Akarana Golf Club's Hole of the Month

Akarana Golf Club
Hole of the Month - February 2006
Hole 12 · Par 5 · Stroke 7

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Our Member Host

Name: Mark Anderson

Age: Clinging to the fact that he’s under forty

Occupation: Still working it out.

Nickname: Angry.

Handicap: Below 1

Background: A late starter in the golf game having played competitive rugby for many years. An accomplished first five on the fringe of representative honours Mark joined the golf club some seven years ago. Decided on Akarana due to the friendly nature of the members. Especially in and around the 19th. Was lucky to meet some mentors who helped develop his game quickly and is now a key player in the Bissett Shield team.

Finest Hour in Golf: Completing a bogey free round of golf and in the process scoring a 60 on the temporary course (motorway changes).

Most Embarrassing Moment in Golf: Claims yet to have one but we think there are many contenders. The unzipped fly (complete with shirt poking out) in the club championships springs to mind

Hobbies: Just about any sport going, barbershop singing and Morris dancing.

Anything Else?: Has been voted most likely to be late for his own funeral.


The bane of all lefties with a slice and all righties with a hook. No doubt most members will have stories to tell of how the 12th has bitten them hard. Running the length of Keith Hay Park there is always the danger of going out of bounds. Many a long and straight drive has produced a second that goes sailing over the fence to the cricket nets. Play it smart and it’ll treat you right but as our guest this month says “hole 12 deserves respect”. Check it maaaan.

Our once keen rugby player now turned golfer hits a big ball. Maybe it’s the press-ups in the car park or the melon sized calves, either way the par 5, twelfth hole is one our Bissett Shield player likes to take on. OK you may not hit it as far as the reformed first five eight but here’s some sensible advice anyway.

“A good par 5 in my book with plenty of risk and reward. It deserves respect though. A solid drive is required off the tee especially when on the blue tees back on the fence line. For those of you that can hit it longer make sure you carry the trees on the right. Many a bogey has resulted from being too close to this type of trouble. Downwind it is possible to get there in two but the smart play is to hit a solid iron to around 100 metres or so. The trees on the right and the out of bounds on the left flank a tunnel like approach to the green. A good wedge shot should see you home but watch the raised green and don’t be shy about length. I never have been. Too big a shot though still risks being over the fence so this is no time to lose your concentration."

Worth considering the advice as Mark has converted his fair share of birdies on this hole.

Ando Winds Up - A late starter in the golf game having played competitive rugby for many years. He's now part of the Akarana Bissett Shield Pennants Team.

Ando Sucks - "Hydration is important in any sport, including Morris dancing"

The Twelfth - Even from the air, this hole looks a daunting prospect. But now you have the inside word from Ando, you can confidently stride up to the tee...