Fairway Times Newsletter Taupo
5th September 2017
“Nga huka kokoti komata”
The frosts will cut down the young shoots.
Kia ora from Renee’s Desk
Food for Thought
Are we a Club or a Business? Or are we a Club in the business of Golf?
We as members of the Taupo Golf Club govern and run the Club for the health, comradeship and leisure of golfers. As the Operations Manager - Golf my mandate is to promote a culture of community and promote golf participation. My operational duties are running a Pro-Shop and developing golf opportunities such a junior and beginner golf programmes. However I find my role expands further than my duties. This to be expected. In other words we (employed staff and members) all need to support and assist each other to get the necessary jobs done even if it is “not your job”.
For instance when I first opened the Pro-shop and Pro Drive stock was delivered a number of members and my family assisted on the Friday evening. I appreciated this as many hands make light work. After recently playing a private round of golf on my day off on entering the clubhouse I noted the bar was busy and the queue was almost out the door. I had a choice to make – “it’s not my job” or should I “help our team and support members to get their refreshments faster”. I assisted the bar staff briefly to reduce the queue.
From time to time you may notice rubbish on the course or dirty toilets. While there are contractors they are not employed fulltime. Our courses are stunning with beautiful Tauhara as our backdrop. We really need to keep our environment clean and green so everyone enjoys their experience of a club in the business of golf.
“Clean communities, healthy citizens.”
― Lailah Gifty Akita
RECENT EVENTS
Olly and Wilson at the Tina Golf Club New Caledonia
Ollie Monkman and Wilson Simmonds recently travelled to New Caledonia to represent TGC at the South Pacific Junior Open on our sister club Tina GC. We are looking forward to hosting a small group of players from New Caledonia in our TGC junior mini masters next month. Travelling to other countries is such a privilege and a great experience for our young golfers. I am sure Olli and Wilson will gain much from their experience. Things that sometimes we don’t expect is the way the grass grows, the flora and fauna that is different, the club house rules and of course the different countries kai and cultural differences in terms of rituals and expected behaviours.
12th-14th October Mini Masters at Taupo Golf Club
Contact Energy Charity Day
This was the 17th year Contact Energy have run a tournament at our Club. Over the years they have raised over $336,984:00 for 21 charitable organisations involved in the local community of Taupo. I must say I was proud to be part of the event which went smoothly. Weather wise we were very lucky with heavy rain coming at the end of the day. This is the first year I have been involved behind the scenes and I must say thanks to Contact Energy for supporting the Pro-Shop and running a well organised day. We all are looking forward to next!
Australian DAE Golf Trip
A group of our members travelled to across the ditch to the Australia DAE event. Members have reported that the weather was fabulous and the Gold Coast courses very challenging. Sounds like a lot of fun was had by one and all. The event consisted of 5 days of golf on 5 different courses. We look forward to hearing all about the trip.
48th Auckland Vs Wellington Representative event
Click here for results
Daryl Morris (Bunter) Memorial Day 2nd September
With a field of over 122 people the day ran smoothly. The Men’s Committee did a sterling job running a very successful event. I am sure there were lots of memories shared. Bunter was passionate about the game of golf and displayed such commitment to the Club there would have been lots to talk about. Go well Bunter.
Taupo Times article
Speed of Play
Anyone wanting to give speed golf a go let me know I’m super keen to have to see more speed golfers on the course! Any age will do. Speed golf is fun, fast for those time poor members and a great way to keep your fitness up.
Cavaliers Boys trip
10 Cavaliers (plus one ex Cavalier) enjoyed a week’s golf on the Gold Coast (5 – 13 August). This annual trip has been going for 17 years. This year the Cavaliers played some amazing courses including the daunting Brookwater course, Hope Island and Royal Pines where the Australian PGA and Australian Ladies Masters are played. While the boys put up a brave effort, the challenging Ozzie courses were mostly the winner on the day. Any rumours you hear of non-golf activities are probably highly exaggerated or untrue! ?
Upcoming events
In the coming month, we have a number of out of town group and corporate bookings between the two courses. We ask that you check the online booking systems before heading to the course for a game. While we always wish to accommodate it helps us if you can book a tee time or at least know when it’s a good time for a sneaky 9.
NEXT MONTH
6th October SPCA Charity
8th October Alexander Windows – book online or at the pro-shop
12th-14th October Mini Masters Link
13th October Twilight – Fridays, more details coming soon
Pro-shop Change
Our thanks to our committed club and board members who have assisted in making changes to the Pro-shop layout. You will notice as soon as you walk in the shop counter is now directly in front of you. It has been great to hear the positive feedback. The team are enjoying the layout and room the change affords the staff.
Next Week
Remember Maori language week – so let’s get our korero going.