Sunday Stableford: From Thermals to Shorts in a Single Round
As the seasons play rock-paper-scissors across the Wakatipu basin, golfers are left wondering what to wear. A frosty tee-off gave way to spring warmth, and somewhere between the first and ninth hole, we got the cool mountain "breeze".Classic Queenstown.
Championship Conditions, Championship Scores
In a tightly contested field, it was David Grant who rose to the occasion with a sharp 38 points, edging out James Ward (also on 38) to grab the top prize on countback. Both navigated the changing conditions like seasoned pros.
Top 8 Prizewinners
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David Grant – 38 pts – $30
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James Ward – 38 pts – $25
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Suzanne Vidak – 36 pts – $20
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Steve Henderson – 35 pts – $15
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Marie Wilkinson – 35 pts – $15
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Quinton Thompson – 35 pts – $15
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John Consitt – 33 pts – $10
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Michael Taylor – 33 pts – $10.
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Julie and David Grant with their Australian guest.
Twos: Precision Pays
With the magic spread throughout the course, holes 7, 11 and 14 produced the goods.
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Steve Henderson
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Suzanne Vidak
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Quinton Thompson
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Joel Hasselman
Each took home $7, showing that sometimes it's the start, not the finish, that brings the riches.
Special Prizes
A few standout shots grabbed bonus honours:
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Nearest the Pin (Men’s – Hole 10): Stephen Makuta
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Nearest the Pin (Women’s – Hole 10): Julie Grant
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Longest Putt (Hole 18): John Consitt, draining it from way downtown like it was scripted.
Shoutouts and Honourable Mentions
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Quinton Thompson, still basking in knockout glory from last week, see photo below, made the top 6 again and threw in a tidy two for good measure.
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Suzanne Vidak, not only 3rd overall, but also grabbed a two on the board — the only woman in the two’s club today.
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Steve Henderson, consistent as ever, nabbed 4th and a two, just for good measure.
The aftermath of Quinton basking in his Single knockout glory.
4BBB matches have been ticking along quite nicely:
After a torrid match out on the fairways today, Dean Corry and Darren Hill and a 1 up win over Bernt Carlsson and John Bitcheno. Dean and Darren had to give more shots than their handicaps, but it's anyones game on the day. Winners are grinners.
Well done and lets keep the momentum going.
Can you pick the serial photobomber in the background?
Final Word from the Pro Shop Window
There’s something special about this time of year. The grass is green, the mountain tops are still white, and the weather keeps us all on our toes. Thermals in the morning, polos by midday. Golf in Queenstown is a layered affair in more ways than one.
Whether you walked off the 18th feeling like a champion or a contestant on a reality show called “Lost Balls: The Return,” thanks for being part of it.
Until next round — keep it between the mounds, and maybe next time we’ll make it to shorts without the wind reminding us who’s boss.
The Queenstown Golf Shop Team
Your fairway friends, snowcap watchers and two’s tally keepers