10 FEBRUARY 2004.
Is this the ultimate sport for couch potatoes?

Bruce Shadfield, of Wanganui, at the mini-putt leg.

By Andrew Koubaridis

Here’s a question for you: in what sort of sport can you have a laugh with some mates, have a sip of cold beer and enjoy the hot sun – all at the same time?

The answer is the Masters Games Twilight Combo, which has been described as the ultimate Masters Games couch potato sport.

Couch potato might be a bit harsh, though, to describe some of the 400-plus entrants at this year’s contest, many who have used the event as a filler between other sports and a chance to have a breather.

Competitor Bruce Shadfield was in fine form at the mini-putt course at Riverlands yesterday afternoon.

He joked about having to use the toilet facilities in the middle of the course… a couple of rose bushes.

" I complained about having to use the bushes last time," he joked.

Another mini-putt enthusiast, Annette Randle, said everyone supported each other at the unscheduled toilet breaks by keeping guard.

The Chronicle team left before any demonstration of the technique.

Mr Shadfield said the combo was popular because everyone wanted to be involved but didn’t want to get too physical.

One man joked to organisers that smallbore shooting was good because you could do it lying down.

Masters Games trustee Mike Green said the Twilight Combo had about 400 entries and was a social event.

" Lots of people come to compete seriously, and they use this event to take a break.

" There are people who are using the games as their annual holiday; lots of people here are with their families," he said.

The Twilight Combo was held over six nights and featured mini-putt golf, darts, smallbore rifle shooting and 10-pin bowling.

" Everyone here’s in good spirits," Mr Green said.

Peter Thieke, of Wanganui, had been part of the Masters Games concept since day one.

" The whole thing is social and people having a good time," he said.

Everyone spoken to by the Chronicle agreed the Twilight Combo, while perhaps lacking in the serious stakes, was achieving its goal of making friends and having a good laugh.

" As long as you roughly try and remember everyone’s first names, you’re doing all right," one golfer said.