Women's Golf News - March 2024
Women’s Golf News
There has been a lot happening out there in golfing circles for women around Taranaki already this year.
The success of the She Loves Golf program championed by Lucinda Searle has resulted in many women being introduced to golf across the region. Many club members have taken up the challenge by offering their support and time to encourage new players. Te Ngutu women are planning a Beginners Tournament on Saturday 23rd March starting at 2.00pm. Players can choose to play either 9 or 6 Holes. No handicap required. Sounds like a fun way to get meet other new players and experience playing on a different course. Cost $10. Enter by contacting Lucinda.
‘Volunteer’ is a common word heard around any club in NZ and golf is no different. We all know many aspects of golf would not succeed without the help from many volunteers. The news of Dinny Gibbs being rewarded by receiving a Life Membership from Manaia Golf Club was met with much delight and pride. Since becoming a member of Manaia Golf Club 20+ years ago, Dinny has taken an active role as Secretary, President, Club committees, Taranaki Women’s Committee to name a few.
The Taranaki Women’s Strokeplay Championship was held at Manukorihi Golf Club last month with entries from 17 Silver players and 26 Bronze. Conditions contributed to a great day’s golf. Silver 36 Hole Gross Champion, Debbie McCallum (Te Ngutu), Runner-up Svala Garner (Urenui). This wasn’t the first Debbie has held the Gross Strokeplay Silver tray. Since 2001 records have been kept of those winners and Debbie has won it 8 times.
36 Hole Net 1st Bronny Gower (Manukorihi), 2nd Fay Ford (Manaia), 3rd Rochelle Keegan (Westown)
Bronze 18 Hole Gross Champion, after a very exciting play-off was Helen Newton (Urenui), Runner-up Rachelle Quin (Manukorihi). Helen managed to putt in off the edge of the green for a birdie.
18 Hole Net 1st Christine McLean (Inglewood), 2nd Julie Yardley (Kaitake), 3rd Dawn Stolz (Kaitake), 4th Heather Boyd (Te Ngutu)
The Women’s Committee has decided to reinstate the Edna Little Tray for the Taranaki Woman Golfer of the Year. Edna donated this impressive trophy along with an interesting set of criteria and it was first presented in 1976. Maybe interest waned as there was a few years when it was not competed for. In 2011 the trophy was re-designated to be awarded to the winner of the District Teams Event. The last presentation was made in 2019. This year the Women’s Committee has decided to reinstate the trophy back to what Edna had designed it for, the Taranaki Woman Golfer of the Year using the same criteria.
The Women’s Masters Team to compete at the Interprovincial competition at Waiuku 5-7 April has been named. Team in playing order, Debbie McCallum, Svala Garner, Joanne McDonald, Meena Riley, reserve Gareth Hughes. Good golfing everyone