St Clair Golf Club Weekly Wrap

7th August 2025

Men's Club Captain Report

Dear Members,

Last week we played the Platinum homes club captain’s mug. Congratulations to Cole Bardwell. Cole had a net 70 in testing conditions. Best gross was Parker Aluesi with 71.

This week we play the Goldsmid Memorial 4bbb stableford. This is a trophy event.

Pennants: Presidents lost 4-2 to port Chalmers on Sunday.

Champions of Otago. Our team of Jakob Bleach, Matt Hall & Sam Smith travel to Lower Waitaki on Sunday 10^th August to compete against all the other club champions. Good luck guys.

Coming up the following week we have the Eureka Paterson & Corstorphine cup qualifying rounds. This and the club champs are the clubs’ premium events so why not have a go at qualifying and then playing the knockout match play rounds.

It’s done in two divisions which will be determined on the day dependent on qualifiers. Paterson for the lower handicappers and Corstorphine for the higher. If you qualify then its handicap match play knockout. Paterson match play off blue tees and Corstorphine match play off white tees. NB: Qualifying round is white tees.

Regards
Paul Brouwer 
paul.brouwer@nzwindowshades.co.nz  0274329562

Women's Club Captain Report

Hey everyone, 

It's great to have a number of our 18 and 9 hole women members playing in our annual women's 2BBB this Sunday at St Clair. In total, we've got 46 x 18 holers and 8 x 9 holers. All the best to those playing. 

You will have seen in last week's weekly wrap that the AGM is coming up in September where you'll have the chance to join the committee or board. If anybody is interested in finding out more about what this involves, feel free to chat to existing committee and board members. We'd love to have more of you getting involved. 

Coming up in the calendar 
Aug 5th/9th - LGU and Putting and Fotheringham Cleek (R2)
Aug 12th/16th - Stableford 

Hannah West
021 162 2190 

What's Happening on Course?

Over the past few weeks, the team has been extremely busy clearing debris from several trees that came down during recent weather events. While it may have looked like we were just cutting firewood, the reality is we’ve been working hard to clean up the mess left behind. A great outcome from this has been the opportunity to offer firewood to our members family & friends and the wider community, which has generated some welcome revenue for the club during a typically quieter period. We’d also like to acknowledge and thank the four fantastic volunteers—none of whom are members—who have generously donated their time to help with clean-up and firewood preparation.

We’ve recently taken delivery of our new rough mower, which has been put to good use across the course. We're really pleased with how it's performing, especially as we complete some important winter touch-ups. Many of you will be glad to hear that the first cut of the rough was completed on Tuesday. Given the wet conditions and the use of a reel mower, it will take a few passes before the results are fully visible, but we’re already seeing improvements.

We’re aware of recent feedback regarding tee mowing. With shorter days and damp grass, we’re utilising two staff to mow tees during the driest parts of the day to make the most of the conditions. Fairways—particularly the 12th and 14th—continue to be aerated regularly to encourage drainage and improve turf health. Chris has also spent time recently aerating the greens and tees using our new Air2G2 unit, which is helping to maintain good playing conditions.

Winter is also an important time for machinery maintenance. We’re currently sharpening mowers and servicing equipment to ensure everything is in top condition. Looking ahead, and weather permitting, we’ll soon begin irrigation repairs and start preparing the system for the upcoming season.

Thank you all for your continued support and understanding—there’s a lot happening behind the scenes to keep the course in great shape!

Cheers
Chris Murphy
 

Expressions of Interest

Have you thought about contributing to the club in some way but are not sure what you can do?  We are looking for expressions of interest for several positions, one of which may be just the thing for you.

Volunteer Admin Help

We’re on the lookout for a volunteer to assist in the office on a casual basis, particularly with administration tasks and helping to organise upcoming tournaments — including sourcing and preparing prizes.

If you have a bit of spare time, enjoy working behind the scenes, and want to support the club in a practical way, we’d love to hear from you!

Please give us a call at the office on 03 487 7076 or contact Annette directly on 0275 465 565 for a chat.

Your help would be greatly appreciated!
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Course Convenor 

We’re currently on the lookout for a new Course Convenor to join the team at St Clair Golf Club. Sadly, we’ve had to say goodbye to Mark in this role due to circumstances beyond his control, and we thank him for the time and energy he contributed to the club.

The Course Convenor is a volunteer position that plays a key part in supporting our Course Superintendent and ensuring the continued excellence of our course. If you’re passionate about golf, enjoy being hands-on, and want to contribute to the ongoing development and presentation of the course, we’d love to hear from you. It’s a great opportunity to be involved behind the scenes and make a real impact at your club.

Attached is a job description outlining the key responsibilities and expectations.  If you are interested please send your Expression of Interest to manager@stclairgolf.co.nz

Volunteers for Bar/Café Support

We are currently seeking volunteers to assist in our bar and café areas. If you’re interested in lending a hand, full training will be provided and assistance will be arranged on a rostered basis. This is a great opportunity to get involved and support the club in a fun and social environment.

If you'd like to express your interest, please email manager@stclairgolf.co.nz with your availability.
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Course Marshall Volunteers

As we prepare for the upcoming season, we are once again seeking volunteers to assist with Course Marshalling duties. This role is a vital part of ensuring smooth play and maintaining the pace and enjoyment of the game for all members and guests. Coordination of Course Marshals will be managed through the Pro Shop.

If you are interested in being considered for this role, please email manager@stclairgolf.co.nz with your availability.

Annette Godman
General Manager

Stairlift

Following a couple of recent incidents, we’d like to take a moment to remind members and guests that the stair lift is there for your safety and convenience. It was installed specifically to assist anyone who may feel unsteady, has a medical condition, or simply isn’t feeling 100%—whether it's a sore back, tired legs, or even after a few too many celebratory drinks. Our staff are more than happy to provide instructions and ensure you use it safely. Please don’t ever feel too proud to make use of this fantastic facility—it’s there to help you get down the stairs safely and comfortably.

The 120th Annual General Meeting of St Clair Golf Club Inc
(24th September 2025)

Dear Members,

Nominations are now open for positions on the Board of Management and various Committee roles, with several vacancies available.

As outlined in the Club Rules, the Board of Management comprises five members, each serving a three-year term on a rotational basis. This year, Paul Buckner is retiring by rotation and has offered himself for re-election. However, nominations are welcomed from any eligible member who wishes to stand for election to the Board.

Nominations for both the Board and Committee Officer roles must be submitted in writing, signed by two full members and the nominee. These must be received no later than 13th September 2025, which is at least 10 working days prior to the Annual General Meeting. Nomination forms are available in both the Men’s and Ladies’ restrooms.

Voting will take place at the Annual General Meeting. If nominations exceed the number of available positions for either the Board or Committee, a secret ballot will be conducted at the meeting, with scrutineers appointed to oversee the process.
Yours faithfully

Annette
Annette Godman, General Manager
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MTF Machinery Tournament

CALL FOR SUPPORT 

Preparations are underway for our MTF Machinery Tournament, happening on Friday, 5th September 2025. This is a low-cost entry event designed to encourage strong participation from our St Clair members — and while we don’t have traditional tee sponsors, we’d love your support in other ways.

We’re currently seeking raffle and auction items to help make the day a success. Vouchers, products, branded items, or anything you’re happy to contribute are always warmly received and help create a great tournament experience.
In return, all supporters will be acknowledged and thanked in the clubrooms on the day, with your generosity clearly recognised. 
If you’re able to help or would like to find out more, please get in touch with the office or ermail  General@stclairgolf.co.nz 
Thanks in advance — your support really does make a difference!

St Clair Golf Club office
(03) 487 7076
 

Bunker Rakes

At St Clair the correct etiquette is to leave the rake in the middle of the bunker. Rake the bunkers so the ball will finish in the middle of the bunker. By leaving the rake there, it means if the ball does hit it, the player will not have been unfairly impeded. This takes away the chance of the ball settling up the face or, worse, right at the back of the bunker.

We considered other options like leaving outside the bunker, half in and half out and building upstands but have settled on leaving the rakes in the bunkers at the low point when possible and running parallel with the hole.

Leaving the rakes outside the bunker can lead to awkward lies. Often around the edge of our bunkers you will have a difficult stance/lie and the rake can stop the ball from going into the bunker. Most green keepers would prefer the rakes to be in the bunkers so they can freely mow the surrounds. Building upstands for the rakes. This would mean they always have a home but could also be in the way of a flighted shot. A local rule would need to be in place for relief from this.

No matter what, rakes should always be left parallel with the hole and not at right angles. This greatly reduces the risk of a rake interfering with the ball.

Also Avoid leaving it half in, half out of the bunker. No matter what the angle of the rake, if a ball comes it rest against it, the resulting lie is likely to be very difficult. Take a moment to think about whether you'd like your ball to be lodged under the lip before you leave the rake half in, half out.

Thanks St Clair Committee

News from Patrick at the Pro Shop

On Course

Friday 8th August - Course open Friday draw at 10.00 for all casual play book a time.

Saturday 9th August - Club Day all play before 1pm is part of the club comp

Sunday 10th August - Women’s Pairs tournament. There are limited times for casual play,

Wednesday 13^th August - Winter Cup
Come and play this Wednesday in the Winter Cup. Register by 9.45 for a 10.00 start. The format is Stableford and the entry is $10 per person.

Sunday 17th August - Wentworth Tray - Mixed Canadian Foursomes
The next mixed comp is the Wentworth Tray on Sunday 17th August. The format is mixed Canadian foursomes where you and your partner tee off and choose one ball then play that alternately until you play out. Tee off is from 10.30-11.00 and the entry is $10pp. To enter as a single or group contact the pro shop on pro@stclairgolf.co.nz

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Make sure you book a time and that you check in for your tee time in the pro shop. This helps pro shop staff maximise play on course and make it easier to monitor who is on course.

Pro Shop

Otago Medical Research Foundation Tournament

Friday 12th September, contact Tracey Fleet, details below.

Cart Sponsorship Opportunity

Sponsor one of our carts today and get your brand seen by hundreds of players each week!

Boost your exposure and make a lasting impression at the club. Options and costs below.