Newspaper Article 1998 – Centenary gets off to bubbly start

Centenary gets off to bubbly start

Champagne and old costumes made a bubbly start to the Takapau Golf Club centennial celebrations on New Year’s Day.

The club kicked off its year with the Ambrose Potts Tournament, named after its founder, who was principal of Takapau Primary School. Takapau benefactor Sydney Johnson [Johnston] gave land for the golf club

Some of the 70-strong field of mainly past and present members braved the heat and donned old costumes, lending a touch of elegance to the occasion.

Golfers completed the first six holes, which were especially constructed near the original nine-hole course on Brookwood Station, before washing down their efforts with a champagne brunch. They then tackled the remaining 12 holes which now make up the present course.

Among those present were the oldest player, Biddy Moore, aged 84, and the grandniece and grandnephew of Mr Potts, Alison Rasmussen and John Robertson Dannevirke.

Tournament secretary Mac White said the day was “out of this world”.

“It was a great start to a year of celebrations.

“The next event will be the centennial celebrations proper, at Easter.

Photo captions –

The best-dressed woman player, Kerry Riddle, tees up in elegant fashion.

Biddy Moore, still playing golf at 84.