Mid Canterbury Golf Guide

Our People, Our Place, Our Guardian.

2010 Mid Canterbury Golf Guide

Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature

Ashburton Tinwald Methven Mayfield RakaiaPlease purchase PDF Split-Merge on www.verypdf.com to remove this watermark.

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To the uninitiated, golf appears to be a nonsensical game where players chase a little white ball, using impossibly long sticks, with the objective of hitting that ball as hard as they can before popping it into an impossibly small hole.

The reality is very different, ask any die hard golfer.

Golf is a game that anyone can play. Most play it badly and want to be better, a few play it well and still want to play better. It’s a game that no one really masters; it’s a game that’s a great leveller.

Hours of practice inevitably result in a higher skill level and a lower score, but the joys of a good round are fleeting. A great score today is usually followed by a bad score the next. The course and the game itself are generally the winners on the day.

And if mastering the small ball game wasn’t hard enough, there are complicated rules,

etiquette and a variety of matches for the new chum to understand.

But golf is also enduring and it’s addictive. It’s a great social sport as much as it is a competitive one and it’s a game anyone can play. A scratch handicapper and someone on 30 plus can happily play together. Their handicap will bridge the skill gap and at the end of the end of the day it simply comes down to the player playing the course.

Today golf is a high tech, high fashion affair, but the reality is over the centuries the game has been played, the basics of the game have changed very little.

Golf originated from a game played on the coast of Scotland during the 15th century. Golfers would hit a pebble instead of a ball around the sand dunes using a stick or club. After 1750, golf evolved into the sport as we recognize it today.

Pebbles were quickly overtaken by the first

man made golf balls included thin leather bags stuffed with feathers (they did not fly very far).

Today’s balls are very similar to the first gutta-percha ball was invented in 1848 and made from the sap of the Gutta tree, this ball could be hit a maximum distance of 225 yards. In 1898 the first one-piece rubber cored ball was developed, when professionally hit these balls reached distances approaching 430 yards.

Today’s dimpled ball grew out of the observations of players that used balls that were scarred travelled further than their new smooth balls. Dimple patterning was born.

The evolution of golf clubs kept pace with that of the ball, growing from sticks, to hickory shaft clubs to today’s high tech versions.

The first golf tee was made of rubber. It had three prongs, but lay on the ground rather than being pushed into the ground. Pegged tees did not enter the game until late in the 19th century.

If you think some of the rules of golf are archaic, you’re right, many are still similar to the first set of guidelines, written In 1774.

In 1774, the first standardized rules of golf were written and used for the first golf championship. Many are still in use, often with variations, today.

In the Ashburton District golfers are spoilt for choice when it comes to playing options with five clubs all within a 30 minute drive of town – Methven, Rakaia, Ashburton, Tinwald and Mayfield.

A sixth course, Terrace Downs is just a scenic 45 minutes away over the Rakaia River in the Rakaia Gorge.

Ashburton’s clubs form part of the 26 club strong Aorangi region.

The art of golf

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Golf Mid Canterbury 3

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While the objective might be to hit the ball as far and as straight as you can before popping it in the hole at the other end, there’s an awful lot that needs to happen between tee and green for that to occur in a satisfying way.

And that’s where your golf pro comes in. These men and women are accomplished golfers, they’ve undertaken training in tutoring golfers of all stages and abilities and they know about matching players and gear so they’ll get the best out of both.

Ask Andre van Staden, he’s the Ashburton District’s teaching pro, and his belief is that any golfer can play a better game with a bit of help from an expert.

New golfers, like all golfers are better fitted with their clubs rather than simply grabbing a handful of old, unwanted clubs. That doesn’t however, mean they have to start with new gear, it just means that gear needs to be right for them, Andre said.

“With a new golfer, I do a static fitting, looking at their height and the measurement of their wrists from the floor to give me an idea

of the length of shaft they’ll need. I may look at them swinging a club, even though their swing isn’t developed, I’ll look at their strength to determine the weight of club they need.”

Selecting the correct grip size to ensure the new player holds their clubs correctly is also important.

If a new golfer opts for new clubs they could part out anything from $250 for a half set to $600 for the full package. Those clubs could last the player for anywhere between two and five years, depending on the amount of time they’re prepared to put into improving their game.

Changing technology means most players who want to keep improving, need to look at changing their gear every four or five years, Andre said.

“You see quite a lot of people playing with clubs that make the game more difficult for them, they’re using clubs that have something wrong with them – for them.”

For women that is usually using clubs that are too heavy and for many golfers, using a driver without enough loft.

Changing your clubs as your game improves is a much more scientific process involving checking the lie of a club, a visual assessment of swing speed and a visual assessment of ball flight.

“Getting the right lie is very important for accuracy and the speed of your swing and flight of your ball tell me about shaft options. With all of this I’ll always be mindful of the technical side of your swing.”

With any analysis of the player’s swing, whether as part of a lesson or for a change of clubs the existing swing, the amount of time the person is prepared to put into practice and the commitment they may be prepared to put into changing that swing are all important factors.

And if your clubs don’t seem to be doing it for you, it may only be a retrofit – grips, lie angle – that is required, rather than a new set.

The range of clubs on the market is huge and designed for all pockets, all skill levels and Andre believes that virtually all clubs today are quality clubs.

“With technology today, they don’t make bad

clubs anywhere. A lot of golfers love buying new equipment but often it’s because they just buy standard clubs and they never know if the next new set will be better for them.”

Technology also improves life for the teaching pro, Andre said.

The latest addition to his teaching repertoire is a computerized swing model. This has built the ideal swing, modeled on 200 of the world’s top golfers and superimposes the student’s ideal swing on this, based on build and natural swing. The golfer is videoed and their swing matched against their ideal. From that point Andre and his students can work to turn the current swing into the ultimate.

He coaches golfers from five year olds to players with decades of experience behind them. With youngsters, he believes fun is the essential element and creating a love of the game. Without that they won’t stick with it.

How much any player will improve depends not just on their natural ability, but also on their dedication and the time they’re prepared to devote to practice.

For the beginner , the golf world is beset with challenges

Above:The ultimate teaching tool Swing Model, helps golfers turn their current swing into the ideal swing for their body type and ability. Right: The man charged with turning Ashburton golfing novices into good club players, and with the talented into pros, coach Andre van Staden.


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Tinwald Golf ClubA word from the president – Paul Hefford

At the Tinwald Golf Club, we pride ourselves on the friendly atmosphere we feel we have generated and look forward to extending this to any new members who take the opportunity to join our club.

We aim to cater for golfers of all ages and abilities – from experienced golfers to beginners, from the young to the not so young, so no matter what your age or ability, come and join in the fun!

One of our big strengths is making golf affordable for everyone, with senior subs starting from $245. We also offer our members a time payment option.

On official club days there is a strong emphasis on the social aspect of the club and often the lowest handicapper can be drawn with the highest handicapper to encourage members to mix.

We might pride ourselves on our friendly atmosphere and the social aspects of our club, but we are also competitive. Each year we are well represented by teams in Aorangi pennant competition with both women’s and men’s teams.

Our major tournament for the year, the 3500 is held in late March or early April, and attracts large entries from around the South Island. Our annual new year tournament on January 2 is also very popular.

I congratulate the Ashburton Guardian on their initiative in producing this publication showcasing golf within Mid Canterbury. It provides a unique opportunity for not only the Tinwald Golf Club, but all clubs within Ashburton District to promote their clubs and the game of golf to a large circulation base.

I hope that on reading the feature on the Tinwald Golf Club you will be well informed on the opportunities and benefits available at Tinwald, and look forward to receiving any enquiries or membership requests from prospective members.

Team at the top, Tinwald Golf Club men’s club captain, Gavin Smith, president Paul Hefford and women’s club captain, Linda McClea.



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Tinwald Golf Club

The challenging holesTinwald’s big card wreckers Like every golf course, Tinwald has it’s

‘easy’ holes and its challenging holes.There are four par three holes on the

course, two long and narrow, two short and deceptively simple.

Number six is one of the shorter holes on the course, but making the green in one requires players to avoid a fast flowing creek to the right and a gnarly bunker on the left. For straight shooters it’s an easy hole and the one that has attracted the most holes in one over the years.

Number 12 is the shortest hole on the course and while it should be a simple shot from tee to green, without a bunker to tempt a wayward ball, it’s often anything but. The green is far from flat, sloping in several directions and any overshot or wayward shot, means recovery from deep rough; over hit this shot and you’ll run off the green and back down the fairway. A simple par three can easily become a nasty double bogey.

Finishing hole, the par 5 18th is always a challenge. Towering trees to left and right from the tee and a long shot required to clear the first corner. Anything less than perfect means a real struggle to make par. A second

shot from the first corner also needs to be well placed to avoid more trees. Even with those obstacles passed, a good score is not guaranteed as the green is guarded by bunkers on each side. Many good cards have been ruined by errant tee shots into trees or bunkers on this hole.

For men, the preceding hole 17 is also a challenge, with a long, straight shot needed to clear towering pines on one side and willows guarding a creek on the other.

One of Tinwald’s signatures is it’s myriad of creeks. Drop one short off the tee on holes one and three and you could get wet. A long drive for men on number nine will have the

same outcome and for most players their second shot into number 13 requires a deft touch to avoid landing in the greenside creek.

And that’s not the end of it. Water is out of bounds to the left of 14 and a shot coster to the right off the tee on 15.

And if you’ve a tendency to slice, then there are plenty of opportunities to find out of bounds on three out of the first four holes.

Of course there are bunkers too, on all but five holes. The worst, however, is neatly dug into the side of number nine. If you have to stray, make sure it’s into the large shallow pile of sand to the right, rather than the deep pit to the left.


Cnr East Street and Walnut Avenue, Ashburton. Phone 307-5830Manager Mark Gorman.

SALES TEAM A/H Ray Girvan - 0274 507 497, Elsabe Steyn - 0274 507 544.OPEN SATURDAY 9AM - 1PM

Simon Bonifant and his ToyotasSimon Bonifant is a cropping farmer from

Ashburton and he also does some lamb fi nishing too. He has about 1300 acres to manage and the main vehicle he uses to do this is his Toyota Hilux which he bought from Ashburton Toyota a couple of years ago.

When asked about what he uses his Hilux for each day on the farm, Simon simply says “everything”. His truck comes in handy for almost every farm chore. He uses it to feed his stock, for towing augers, going through the odd river here and there, for transporting gear and all sorts of pulling and pushing.

He does about 40,000k’s a year and with that kind of usage he believes as a farmer one of the key things he needs in any vehicle is reliability. As far as he’s concerned he can always count on his Toyota to help him get the job done and it’s cheap to run.

“Service them and they look after themselves” he says and so he does! He gets a regular Toyota service from Mark and the team down at Ashburton Toyota and that keeps his Hilux running smoothly.

Managing a farm is one thing, but managing a young and active family is another. And to do this Simon and his wife Annie have a Toyota Landcruiser VX which they say is the best family vehicle they’ve ever owned. It’s big enough to take everyone including kids Bella 15, Harry 13 and Maisie 10, everywhere they need to go in comfort. It’s also perfect for all the gang on one of those all too rare family getaways or taking a trip up to Mount Hutt, just like they did during the recent school holidays.

So whether it’s on the farm or the school run, or shopping or skiing, the Bonifants reckon Ashburton Toyota has got them covered.

Cnr East Street and Walnut Avenue, Ashburton. Phone 308-9928 anytime. www.ashburton.toyota.co.nzSALES TEAM A/H Ray Girvan - 0274 507 497, Elsabe Steyn - 0274 507 544. OPEN SATURDAY 9AM - 1PM

They may be one of the biggest and busiest service centres in Ashburton but just sixty seconds with Manager, Mark Gorman and Service Manager Brian Hurst of Ashburton Toyota and you’re left wondering just what they CAN’T do!

Brian leads the service team from the front. “we can probably service your car cheaper than your local

garage, and not just Toyotas, Mitsubishis, Fords, Holdens and VW; We service all makes and models. Our service people know past and present Toyota’s and other vehicles inside out. That means you can bring your 8 year old local or import model in to us and we’ll have it serviced and out

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Can Do Warranties: No matter where you purchased your Toyota if it’s out of warranty, they can put a No Worries extended warranty on it again, and if you drive another make of car it’s highly likley they can warranty that as well! We’re happy to look at what you want.

Can Do Vehicle Insurance: Toyota Vehicle Insurance is a comprehensive cover, that like everything else they do, offers a huge range of options. A quote takes just a few minutes and can be in place very quickly.

Can Do WOF: If it has a problem we can have it sorted, while someone else would still be fi guring out what needs to be done.

Can Do Courtesy Vehicles: When you drop your vehicle in for a warrant or service the team can drop you back to your home or workplace, loan you a vehicle if available, or pick up and deliver your car back to you.

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Tinwald Golf Club

Tinwald Golf ClubFrasers Road, Tinwald P O Box 375, AshburtonPhone: 03 308 4577 Fax: 03 308 4577Email: [email protected] Website: www.tinwaldgolf.co.nz

The course is on flat land with tree lined fairways with many drainage creeks crossing the course. Recently installed fairway watering to make it a good

course to play at anytime of the year. A number of tiered greens with many gardens around the course and clubrooms to increase its aesthetic values. Course Statistics:Men: White Tees 5779 M Par 72Women: Yellow Tees 5258 M Par 73Green Fees: Affiliated Members $20.00 full or part round

Non-affiliated $25.00 full or part round

The course, built in 1967 is situated on Reserve Land adjacent to the Tinwald Domain and features 18 holes on a flat easy walking course.

This land was set aside in 1883 as part of a parcel identified as suitable for sporting and recreational purposes.

In the mid 1960s the late Archie Bradford learned that a block of this land, part of the Tinwald Domain complex would be coming up for lease. He identified this as suitable for a second golf course in Ashburton and a meeting was held in February 1967. It attracted around 80 people

The land was taken up by the newly formed golf club committee in June that year, and opened almost immediately with nine holes in play. Work had already been carried out to form tees blocks and greens before the club took possession of the land.

The first club house was built as a greenkeeper’s shed, but was used as a pavilion until the second nine holes were developed and the present clubhouse built in 1970.

It took only a few years for the club’s membership to hit 300. Many of these were new golfers with a strong showing from social members who never intended to play. They simply supported the club.

Today the club has well treed fairways, a credit to the hundreds of hours volunteers spent in planting bees in the early days, it’s greens are fast and true and it’s fairways well grassed and well maintained. An underground watering system ensures even in the driest summers the course is green and lush.

The club house bar and catering facilities are available following the close of play on any

official club day and members and visitors are welcome to enjoy a drink following their round. The club house is also available for hire for social functions at any time of the year and our caterers are available, on request.

Tee TimesWomen: Tuesday 10.00am, Saturday 8am and 12.30pmMen: Wednesday 12.00 noon , Saturday 9am and 12.30pmMixed Days: Sundays, check our programme for details, tee time, 12.30pm.Twilight (Men and Women) Thursday 4.30pm to 6.00pm. This runs during daylight savings time and regularly attracts fields of up to 100 players.

Tinwald Golf Club members have reciprocal playing rights at Ashburton, Mayfield and Terrace Downs, where there is a 50% reduction in green fees and at Avondale in Christchurch where no green fees are required.

Nine hole golfTinwald was one of the first clubs to encourage

nine holers. Today it offers both competitive (Bradford Nine hole Section) and social (nine hole with limited playing rights) options.

Current Membership Structures and FeesFull Senior Men $ 400.00Limited Senior Men $ 245.00Full Senior Women $ 400.00Limited Senior Women $ 245.00Junior Men $ 235.00Junior Women $ 235.00Non Competitive Student $ 35.00Nine Hole Limited Playing Rights $ 150.00Competitive Student $ 80.00Honorary $ 30.00Summer $ 170.00Bradford Nine Hole Women $ 190.00Country * $ 130.00

History

Website:Check out our website, www.tinwaldgolf.co.nz. For comprehensive information about our club

and to see weekly draws and results. Membership application forms can also be downloaded from the site.

Contact DetailsPresident :: Paul Hefford :: 03 308 6092 :: [email protected] Secretary :: Jacqui Beardsley :: 03 308 1067 :: [email protected] Mens Club Captain :: Gavin Smith :: 03 307 8583 :: [email protected] Womens Club Captain :: Linda McClea :: 03 308 2329 :: [email protected] Membership Secretary :: Paul Hefford :: 03 308 6092 :: [email protected]


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The Methven Golf Club is known as one of the finest country courses in NZ. Surrounded by mature trees, shrubs and gardens and set against the spectacular back drop of the Southern Alps. There is no spot on the golf course where one is not in awe of the beauty of its location. In the winter the snow capped mountains are as eye catching as the cherry trees and rhododendrons in the spring.

From its beginnings in 1924, situated on land leased from the Racing Club for 5 years at an average of twelve pounds per annum, to its present location on Hobbs Road, the Methven Golf Club has always had, and continues to do so, a strong and committed band of volunteers who have donated their time, energy and machinery to the benefit of the course and club house. In its earliest stages of development, members brought

push mowers and rakes to help prepare the golf course. These days it isn’t rare to see a digger or large tractor brought in by members to help fell trees or even build a new pond!

Many members have strong family connections to the golf course. One of the earliest families was the Holmes Family. Sam Holmes was the first Club President in 1924 and his youngest son Bob, or R.G as he was also known as, made a huge impact on the

Methven Golf Club. Whilst being a single handicapper for 40 years, the responsibilities he undertook during his time included Club Secretary and President, and he was also a member of the Aorangi Eagles. Probably Bob’s most lasting contribution to golf was his work in course design and architecture. From an early age Bob has been active in this area and led the development of Methven’s courses. He was very pleased with the

Methven Golf Club


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present 18 holes, especially the last six and his name is enshrined in number 18, “Holme”. Not surprisingly he was invited to design many other courses.

Another family that comes to mind that has generations of golfers and volunteers is the Lock Family. Gordon Lock spent many hours playing golf and volunteering on the golf course. He is well known for designing machinery with specific jobs to do on the golf course. Shirley his wife is still an active member, as well as their children, Allan (Greens vice convenor), Brian, Robyn and Margaret. Now their children and spouses are active members with great grandchildren

already belting a ball around with a cut down golf club at home. This is one family from many that has strong tradition with the Methven Golf Club and we hope this will be the case for many years to come.

Without those in the past, and those now in the present volunteering their time on committees or in working bees, we would not have the great golf course and club we have now. Thank you to all those who have volunteered. Your work is always greatly appreciated and will not be forgotten.

Craig Middleton started his apprenticeship in Methven nearly 20 years ago and for the last 8 years has been Superintendent

Greenkeeper. During this time Craig has seen ongoing changes to the course and most recently the redevelopment of the pond. Craig and his 3rd year apprentice greenkeeper Gareth, aim to continue to improve the course and keep it in character of its park like settings without affecting the playability (too much!) for golfing visitors and members.

The Methven Golf Club has a strong commitment to the development of golfers, whether it be in the form of Beginner Days, Give Golf A Go for Women or regular coaching for juniors. The juniors especially are seen as our members and golfers in the future. By nurturing a healthy knowledge of technique

and etiquette, it is something they can play at any time and at any age. Once a month Andre, the golf professional from Ashburton, comes to Methven Golf Club and coaches the juniors and also holds private lessons for those adults who think they need some fine tuning. We would like to thank Peter Wood from Ski Time Restaurant and Lodge, and Dan McLaughlin (Club Treasurer) who have over the last 5 or so years held the Mt Hutt High Country Classic and donated the proceeds to Junior Golf at Methven Golf Club. The golf club and its junior members thank you for your support as it helps provide the services of the professional golf coach. It is greatly appreciated.

Methven Golf Club



Methven Golf Club

Methven Golf Club84 Hobbs Road, MethvenTel 03 302 8438 Fax: 03 302 8439 Email: [email protected] Website: www.methvengolf.co.nz

One of New Zealand’s finest country courses. Spectacular views of Southern Alps and Mt Hutt skifield.

Course Statistics: Men: Blue Tees 5807M Par 71Men: White Tees 5691M Par 71Women: White Tees 5701M Par 75Women: Yellow Tees 5136M Par 73Green Fees: $20 affiliated $25 non affiliatedA group discount is given if there are 25 or more players. Hire golf club

sets, carts and trundlers are also available.

For the month of June 2010 two green fee players can play the Methven Golf Course for the price of one. To be eligible you must cut out this voucher and bring

it with you to the Methven Golf Club. Please ring to check tee time availability (03 302 8438).

Current green fees are:NZ Affiliated $20 Non Affiliated $25 School Child $5

The amount payable is the greater amount that would normally be paid egIf 1 NZ Affiliated ($20) person and 1 Non Affiliated ($25) person

wish to play they only pay $25If 1 NZ Affiliated ($20) person and 1 school child ($5) wish to play they only pay $20.If 2 NZ Affiliated ($20) people and 1 Non Affiliated ($25) person wish to play they pay $25 for the non affiliated person and 1 affiliated person and also $20 for the

third affiliated person, totalling $45.

June Special – Two For One!!The Methven Golf Club has weekly club days in which the Men, Women and the 9 Hole sections play their competition rounds. They are as follows:Women Wednesday 10am startSaturday 9am or 12.15pm start 9 HoleFriday 10am (winter) startMen Saturday 12.30pm start

All our competition days have a multi-tee start making for a busy club house after golf. The stories about how well or not so well they played are rife with things getting more and more exaggerated over the course of the prize giving. It amazes Michelle Kelly (Secretary/Manager) how some players can remember and recount to anyone who cares to listen every shot they played over the 18 holes. It seems to her in her limited golfing experience that there are shots best forgotten. The social aspect of Methven Golf Club is strong with many mixed club days and tournaments all of which are listed on our website www.methvengolf.co.nz. We welcome and encourage visitors to join in on our club days or mixed days whether it be as an individual or as a group.

Green fees are $20 NZ Affiliated and $25 Non Affiliated for 18 holes

If you are wishing to join as an 18 hole full playing member the subscription for the 2010/2011 season is $280 per person. Great value for what we have to offer!!!

The Methven Golf Club is especially proud and thankful for its many sponsors which support the golf club in a tremendous way. Our gold sponsors are Sharpies Golf Superstore (Christchurch), Paveco, Ski Time Restaurant and Lodge, Philip Wareing Transport, The Blue Pub, The Canterbury Hotel, Arabica Licensed Café, South Pacific

Seeds NZ Ltd, Textile Bag and Sack, Brinkley Resort, Fairhall Downs Wines and DPI. We also have many other sponsors who support us for our weekly competitions and large tournaments and who help us continue to offer much sort after prizes. Thank you to all.

If you are ever wishing to play a round of golf and the weather is not ideal jump onto our website www.methvengolf.co.nz and check out our webcam. This looks down the number one fairway up to Mt Hutt giving a good picture of what is happening on the golf course and what the weather is doing. It takes a new picture every couple of minutes. You may be surprised who you may see out there!

Also our website covers all information on green fees, hire available, subscription rates upcoming tournaments, score card details. Go take a look!!!

Our current committee exists of the following people:President: Stuart WilsonVice President: Graham GunnTreasurer: Dan McLaughlin Secretary/Manager: Michelle KellyClub Captain: Bruce Dickson Vice Captain: Phillip JohnsonWomens Captain: Pam Watson Vice Captain: Denise DixeyGreens Convenor: Robert Watson Vice Greens Convenor: Allan LockHouse Convenor: Doug Hamilton Vice House Convenor: Gary KermodeSocial Convenor: Les Linton Vice Social Convenor: Mark GazzardFinance: Garry Eddington Ex Officio: Andrew GormanSuperintendent Greenkeeper: Craig Middleton Apprentice Greenkeeper: Gareth Bearman

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The Club has a golf section regularly competing with other Clubs, in both men’s and women’s tournaments. These are usually played on a Sunday and well attended. Twenty club members are taking a golf trip to The Sapphire Coast in September, this being the fifth trip to Australia by the Club. If you wish to have more information please contact Trish Cates on308-5301.

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Golf is one of the great sporting games and the recreation and social benefits of this wonderful game are huge.

The physical and mental relaxation and challenges the game can give are extremely important. We in the Ashburton

district are fortunate to be well endowed with golf courses. Ashburton, Tinwald, Mayfield, Methven, Rakaia along with Terrace Downs, which is just across the Rakaia River at the Gorge.

The opportunity to play the game on quality courses at a reasonable price is excellent.

It is a game that the very young and the elderly can play. With its handicap system it enables the not so good golfers to play and compete with very good golfers on equal terms.

It is also a game that men and women can play together and play competition golf together. I would like to see more people take the opportunity to play the game.

I am proud of the Ashburton Golf Club, it is a quality course and groomed to a high standard. It has 250 men members, 105 women members along with 90 9-hole members. There are 25 junior members, which is a very strong section.

Unfortunately we lose a number of our junior members when they leave college to move onto university or further their careers outside our district.

John Fechney and Margaret Morgan are operating the pro shop which gives golfers and prospective golfers the opportunity to purchase golf clubs and golf accessories. This is a very good service. Andre van Staden is our resident professional and is recognised as a top quality coach and I have no hesitation in recommending him to improve your golf.At the moment the club is attempting to develop a golf driving range beside the golf course, and subject to a satisfactory lease being agreed by Council, it could be up and running later in the year. This is an exciting project and we believe this facility will prove invaluable in the promotion of golf at all ages and levels, and allow our members and golfers from all clubs to have the use of a driving range, without the need to travel out of the district, as is happening at present.

Golf over the years has had its share of very interesting characters, so there are many stories that members are able to reminisce, along with some incredible golf shots that do happen. Unfortunately space does not allow me to expand on these happenings. This is also the case with voluntary contributions to the game - the numbers are huge and their commitment to the game is its strength. I must take this opportunity to express appreciation to the many volunteers who help us in all aspects of the game.

The golf club along with many sporting clubs throughout New Zealand are facing challenging times. Financial resources are limited; costs continue to rise along with some reduction in sponsorship, and fewer opportunities to obtain grant money is making it very difficult to carry out capital improvements.

We must find ways of adjusting to this new environment. Remember the reasons why we play this great game. The opportunities we were given through our predecessors who put the golf courses in place along with many improvements. The fellowship and the willingness to put something back into the game for our future members is our challenge and our responsibility.

Murray AndersonPresident

Ashburton Golf ClubOn the evening of 28 May 1895 the inaugural public meeting to

discuss the formation of a golf club was held.At the meeting due formalities were concluded and the Ashburton

Golf Club was formed. The next week, 3 June, a deputation from the club waited on the Ashburton Borough Council, requesting permission to play the game of golf on council land in the southern part of the town, “South Street” in vicinity of the present Vehicle Testing Station, and beside the old council pound.

The first organised golf played in Ashburton as printed in the Ashburton Guardian 19 July 1895: “Thursday the 18 July 1895 - Was a beautiful day and the gathering was very successful, giving an indication that golf has come to stay in Ashburton”. The first, if temporary home of the club, were described in the Guardian as “The Links on the Pound”. From the inaugural meeting, it only took seven weeks until opening day!

The next home for the club was at the A & P Show grounds in 1901. The first interclub match took place with a visit to Timaru in 1902, and in 1903 home and away matches were played with Christchurch Golf Club.

Lady members are first recorded in 1902, but it is clear from the records that ladies were very involved from the early days, as at the 1903 opening day 14 ladies and 9 men played.

In 1903 Ashburton was one of only 15 clubs affiliated to the NZ Golf Association. In 1905 following extensive correspondence and negotiations between the Club and Ashburton Racing Club, a lease

History

153 Moore Street Ashburton• Phone 03 307 9911www.dne.co.nz www.dne.co.nzdrummond & etheridge177 Evans Street Timaru

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was granted allowing golf to be played on the racecourse oval.

During 1922 the Golf Club purchased 45 acres of land from Mr William Bryant near the river on the south side above the rail bridge, and established a 9-hole course which was opened at the beginning of the 1923 season. The story of the Tinwald course was that from the beginning members took a great pride in it being the first freehold land the club had owned, a great individual effort and achievement from the members, but it also represented heartbreak from repeated flooding.

At this time membership comprised of 50 men and 50 women. From a very difficult start, members created an interesting and demanding layout with 9 excellent greens and lush fairways. By all accounts it was a very beautiful course, along with a good club spirit amongst the members. Unfortunately in April 1951 the course was closed for two months after suffering the worst floods since its establishment in 1923. Later that same year, the opportunity was taken to purchase 46 hectares on the north side of Ashburton - the present site of the club today.

The official opening of the new 18-hole course took place on Saturday 11 April 1953. This heralded a new and exciting era for Ashburton golf. Mr Ray Blank of Christchurch had earlier been appointed to design

the course. Ray had a long and distinguished career in golf as a player, administrator and course architect. Jack Brand was appointed course supervisor and worked closely with the course architect. Jack became totally immersed in the practical details. He bought his own tractor and gear and had a free hand on course construction.

Mr Brand was President 1956-59 (inclusive) and at the 1960 AGM it was resolved that the course henceforth be known a Brandon - an appropriate and unique way to honour such a contribution. He became Patron and Life Member in 1978, and continued to take a keen interest in all club activities. Mrs Betty Brand was also very involved and was the Ladies President from 1968-70.

The first major working bee was held ANZAC Day 1952 when 60-70 men and women volunteers worked on stone-picking on several fairways. Stone-picking continued to be a major challenge. From the beginning many members over succeeding years contributed many hours of hard manual work toward course maintenance and development. Members used their own truck to carry soil and sand to and around the course. Equipment was borrowed extensively from farmers and businesses. In the early years of development over 4000 trees were planted, however during the terrible gale of 1 August 1975, 70% of these trees were destroyed or severely damaged, including many of strategic importance. Major working bees followed this storm.

From the beginning it soon became obvious that any real and lasting progress was impossible without the provision of water to the greens, fairways and tees. Water was provided by flood irrigation as far as was possible, and numerous pump and spray operations were used to greens, tees and fairways where possible also.

After many meetings and vigorous debate in 1966 a well was drilled to 124 feet, a pump installed, and the test flow was found to be sufficient for general irrigation. Following this, the logical but bold step was taken to reticulate the whole course.

Thirty years later the irrigation scheme was reaching the end of its useful life and the decision was made to replace it. In October 1999 the new $300,000 irrigation scheme was opened.


Ashburton Golf Club

New course Brandon 1953 - 2010

153 Moore Street Ashburton• Phone 03 307 9911www.dne.co.nz www.dne.co.nzdrummond & etheridge177 Evans Street Timaru

• Phone 03 687 7530

Jack Brand



Ashburton Golf Club

The Ashburton golf course is a typical park-land type golf course, with beautiful trees that define the shape of the holes. It has an orthodox layout, with four par 5’s and four par 3’s, with an eighteen hole par of 72, and plays to 5800 metres off the white tee markers. The course is characterised by its narrow greens and subtle dog-legs (that don’t favour a particular shot). While every hole adds character to the golf course, there are a couple of holes that stand out from the rest, the 3rd (par 4), 2nd (par 5) and 8th (par 3).

3rd hole - This 360 metre par 4 can really put shivers up the spine of even the best player! It has all the elements of a great hole; it plays long (especially into a stiff nor’wester), with ‘out of bounds’ running all the way down the right side of the fairway, and trees come into play off the tee, on the left. If you’ve managed to beat the nerves off the tee, and hit a long enough drive onto the fairway, you’ll be faced with another tough shot onto a long narrow green guarded by bunkers on both sides of a slightly elevated green. Due to the length of the green, even if you have hit the green, you could be faced

with a long putt that often results in a 3 putt.Other notable par 4’s that deserve

a mention are the 9th, 10th, 11th and 18th holes.

2nd hole - Any par 5 over 500 metres (into that same stiff nor’wester) deserves a mention, especially if it has ‘out of bounds’ down one side and trees on the other. The second hole curves slightly to the left off the tee, then back to the right for the final journey to the green. This is a real “3 shotter” for most and demands that you play within yourself and try not to hit the cover off the ball. Again, the green is small, and can

be difficult to get the distance just right on the approach shot.

The 17th is a short par 5 but it’s amazing how many times you’ll walk off with a 5 when it probably should have been a 4.

8th hole - This “little” 165 metre par 3 has a elevated green with a bunker that guards the right side of the green. No matter when the pin is on the green, it is difficult to get your ball close with the tee shot. I’ve then seen a player have to chip to the hole even though he was on the green, so things don’t get any easier there either.

Course ProfileAshburton Golf Club

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Coldstream Village is registered Retirement Village No. 2076780 and all intending residents will be provided with disclosure documentation that complies with the Retirement Villages Act 2003

“Come and visit us, feel the warmth

and care, the security and peacefulness of which we are proud”

Three units available for immediate occupation

Where retirement is about enjoying lifeTo experience the Coldstream community is to discard any thoughts you’ve previously had about retirement villages. Within moments of arriving, you will realise that our villas are purpose-built for enjoying the present and the future, not just for quietly reflecting on the past.Our commitment is to provide you with the perfect balance between independence and security, company and privacy, relaxation and action. Located on Burnett Street, Coldstream Retirement Village has 11 villas, 5 one bedroom and 6 two bedroom. All our villas are beautifully appointed, decorated in neutral colours, well insulated with double glazing, heat pumps for warmth and cooling, a modern kitchen with plenty of storage, generous size bathroom with non slip flooring and an on call system with a direct link to Coldstream Rest Home and Hospital.Our village residents enjoy a quiet, stress free lifestyle, without the worry of maintaining a home. Their days are kept busy by being involved in their favourite pastimes and interests, catching up with family and friends and generally enjoying their senior years of life with the peace of mind that there is care and support available all day, everyday.For further information or to view please phone Andrea Mitchell on 03 308 8020. We look forward to welcoming you at Coldstream Retirement Village soon.

TestimonialsMay – ‘I moved into the retirement village as my husband required hospital level of care. This meant that I was close to my husband and he was able to spend each afternoon with me in my villa.’

Margaret – ‘My family encouraged me to consider moving into a retirement village. It was great to move whilst I was still independent and having a Registered Nurse on call day or night for my security, gave me total peace of mind.’

John – ‘When I moved from Blenheim where I was already living in a retirement village it was great to be close to town and the fact that there was staff available to help me every evening to get to bed was a huge comfort.’

Ph: (03) 308 8020 at Coldstream Retirement Village. Email: [email protected] Corner of Park & Burnett St, Ashburton


Ashburton Golf ClubGolf Links Road, Ashburton P O Box 208, AshburtonPhone: 03 308 6371 Fax: 03 308 9307Email: [email protected] Secretary: [email protected] Website: www.ashburtongolf.co.nz

A fully irrigated well maintained course which is flat, easy walking with great greens.Facilities:Pro shop

Course Statistics:Men: Blue Tees: 6001 M Par 72

Men: White Tees: 5793 M Par 72Men: Red Tees: 5165 M Par 72Women: White Tees: 5793 M Par 72Women: Yellow Tees: 5123 M Par 72Green Fees: $20 Affiliated 18 Hole $30 Non affiliated 18 Hole$15 Affiliated 9 Hole $25 Non Affiliated 9 Hole

Ashburton Golf ClubOver the years the Club has had many good golfers, and one

of those outstanding players was Alan Browne.Alan joined the club in 1954, that year he won a Canterbury

school boy tournament by 15 strokes. 1955 he won the Club Intermediate Championship and in 1956 he won the Club Senior Championship at the age of 16 - the first of 17 senior titles. He was on the scratch handicap at 18, and reached +2 as his tightest assessment.

1960 he played in the Canterbury Freyberg team. 1961 when the Mid Canterbury District was formed, he was an automatic selection. Alan repeatedly won, or was prominent in virtually every event open to him, which included winning the South Island Championship.

During these vintage years, and on his way to some of these victories, he defeated many other fine players: R C Charles, J M Lister, Ross Murray and Geoff Clarke to name a few.

Alan Browne – a local golfing legendOver the years, Ashburton Golf Club has produced several

juniors that have competed at the highest level of the amateur game in New Zealand. Daniel Pearce started his amateur game here and has gone on to represent New Zealand at senior level and be in reckoning for the Eisenhower Team to play at the world championship. Recently, Mark O’Malley represented New Zealand at the Trans Tasman Cup in Wellington, and Mike Barry has represented Aoraki at the annual inter-provincials.

As these players become “veterans” of the amateur game, a new crop of juniors has emerged and I believe will be a credit to the golf club, and Ashburton and Aorangi regions. The following Ashburton Golf Club members will be worth looking out for in the future;

Cameron Grant - Cameron has represented the Aorangi senior team from a young age already, and if you’ve seen him hit the ball you’ll know why! Cameron hits the ball the proverbial mile, with a swing that looks effortless, and could play the game at the highest level if that’s what he wants to do.

Catherine Bell - Catherine has already represented Aorangi at senior level, and if you had to come down to the golf course every day you would definitely know why - Catherine works just as hard on her game as anybody (if not harder) at the club, and I’d be surprised if she doesn’t represent New Zealand one day. My only wish is that more girls would be inspired to take up the game and follow in Catherine’s footsteps.

Jordon Green - Jordan recently won the Aorangi schools tournament with a fine score of 72,and has represented Aorangi at junior level. He is a fine talent to keep an eye on.

Matthew Chatterton – Represented Aorangi at junior level, and is already a strong member of our golf club.

Cameron Thomassen - Represented Aorangi at junior level and was part of the winning college team at the schools tournament.

Every month at our junior clinics, I am amazed at the talent that our juniors display, and even though golf is competing with so many other activities, there will always be a few that will take to the game and become really good players, and long standing members of their golf clubs.

Ashburton Golf Club Juniors



Golf clubs in the Ashburton District come under the umbrella of Aorangi Golf.

This governing body covers all clubs from the Waitaki River to the Rakaia River and has overall responsibility for tournaments and interclub fixtures. It works with clubs to support their members and to provide them with opportunities to participate in the competitive side of the game.

The Aorangi association’s mission is to:• Have an efficient transparent administrative structure that operates with good communication links with all clubs in its area, • Promote golf as a positive pastime for people of all ages in the Aorangi area, • Manage interclub fixtures conducted in the area to ensure that competition is conducted within the rules and spirit intended,• Develop a sustainable program to ensure representative players, both senior and age group, receive quality coaching and assistance to ensure they represent the region to the best of their ability.

Some of the activities it administers at interclub level are: Pennant golf, Champion of Champions Day for championship winners from all Aorangi clubs and national interclub and district team qualifying events.

Aorangi also runs age group championships to encourage junior players as well as acting as the bi annual host of the South Island Masters Game.

When it comes to junior golf, Aorangi has programmes that train volunteer coaches, a Kiwigolf programme and it assists clubs to set up junior programmes and junior tournaments. It works hard with clubs to help them encourage schools to participate in the Kiwi Golf programme that is designed to bring young golfers into the game.

One of the objectives of Aorangi golf is to establish a short course for younger players and to grow the number of competitions available to them.

At representative level, Aorangi provides opportunities for players to represent their region at Masters, seniors, age group, under 23 levels. It also has young players involved in under 16 development squads and in an elite golfers squad.

As part of its commitment to bringing new, young players through the ranks, Aorangi has employed a new golf development officer, who has trained with New Zealand Golf instructors.

Most members of its board are voluntary workers. All have been involved with golf clubs and are well qualified with representative events. Two members are New Zealand selectors.

The Aorgani region has 4600 members from 26 clubs. Membership is split over 2700 men, 1550 women and 350 juniors.

Aorangi Golf

ASHBURTON

South Street, Ashburton

PHONE (03) 308-3147 Fax (03) 308-1042

Email [email protected]

FREEPHONE 0800 452 522

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Mayfield Golf ClubThe Mayfield club is better known for its

social golfers and the friendly spirit which prevails. Over the years a great community asset has been built up, and the club is well based to serve the district for many years to come.

To the best of anyone’s knowledge, the Mayfield Club originated during a dance at a Red Cross Ball in Mayfield in 1933. Mrs J. J. Mulligan asked her dancing partner, Mr Joe Murdoch, what his thoughts would be on the formation of a golf club in Mayfield.

A general meeting was held on the 19th June, 1933, to consider forming a golf club, and Mr. Tasker was voted to the chair, due to his knowledge of the game.

After some discussion is was decided that a club was to be formed.

On a proposal of Mr. Gordon Harrison a possible location was suggested.

A grounds committee interviewed a Mr. Arthur Prouting, who farmed the property where the current links are, and pending a favourable report, a working bee commenced on 24th June 1933.

The foundation members banded together to commence the mammoth task and proceeded to put the course in order, in preparation for the official opening to be held 1st July, 1933. At this stage Mr. and Mrs. Prouting were elected the first honorary members, and a fundamental set of rules and club procedures were set out. Having no clubhouse it was left to members to take turns to bring wood and water, and later the club brought it’s first billy.

A tarpaulin stretched between poles, and the abundant gorse, matagouri and broom, served as the first shelter from the elements, whilst the toilet requirements, when in haste,

were in the first bush available. Voluntary working bees by the dozen, the clearing or scrub, gorse and broom, greens mowed by hand, and all work done with members’ own gear and equipment, a spirit of participation and union that was unequalled in those early years of hardships during the depression era.

Unfortunately the war of 1939 - 45 began to pay heavy toll on the membership that prior to these years had begun to flourish. Men joined the armed forces, and ladies helped in war effort organisations. It was therefore decided to go into recession for the remainder of the war.

A meeting was then held on 29th April, 1948, in the interest of re-forming a Golf Club. As most of the interested members had belonged to the club prior to the war, it was decided to remain at the same site, and the original club minute books were handed over to this new club.

In 1950 two extra fairways were used in Mr. N. Murdoch’s paddock, which increased the length of the course from 4460 yards, to 4930 yards and the par to 72.

The first perpetual trophies known as the handicap trophies were a rosebowl anonymously donated to the ladies, and a trophy bought with a donation from the patron Mr. F. D. Morrow in 1950. At this time members competed for engraved teaspoons as prizes for Saturday competitions.

The fairways were controlled by grazing until 1957 when a set of Greens gang mowers was purchased for $400. After 20 years of use these were sold for $1000.

Providing irrigation for the greens has always posed a problem. For many years the spring on the left of No. 9 fairway never failed to provide a water hazard right across the fairway, and the tees were positioned appropriately. There

was a bridge across the middle of the hazard. This indicated a close supply of water and the first pump and motor was purchased in 1956. In 1963 underground power cables and pipes were laid and new pumps and motors installed. Unfortunately the wells went dry for periods of time, and water had to be carted to the club house. The club couldn’t continue without an assured water supply, so one of the wells was deepened.

Fairway irrigation began in 2003 - 2004 summer. The improvement was immediate. There was no wait for grass to strike after the usual summer drought. The fairways have become denser each year and summer play is in pleasant conditions. Golfers everywhere expect fairways to be watered and the club is benefiting from the green fees of visiting players.

Too much water was also a problem when the Hinds River flooded, however work done by the South Canterbury Catchment Board since then almost guarantees the course will now be free from flooding.

The undulating nature of the course makes it deceptively difficult. Over the years trees have been planted to add to its attraction and make it more difficult.

The club had become so popular that by 1955 closing of the membership was considered as the course was crowded on Saturdays. This rumour brought more members and in 1956 and 1957 membership was closed.

From 1970 - 1977 there were 140 or more members with full playing rights, and 70 others.

Until 1972 it was customary for players to stop for afternoon tea during the round. This practice puzzled visiting players but frequent votes confirmed that Mayfield should be different, which made for a pleasant point of difference.

The club became an incorporated society in 1958 and the rules printed then have needed few changes.

The clubhouse, under successive committees, has grown from a very small tin shed, to an attractively furnished building, very well equipped and much in demand for social functions, however to be up to current standards a new clubhouse was constructed, and was opened by our MP Jenny Shipley, and District Mayor Murray Anderson on 19th December, 1998. The new club house increased the number of members, as was the case in 1957.

Over the last 25 years membership has varied from 113 in 1994 to 207 in 1999. In 2007 it was 151 of all classes of members. When the first farms in the district were converted to dairying, it was feared there would be a continuing fall in membership as the new farmers could not fit into the club timetable and existing members did not wish to play two hours earlier. Now dairy farms are much bigger, so there is additional staff with a free Saturday or Wednesday, and the club is gaining members again.

Twilight golf was introduced in 1983 and each year there are some who join for the summer season only.

Life’s full of bunkers.

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No. 1 : 340 metres, Par 4. Very testing opening hole, especially in a north westerly wind. Slightly doglegged to the right with trees and out of bounds extending for 250 metres along the right of the fairway. Green not bunkered but undulating ground in front of green makes approach quite difficult.

No. 2 : 162 metres, Par 3. Quite a long par 3 with out of bounds on right and within 10 metres of the back of the green, penalising the wayward shot. Bunkered on left and right of green.

No. 3 : 442 metres, Par 5. Straight hole back down the ‘centre’ of the course, quite heavily wooded down right side for 300 metres and scattered trees on left. Long hitters can reach this hole in two, with some ease in a nor wester.

No. 4 : 340 metres, Par 4. Quite a difficult hole, especially in a nor westerly wind. Slightly doglegged to the right, demanding an accurate tee shot, especially penalising the ‘slicer’ with trees down both sides of the fairway, but quite thick on the right. Green quite small but not bunkered. This hole was named after Mr. F. D. Tasker, the club’s first president.

No. 5 : 123 metres, Par 3. Short par 3 to a steeply banked green with bunkers in front left and right of green. Approach to green

is at a slight angle making it quite difficult to stay on the green and even more difficult if your drive is through the green. Out of bounds on right. Named after Malcolm Austin who played the major part in the development of the green in 1959.

No. 6 : 344 metres, Par 4. Doglegged to the right alongside riverbed and out of bounds down entire length of hole, and only 8-10 metres from the edge of the green. Trees down left side in dogleg make an extremely good hole. Large green (by Mayfield standards) bunkered on left. Aptly named ‘Waterloo!’ Many a card has been ruined and many a ball abandoned on this hole.

No. 7 : 327 metres, Par 4. Named Willows but one of the features of the hole is the group of poplars 100 metres from the tee on the left edge of the fairway, also penalises the ‘slicer’. The quite sharp bank extending from the fairway foils many a golfer. Large Pine trees and a lateral water hazard extending from the green 8- metres back up the right hand side of the fairway demand an accurate shot to the green.

No. 8 : 443 metres, Par 5. Named poplars for the silver poplars on the left of the fairway but the feature of the hole is the

willows that extend out from the lateral water hazard which runs up the right side of the fairway for 80 metres or so. An accurate tee shot is vital as the out of bounds on the left and pine trees 200 metres out will catch the slightly hooked shot. This hole plays long in winter, or in nor westerly conditions.

No. 9 : 305 metres, Par 4. Named Cuppa from the days when afternoon tea used to be taken after 9 holes. Accurate tee shot again called for as hole quite thickly

wooded on left for 150 metres and a line of pine trees also extend up the right hand side of the fairway. Old water hazard that crosses fairway can be heavy in winter and a series of quite high ridges just beyond the gully can impede many a drive and also give some unusual stances for the second shots. Raised sloping green, bunkered on the right with trees on the left makes this an attractive finishing green.

J. W. Allan – 1983.

Mayfield Golf ClubMayfield Golf Club Barford Road, Mayfield.

Phone 03 3036301 Email: [email protected] flat course is 9 holes x 2 = 18, situated on the north bank of the Hinds River.

The course has excellent drainage so it is never too wet in the winter and with fairway irrigation installed it is unlikely to get too dry in summer. The

clubhouse for such a small club is something the local community can be proud of. A picturesque, challenging, well groomed country course.Course Statistics:Men: White Tees 5870 M Par 72Women: Yellow Tees 5222 M Par 72Green Fees: Affiliated Members $12.00

Non Affiliated Members $15.00

Mayfield Golf Club

Course PreviewMayfield Golf Club



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Rakaia Golf ClubHistory

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From records available, it appears the idea of forming a golf club in Rakaia emanated from a small group of interested locals, and a meeting was called on May 27th, 1927. Rough grounds were prepared in only 12 days and the links were first opened in May 1927 on land alongside the Main South Road. Proceedings had moved swiftly and there were already 47 members on opening day. However problems arose with the owners of the land and April 1933 saw the links being opened on their present site on the River Road.

The club was thriving at the new site, however when the war was in progress, 1939 - 45, members living at a distance found it difficult with the rationing of petrol, which put an end to many members golfing trips. All members of the Rakaia Golf Club who were serving in the forces were granted honorary membership.

In 1966 the club purchased the land they were currently leasing for 55 pound per acre, from Mr D. Langley.

On 14th September 1974 the new club house was opened, after the tender was accepted in July 1973.

Interest continued to be maintained in the club and in 1977 a very successful 50th Jubilee celebration was held.

The problem of maintaining greens and tees during the summer months was an on-going one, and in January 1984 a new well was dug and an irrigation tender approved. It was decided to finance the scheme by giving members a choice of donations, non interest bearing loans, or debentures in multiples of $100 bearing interest of 8% paid half yearly. The committee also held numerous functions to assist in financing the scheme, and on 7th October 1984 the official opening of the water system was held.

With the vast improvement to the greens and tees with the irrigation system, a motion was passed in February 1999 for a fairway irrigation system to be installed, and in June the work commenced. $60,000 was raised in interest bearing debentures, and considerable donations from the Railway Tavern, South Rakaia Hotel, Rakaia Lions Club and Ashburton MSA were also received. In traditional Rakaia community spirit, many fundraising activities were also held to raise money for the irrigation. The difference in the course in summer since the irrigation of the fairways is astounding.

So much has been done to beautify the course and in 1986 alone 1500 trees were planted and along with a variety of attractive gardens, Rakaia have a club to be truely proud of.


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Rakaia Golf Club

The Rakaia Golf Club has been very fortunate in previous years to have people like Heather McKimme, who pioneered the junior golf section and through a lot of hard work, had a number of children playing on Monday’s after school. Zac Bell is one of the young golfers that came through her programme and now represents his college and the Rakaia pennants team. Today the club have 17 talented junior members with ages ranging from 6 to 17. The club has made the membership very attractive with under 12’s paying $25 and $50 for older juniors per year, so they can play at any stage and enjoy the course. Coaching is now provided one Sunday per month by Andre van Staden from the Ashburton Golf Club, and it is incredible to see the improvement of the juniors golfing skills, and their passion for the game increasing. Golf is a wonderful sport for children, because it teaches them manners in course etiquette, discipline in obeying the rules and math skills, not to mention the physical benefit of walking around the course. This programme is now ably run by Nigel Young.

Rakaia’s long term aim is to make the junior section as strong as possible to ensure that we have players coming through to make the club strong in the future.

Rakaia Today – President Gary Hunt.

Rakaia Golf ClubActon Road, Rakaia PO Box 28, Rakaia

Phone: 03 302 7114 Email: [email protected] course has watered fairways and greens. It is a very well maintained 9 hole course with good gardens and trees enhancing its appeal. Rakaia caters to all levels and offers the discerning golfer a challenge.Course Statistics: Men: White Tees 5363 M Par 70Women: Yellow Tees 5085 M Par 70

Green Fees: $15

Rakaia Golf Club Juniors


The course today offers a wide range of challenges to all golfers, local and visitors, from the fairways that are lined with pine hedging giving shelter from the nor ‘west, to our most challenging hole on the course, The Long Trail. No. 7 is a Par 5, 450 meters for men and 415 meters for women, which follows the river boundary for the length of the hole.

Even though Rakaia is only 9 holes, all but one hole has different tee blocks.

At present, Rakaia are in the process of getting the course re-rated after lengthening two of their holes. No. 14, a long Par 4 for men at 398 meters, and No. 6, a Par 3 from 152 to 177 meters.

Rakaia have created another challenge for golfers with their new No. 10 tee block, for women and men, with a change of angle. This has already created a few interesting shots for their golfers.

There is also a proposal underway regarding an interesting water feature to accompany holes 1 and 9, however planning is still under discussion.

The Rakaia course has a great volunteer base. Anything that is required, there are always plenty of willing helpers, whether is be working bees, catering, organizing tournaments or just donating a prize for a raffle, there is always plenty of support.

The Rakaia Club do encourage people to come along and join their Saturday and Wednesday golf days.

The golf course continues to attract positive comments and the members are proud that it is arguably one of the best 9 hole golf courses in New Zealand.

The club are now proud to have over 200 financial members,

with many members now coming from Christchurch and Ashburton.

The club acknowledge and give thanks to their green keeper Russell Wylie. His expertise and commitment result in the course continually being improved and presented in top condition. Russell has been the green keeper at Rakaia for three and a half years, but has a long and prestigious history in turf maintenance. He was the green keeper for Avondale for eight and a half years, when his reputation saw him sought after, and he was offered the turf manager’s position for Christchurch’s then Lancaster Park (Now AMI Stadium). He prefers green keeping and is honoured to be the contractor for the Rakaia golf club, in which he is contracted to work 25 hours per week. The course receives rave reviews about its pace, virtually all of the thatch has now disappeared, and it is lovely to putt on with fast greens. Russell believes that a great course starts with a great committee, and he is impressed with the friendliness, professionalism and passion of Rakaia’s members. He loves his job and encourages anyone to come for a hit to experience our great environment.

The Rakaia Golf Club has a welcoming, family atmosphere, where everyone feels at home. It is an extremely social club that have a lot of fun, and warmly encourage new membership, from all parts of Canterbury. They pride themselves on having up to date equipment and a beautiful, well kept course. At Rakaia, everyone has the opportunity to play with a mixture of people. Everyone tees off at the same time of 12:30 on a Saturday, or 10:00am on a Wednesday, which means that you all finish close to the same time, allowing

for a social atmosphere after the game. There’s no pre-positioning for tee off, you just show up on the day and go into the draw.

The club enjoy social trips away in locations such as Queenstown, and are discussing the possibility of a social trip to Australia shortly.

Rakaia average approx fourty women players on a Wednesday, both 18 and 9 hole, and hold 3 main tournaments throughout the year, that receive great support from members and visitors throughout Aorangi, Ellesmere and Christchurch. They have had great success lately, with combining with Mayfield to win the silver pennants, last year they won the veterans pennants, and just this month they won the Methven Jug from a tournament in Geraldine, which they won last year as well.

Rakaia have had much success from their women members throughout the years. Successful women from Rakaia include the late Barbara Langley, who was a past stalwart of the club and was a New Zealand manager, Jane Pangborn who is a current member and has represented Aorangi/South Canterbury, and Catherine Knight who has progressed into the professional league.

Barbara, who was a member of several Russell Grace teams, was the 1967 Canterbury Champion of Champions. In 1970 she won the Christchurch Ladies’ Golf Club Championship, and in 1974 was chosen as a selector for the N.Z.L.G.U. In 1975 an even greater honour was bestowed upon her when she was appointed non-playing captain of the New Zealand ladies golf team.

Last year the men’s and women’s teams combined to win the Mayor Cup held annually at Ashburton, which was a cause for celebration amongst the Rakaia members.

Rakaia also average approx 40 men players on Saturday’s, playing both 9 and 18 holes, and are proud to have a few members over 80 years old still enjoying a round with them.

The men’s team also enjoyed success recently, coming runner up in the Norton Francis competition, where the Shirley club in Christchurch invite a multitude of country clubs from Canterbury and South Canterbury. Because there are so many clubs, each club get an invitation every second year, so the Rakaia men were happy with this achievement.

Whether your handicap is 4 or 54, if you play 9 or 18 holes, Rakaia has a friendly environment with wonderful comradeship, and all in all is a fantastic place to play golf.

The Course


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Documents

Mid Canterbury Golf Guide