GOLF.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 29 March 1926, Page 3

GOLF.

HAWERA MEN’S -CLUB. OPENING OP SEASON. An important event in the life of the Hawera men’s club was celebrated on Saturday afternoon, when, in the presence of a representative gathering of .members of both men’s and ladies’ dubs and of visitors from other clubs, the season for 1926 was opened and the club resumed its occupancy of the Fairfield links.

Nine holes were played over in a mixed foursome contest, for which there was a good entry of players, forty couples taking part.. The nine-hole course was in good order, the fairways being fast and the greens keen and on the whole very true. The condition of these holes is a tribute to the work of the committee and the ground man, Mr Billington. All taking part in the competition thoroughly enjoyed the afternoon’s play. Afternoon tea was served in the club house by Mrs Billington, and this was very much appreciated. The opening ceremony .was performed by Mr H. G. Dickie, M.P., patron of the club. He first referred to the loss of the late Mr R. D. Welsh, who had been a keen golfer, and who had always taken a .live interest in the affairs of the club. He also apologised for the unavoidable absence of the president, Mr Tonks. In declaring the season open for play, the patron stated that the committee hoped the members would accept the course as a temporary lay-out and the best they could offer this season. It, however, wished it to be made known that a definite policy had been decided in regard to a permanent course, and that it was negotiating with the N.Z. Golf Council regarding the en-. gagement of a golf course architect,' who would lay out this course. The work would be proceeded with during the present autumn and the coming season, in order to have it open for play on the usual opening day next season. The committee was very pleased with the number of new members, and welcomed more. A golf course was a wonderful asset to any town, and in the Fairfield property the club had the makings of one of the best courses in New Zealand. In order to improve the standard of golf and to assist beginners, the committee had engaged a professional coach, who had arrived and had commenced his work. There were still a. few hours open. Credit must be given Caretaker Billington, who had worked very "hard, and, considering that it was three weeks since the club moved back to Fairfield, he had accomplished wonderful results Avith the greens. Prizes were thyi presented to the winners of the competitions during the past season. The list of winners was as follows: Senior championship, E. M. Beechey, cup and medal; junior championship, N. P. Vinnicombe, cup and medal; May medal, H. P. Vinnicombe; four-ball (senior and junior), Ryan and Kururangi (medals); June medal, Lane; July medal, A. Blair; mixed foursomes, a tie between J. Quin and Mrs Wakley and Mr and Mrs Bright, each 2 up. Several of the members played over the whole course as provisionally laid out, and all expressed appreciation of its possibilities. It is remarked upon how well the rough back country had responded to the work put into its preparation.

COACH AT "WOUK. The coach, Air L. Boss, who was recommended by the Golf' Council, has been in Hinvora several days and is having a busy time coaching members of both clubs. The period here is strictly limited to two weeks. SEAFIELD CLUB’S OPENING. Golf in Wanganui, at the Seafield Club’s course, was formally set on its way for the .1926 season on Saturday when, in the presence of a large number, of members and visitors, the opening ceremony was performed by the president, Mr R. G. McNiven. The course was in good order, inclined to be last, and a successful season was in dieated.