GREETINGS from an overcast mid north coast of NSW and with an east coast low set to dominate proceedings this week it is not shorts weather but the water is warm and the beer cold.
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The week began with a gorgeous day for the US Masters inspired golf tournament at Narooma. Nearly 50 participants enjoyed the day after a full breakfast at Paul's on the Course. This is likely to become an annual competition and consideration is being given to doing likewise when the US Open is held later in the year. Thanks must go to our professional Colin Holmes, Jan and Chris Eardley and Terry Dowling for their sponsorship. Bill Durnan was a major driver in the first instance and well done Bill.
Tuesday and Wednesday were both nor'easter dominated days with temperatures in the low 20's and great days for golf and / or aquatic activities.
On Wednesday I visited the high technology golf centre at Narooma where I had an appointment with Colin Holmes to be assessed for a new set of clubs, irons at least. He runs a professional program of assessment, measurement and review plus the feedback on the big screen is amazing. I was a little sore with my old right knee playing up but I still enjoyed it and as a result he sent me off to golf the next day with a few new clubs to try out.
Thursday's Stableford Competition
Blue skies and a light southerly gave us a great day for golf and with some trepidation I took out the new driver and only just made contact on the first tee. This was a prelude to a pretty ordinary day for me but not so my playing group which included a couple of good scores. More on that shortly.
The greens had a draught board pattern to them as the green staff continue to work on them. They were still fun to putt on. Rain was forecast for later in the afternoon but nothing transpired till Friday.
Andrew Thompson won A grade with 39 points and he was in top form off the tee and hit many greens in regulation. He is a pretty fit 60 plus and hits the ball a long way and on Thursday showed us how to play. Greg Riley was runner up on a count back from Brendan Warby. In B grade Glenn Keanne was amongst the winners again and had 41 points to win from Colin Jarvis and Alan Maddison. Our local chemist, Jim Hoar, breezed home in C grade with a creditable 44 points, well clear of the rest of the field.
Friday and I was off to Gerringong and while there had an enjoyable drink and conversation with the Rugby league legend, Mick Cronin. Mick runs the pub and was a great centre for Gerringong, Parramatta and Australia in the 1980's. My deceased mum was a fan of Mick Cronin and she carried a picture of him in her wallet and there was a poster of him on our dunny door in Canberra. I enjoyed telling him these and many other pieces of family and sporting history.
It was steady rain for most of the trip north but Saturday was a better day for golf and I see where Narooma had around 11mms of rain.
The game was the annual Ray Cooper 4Ball Best Ball and the winners were John Halls and Chris Halls with a hefty 50 points. Runners up were the well-known friends, Mark Westwood and Tim Short on 49 points and in third place Alan Butterworth and Les Campbell. In the Ladies Division Meridie Banson had an unnamed swinger to win with 43 points. Well done everyone.
As I wait for the tide to go out here on the mid north coast I would like to mention that Trish and Peter James, who won the Walter Norris 4BBB last weekend, made it two years in a row. That is a pretty special effort from two committed, keen and talented golfers.
I have just heard from Peter Jones that the winner of this year’s Far South Coast Golfers Association tournament held at Narooma on Sunday was Gavin Fitzgerald from Moruya with a gross score of 67. That is a superb score.
As I close it looks like the low pressure system will persist over the next few days and I hope all is well with my readers and will catch you all next week in sunnier skies.
Cheers, good health and regards, Bill Baker.
Narooma men’s golf
Tuesday, April 14 - 12 Hole Stroke first round championship
Winner, John Kemp 47 net c/b. Runner-up, G Russell 47 net.
Nearest to pin: 9th Nil, 14th Bob Piper, 17th Jim Jones.
Golf balls down to lucky Alan Chisholm on 57 net.
Thursday, April 16 - Men’s Stableford
A Grade: Winner, Andrew Thompson 39 points. Runner-up, Greg Riley 37 points c/b. Third, Brendan Warby 37 points.
B Grade: Winner, Glenn Keane 41 points. Runner-up, Colin Jarvis 40 points. Third, Allan Maddison 39 points.
C Grade: Winner, Jim Hoar 44 points, Runner-up, Allan Chisholm 38 points, Third, Ron Crighton 37 points.
Nearest to pin: 3rd Richard Goodridge, 9th Robert Ackling, 14th Graham Kerr, 17th Jim Hoar.
Golf balls down to 34 points.
Saturday, April 18 - Ray Cooper 4BBB Stableford
Winners, John Halls and Chris Halls 50 points. Runners-up, Mark Westwood and Tim Short 49 points. Third, Alan Butterworth and Les Campbell 45 points.
Ladies grade:
Meridie Banson and swinger 43 points.
Nearest to pin: 3rd Michael Harris, 9th Les Campbell, 14th Steve Richards, 17th David Hayward.
Golf balls down to 41 points with 21 home.
Sunday, April 19 - Men’s FSCDGA Championship
Winner, Gavin Fitzgerald (Moruya) 67 gross.
Narooma ladies golf
WE had a very good field for our Walter Norris Mixed 4BBB competition on Sunday, April 12. The Winners were T James and P James and runners up were H McMillan and W McMillan on a count back with a great score of 47 points. A very enjoyable day was had by all.
Monday, April 13 - Stableford
Winner: V Spooner 35 points.
Balls to 32 points.
Wednesday, April 15 - Stroke - Goodwill Plate
Winner Division 1: S Donohoe 74. Runner up: M Bennett 75.
Winner Division 2: M Brooks 75. Runner up: S Neill 76.
NTP 9th hole Division 2: M Brooks, 14th hole Division 1: S Donohoe.
Balls to 81.
