Saturday 30 August – “Forecast: Wet Clubs, Warm Spirits”
Live from Queenstown Golf Club – where sideways rain met sideways golf swings
Weather Watch – Cold Front Incoming!
Let’s be honest: today was more about surviving the elements than saving par. With less than half the field finishing, some made a quick dash home to dry out, while others did what any self-respecting golfer would: camped out in the clubhouse, kept their insides warm, and provided critical commentary from the comfort of a dry seat.
“It was wetter than a fish's handshake,” one player was heard muttering while nursing a flat white and dignity.
And one of the results we've all been waiting on- The Hills lucky Draw
We have had the joy of raffling of one tee time so 4 of our lucky members could enjoy each other's company before the Hills course gets remodelled.
Drum roll please for: Sally Hicks-Beach, Pat White, Julie Grant and Adam Dawson.
Top Story – The Storm Couldn’t Stop the Stars
While the conditions outside were borderline biblical, a few brave souls (and their waterproofs) battled on. In the Combined Group Best Ball Stableford(Split 6) format, it was the dream team of Martin Buckley, Aaron Hotop,Darren Hill & James Sowerby who stormed to victory with an impressive 83 points, taking home the $25 top prize and bragging rights for outlasting both the field and the weather
They were followed by:
Mike Rivers, John Kennedy, Danny King & Steve Ridley – 79 pts ($22)
Cory Clark, Euan Wilson, Adam Chesher & Jaydee Oh – 78 pts ($20)
Shoutout also to the sixth-place team of Russell Thoms, Corey Sinteur, Mike Wong & Peter Waaka, who still collected a cheeky tenner despite what we suspect was more water than golf by the final few holes
Two’s Report – Precision Amid the Storm
Somehow, despite gloves slipping and raindrops dancing on putter faces, four players managed to roll in a two and earn themselves $17 each:
A remarkable feat in conditions that had most of us just aiming for dry ground.
Birdie & Net Eagle Watch
It was that sneaky Jack Pot who snagged the full Birdie Draw pot of $85 – no doubt drying off while counting his winnings.( Which he will be donating back to the cause next week)
Meanwhile, Cory Clark landed the Net Eagle pot to the tune of $153. That’s got to warm the wallet, if not the socks.
Special of the day: Korean Fried Chicken voucher goes to Conor O'Boyle, a 3 on the par 5 18th, was he putting for 3 or did he chip in for 3?. Yet to be confirmed.
Special Prizes – Slippery Greens, Sharp Shots
Even in the wet:
Ladies Update – Medal Round (Part 1)
The ladies began their first round of the Medal today... well, the brave ones did. With a few scores in and many more postponed thanks to the monsoon-like weather, the second round will be played on Tuesday, where the overall Medal results will be confirmed. We suggest bringing a canoe. Just in case.
Closing Forecast
So while the course may have felt like the back nine at Augusta by way of Lake Wakatipu, the spirit was well and truly alive. Today proved once again that it’s not the weather that makes the golfer – it’s the grit.
See you Tuesday Ladies for round 2 – forecast says only showers. Pack the towel, but bring your A-game.
Stay dry (or don’t),
Your Queenstown Golf Shop Team
Forecasting birdies, bogeys, and banter since forever.
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