Hard call at Air New Zealand golf

A big field of 94 players turned out last Saturday for the first round of the Air New Zealand golf tournament at Rarotonga Golf Course and while there were some outstanding scores, there are still about 40 players who are in with a chance to win when the final round is played.

It was pretty much a perfect day for golf but then there is never a bad day for golf and many players handled the course well.

Once again the ladies seemed to enjoy the conditions and the game and the top three leaders in the tournament were the ladies.

Three strokes covered the top ten places, keeping the club captain busy doing count-backs.

The placing and scores in this bogey tournament, so far, are 1st Terangi Teokotai (+7), 2nd Rita Howard (+7), 3rd Tuaine Marsters (+7), 4th Russell Hynd (+6), 5th Royle Brogan (+6), 6th Des Eggelton (+6), 7th James Herman (+5), 8th Mahai Daniel (+5), 9th Henry Story (+5), and 10th Chris McGeown (+4) who earned his spot on a count-back from several other players.

Best round of the day from the men was from young William Howard who carded a 69 off the stick.

His feat was matched by Royle Brogan, also with 69.

Best of the ladies were Tuaine Marsters and Kurai Foster, both with 76.

Basically, anyone with a +2 or better is in with a real chance to take out the major prize of an Air New Zealand return ticket to NZ.

This is one of the more popular prizes for the year at the Rarotonga Golf Club where everything depends on the 2nd round this year.

It is one of the closest competitions in recent history and will depend on who handles the conditions on the day which, at the moment, are forecast to be tricky with the wind having a major effect.

All players are reminded that they should be at the 1st tee, ready to play, at least 5 minutes before their scheduled tee time.

If you are late, the starter will try and fit you in if there is an empty place in a group later on. This is a major tournament and you wont be allowed to just join in the next group making up a five.

The Birdie Twos competition jackpotted once again to $326 and will increase this Saturday as players register.

As the saying goes, Youve got to be in it to win it.

The draws for the Lionel/Virginia competition will be completed this week, so if you are not financial yet, remember that this popular competition is for fully financial members only. Please also remember that if you are not fully financial you must pay green fees every time you play. Good luck to all golfers.