Bridges over troubled water

What a year of weather for the Whangamata Golf Club on the Cormandel Peninsula. While not alone in its weather woes it certainly has taken its toll in 2022 on one of New Zealand’s finest country courses.

Whangamata has two courses, the 18-hole Titoki and the nine-hole Williamson.

Titoki, while a relatively short par 70, is a gem of a course. Its rating, considering its length is high, this is mainly because of the Wentworth River. This volatile stream and its feeding creeks effects 15 of the holes and if you can’t get the ball airborne, you’ll suffer.

This year the weather gods have not been kind, sending vast amounts of water down the Wentworth Valley and as a result many of the course bridges, already nearing their use by date, have been hammered. Damaged in many cases beyond repair.

Insurance has saved the club in the interim, but the weather is getting worse and the bridges are only just hanging on.

Something must be done and soon. Enter The Masters raffle.

In association with Elite Golf Tours, Whangamata Golf Club has put together arguably one of the greatest golf prizes you could ever win.

The Master’s Magnolia Experience is an exclusive and rare golfing thrill. The winner will travel to Atlanta in the United States in April, 2024, attend Thursday’s pre-Mas-

“Our golfers are delighted they no longer have to bring their gumboots or load trailers to get themselves and their gear across the river.’’ ters welcome and briefing and be on course Saturday and Sunday as the best in the world hunt down the famous Green Jacket.

Watson said the course was a popular community asset with almost 20,000 rounds played a year, which is forecast to increase once the hub infrastructure is rebuilt which will allow more events to be based there.

The club, which was established in 1975 and currently has 243 members, manages the course and golf shop on a day to day basis on behalf of the council.

The total prize package is valued at $22,000. Tickets are $50 each and are limited to just 2000. Sound like you? If so, you can purchase tickets at both courses, Titoki or Williamson or if you can’t make it to beautiful Whangamata, you can buy online at www.whangamatgolf.net.nz.