Last Saturday was the official start of the Rarotonga Golf Club season.

Generously sponsored by Steinlager and The Bond for the 19th successive year, this was a great occasion at the club.

There was a morning shot-gun start followed by the official opening and blessing of the season and some kaikai. The afternoon players then had their shot-gun start.

Considering that the day was sunny and very hot, the players handled the course very well and it turned out to be a very close competition.

Played on a stableford basis, there were lots of players on 36 or more points. In fact the cut-off was 40 points and that had to be on a count-back!

Winner of the major prize – a chilli-bin full of Steinlager goodies – was Mai Raina who carded an 80 off the stick for 44 points which was probably her personal best.

The other prize winners were – Henry R Henry and Bruce Manuela with 43 points, Donnie Willis, Des Eggelton, and Sonny Karati on 42 points, Jackson Enue, Tere Taio, and walter Tangata on 41 points, and Daniel Webb with 40 points on a count-back from about four other players.

Kirk Tuati (our dual gold medallist) had the longest drive for the men while Ake Tereia took out the prize for the ladies longest drive.

All prizes were graciously presented by Trish Barton from The Bond.

Thank you to Trish and your staff for all your help.

Also taking part on the day was Steinlager rep John Jessie who also played a pretty mean game.

It was a great way to start the season and we look forward to a great year and further association.

For those aspiring to represent the Cook Islands in the coming Pacific Games in New Caledonia, your games and scores will be monitored over the next few weeks during a selection process for the golf squad.

This Saturday is the Air Rarotonga Tournament and is likely to draw a very big field to try and win the two airline tickets to the Southern Group on offer thanks to the generosity of Ewan Smith who is also Patron of the Club.

So get your name in early.

Players, please remember, during this hot weather especially, to keep hydrated while on the course – no that doesn’t mean drink lots of beer (you can do that after the game) – it is very easy to succumb to heat exhaustion and even heat stroke in this type of weather.

Also, please remember that it is vital to put your correct handicap on your card so check the notice board.

Just a reminder to members – you only have until April 12 to pay your membership in full. If you don’t pay by then you are not eligible to win a prize and you will have to pay green fees.

To all golfers, have a great season with the wonderful game of golf on Rarotonga.