Aorangi Golf Association

As I write this, the 5^th Annual Report of Aorangi South Canterbury Golf Inc, I look back on a year that on the face of it reflects business as usual around our core activities of programming, interclub and representative golfing activities. Whilst that is of course true, much more has also been happening that is not quite so transparent but has strong implications as to where our golfing community progresses in the future.

You will recall that early in the year golf received some provocative coverage in the local (South Canterbury) media about “to many golf courses”. As I visited clubs throughout the year and caught up with members during these visits and at other activities such as pennant games and tournaments, this was also a comment that was raised informally with me on many occasions. This is a challenging subject and not easy to address, but clearly is one that does matter. As Clubs, your response to that issue was one that did not require a direct involvement of the Board – indeed we are not clearly mandated to become directly involved in, nor do we necessarily have the resources to support. Whilst respecting that view, it also falls upon the Association to “foster the growth and control the development of golf”. It goes without saying the most critical function is ensuring the fiscal health of club and I know that is always at the forefront of administrative undertakings. However, I feel I would be remiss in not recognising the subject with you all again, and I ask that you do not close your minds to any option that looks at what is best for golf overall in our district.

At NZ Golf level, there has also been significant discussion about the deteriorating health of the game, from the reduction of playing numbers to the pressure on the current infrastructure and resources available. To this end a review of the administrative infrastructure around delivery of the game of golf was instigated during the year. We await reports and recommendations that look both at the future of District Associations and also mechanisms that can be instigated where NZ Golf can better offer support down to Club level to deal with the challenges faced. Consultation will follow in the new year and I ask for your active involvement and feedback in this process when this is sought.

Golf Activities: The mainstay of our activities continues to be our interclub pennant competitions. These remain stable and well supported at most levels, particularly the handicap grades, and as always are keenly fought over the duration of the competition. It was a concern, however, to see our premier Men’s Competition (Holmes Cup) reduced to just 5 clubs in 2012. The Mens’ forum in August signalled a status quo for 2013, and whilst that clearly meets the general needs of golfing community, my challenge to both Clubs and players alike is to field teams that stretch yourselves.

Representative: A look back at the period that aligns with this report [Oct-11 to Sep-12] shows our representative teams struggled at both South Island and National events, with the exception of the Men’s Freyberg Masters Team which showed an improvement on recent years with a top 10 result. Endeavouring to improve our position coming into the events at the end of 2012, we saw some positive developments. The introduction of a North V’s South matchup between leading players in the district was instigated and involved 40+ men golfers to create good trial activity. The Women’s selectors also instigated a Development programme exposing a number of new players to the fringes of representative golf. It is apparent that these initiatives are working towards better results in the coming representative season.

Junior Golf: Our GDM, Graham Keen, continues to do well in coordinating the KiwiGolf programme through the local schools network, and meeting the requirements and targets set through the national body - well done Graham and your team of presenters. However, it is only as good as the support offered within clubs to convert these opportunities once youngsters have been exposed to the game. To the clubs that do, congratulations on developing these programmes and I am sure the benefits will flow on from these efforts. For other clubs that don’t, on Graham’s behalf I again encourage you look at this area to grow your base by capturing and offering a pathway for the young people in your catchment to join our game.

General: Thanks as always must go to the people who help our organisation operate. To all of the Board members for their involvement throughout the year, in particular Lesley Dobbs and Peter Rae in running match activities for Women’s and Men’s golf respectively; to Peter also for his work in administering finances; Janet Rae as she continues to undertake her Secretarial role with diligence; Susan Lyttle for the administration and maintenance of the Associations website; and also our various selectors and management personnel.

To the Clubs I have been able to visit throughout the year, thanks also for your hospitality, as well as your feedback and views on golfing matters. As I reflect on these, it shows me we are still passionate about our game and the fellowship it brings.

Best wishes for the break over festive season and summer ahead. I personally look forward to embracing the challenges that await us all in 2013 and being available to assist with progression of those matters affecting the game within our District.

Grant Williams
Chairperson

Aorangi South Canterbury Golf inc: Chairman’s Report , November 2011.

It gives me pleasure to present what is the 4^th Annual Report of Aorangi South Canterbury Golf Inc, and my first in the chair. It has been an interesting year and one that has offered challenges across all aspects of golf operations that we touch.

The first challenge arose at the 2010 AGM where regrettably there were insufficient nominations received to fill the spaces for the incoming Board. We were fortunate this was resolved promptly and pleased to welcome Barbara O’Connell and Jenny Kellahan as co-opted members to fill the shortfall. Along with them, I would like to thank Peter Rae, Lesley Dobbs, Michelle Kelly and Neil Macdonald for the work and efforts during the year running the organisation. Michelle and Neil are both retiring from board this year and extra thanks to them for their contributions over a number of years.

Golf Activities: The start to the golfing season was also a little scratchy … who can forget the extraordinary temperature we were faced with on Waitangi Day at Fairlie? I am pleased to say that other than a few late season weather interruptions to planned pennant final series dates and the women’s Champion of Champions, the golfing programme has run smoothly this year. All pennant series were vibrant and competitive as normal and continue to be the mainstay of golfing activities. It was also good to see Mixed Pennants back on the calendar this year and fill a gap that was noted by a number of member clubs. The Lowe Cup and St Andrews Shield challenge trophies continue to be contested, with good tenures in the former from Waimate and more recently St Andrews, and Gleniti having a strong hold on the later.

Well supported and productive Forums for Women, Men and Juniors were held during the year and feedback from these is always valuable and welcome as the board endeavours to deliver on the Club wishes for golfing activities. Whilst these Forums give some formality to the communication process, please feel free to continue to contribute your ideas throughout the year.

The increase in the number of clubs running HSBC events this year has been good to note, the format not being hard to run and ultimately giving the general club golfer a great opportunity to get to a national final. Good to see.

GDM & Junior Golf: Graham Keen has had a busy year. On top of his core duties in ensuring the successful delivery of KiwiGolf via the schools, along with presenters Janelle Amalfitano and Pat Bell, and coaching of coaches which was done through a Gateway training day, his other successes include the Junior Tiger day and a very successful junior series of events throughout the school holiday periods. This series is now established across the whole territory and well communicated to our junior golfers, and thanks go to the players, parents and clubs alike for their support. Thanks Graham for your enthusiastic and passionate efforts.

Congratulations also go to all clubs and their volunteers who have developed and run regular junior programmes. A special mention also to Andre van Staden, our sole district professional, for his growing efforts developing young golfers. Junior golf is a focus that NZ Golf are encouraging as part of future security of our game and it really is a buzz to go along and see these youngsters of all shapes and sizes enjoying the game. For those clubs who have yet to get programmes established you really are missing opportunities.

Representative: The 2011 playing year will not be recalled as a stellar year for Aorangi SC teams as we finished in the bottom percentile of respective National and South Island events. Our players continue to do there best and represent the district with pride in what is an extremely competitive and high level of competition. Thanks to our team of selectors, Jenny Kellahan, Barbara O’Connell, Chris Dawson, Daniel Perham, Simon Wright and Mike Dash for your efforts. Representative golf is a core activity of a District Association’s existence and one that we are required to commit to within the NZ Golf structure. As a result, it creates opportunities for our players to be part of the highest level and we shown in the past we can achieve nationally and can do some again with good planning, programmes and investment.

Individually we did see national recognition for ASC players. Robbie Bell (Ashburton) achieved selection with the NZ Seniors team; Tim Leonard (Timaru) retained a place in the top 12 players in the country via the NZ Golf Development Squad; Catherine Bell (Ashburton) a NZ Golf junior team trip to Australia and along with Jordan Green (Ashburton) attended NZ Golf selected training/coaching camps. In addition, Rod Patterson (Waimate) was appointed a NZ Men’s selector and Anne Seed (Timaru) continued her role as a NZ Women’s selector. We are all proud of your achievements.

General: A number of high profile events were also held in our district during the year as we played our part in the NZ golfing calendar. Congratulations go to the Gleniti and Ashburton Clubs for bringing Professional golf back to the region with the Legends Tour events in the early part of the year. SI Amateur and SI Under 19 tournaments were held at Timaru, and Geraldine held a very successful NZ Women’s Autumn Foursomes. Well done.

As always, thanks to our Secretary Janet Rae for all the work she does in administering our organisations affairs – no easy task. Also to Susan Lyttle who maintains a very comprehensive and high quality website that continues to deliver an essential and growing method of communication to our members.

A report this year would not be complete without mention of the dramatic events of the Christchurch earthquake. We were fortunate that this devastating event did not have any physical effects on any of our clubs in the way it did with our very good friends in that city and surrounds where a number of clubs experienced major damage to their facilities. It is with pride I note the number of our clubs who showed support of both sister clubs and the wider effected community through funds raised/donated at events and around your clubhouses, and equally the welcome you were able to give to those visitors from Christchurch when they escaped the environment to support your tournaments.

I have not been able to visit as many clubs as I wished during the course of this year, but for those where I did make it, whether it be just to call in or as part of a golf activities, thanks for you welcome and hospitality. For those I did not reach, I hope the opportunity exists for me to do so in 2012. I have enjoyed the role as Chairperson, as busy as it has been, and thank you as member clubs, officials and players alike for the support and encouragement given.

Best wishes for the festive season and a relaxing summer break, and we look forward to an enjoyable and successful 2012 golfing season.

Grant Williams
Chairperson.

Presidents Report 2010

Aorangi South Canterbury Golf Inc
3^rd Annual Report

I have much pleasure in presenting the 3^rd Annual report of the Aorangi South Canterbury Golf Inc.

This year started with the Waitangi Day tournament which was won by Fairlie. This is a great event for Club executives all to meet and exchange ideas.

Forums for Women have been held in March and July and the Men held on in September. These were all supported very well, and with positive feedback these days should be continued.

Strategic Plan. The Board members formatted this earlier in the year, and it has been sent out to all Clubs. If we all work together the goals will be achieved.

Coming together is a beginning, keeping together is progress and working together is success.
This quote from Henry Ford is very appropriate and we hope the progress continues year after year.

GDM. In April Graham Keen was employed as our new Golf Development Manager. It is pleasing to see the results of his work coming through with the Juniors. Tournaments have been organised in the School Holidays, and thanks must go to the bank of helpers on the Junior Committee who have helped as well. If the enthusiasm from Volunteers continues, our Golf clubs will benefit from this and have younger members playing golf in this region, something that is lacking in most clubs at present.
Janelle Amalfitano and Pat Bell are the Kiwi Presenters and have been teaching the skills in schools. By the end of the year 11 schools will have been visited in the region with 692 children having 3 lessons. 3 schools are booked in for next year with 6 to confirm. Thanks Graham for a great start.

Representative. Players have performed to the best of their ability in all fixtures, some with great success. They have all received ongoing coaching, and this has helped immensely both in men and women. Thanks must go to the selectors, Anne Seed, Catherine Knight, Rod Patterson, Brian Leonard, and Mike Dash and Managers who give up their time to organise the trials and arrangements for the representative tournaments.

HSBC. I was very disappointed in the clubs for not entering into this 9 hole challenge. Only 2 clubs St Andrews and Maungati obviously read about the information that you all received about this event. Maybe these two clubs were lucky as 7 of the ones that entered, now have a trip to North Shore to play in the NZ final. Maybe even a trip to Singapore. Perhaps next year more clubs will look into it a bit more. Remember it is for all golfers not only 9 holers.

Thanks to Susan Lyttle who is very efficient and keeps the Website up to date, with the news, photos, results and tournaments. Please continue to send these in to our website. I have been told that Aorangi South Canterbury is one of the best. I know that some clubs have problems finding articles but hopefully this will improve with more use.

We did not print a handbook this year, as we did not have sponsors, but it would be good to produce a ring manual for Club Captains and Secretaries to use with all the pennant, association tournaments, conditions, names and addresses of contacts in clubs and the programme. The manual could be updated when there were changes. A charge for these and clubs could order as many as they need.

Presidents Day. As we have a very successful Waitangi day, I don’t see any need for having this event. Perhaps we have a mixed fund-raiser tournament instead, Trophies could still be used on this day.

I would like to sincerely thank Peter Hayes Vice Chairman, Peter Rae treasurer and Men’s Match Convenor, Lesley Dobbs, Women’s Match Convenor, Neil Macdonald, Grant Williams, and Michelle Kelly for all their work in all fields. Budgets, constitution, and strategic plans all were a lot of work throughout the year. Special thanks to Janet Rae our secretary who has worked willingly with every request that had to be done. Thank you all. Good team work.

As this is my last year, I would like to thank all the clubs for your support and encouragement. Invitations to your Tournaments were much appreciated, and I have enjoyed the experience of being part of the Board and the administration.

I wish the incoming board members every success and hope you enjoy it as much as I have

A Merry Christmas to you all, good health and good golfing for 2011.

Lois Beattie
Chairperson.

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