Another cracker of a day to report. After a late evening putting the world to rest over a few Glenfiddichs with our good host, Nigel, I awoke this morning a little hazy - and apprehensive that my golf would be dire at best. Restraint is not an easy thing when people bend over backwards to help you out. The boys we met at Springfield yesterday filled us up with sausages and a Speights or two, then Nigel brought out the Scotch when we arrived at his house. Perhaps not ideal preparation for golf in the morning, but a boatload of fun all the same. It was particularly nice chatting with Nigel - who grew up with my father and his brother in Northern Ireland - and hearing about how life has been for him and his family since I last saw them, some 12/13 years or so ago.
The alarm just about gave me a heart attack this morning, and by the time my heart stopped racing I realised that Glenfiddich was still very much with me. However a sturdy breakfast soon saw to that, and there was no time for mucking about. Teed off at 830 (unfortunately sans playing partners) at Rotorua GC - an absolutely lovely course and, I understand, the best around these parts. There were a number of picturesque holes, particularly those bordering on the geothermal lakes and mud pools. A pungent sulphur aroma permeated the air, which didn't do wonders for the (mild) hangover. The par 3s were perhaps the highpoint - from memory they all straddled native bush/hot pools. Michael played some good golf, but again his score didn't do him justice (he had an 80; i had a 79; and the match was halved). Importantly it means he still can't shave, and I'm really enjoying having him on about his increasingly orange beard. Hope you can see it in the photo gallery.
The rain rolled in not long after we finished, so we timed it to perfection. Had a good yarn to a couple of the (very friendly) locals, before meeting up with Nigel - who very kindly came (with son, Woody) to buy us lunch in the clubhouse. And what a lunch it was. Kath's burgers are a must try if you are in Rotorua (whether you play golf or otherwise) - and it was a perfect way to cap off a memorable visit to Rotorua GC. All in all, a wonderful morning.
This afternoon we are recuperating at Nigel's place, and planning to head into town to do some touristy activities - maybe even hurl ourselves down the luge! The Lonestar are kindly helping us out with a complimentary meal this evening, which gives us something else to look forward to. Ironically, we are probably overeating at the moment... Might pop out for a run to ease the conscience.
Ta'ra for now. JP.
Chisholm Park
12 holes bart cape kidnappers christchurch christmas doak ed bayley hawke's bay heretaunga jane poole napier golf club new zealand puregolf2010 rangiora rarangi gc royal royal wellington the first tee the interislander waiohiki
