Archive for October, 2008

Has it been two weeks?

Since the final day of play in the recent WAGA Christchurch golf tournament. What a fabulous place, what courses, what people! Many stayed on and enjoyed what New Zealand has to offer and I believe it was the best event for 2009 held by WAGA. We had a record number of comments on the quality of the tour, the hotel, the golf courses and the administration. Thank you! 38 photographs of the tour are published under “photographs” on this website and there are more. If you wish to submit a photograph, send it to me at armlass@optusnet.com.au

2009. The 24th International Airline Cup in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in April. 78 entrants booked.

Costa del Sol, world affairs and finances have slowed bookings for this event but they are steady and we are 50% booked.

The August Cup - Sunshine Coast, Australia. Fairly new on the website but bookings steady.

And after those 3 events, what? WAGA are still looking at options which are Palm Springs, USA; Honolulu and Kona, USA; Mesquite Nevada, USA and possibly Queenstown, NZ. WAGA will let you know when we are confident that we can offer you a premium package of golf, accommodation and tours at a price that is unbeatable!

Please remember to pass the website on to friends and fellow golfers.

Happy golfing,

Brian Lassen, WAGA

Golf Tour - Christchurch - Your views

From: Marlene Newcombe
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 8:16 AM
Good morning Brian,
Deanna and I have arrived back safe and sound, we drove all around the south island did 1800 klms. It is truely a lovely country.
Thankyou for the golf we both enjoyed the games and the fellowship. Met some lovely genuine people. Please keep in touch for further trips.
Thank you
Marlene

From: Sherry Goodall
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 11:10 PM
Subject: RE: Girls just want to have fun

Brian and Jen,

I wanted both of you to know that I had a fantastic time in New Zealand. It was nice meeting the both of you and everyone else. Hopefully, someday, I will be able to see everyone again.
Best wishes to you and take care.

Sherry

From: Yvonne Turner
Sent: Monday, October 27, 2008 9:57 AM

Dear Jenny and Brian,

Thank you for forwarding on the photos - I take photos, so do not appear in any of mine -so was very pleased to have received them - and thank you Jenny for taking them in the first place! I especially like the one of you in the punt …

John and I had a wonderful time in NZ. For me, the special treats and dinners - especially the Octagon. Wasn’t it wonderful?

We spent a couple of extra days in Chch and walked ourselves silly. Found those out-of-the-way places only found on foot. We just love the Avon as it tumbles throught the city - I really felt like sitting beside it and reading Shakespeare!!! Something I was not so prepared to do in high school ….

Thank you both, for a wonderful time and hope to see you again.

Take care,
Yvonne xx

Had a great time and will be looking forward to the next one in Aug 2009. Thanks again John Rhodes

From: J & D Grant
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 7:10 AM

Thanks Brian. We really had a great time away in Christchurch and “hats off” to Jenny & yourself for giving everyone a worry-free trip! Great golf courses, great food, great group of people! We’re looking forward to more golfing with WAGA down the track!

We’d definitely be interested in a Queenstown package if ever you put one together. A few years ago, on a group tour, we played Kelvin Grove, Millbrook (twice!), Alexandra & Cromwell over a 7 day stay - all great courses but the latter two being more your typical “local” course. As in Christchurch, it was a real bonus to stay put on the one hotel for the whole time - life’s too short to be packing and unpacking every day!!

Anyway we’ll be watching your destinations with interest even though we’ll have to be counted out for next year as we’re already over-committed holiday-wise!

I’ve attached 3 photos - two are self-explanatory (but I can’t explain why I can’t remove Bob Camfield’s vampire eyes with my red-eye reduction!!).

The third is of Phil Jones on the 13th tee at Terrace Downs which I’ll get you to forward on to him, if you don’t mind, as we don’t have his email address.

Keep up the good work.

With best wishes to you both.

Jenny & Don

From: Kevin Kite
To: Brian Lassen
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 2:14 AM

Thanks Brian
Christchurch and Waga again turned on a great week.
I am pleased you got down to experience Queenstown - I have always thought that town would be an awesome location for a Waga tourney. Given a couple of years there will be additional courses available and the non-golf activities will be just awesome.

Cheers and Thanks Kevin

From: dean.curry
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 1:48 AM
Subject: Christchurch and South Island NZ.

Hi Brian,
What a great experience. You and Jenny did your usual outstanding job. Tracie, Sherri and I had a marvelous time. After the tournament, we drove down to Queenstown (which we fell in love with) and really enjoyed seeing some of the sights.

On the way back we found something we would like for you to pass on to all your NZ addresses and any others you think might be interested.

We heard about a restaurant/winery in Omarama at baggage claim in Christchurch on our arrival from a fellow passenger. We stopped for lunch and it was a full 5 star restaurant at 3 star prices.

The name:
Clay Cliffs Winery and Restaurant.
1 Pinot Noir Court
Omarama.
Tel: 03-438 9654
Web: www.claycliffswinery.co.nz

We talked with the owners, Kevin and Christine Weeds and found them to be lovely people.

I had a tomato soup that was the best I have ever had and a Cajun chicken; salad that was the best Cajun food I have had outside New Orleans.

Tracie enjoyed an outstanding seafood chowder. Highly recommended.
Looking forward to the next time we see you.
Thanks, Dean

From: chrissie beattie
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 9:39 AM

Dear Brian,
thankyou for the photo you directed to me. I had a great week especially liked the guys you grouped me with Con Billy and Owen. Can you send me Owens email to bore him with my golf progress, I have the others and plan to play golf together soon.

Take care of yourself and Jenny and see you in Spain.
Thankyou for your work last week,
sincerely
Christine Beattie

From: Lynne
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 4:04 PM

Dear Brian

Many thanks for photo of our gang. Terrace Downs was absolutely spectacular. Many thanks for your kindnesses, we had a thoroughly good time thanks to you and members of WAGA.

Please send regards to Jenny, she is fab!

When both Robyn and I get back to the “real world” we are hopeful of improving our golf and giving others a run for their money.

Do take care and hope that life becomes more relaxed for you. Keep up the good work.

Best wishes

Lynne F

From: Paul Westphal
Sent: Saturday, October 25, 2008 5:39 PM

Brian,

Thank you for copy of the photo. We had a wonderful time in NZ

From: Bob Camfield
Sent: Tuesday, October 28, 2008 12:51 PM
Subject: QUEENSTOWN

Brian & Jen

Thanks for the photos and your organisation in making the week at Christchurch most enjoyable and successful. Bron & I had a great time , meeting new people as well as playing on some great courses in NZ.

Although Terrace Downs had its moments on the day, we will look back and reflect what a great golf course layout it is .

After seeing you both in Queenstown we played 3 more games - Millbrook Resort, nice course ; Jack’s Point , opened last Feb, fantastic and very challenging & interesting with great views to Qtown from its highest point - a must if you ever consider a WAGA visit to the region ; Wanaka, also a good course but not worth a day trip from Qtown. We did not manage to play Arrowtown but from what we hear it is a great course & worth being on the list.

Again, thanks for the week and we are interested in future WAGA trips , especially Qtown. ( took your advice & flew both ways to Milford Sound including the cruise - sky very clear with nice views )

Regards to you both

Bob & Bronwyn Camfield.

Results of the Christchurch WAGA golf Tournament

Click here to download the results of the Christchurch WAGA golf Tournament

Sent: Friday, October 17, 2008 7:53 PM
Subject: Thanks
Hi Brian & Jenny
Just walked in the door and the first thing I had to do was thank you for another great 6 day adventure. We had a great time the food and atmosphere at the last night dinner was beyond belief.

I could not have perceived a better scenario to a great time. The golf courses were great, the scenery at Terrace Downs was worth experiencing (Hurricane Katrina). Again on behalf of Lorraine, Bob and myself, thank you both for the effort.
Kindest Regards
Arty Asciak

2008 Christchurch WAGA event

Thursday remained clear and 63 players enjoyed Clearwater Golf Course. The play was fast and furious with much better scores being recorded. The day went to Don Peterson and Tracie Curry from USA. Numerous players broke handicap which is a testament to the course on the day.

Presentation dinner was held at the Octagon restaurant and I am happy to say that this was one of the best dinners enjoyed by WAGA entrants. Piano music greeted the group, Natalie Wood entertained with song and three of the staff displayed their musical prowess.

Winner of the men’s division was Don Peterson followed by John “Sooty” Rhodes and Paul Westphal. Ladies winner was Tracie Curry followed by Lynelle Kelly and Yolanda Fischer. NTP’s went to Debbie Dohnt, Deana Cruickshank and Fred Minehan. Full results will be available on the website on Tuesday.

WAGA are now enjoying a sunny and warm Queenstown which has the promise of a future WAGA event.

Enjoy your golf

Brian Lassen; WAGA.

Christchurch up-date

Eighty four folk enjoyed the Maori welcome and dinner at Clearwater Golf Club. Tuesday was bright and sunny and with a lunch time start, all enjoyed the parklands of Russley Golf club. Best score was John “Sooty” Rhodes with a 38 (and a handicap ajustment) and for the ladies, Lynell Kelly with a 33 Nearest to the pins were awarded to John Turner and Yolanda Fischer. The 17 non-golfers had a lovely day touring historic homes in the city, punting on the River Avon and having a wonderful lunch.

Wednesday dawned clear in Christchurch but by the time WAGA arrived at Terrace Downs, it was cold and windy. The temperature stayed below 10deg C and the wind was registered with gusts of 80knots. Despite these conditions, Jim Smalley managed 35 points. Ten players could not finish and the course was almost closed by their management due to the strong winds. Nearest to the pin for men only was won by Graham Garnett. Ladies NTP was not awarded due to an oversight by Terrace Downs staff. The non-golfing group went to Akaroa today and saw dolphins, visited a cheese factory, lunched and  enjoyed the fantastic scenery.

Clearwater Golf club saw 63 players chasing better scores on a fine day but there is a promise of rain. At the time of writing, the group have about 6 holes to play and are enjoying the day. There will be 2NTP for ladies today and 1 for men.

Tournament results will be published after end of play.

This is the last WAGA event for 2008 and please remember to apply for 2009 events when you can. Nine applications for Malaysia were received here and there is much interest in Spain and the August Cup in Queensland. No decision has been made about the last event for 2009.

Happy golfing,

Brian Lassen, WAGA

Golf events up-date

Hi everybody,

Today WAGA move to Christchurch, New Zealand, for the last event for 2008. Weather permitting, it promises to be exciting with 65 golfers and 17 non-golfers. I will up-date the website with daily scores.

2009 - Malaysia still proving popular with over 50 entries to date. Six entrants have paid in full and so qualify for the complimentary polo shirt.

Costa del Sol - 50% full now but applications have slowed, no doubt due to the current financial crisis. The event will go ahead however as there are more than sufficient entrants.

The August Cup - Sunshine Coast - Australia. Now on the website and with the Australian dollar falling some 35% against the US dollar and other currencies, it is offering great value. Applications from UK, NZ, USA and Australia have arrived.

America in October 09 - I am not sure about this one. If the Australian dollar continues to fall or all economies go into recession, it would be a “no go”. I will continue to monitor and let you know.

Happy golfing and watch the site for up-dates from Christchurch.

Brian Lassen, WAGA