Ohinemuri Regional History Journal 10, October 1968
By FREDA CLARK
The Waihi Golf Club was one of the earliest in N.Z. having been formed approximately 68 years ago (1900). It has been suggested that Dr. Deck was the prime mover and a Committee of six was formed but we can find no record of their names. It seems that about £10 per year rent was paid to the late Mr. Hollis (Sen.) for allowing a nine hole course on his farm, familiarly known as Hollis' Bush, at the west end of Waihi - actually the site of the present College. Its members at first were drawn from the ranks of professional men and women and mine officials and their wives, and despite the primitive conditions some good golfers learned their games at the old links which were used for over fifty years. The most outstanding golfer was Sloan Morpeth (a son of Mr. H.D.Morpeth, Town Clerk). He became the N.Z. Champion several times in the twenties besides winning the title in Australia. All the Hollis boys, Bill, Vince, Arthur and Edgar were champion players and Mrs. R.Bell holds a cup which she won several years in Succession.
After the last World War golf gained so large a following that a move was made l6 years ago to a new 18 hole links at Woodlands Rd., Waimata. The entire membership took up debentures, working bees were formed and now the links are in first class condition. Walter Godfrey, who lowered the course record by scoring 69 in an exhibition match congratulated the green-keeper on the putting surface he had prepared.
1. Cranwell's Setter Dog. (Had a gold tooth fitted by Mr. Cranwell, Dentist) 2. Tad Morpeth. 3. Vincent Daldy. (Bank), 4, Major Kenrick.(Manager B.N.Z. Waihi) 5. Sloane Morpeth. (Boy) 6. Ted Wilson. (Dentist with cap) 7. Noakes ( Dentist Behind black Dog) 8. Sammy Bishop (Teacher) 9. Alf Clark, 10. Edgar Hollis (Boy Milking Goat) 11. or 12. Bill Jackson (Solicitor) 14. W.Robbie (with Moustache) 15. H.T.Gibson (Headmaster with Cap) 16. Gladys McCombie (wide brim hat) 17. Winnie Spratt (Nee Pettillo. Lady with Tie) 18. Nancy Baber. 19. Mrs. Noakes (Nee Mary Pettillo.) 20. Winnie Cullen (Roy's Sister) 21. Olive McCombie (Mrs. E.A.Wilson) 23. Fen Haszard (with Moustache& Cap) 25. Rev. White (Presbyterian Minister. In White Hat) 26. XX. 27. Mr. Morpeth. 28. Mrs. A.Clark. 31. Mrs. H.T. Gibson (lady with Veil) 34. Mrs. W.M. Jackson.(Solicitor's Wife) 35. XX. 36. XX. 37. XX. 38. XX. 40. XX. 43. XX. 45.
XX. = Caddies