A HUGE week for golf and associated activities locally, nationally and internationally.
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First the local news and let me begin with last week’s golf at Narooma. However, before I do I must mention that our great club was officially 85 years old on August 10. Some records suggest we are older but at this stage it is appropriate to register the milestone of 85 years of golf at Narooma.
Thursday's Stableford Competition
It was a classic beautiful winter's day with the temperature reaching 17 or 18 degrees. I managed to practice my putting whilE the members and guests at Narooma enjoyed their golf, whales heading south and views to Pigeon House Mountain and beyond.
In A grade the winner was Bill Durnan with 38 points playing off a handicap of three and that equates with one over par and he only just headed Bob Ackling and a further two shots better than Ted Poczyhajlo. Tony Hunt won B grade with 37 points, two shots better than Gordon Bird and Rod Shepherd. In C grade, Ian Vincent had a fine score of 41 points to win from Christopher Baker and Frank Caruana.
The fine weather continued through to Friday, which was another gem of a day, and on to the weekend.
Saturday's Stableford Competition
We had high cloud over the coast early but it was clear looking from Jemison Beach at 8am out to Montague Island and south to Dromedary. There was no wind and the ocean was glassy as was Wagonga Inlet as I drove to golf at 11am. I rode in a cart for the first time as my hernia doesn't like the hills on our great course. It was fun sharing a cart, number 36, with no governor and my driver, Josh Campbell, showed all the skills of a golfer and a young Jack Brabham. Wow man.
Brett Thompson continued his good form to win A grade with 38 points, closely followed by the talented Richard Goodridge and Steve Marsden. In B grade Scott Clarke was too good and with 42 points was three shots clear of the next best. In C grade, Dennis Strand, a fellow member of the RMC golf club, Duntroon, was the victor with 40 points well clear of the smiling and affable Gus Daffy.
In the Ladies, Janice Eardley was in fine form to win with 40 points, just one ahead of Julie Whyte.
As an aside my playing group of Josh and Les Campbell, just home from a holiday with Denise in Hat Head, and Alan Butterworth, just back from the snowfields, could only average between 26 and 28 points. Our handicaps are not expected to vary as a result.
Jason Day's Day!
As I write this week I just heard on the radio that Jason Day has won the 2015 US PGA Championships at the Whistling Straits golf course in Wisconsin. He won by three strokes from Jordan Speith and recorded 20 under par which is a record for a major tournament. What a talent and having watched him play in Sydney a few years ago, he had a heap of latent talent which has finally surfaced. Keep an eye on his standings as we don't have to worry about his financial security.
Board elections
A reminder to vote in the board elections which start at the end of this week. The retiring directors include Jim Grant and Joe Ryan. I haven't spoken to Joe yet but I know he won't mind me saying that he has served on the board since 2009 and prior to same had 11 years as a publican and worked in the construction industry in Australian and New Zealand. He and his wife, Kitty are experienced travellers and recommended a few places for us to visit last year when we were in the USA and Canada. One such place was Kell's Irish pub in Seattle, or was it Portland? Both fine establishments for a drink and a feed.
The other retiring director is the well-known Jim Grant. I have served on the Finance and Audit Committee with Jim and with his background in banking, he has brought experience and knowledge appropriate to the tasks we have encountered over the last two years. Jim grew up in Maryborough in Queensland and moved to Narooma with the CBA bank in 1982. He is a keen and competitive golfer and in his retirement years he is also a business broker.
I sincerely wish Joe and Jim all the best for their futures and look forward to continuing good rapport on and off the golf course. Cheers gents.
That is it for this week so I will sign off and wish you all a pleasant and healthy time as we head towards spring and longer days for golfing and fun in the Eurobodalla.
Cheers and good health, Bill Baker
Narooma men’s golf
Tuesday, August 11 - 12 Hole Stableford
Winner, John Casswell 28 points. Runner-up, Ken Burrows 25 points.
Nearest to pin: 9th Steve Paul, 14th Ron Gordon, 17th John Casswell.
Golf balls down to lucky Rick Porter on 19 points.
Thursday, August 13 - Men’s Stableford
A Grade: Winner, Bill Durnan 38 points c/b. Runner-up, Bob Ackling 38 points. Third, Ted Poczyhajlo 36 points.
B Grade: Winner, Tony Hunt 37 points. Runner-up, Gordon Bird 35 points c/b. Third, Rod Shepherd 35 points.
C Grade: Winner, Ian Vincent 41 points. Runner-up, Chris Baker 40 points. Third, Frank Caruana 39 points.
Nearest to pin: 3rd Laurie Holmes, 9th Chris Hewitt, 14th Chris Brown, 17th Thomas Monteith.
Golf balls down to all on 32 points.
Friday, August 14 - 9 Hole Stableford
Winner, Maureen Casswell 13 points. Runner-up, Brian Scales 12 points.
Nearest to pin: 3rd Nil, 17th Nil.
DPP 17th M Smith.
Golf balls down to lucky John Mairs on 10 points.
Saturday, August 15 - Men’s Stableford
A Grade: Winner, Brett Thompson 38 points. Runner-up, Richard Goodridge 37 points c/b. Third, Steve Marsden 37 points.
B Grade: Winner, Scott Clarke 42 points. Runner-up, Chris Goldsmith 39 points c/b. Third, Paul Davey 39 points.
C Grade: Winner, Dennis Strand 40 points. Runner-up, Gus Daffy 35 points. Third, John Willett 34 points.
Ladies Grade: Winner, Janice Eardley 40 points. Runner-up, Julie Whyte 39 points.
Nearest to pin: 3rd John Willett, 9th Alan Butterworth, 14th Rod Shepherd, 17th Perry Pericleous.
Golf balls down to all on 33 points.
Narooma Ladies Golf Championships 2015
Club Champion - S Donohoe 316.
Runner Up - D Monteith 363.
Silver Salver - B Wilson 406.
Division 1 Net - K Lawrence 310.
Division 2 Champion - D Landells 424 in play off.
Runner Up - L Whelan 424.
Division 2 Net - V Spooner 311.
Professional Trophy - R Sztama 152.
Monday, August 10 - Stroke - 3rd Round Championship
Winner Division 1: M Brooks 74 ocb.
Runner Up: B Wilson 74.
Winner Division 2: R Sztama 77.
Runner Up: D Landells: 79 ocb.
NTP 9th Hole Division 2: J Whyte.
14th Hole Division 1: B Wilson.
Balls to 79.
Wednesday, August 12 - Stroke - 4th Round Championships
Winner Division 1: T James 72.
Runner Up: D Wilkes 75.
Winner Division 2: R Sztama 76.
Runner Up: R Cheale 77 ocb.
NTP 14th Hole Division 2: T James.
17th Hole Division 1: S Donohoe.
Balls to 78.