ON A ROLL: Paul Delamere putts during the Kawerau Golf Club 50th jubilee mixed tournament on Saturday.
Photo Paula Massey D4398-01
THE idea for the Kawerau Golf Club was said to have formed over a few beers and the same pastime was used to mark its 50th year over the weekend.
The club’s 50th jubilee had over 100 people at the formal evening on Saturday night while 90 golfers took part in a mixed tournament during the day.
Lucky Karekare was the winner of the nett score and was given a walnut engraved fruit bowl donated by Denis Newton.
Newton was a part of the original club committee that put the plan together to create the course and shared insight on its creation.
He told of the heavy involvement of the then called Tasman Pulp and Paper Mill, which provided machinery and expertise cost free.
He also said the drainage implemented by Bill Henderson, was largely still in use.
Jubilee chairman Owen Enright said it was a well-run weekend.
“A wine and cheese evening on Friday night started the weekend celebration was well attended.
“We had an excellent photographic history of 50 years of the club put together by the Kawerau library staff Irene Sandle and Hariata Chase. This feature was well received, tickling the memory buds of all who viewed it.”
The weather was not ideal for Saturday’s tournament. Enright said it was a happy bunch that returned to the clubhouse as they dished out 72 prizes.
Sunday’s memorial service was conducted by Paul Delamere and Megan Rowlands paid tribute to all those who had died.
One of the memories was of Peter Brown, who was in charge of the fourth and 11th greens when the course was first established.
Certain families were allocated two greens to care for. Peter played his last game of golf and died on the eighth green and his ashes were scattered on that green.
There were also two famous faces at the club opening day in 1967. On the same day, triple Olympic gold medallist Peter Snell and legendary New Zealand cricketer Bert Sutcliffe were next door at the opening of Tarawera Park.
They were invited to play golf at the club where Sutcliffe hit 45 Stableford points, and broke 80 for the first time.
Snell hit four under his handicap and his round included reaching the green on the 520-metre ninth hole in two shots. It was some of the longest hitting seen on the course at the time.
Enright said the weekend was a success and was well supported. The main sponsor for the weekend was Pacific Golfer NZ.
Jubilee mixed tournament results
Winner of the Inaugural Jubilee Trophy donated by foundation member Denis Newton: Lucky Karekare, overall nett winner, 63nett.
First division men – nett: John Natana 66; Stableford: Korey Savage 40 points; gross: Ruel Pederson 73; second division men – nett: Lucky Karekare 63; Stableford: Lionel Bellas 41; gross: Pene Rangi 82; third division men – net: Robert Tripp 65; Stableford: Chris Hiwarau 39; gross: Mikaere Smith 88.
Ladies division – net: Aroha Crichton 67; Stableford: Lee-Ann Clark 39; gross: Judy Paterson 95.
Hackers division (drawn by lot) – men: Cheeta Savage; ladies: Lia Savage.
FAMOUS FACES: Early club members Tony Goer, Denis Newton and Gordon Cave at Sunday’s service. D4399-53 
IN THE SWING: Judy Paterson is on the downswing. D4398-56 
ALL WEATHER: Marcus Abraham watches his shot. D4398-52 
GETTING READY: Cedric Katene takes a practice swing on the tee. D4398-40 
LINING UP: Lucky Karekare prepares to tee off on Saturday. D4398-19 
ON COURSE: Gary Mataia, Chast Andrews and John Martina enjoy the tournament. D4398-33
Source: Whakatane Beacon