NELSON GOLF CLUB.

Colonist, Volume LII, Issue 12748, 21 March 1910, Page 4

NELSON GOLF CLUB.

OPENING OF THE SEASON. The opening of the Golf Club took place on the Tahuna links ' on Saturday afternoon, about 120 members and their friends being present. The weather was all that could be desired, and the links were at their best. The captain' (Mr J. H Cock) drove the first ball and declared the season open, after which a mixed foursomes was played, captain v. secretary, from sides chosen on the ground, the match finishing all square. During the season a large amount of work has been nerformed, the chief iteift being the \t ngthening of the, course to just on 6000 yardschampionship length, and mow one of the longest courses in New Zealand, and as the links are splendid golfing country the alterations should , prove very attractive to local players and visitors alike. Several visiting golfers on Saturday expressed themselves as well pleased with such excellent links. I The course jiow contains four holes of over 400 yards in length, and three of 500 yards, which will give player b plenty of opportunity to show their j skill. The natural features have been utilised for some good hazards, and a large green (No 15) constructed well guarded by bunkers. The putting greens have all been enlarged, and the top dressing and manuring of last autumn has been most beneficial,., a fine growth of grass being noticeable, the recent wet weather having helped matter's^ The course generally is in good order, though the grass is a little long in parts, but this defect will soon be remedied. The membership of the club "is" rapidly increasing, and now totals 170, and it is expected by next season -fco react 200 members. A ■large dumber of competitions will be held this season, including a club championship. The captain has notified his intention to present a silver cup for'competition amongst members^with handicaps over ten, and this waU no doubt create a great deal of interest in the B. division. The cup will be held by the winner from year to year. In addition to the above it will be remembered the officers of H.M.S. Encounter, prior to their departure tor England, presented the club with a handsome silver shield, in return tor the .kindnesses they had received from members during their various visits. There, will also bei keen competition amongst players— men and ladies alike— to have their names engraved •on the shield, as it has been, decided that the players having, the best nett aggregate score in four out of six "Encounter" matches will have that honour. That the game of golf has . now ■come to stay in Netf' Zealand there is little doubt, and it is worthy of note that the Government have lately'purchased what is known as the Peninsula in Queeristiown, jutting out on to Luke Wakatipu, and are converting it into golf links as an addir tional attraction for visitors. It can be safely said also that the golf links are a great attraction to Nelson.