A FEW WORDS FROM PENNY
Apologies for being a bit quiet lately. I was away skiing for three weeks and came back straight into the lurgy that has been doing the rounds, so it has taken me a little longer than usual to get this newsletter out. Thank you for your patience.
I also want to address the survey. I haven't been avoiding sharing the results, though I will admit I needed a bit of time to sit with them. Sending it out gave me some really valuable insight into how we can run our event days and keep the club feeling good for everyone. It has never been stated or advertised that you can't enter as a team on these days, and as a club we have always allowed it, so I was genuinely surprised by the tension that came up on the day. That is exactly why I sent the survey out, so everyone could have their say and be properly heard. Thank you to everyone who took the time to respond.
Going forward, the play format and how teams are entered will be clearly stated on every poster, so it is fair and transparent for all.
WHAT THE SURVEY TOLD US
79% of respondents said they would prefer to be randomly paired with other players on event days. But a really important point came through in a lot of the comments too, how daunting it can feel to sign up and play with people you don't know. Many of you said you would rather come down with a friend or a small group and ease into the day that way, and that is completely understandable.
So here is where we have landed. Two of our event days each year will be random pairings, these will be Ambrose format with Brad balancing out the handicaps. The other two event days will allow you to enter as a team or with a friend. This way, newer ladies have an easy way in, coming along with someone they already know, while we still keep opportunities to mix and meet new faces. As a few of you rightly pointed out, around 25% of our members are what keep our event days running and full, so if we want more ladies and fresh faces joining in, we need to try some new approaches.
Tuesday mornings will stay as they are, you book in yourselves, and I would gently encourage you not to block book with the same friends every time. Using the spot that suits you is a great way to meet others in the club. Thursdays and other time slots remain the place to play with your friends as you normally would.
A NOTE ON ETIQUETTE AND KEEPING THINGS FRIENDLY
Golf is evolving, and that includes dress and etiquette. We want to keep welcoming new members through our doors, many of whom are younger, and while there is so much to learn from our more experienced members, both in age and time at the club, we also need to move with the times. Digital scorecards are likely to be the norm by 2030, with stableford scoring worked out automatically. On the clothing front, some of the newer golf ranges are a lot more fitted than what we are used to seeing, and that is simply the direction things are heading.
On the rules side, we have had a full rules presentation this year and the rules handout has now been emailed out three times, so we should all be on the same page there. That means our golf chat can stay focused on getting to know one another. A bit of competitive spirit is always welcome; just keep it in perspective- this is not the PGA.
PENNANTS
Don't forget pennants. If you would like to be part of the team, please get in touch with Juliette. Even if you can only commit to two or three games, that would be a huge asset to the team.
15 February 2027
22 February 2027
1 March 2027
8 March 2027
15 March 2027
OPEN DAYS
Pukekohe Golf Club 9 Hole Tournament, Thursday 12 November 2026. Shotgun start 9.30am. Open to NZ Golf 9 hole members only, you must be a current member. Men's and women's divisions, drawn pairs, nearest the pin, longest drive and stableford.
Entry is $45 per person, includes morning tea and a light lunch, payable on the day via EFTPOS. Email entries to admin@pukekohegolf.co.nz or call the Pro Shop on 09 238 9668.
Wainui Golf Ladies Open Day, 9 holes of golf, Thursday 19 November 2026. Open to all affiliated 9 and 18 hole ladies. Registration and morning tea from 8am, shotgun start at 9.30am. Gross, nett and stableford, two divisions, straightest drive and 2's included.
$40 for members, $55 for non members. Price includes lunch, golf, a great prize pool and a gift pack.
To enter, email pro@wainui.online with your name and membership number. Payment confirms your entry, use your name and membership number as reference. Entries close 10 November, and places are already filling fast, capped at 100, so get your entry in early.
CHRISTMAS EVENT
And finally, don't forget our end-of-year Christmas event is coming up on December 15. Please enter via the online calendar when you get a chance, it would be wonderful to finish the year with a full house.
See you on the course.
Penny
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