Happy New Year

We hope you all had a wonderful festive season and all the right golf equipment was under the tree for you!

It hasn't been the best start to the year with rain every day since 1st January.  We've had a total of 71mm of rain to date for January.  Below is a comparision of our 15th Hole from Jan 2017 - the year we had a drought and fire ban on the course - to Jan 2023.  January 2017 rainfall was just 9mm for the whole month!

A huge thanks to our greenkeeping team who are tackling each wet day as it comes.  Although the increased rainfall this summer has aided in some aspects of day-to-day tasks it has also created a few challenges not generally seen in summer months.

The damp conditions and humid temperatures have meant disease and weed infestation are at an all-time peak with many more fungicide and herbicide applications needing to be applied to ensure a high-class product and clean playing surfaces.

It is also means the growth rate of the surfaces is extremely high resulting in more mowing and grooming than usual for this time of year.  It is a challenge to achieve a good quality cut when the grass is growing at such a high rate and is generally wet from overhead conditions.

The team are doing their upmost to ensure the golf course is kept to its usual high standard and appreciate all the support and understanding of members during this very busy time.

Wallace Development Hastings Open Update

The Open is in just a few weeks time 26-29 January.  As the event draws nearer you may notice some differenes on the course.  The goal is to give the elite players a test over our golf course.  It will be great viewing over the week so make sure you pop out and watch some of the golf.  

Volunteers Needed

We do require member voluteers to assist with the usual tasks for a Golf New Zealand tournament.  These include Progress Boards, Spotting and Scorecard Checkers.

Progress Boards - these are scattered throughout the course located adjacent to a green and are in timeslots of approx 3 - 3.5 hours to get the field through, morning and afternoon 'shifts'.

Spotting - required on holes 2, 10, 11 & 17 for the four days.  Time requirements a morning or afternoon 'field'.

Scorecard Checking - based in the Tournament Office players will return their official scorecard to you in a private space.  You ensure they are happy with signed card before the leave the office.  This is fun to do with a friend to keep each other company.  Time requirements middle of the day for the morning field and then end of day for the afternoon field.

It would be greatly appreciated if you can offer some time throughout the four days. Please get in touch with Meg in the office to discuss specific days and time slot that need filling on email admin@hastingsgolfclub.co.nz

There have also been a couple of requests for billeting.  If you're able to welcome a player into your home for the tournament, please contact Brett in Pro Shop.