Over the weekend the first Ronald McDonald House Member Guest Tournament was held and it was an overwhelming success! Participants were entertained Friday evening with canapes and a demonstration from head butcher Justin from Waipawa Butchery along with the random draw which saw pairs drawn into their flights for the day. A perfect sunny Hawke's Bay day dawned for the golfing action on Saturday. The players enjoyed three 9 hole rounds mixing and playing with different people both visitors and fellow club members. At the conclusion of the flight rounds winning pairs from each flight entered the knock-out holes, the pressure was on. One pair after each hole eliminated to determine the final two to battle it out for first place. Coming up the 18th the galleries formed both around the green and on the verandah to watch Ivan Grieve make one of the best shots of his career, chipping in off the the green to half the match which then went to a chip-off determining the ultimate winners; Ian McKenzie and Max Charmley. The tournament dinner prepared by our team and lead by Kieran Genge was of a high quality and enjoyed by all. The evening concluded with an auction for Ronald McDonald House Charities, and local owner and member Marcus Pohio gave some information on the great work they do with so many Hawke's Bay families having stayed there. The seven auction lots generated a lot of interest and resulted in some successful winnings. The final tally is being completed however we estimate approximately $15,000 was raised to be forwarded to RMHC. To all those that supported and participated one way or another, thank you! This tournament is one that got members and visiting mingling for a good cause. One member who has been very supportive of club events over the years was bold enough to say this was the most enjoyable tournament he's played in during the last 20 years at the club. The format was fresh and exciting, the planning evident and professionally executed and the course as good as its ever been. |