By SHORT PUTT
On Saturday the men's competition was the July Monthly Medal, sponsored by Walkers Ag-n-Vet, in which a field of 66 struggled to produce low scores which resulted in close contests for each grade.
The A-Grade was won by Tim West who emerged from the winter light to post a 70 nett. He was a bit rusty on the front-9 but fired a very worthy 38 scratch on the back-9. Runner-up was Peter Dawson who managed a nett 72. He recovered from a disastrous double-par on the 1st hole and played near immaculate golf thereafter.
The B-Grade saw the closest result, requiring a count back to decide the winner.
The Medal went to Phil Wells who played steady golf on both halves to score a 73 nett. His most pleasing result was a birdie on the 15th.
Runner-up was Dave Sly, flying the flag for the sponsors. He was a bit wayward on the front-9 but stormed home on the back-9 to score a scratch 43, nett 34. But a couple of bogeys on the way home damaged his score.
The C-Grade went to Cody Banks with a nett 70, who must be wondering when his handicap will drop. He was rewarded for his steady play despite an ‘8’ on the 15th hole.
Runner-up was Jake Banks with a nett 71. Jake started with an OB on the 1st hole, eventually marking an ‘8’ for that hole. He was fairly steady for the remainder of the round playing to his handicap well.
The ball sweep went to 78 nett, going to: 72 – M Duke, A Quirk; 73 – A Melisi; 74 – W Judge; 75 – D Burton, B Doyle; 76 – H Steele-Park, G Falvey; 77 – J Bernardi, J Pendleton, H Callaghan, S Uphill, J Dobell, B Ashton, F Hanns, K Herbert; 78 - S Kirkman, J Kuntze.
The visitors included: Damian Burton (Everglades GC), J Kuntze (Canowindra), Jack Downes (Moree) and Stephen Martino who is actually a member now.
The NTP’s went to: 9th – Mitch Andrew; 18th – Greg Webb, both of whom scored their 2’s. There were only five 2’s scored, with one on the 1st by Matt Duff, playing in C-grade, being a fine effort.
The Pro Shop Super-Pin, held on the 9th hole, went to Mitch Andrews. His shot to 200 cms left the door open for others but nobody came through.
The day was enjoyable for many golfers, although it was difficult to score low. It was just one of those days when a few 10’s were scattered across the cards thus damaging the overall score.
Unfortunately Niel Duncan was awarded the ‘hard luck’ prize for his ‘10’ on the 4th.
And birdies were scarce. Peter Dawson managed three on his card, but there were not many others.
Phil Wells nabbed one on the 10th and one on the 15th to help his score. John Ridley managed a birdie on the 9th, from well outside the NTP marker.
Brian Doyle was a welcome player back on the course, but every year when he returns to play he seems to pick days which have poor weather conditions. One year he shall begin his winter play in sunshine.
There was no Stableford Medley on Sunday due to worn out golfers.
Don’t forget to repair the pitch marks on the green and to fill in their divot holes along the fairways. Let us try to make it better for everyone.
Here is the news: The Membership Renewals were due at the start of this month, but the Club has allowed a period of grace for payment. Unfortunately for some this finishes after this coming weekend.
Thereafter, any un-financial members will be ineligible for prizes, except NTP’s and ball sweep, and will be required to pay visitor rates. Contact Head Pro Will or Secretary Steve Grallelis if you have any problems.
Our Annual KENO Scramble Day is coming up on Sun 1 Sep. Notices are posted in the Pro Shop. Get your team together and your entry in. Talk to Head Pro Will if you need any other information.
It was good to see Nedd Brockman out on the course enjoying a round of golf with his dad. This is a quiet time for him as he prepares for his upcoming next challenge. This is a ‘1000 km in 10 days’ effort, raising money for the homeless charity. And of course providing exposure for his ongoing ‘Choc Milk’ enterprise.
It is crystal ball time:
This Saturday, 13 July, is a Stroke event sponsored by B&M Tooth. Sunday 14 July has the Stableford Medley for those that want an extra game.