Once again we have the migratory tropical bird the koel in our parks and gardens. Narooma's hottest October day was recorded in 2006 at 36.2 and I would go so far as to suggest we knocked that record off.

Thursday's Stableford Competition:

A mild and at times cool onshore breeze made 18 the maximum and this reinforced was by an overcast sky and 25km/h gusts. These crazy variations surprisingly did not impact much on results and once again Robert Sayers took out A grade with 39 points, beating Graham Kerr on a count back. Bill Swann was third. In B grade Robert Piper was in great form to score 43 points and he was well clear of Anton Galloway and the consistent Chris Eardley. C grade was a close affair with Robert Brown winning on a count back from the tall and friendly John Matthews. My neighbour and young friend Greg Underwood, recently home from Nuigini took third prize.

We had 8mm on Friday evening, however, I don't think Narooma got as much and west of the coastal strip 22mm were registered. Great for spring growth whatever you received.

Vale Fred Braddock

Fred's funeral was on Friday and he was a respected and acknowledged community and business leader over many decades in the Eurobodalla. I met him in 1980 and he assisted in my purchase of land at Potato Point in that year. He was a life member of our wonderful golf club and was head of the Bodalla Cheese company for quite a few years. A man who contributed heaps to many walks of life. Sadly missed.

Saturday's Stableford Competition

The day started with high cloud but at 11.30am it was a warm and sunny 23 degrees with a light northerly that eased off during the afternoon. Whales were going crazy, fishing looked popular and there was a little wave here and there for enthusiasts. We spotted a red bellied black snake on the 10th fairway and left it alone as we hope it did the family of 11 little ducklings as spotted by hawk eye Les Campbell.

There were some fine golfers out on the course and leading in A grade was Bill Swann with 42 points two up on Murray Walpole. Nathan Vogel won B grade by one shot from Ken Radburn and in C grade Terry Pickles returned to top form with an outstanding 44 points, one better than Gary Leahy and three ahead of the interestingly named Satcher McClelland.

In the Ladies division Trish James returned a fine score of 41 points to win convincingly. Well done everyone.

Course Improvements

Brief mention must be made of the greens at Narooma. They are looking great, as is the course generally, although certain areas are under repair and a little wind blown. The green staff are very busy and spring and summer projects are in focus. The bunkers are improving and young Josh Campbell hit a hybrid 3 iron out of the left hand bunker on the 16th on Saturday, with a draw he landed it 180 metres down on the green , three metres from the flag. He had earlier hit his tee shot into mulga, lost same and recovered for a bogey after two putts. One of our highlights.

Regards and good health, Bill Baker.