‘Spectacular’ new golf club building opens

Martinborough golfers say it’s hard to believe that just over 12 months ago they were still in the old clubhouse _ “and now we have a spectacular new building.” 

“To get where we are today has meant a huge fundraising effort and amazing support from members: we couldn’t have done it without them,” said committee member Emily Loughnan. 

The club extended a huge thanks to Holmes Construction who managed to bring the building in ahead of schedule and under budget, kept in line by fastidious project manager John Thompson. 

Fundraising will continue for quite some time to cover the full cost of the build while sponsorships from businesses will be an additional focus. Major sponsorship deals have recently been signed with P&K and The Orchards in Greytown.

The new era brings a new look with a modern logo and a different management structure. … Continue Reading

Martinborough golf by a hank – of wool

Baabraa Trophy handover – from (left) Simon Buckley, president of Ekatahuna, to captain of Martinborough, Andy Morison.

We start at the end of the month, when the annual Baabraa Trophy between Martinborough and

Eketahuna was fought out on a glorious Sunday in Martinborough. A field of 70 played a stableford round and the average stableford points for the two clubs were calculated.

Eketahuna scored an average 30.38 and Martinborough 31.27. 

The individual winners on the day were for the ladies Emily Loughlin (Martinborough) on 38 points and the men on a countback Lachie Duffy (Eketahuna) on 39 points. It should be noted Lachie is a junior and looks like one to watch.

Otherwise it was a really busy month for the club with a number of major competitions, the first being the mens 54 and 36-hole open which was held on the 5 – 6 October. There was a good turn-out from local clubs and those further afield and although the weather forecast wasn’t looking great, both days turned out good for golf. 

Amazing prizes were available for the gross and nets for each competition with the major prizes going to:

54 holes best gross – Perry Hayman from Judgeford with 211;

54 holes best net – Brent Smallbone from Judgeford with 217;

36 holes best gross – Russell Kirk from Redwood Park (Auckland) with 164;

36 holes best net – Logan Beetham from Judgeford with 142;

Well done to all winners and thanks to those who travelled to participate. … Continue Reading

Lady golfers show Rosebowl winning ways

September has been an up and down month weatherwise for golfers, some beautiful early spring days followed by cold and rain. Thankfully for the important days the weather has mostly come to the party.

Early in the month the Cotter Rosebowl was successfully defended at Carterton by Martinborough’s team of Jo-Anne Loe, Juliana Allen, Emily Loughnan, Bindy McLeod, Jenny Wilkie, and Angela Busby. Well done ladies.

A number of ladies also played at the Riversdale Open on Sunday 22 nd September with Joe-Anne Loe winning her division. … Continue Reading

Stunning first 4 – 1 win for Marty Women’s FC

By All-knowing Football Reporter

It was always going to happen. After a few draws, some losses the newly-formed MWFC won their first game. An impressive and resounding victory.

It started with ‘The Fox in the Box,’ the striker who plays in the traditional Number 9 role of

marauding the penalty box ready to pounce on any unsuspecting ball. 

The Fox in the Box strikes fast. The stylish Foxy play is augmented by the presentation of the tools of her trade, immaculate manicure and stunning hair, just like her control of the ball. 1 – nil.

Following her name’s sake in all matters football, ‘Gazzer’ played in the same manner as the

England striker. Dinking, dunking, stepovers, nutmegs and sheer speed. Nothing was

going to stop 2 goals from ‘Gaz’, and nearly a hat-trick.  … Continue Reading