Morrinsville, the hidden gem, attractive to visitors

Long-term members of organisations, including golf clubs, often look back and think “those were the days!”

Morrinsville Golf Club is enjoying a period that, sometime in the future, may be considered as one of those periods. Things are humming!

“A hidden gem” was the term used by a representative of one happy group of visiting golfers who took the time to email the club and say how much his group enjoyed the course. And there have been other comments that makes the club think they just might be doing some things right.

The Waikato club, in its 110th year, seems to have the right people in the right place at this time of growth, thanks (in part) to the creation of large residential sub-divisions close to the course.

This started about 2005 with a developer purchasing 50 acres of farmland adjacent to the golf club on the town boundary. This enabled the club to sell an area of bare land sufficient in size to create five sections, payment being two already completed sections nearby. About half of the income from the sale of sections was invested in clubhouse improvements which were completed in time for the club’s centenary in 2011. The balance has gone into course improvements.

The latest development has been to upgrade water reticulation, ensuring greens and tees can be well maintained. Because of the high cost, this is being done in three stages with stage two currently underway.

The creation of residential sections has helped to increase membership numbers with these figures expected to rise as about 700 more sections in the close-by Lockerbie sub-division come on stream. Many have already been sold and building is underway. The development includes a retirement village.

The club is fortunate to have a capable and enthusiastic team in charge at the present time, nobody more important than a knowledgeable green-keeper whose impact was immediate when he was appointed just six months ago. Steve Grinter has a wealth of experience, gained from several Waikato courses, most recently the larger Riverside club.

Upgraded tees and a sensible plan to maintain greens have been welcomed by members and visitors alike.

Wanting to ensure the growing number of visitors, having someone on hand to greet them is important. New office manager Rachael Bergquist is employed from Friday until Tuesday, ensuring someone is on hand for what can be busy weekends.

Increased numbers of visitors, particularly groups from chartered clubs, three-putt syndicates and the like, appreciate having someone on hand to cater for their golfing needs.

Men’s club captain Mark Goodman, and ladies’ club captain Leanne McGregor, have the support of their members with competitions being well patronised.

These people, and an executive committee, are headed by president John Stirling in his first year of office.

“We have come through a rocky period, with changes in key personnel, but seem to have come out the other side in good shape,” he says.  “Things are ticking along nicely.”

  And while the successful operation of the club itself is important, John says his team is well aware that the club will always be judged by the course itself.  But if the favourable comments of visitors is a good gauge – and it surely is – then Morrinsville has a course to be proud of.

 

Those who haven’t had the pleasure of playing it may think six par threes is hardly a challenge.  The fact that very few “burn it up” confirms this is not an easy course.  It’s No 1 stroke hole (par four 380 metres to an elevated green) is as challenging as any in the province, while three lakes and several groves of well planted trees add to the beauty of the layout.

 

Morrinsville Golf Club looks forward to hosting your group.  Please give Rachael a call or book through Dot Golf. Book a Tee - Play Golf We have carts, clubs and trundlers available for hire, motor-homers are welcome and we offer discounts for large groups.
Ph: (07) 889 6696
Email: morrinsville@golf.co.nz
Website: http://www.morrinsvillegolf.co.nz