6th tee, Narrows

This is the 5th green at the Narrows golf course. There is a plum tree planted at the 6th tee, overlooking this green. Every year in September we enjoyed the awesome blossoms and later on, the juicy fruits in summer. At other times there are many delicious Feijoas on those bushes nearby.

A golf handicap!

After I took home the X'mas ham two weeks ago, the Narrows golf club chopped my handicap down to 23. I now play mostly in the mid 90's. I have played over 20 rounds over the past 3 months and is at present sharpening my skills with the long irons. The driver and fairway woods are all ok after 3 years slogging away at the driving range. (For my workout during the cold winter months in NZ, I hit 100 balls daily to keep fit.) My short irons are also doing just fine. I practised those at the lake side. I chipped two balls into the cup last week!

I have practised my 7, 8, 9, P and S daily at the lake side ex-mini golf site for a full year. The council has recently put more sand into the 11 bunkers. I regard this place as my private golf course because I seldom meet any one else playing there in the morning. Some times I hit a 9 wood there because the par 3 first hole at Narrows is 161 metres. The 10th hole is also par 3 at 195 metres. Initially I used my driver for that hole because that was exactly the distance of my drives! I usually hit them over 200M now. Nowadays, I am using a 2 iron or a 3 wood for that hole. (I found out that I am not allowed to tee up more than two club lengths behind the blue markers!)

I found an excellent new way to wait for my golfing partners in the morning. I tee off alone when I am ready, playing hole No 1, then hole No 18; carrying only one or two clubs plus a putter with me. I repeat this process until I see my friends arrive! Then we tee off together. Guess who birdied the first hole?!

the 18th, 114M

The 18th hole at the Narrows is a very challenging hole, especially in the afternoon when the sun is in your eyes. The green is long and narrow with deep bunkers on both sides.OB on right side of right bunkers.

more golfers!

Shawn and I played 18 holes today at the Narrows. He scored 130 strokes for his first round of 18 holes. Looking on the positive side, let's say that he can only improve from here onwards! We met a few experienced golfers who gave

him some more free coaching on swing techniques, set up and course strategy.I think he is now convinced that he needs to work more on his putting and the driver. I shared my golf secrets with Michael: practice daily by hitting 100 balls at the driving range!

Aerating & spreading sand

The Narrows golf course is closed for a week for aerating and spreading sand on all the greens. The greens have become too fast due to compaction from the many feet walking on it!










Orrin and I were working as volunteer green keepers today.
Next March coring will be done. Our intention was to learn more about golf course maintenance.

putting

When the weather is fine I sometimes play golf. This is a game where you can play alone or with 1, 2 or 3 partners! The ball is always stationary when you hit it. There is no rush. You can roll a cigarette, smoke it first and then hit your ball. It is the easiest ball game in the world. Wrong! Ask any golfer.