Aitutaki Golf Club

A few shots to start.

A few random shots from yesterday. Hearing about some of the scores leads me to believe there were quite a few "random" shots made without the use of a camera as well yesterday.
I also learnt yesterday that golfers are capable of telling "if only" lies just like us fisherman. The one that got away is in all sports in some form or another I guess.
Will post scores later as I have no transport at present. I own 5 motorbikes, car, Jeep and a Ferguson tractor. All that's left is the tractor. While reliable, I'm dammed if I'm going to the golf club on a tractor. I'm not Fred Dagg! So folks photos to follow after 10.00am.

A long time ago two Scotsmen were in a pub.

One Scotsman says, "I'm going to invent a game."

The second man asks, "What do you have to do?"

The first man says, "You have to get a ball in a hole."

The second man asks, "So it's like billiards?"

The first man says, "No, the hole is going to be much farther away."

The second man asks "So, it's something like bowling?"

The first man says, "No, it's going to be played on grass, and it's going to twist and turn."

So the second man asks, "So it's kind of like croquet?"

The first man says, "NO, I'm going to put in tall grass, and water, and sand, and trees, just to p**s you off!"

So the second man asks, "So you do this once?"

The first man replies, "NO, YOU DO IT EIGHTEEN TIMES!!"

First time ever that a Mitchell has not been playing. Over 30 years we've had mother, daughters, grandchildren playing in the open. This year it's not to be.
The family are good golfers and have always won prizes. What am I going to do as there will be no new microwaves, toasters, jugs, air tickets, in our wash house. Umbrellas, golf trundlers, glasses, grog, etc etc.
They better be in next year's open!
Pi***ng down heavily. No sun in sight.
Neil.

Well folks, the "Air Rarotonga Aitutaki golf open 2018 is underway. Opened by patron Munro at 2pm. Finger foods followed by a nine hole something.
The open got underway 7.00am Wednesday after a little confusion on starting. (I think the starter may have had too much Tuesday, but don't tell anyone). Scores as per photos posted.
Today, Thursday is very blustery day. Tee offs under way. Soggy golfers will be returning about 10.am. Heavy rain, thunder etc expected today. That's gonna sort the pros out.
As far as I know, all running to plan. 92 playing. As some will be aware, my health has not been too good so unfortunately most of what I post will be photos. I won't be spending all day on the course reporting as I have done in the past. I will be back later in the morning for more photos.
Many comments as to "where's Poto "? Greg was running the bar during the day for us last 3 opens but this time round, well he can't make it as he's been so busy. Greta, Lee, Martha, Ned an Terry taking turns on the bar. I note that many of the heavy drinkers are not living up to expectations. Guess age is beginning to catch up with many or perhaps they are saving for Friday night? Yes Friday night. This allows us to go on until 1.30am Saturday morning with the extended bar license. Obviously we can't do that when our final night was a Saturday as Sunday is the next day.
A nice BBQ was held Tuesday night but Aitutaki did not live up to it's usual reputation as I'm told we ran out of food! Please club members, a plate of kinaki is most appreciated at BBQs'. Anything at all. Nu is quick, easy and cheap. Many enjoy coconut milk with their dinner.
Also, bunkers are not classified as GUR. Not sure if this was a genuine mistake by a player or ????
OH gosh, it's currently p**sing down. OH well, it's a level playing field. We're all on the same course.
Sonny and Eric have done a very good job out there and the greens are as good as, if not better than Rarotonga. Considering our limited finances, all believe they have done extremely well.
OK folks, I've just need told to make 50 toasted sandwiches for cold golfers return. No rest for the wicked.
C-yas later.
Neil.

More photos. Photo credits here go to Jakana Tare. I think she has done a very commendable job!

All over folks. The 2017 open is now closed. The winner was none other than Daniel Webb. The young fella that grew up in Aitutaki, learnt golf on Aitutaki, shifted to Rarotonga for work etc etc etc. Now 40ish, Dan is now living and working in Rarotonga so plays golf there. He has won this trophy numerous times, represented the Cooks in golf at South Pacific mini games and games, plays off a 3 handicap so all in all, pretty darn good golfer. Congratulations Daniel.
It was a brilliant day yesterday. Great golf was had by all. I mean, everything was just perfect. Couldn't be better. All the club worked together to make this event so successful. Some of the sponsored prizes were fantastic. Trip to Tahiti for two, return tickets to southern Cook's, large bar fridge, stihl chainsaw to name but a couple of the top prizes. You will see from the photos the stack of prizes. Too good I say!
Kai kai was scrumptious. So much food. 19 hole flat out until closing, 1.30am. A band bought up from Rarotonga by Air Rarotonga supplied the music. I'd had enough by 10pm and went home tired out. There is such a lot to do, even behind the scenes, something has to be done somewhere.
A nine hole fun game is scheduled for 3 pm. Wonder who will be there? Some of the after midnight photos I have seen may indicate sore heads and hangovers! I cannot put these on Facebook as I do wish to live another day or two.
Thanks to Greg from Rarotonga for daily running of the bar. Those that didn't know Greg before, do now!
Also thanks goes to Ewan an Fenny for their continued sponsorship of junior golfer development. It showed last night with some top scores from juniors.
Munro, well what can we say about Munz that hasn't already been said? With out patron Munro, there would not be a club. Simple as that really. A big meitaki maata Munro.
BSP Bank. These guys and gals put in so much over the 3 days. Unbelievable support.
Yvonne and Nia of Vonnias, brilliant.
Sebon and the Bond Store. Superb.
Please, there are many I have not mentioned. Without your help, this just would not be what it is. We do thank you sooo much.
Apart from promising myself a rest today, I'm also a bit slow hence putting up photos. By for now.
Papa Neil.