Martinborough puts on Blue Skies for the   Pro Am

By Lyle Griffiths

19^th January opened with a sparkling day for the Pro AM.  Early mist dissipated and the threatened rain and easterlies failed to eventuate.  Six teams teed off at the crack of dawn with the other 35 teams beginning at 11.00 am.

With 41 teams having entered, the field was spilt to accommodate everyone with the least inconvenience. The course was immaculate. Competition was sizzling. 

On the 16^th hole Provincial Insurance offered a $10,000 prize for amateurs for a hole in one, and a $20,000 prize for Pros. There were some tense moments with balls inching to the hole but failing to make the drop.

On the 8^th hole sponsored by Fujitsu, there was a $1,000.00 cash prize for the person closest to the pin.  It was Doug Clark who went home smiling.

“Martinborough may not be the premier course in the country”, said Peter Witten, PGA Tournaments Organiser, “but the Pros love the experience, the great prizes, and the warm hospitality.”

“Major sponsors CE&R Electrical and Holmes Construction put up a $25,000 purse for the Pros which is incredibly generous,” said Lachie McLeod, one of the organisers of the Pro Am.

Throughout the day the Lions Club worked tirelessly providing a sausage sizzle as well as tending the spit roast for the evening meal.  Scotty’s meat provided the sausages and the lamb. It was very much appreciated by all.

Winners of the Competition were

Professionals

1^st Chang Gi Lee and Charlie Smaill shared the top place with a 63

2^nd Kerry Montcastle on 65

3^rd Jung Hyun Um on 66

Amateur Teams

1^st Sandpit Design; Senoa Isaac, Duncan Didsbury, and Jono Friend 

2^nd Elan Fishing; Andrew Sim, Kane Sim, and Bill Jago

3^rd Provincial Insurance; Andy Morison, Sandy Bidwell, and Andy Pottinger

“This is the 16^th Pro Am we have held in Martinborough”, said Ro Griffiths, “and for that we have to thank Jimmy Napier who started it all off.”

Sponsors:

Scotty’s Meats, Provincial Insurance, Cape Kidnappers,  Union Square, Lachie and Bindy McLeod, Brackenridge Retreat and Spa, Pain and Kershaw,  Goodshed, Poppies, Wairakei International Golf Club, Peppers Parehua, Cool Change, Mills Concreting and Martinborough Transport, Fujitsu, Palliser Estate, Taupo Golf Club, Susan Stephen and Co Realty, Te Mata Lodge, Martinborough Hotel, Wharekauhau, Property Brokers, Sandpit Design, Black Hawk, Fairview Windows, East Coast Seeds, Muriwai Golf Club, Pukekohe Golf Club, Akarana Golf Club.