a couple of putts short of the big one. Alan James from the golf shop always has this event under perfect control, and from the welcoming BBQ through to the prize-giving he delivered once again.

PGA Professional Kevin Smith puts his name to this event each year, and his task is to now decide what Professional will play with the winning teams at the next level.

Motueka Enjoys Scramble Success

Vern Walker, Peter Cederman, Levi Kearns, Tyler Cederman, Daniel Primmer, Brad Heal, Daryl Graham, and PGA Pro Glyn Delany

When you consider what the weather has been like in the South Island for the last few weeks, PGA Pro Glyn Delany was wondering what to expect for his Holden Scramble, but the golfing gods were kind right across the country for this event and the five others held on the same day. Motueka produced a fine clear morning with early frosts, all giving way to a perfect golfing day. Fast greens and tricky pin placements replicated true tournament conditions and with cool winter temperatures and a heavy course underfoot, scoring was not easy for the 120 players who took part.

Vern Walker and his team from Nelson Bays Holden were on hand to assist as Holden hosts, and he now has two more teams representing his company at the Regional Final later in October. All players in both qualifying teams were local members, with Brad Heal, Daryl Graham and Daniel Primmer leading the way with a gross 63, netting 58 and being two full shots clear of Levi Kearns and Peter and Tyler Cederman, 68 - 8 - 60.

Tremendous Turangi Turnout

From L to R, Geoffrey & Ollie Harris, PGA Pro Kevin Park, Trish McPherson, Ebbett Holden's James Ridley, and PGA Pro Emma Kunac

The popularity of the Holden Scramble event was no more evident than at Turangi recently, when 52 teams turned out for this local event. No doubt the legendary hospitality in this part of the country helped, together with the growing reputation that this course is enjoying. Players came from as far north as Auckland and south to Wellington.

With these numbers, three teams proceed to the Regional Final stage with their PGA Pros, and in this area that means that they will be on Wairakei in late October. Greenkeepers were to the fore, with the local head man, Geoffrey Harris teaming up with his wife Ollie and their good friend Trish McPherson, scoring a gross 65 - 9.8 - 55.2. Less than one shot back in second place was another couple of greenkeepers from Taupo, Jeremy Parry and Stacey Knowles, together with their secret weapon in Cherie Sinclair with a gross 67 - 11.2 - 55.8. Also qualifying in third place was another local team in Russell Stewart, and father and son combo Tom and Robert Nisbet with 65 - 8.2 - 56.8.

Ebbett Holden Taupo now has six teams representing them in the final, with more to come from their next event. James Ridley represented them at this event, and the Wairakei Pro team of Kevin Park and Emma Kunac controlled the day and also presented the players with a sensational prize table. It can't get much bigger, or can it?

Pupuke Scramble

From L to R, Taylor Pohio, Marcus Pohio, PGA Pro Robin Smalley, Giltrap Holden's Gavin Mita, Glen McLeod, Holden NZ's Mark Rakich, and PGA Pro Guy Wilson

An excellent mid-week field of 32 teams (96 players) contested the Pupuke Golf Club's Holden Scramble in mid June. A sunny winter's day greeted the players and in the circumstances the scoring was excellent. Because of the good number of players two teams will now progress through to the Regional Final stage in October, where they will be joined by a PGA professional and become a team of four.

A first hole bogey did not deter the local team of Glen McLeod, Taylor and Marcus Pohio, who followed this up with nine birdies to total 61, less their 5 handicap, netting 56. They were clear winners in front of the other local qualifying team of Cole Hartford, Brett Loader, and Colin Paddison (63 - 5.5 - 57.5).

Giltrap Holden was the sponsoring Holden Dealers, and was represented on the day by Gavin Mita, with the PGA team of Robin Smalley and Guy Wilson in control of the event.

Great Day in Westport

Vern Walker from Nelson Bays Holden, with Doug Taffs, Glen Drummond, Michelle Murphy, and PGA Pro Duane Robinson

Duane Robinson, a PGA professional from Christchurch is possibly the most traveled Holden Scramble golf pro, and as he does every year, went off to the West Coast to host the annual event at the Westport Golf Club. Most of the early work at this event is carried out by the members, not the least of them local identity and club president Douglas Taffs, and more about him later.

Holden Scramble - The Month Ahead

The Holden Scramble series of events for 2006 is progressing along very well in spite of the fact that almost every course is suffering from more than their fair share of wet weather. By the end of May there will have been 16 events held, and the month of June will see another eleven.

Westport kicks of the month with their Scramble on Saturday 10th June and Vern Walker from Nelson Bays Holden will be there with a number of his friends who make this an annual event. Golf Professional Duane Robinson out of Christchurch will be the PGA host again, and such is the interest that it looks like there will be two teams going forward from here to the Regional final later in the year.

Turangi will be on Sunday 11 June and they always draw a good number from around the Central North Island. Ebbett Holden will be the new dealer involved with this event and Steve Jessup out of Wairakei will be looking after the PGA's interests.

Pupuke will be going mid-week, on Wednesday 14 June and PGA pro Robin Smalley will be working hard with Giltrap Holden to ensure that last years successful event is repeated.

Six events around the country on Sunday 25 June, with Chisholm Park in Dunedin re-scheduling to this date after a rain-out. Motueka, Rotorua and Winton will also be scrambling. Ngaruawahia will be holding their usual two events on the one day, with a member-only event backed up with an open one.

There is now 80 events on the schedule, only four short of last years total but quite a number yet to finalise a date, so we can confidently say that we will have a new total for 2006, and somewhere around 9000 players will have taken part by the end of September.

The Regional Final dates are all now in place, and they are:

Monday 2 October Akarana Golf Club

Monday 16 October Terrace Downs High Country Resort

Saturday 21 October Millbrook Resort

Monday 23 October Lochiel Golf Club

Monday 30 October Wairakei International

Monday 6 November Paraparaumu Beach Golf Club

The Dunes @ Matarangi Delivers

In back, Trevor Johnston, PGA Pro Greg Fitzgerald, Louise Falleni, Coral Parr, Linn Motor's Clive Linn, in front, Joe Tuau, Calum Strachan, Ron Daley Jnr

It might be the "Big Wet" around the country but if you are looking for a game of golf on top of the ground then this jewel in the Coromandel is the place for you. It is predominantly a links layout, very much a sand base but with enough trees to keep you accurate. The bunkering is exceptional, very deep but with superb sand that invites you to splash it out like a pro. Accommodation villas are right next to the clubhouse so it is great place to book into for two or three days. One thing is for sure, your golf shoes will remain dry and clean during your visit, unlike almost everywhere else at the present time.

PGA Golf Professional Greg Fitzgerald enticed 38 groups to his Holden Scramble event, and together with Holden Dealer Clive Linn of Linn Motors (Paeroa), ensured that an enjoyable day was had by all. The Dunes course has five par fives and four par threes so good scoring can be expected under the Ambrose format, although in saying this the course wasn't giving up all that easily. The winning team was a bit of a mix, with Ron Daley Jnr holding a membership at the club, and his mates Joe Tuau (Aviation) and Trevor Johnston ( Manukau) coming from further afield. They scored exceptionally well with seven birdies and a wedge-in eagle for 64, less 6.5, netting out at 57.5 to be more than a full shot in front of the second placed team. This was an interesting combination, with local greenkeeper Calum Strachan on a three handicap teaming up with more locals in Louise Fallini (40) and Coral Parr (31). They shot a two under 71, less 12.3, netting 58.7. When you consider the fact that they made three bogeys in this round they could be well worth watching at the Regional Final stage when they are joined by a PGA Professional and become a team of four.

Both of these teams will be at the Regional, scheduled for the Lochiel Golf Club on Labour Monday, and the winning team from that event will be on their way to Australia for the Championship Final in December.

Mothers Day Scramble at Taupo

Taupo Winners, from L to R, Willie Henare, Ebbett Holden Taupo's James Ridley, Nigel Katene, Ebbett's Craig Innes, Mike Messenger, and PGA Professional James Morgan

A big field of 156 players took part in Taupo's Open Holden Scramble event on a day that threatened some ugly weather but did not quite eventuate. The new team of Craig Innes and James Ridley from Ebbett Holden Taupo well and truly came to the party, supplying tee gifts, on-course BBQ, clubhouse refreshments as well as adding to the prize table. James even got to play, with a late replacement required. Club Professional James Morgan and his team had everything running like clockwork, and with such a big field it meant that the first three teams would progress through to the Regional Final at Wairakei on 30 October.

All nine qualifiers were locals, with the winning team of Mike Messenger, Nigel Katene and Willie Henare scoring a flawless 8 birdie round of 64, less 7.3, netting 56.7. The second qualifying team was Phil Davis, Eddie Hawke and Bryce Cutler with seven-birdie 65, less 7.7, net 57.3. The third placed qualifiers saw Troy Taylor giving his mum Shirl a Mother's Day present to remember, by together with Charley Boocock scoring a four-birdie 68, less 10.2, net 57.8.

The importance of one putt is well illustrated in this event, by the fact that the team that finished 9th was only one shot off qualifying, while the 14th placed team was two shots away.

50 Teams in Lochiel Anzac Day Scramble

Ebbett Holden's Leunis Kruger looks on as PGA Pro Craig Carrington finalises results

Anzac Day provided the ideal time to show respect for the fallen and an excellent golf competition day for 150 golfers. Clearing skies from an overnight storm saw the field of 50 teams tee off soon after noon. How they all fitted onto Lochiel's 18 hole layout still remains a mystery for Pro Craig Carrington, with teams occupying tees, fairways and greens on nearly every hole.

Air Force Scramble For Birdies

Flanked by West City Holden's Justin and Damon are Graeme Shaw, Brian Brooks, PGA Pro Terry Leech, Rex De Bettencor, and the Waters family Lance, Pamela and Morris

Thirty-two teams took to the grass tarmac at Whenuapai recently for the RNZAF Auckland Golf Club's first effort at hosting a Holden Scramble. The day was a bit indifferent but did nothing to dampen the enthusiasm of the players, many of them first-timers in this event. It is an interesting golf course, with one of the local rules being that if your golf ball goes onto the main runway you are not allowed to retrieve it. You are also prohibited from entering the bomb store area!

PGA Professional Terry Leech was on hand as the host professional, with ladies club captain Pamela Waters having done all of the spade work to ensure that the day was well set up. West City Holden as co-hosts, with Damon and Justin in attendance, had numerous vehicles on display and provided a tee-gift for all the players as well as lunch.

2006 Holden Scramble underway

Holden Scramble tournament bookings are already way ahead of last year, with 66 events scheduled and many others just finalising their dates. 

Vastly different weather conditions marked the beginning of the fifth year of the Holden Scramble over the weekend.   The first two events were held on Sunday, at Taieri Golf Club in Otago and Te Awamutu Golf Club in the Waikato.

	Back row: Khris Dore, PGA Professional Duncan Bennett, Jeff Shaw, Barry Mills, and Cooke Howlison Holden's Ross Farquahar. Front row, Gordon Rhodes, John Keach, Heather Mills.

Taieri Golf Club

The weather down south was co-operative, with a bright sunny day and 38 teams lining up, ensuring that there would be two early qualifiers for the Regional Final in that area. The winning team consisted of John Leach, Gordon Rhodes and Barry Mills with a nett score of 56.34, closely followed by the Balclutha team of Jeff Shaw, Heather and Barry Mills on 57.00.

The course was in excellent condition and all comments were very positive. PGA Professional Duncan Bennett had exceptional support from the Holden dealer Sponsors Cooke Howlison, namely Ross Farquhar, Dick Hambleton and Gavin Middleton.  Mind you they have ulterior motives as they continue to try and qualify themselves. Good luck next time, lads!

Te Awamutu Golf Club

	The winning team from Te Awamutu: Garry Thomas, Rosetown Holden's Stu Tervit, Tui Thomas, John Makgill and PGA Pro Craig Carrington

PGA Professional Craig Carrington was the host of the first Waikato event, and the weather did its best to upset the day. It did have an effect on the numbers of teams with 21 lining up under a thunderstorm forecast. Only four holes were played before the greens went under water, so all the players were called in for an early lunch, courtesy of Holden Dealer Rosetown Holden.

As decisions were being mulled over, there appeared to be a beak in the weather and an hour later everyone was back on the course. A great decision, as the afternoon was brilliantly fine and everyone completed their round in good time.

Only one team goes forward to the regional final from this event, and they were the Cambridge trio of Tui and Garry Thomas, with John Makgill. With the tough underfoot conditions their bogey-free round of 67, less 8.00, nett 59.00, won on a countback from the local coppers, Jason Hughes, Daniel Hales and Jason Pope (69, less 10.00, 59.00).

Stu Tervit of Rosetown Holden had numerous vehicles on display, and was on hand to present the prizes, explaining to everyone the new and expanded rules relating to the generous Holden Cashback offer to all participants.