MILDURA
THE results from the women’s stableford round on Tuesday saw Heather Burrett as the winner of division 1 with 36 points and runner-up Margaret McGlashan (32).
\In division 2 Ruth Rodi continued her winning run with another fine round of 40 points, with Jan Mierswa picking up second (35). Nearest-the-pins for the day were Marg McGlashan (first, 151cm), Kaylene Geddes (10th, 250cm) and Rhonda Young (12th, 293cm).
The day’s nine-hole event winner was Kay Baker on 16 points.
In Wednesday’s stroke round the A grade monthly medal winner was George Poriazis on nett 68, then John Hardie the runner-up (70) and third place Phillip Nash (71).
Pat Rogan finished with a nett 69 to give him a comfortable win in B grade, then runner-up Nigel Ingram (71) and Allan Mcaskill in third place (72).
The ball rundown went to a countback at 75 points. Rob Toms picked up the nearest-the-pins on first (15cm) and 10th (314cm), Kane Cameron on 12th (69cm) and the daily pig pin prize on the second went to Simon Kelly (125cm).
This week’s nine-hole twilight competition winner was Danice Foster with a handy 23 stableford points, followed by runner-up Lachlan Cottrell (21).
The monthly medal stroke round on Saturday attracted a large field going into three grades. Topping the scoresheet for the day with a nett 66 was A grade winner Trevor Roirdan over the runner-up Glenn Marr and third spot Stephen Fumberger, both (71).
B grade went down to a close contest, with David Merry the eventuall winner on nett 70 followed by John Hardie the runner-up (71) and Trevor Rogers third with (72).
The March medal for C grade was won by Chippa Kolpin with nett 67.
A countback for second found Frank Tippett next placed and Robin Hubble third (72).
Balls (29) went to a countback on nett 75 for the event.
Nearest-the-pins went to Neville Hodgetts on the first (290cm), Newton Morrison on the pig pin second (156cm), Wayne Manley on the 10th (178cm), Steve Fumberger on the 12th (440cm) and an eagle for Greg Rhodes on the par-five 18th to finish off the day.
This week’s veterans competition winner was John Williams on a countback ahead of second-placed Joe Rocca, who finished on 36 points.
RIVERSIDE
WITH these very unpredictable and ever-changing times, we hope everyone is keeping themselves safe but still remembering to exercise in some way – hopefully, out in the fresh air of the golf course.
The fields have been very pleasing over the past week but who knows what the next months with bring, so take care, wherever you may be.
Last Tuesday saw Pat Riordan and Leonie Nott’s game being left to a countback to determine who could having the bragging rights.
In the end, after both finished on 37 points, Riordan took the win, with Nott accepting runner-up.
Riordan also came away with nearest-the-pins on the 12th and 18th, both with birdies.
The men played stableford on Wednesday in two grades. Graeme Southwell had a beaut day in A grade, leaving with a win after his excellent 40 points.
A three-way countback was required for second place, with Alan Connolly just nudging out Peter Ellery and Chris O’Brien, all on a fine 39 points.
David Lloyd has been playing better with every game and this time ended up in a countback with Ray Cottle in B grade.
After the battle, Cottle was the better, but Lloyd should have been pleased with his 37 points and second place.
Justine McPhee had control of the par-five 14th, producing an eagle.
Nearest-the-pins: Kevin Challis (4th, 251cm), Neville Walker (7th, 510cm), Gary Sharman (12th, 55cm) and Michael Holcrof (both 17th, 75cm, and 18th, 345cm).
Lorraine Plamer was over the moon with her win on Thursday, in the Ladies Stableford.
Plamer’s super 39 points was three shots in front of a group of players vying for runner-up.
Leonnie Nott grabbed another second place for the week after coming out on top of the countback with Selma Mayne. Donna Mitchell (Everglades GC) and Heather Burrett (Everglades GC) just missed the cut.
Nearest-the-pins: Lorraine Palmer on both (fourth, 250cm, and 18th, 65cm) and Lyn Saunders (seventh, 590cm, and 12th, 25cm).
The nine-hole competition on Thursday was won by Carol Benning on a nice 18 points.
Friday’s nine-hole medley stableford was a winning day for Peter Ellery on 23 points over Ryan McCaig, 22 points, after a countback from Bodan Bishop.
Nearest-the-pins: third Bodan Bishop, fourth and ninth Tony Johns, fifth Paul Reed, sixth Nick Goodeson and seventh Gavin Graham.
The women’s Saturday game saw Chitra Rankin come away all smiles, winnng the first monthly award for the year with a very pleasing (91/73). Tracey Coulsen (98/74) seized the chance to jump into second place after a countback against Lorraine Palmer (93/74).
Nearest-the-pins: Chitra Rankin (12th, 223cm) and Carol Benning (18th, 43cm).
It was monthly medal for the men on Saturday in three grades.
Steve Wilmann played a perfect game, producing a spectacular 69 off the stick for a 69 nett and the A grade medal.
Chris O’Brien’s 81/71 gave him second place, followed by Allan McMaster (77/72) in third.
The scores just kept getting better, with B grade winner Aaron Jeffrey popping up with a mighty 81/68 for the medal. Simon Dale (82/69) was second after a countback with Reece Godfrey (82/69).
But if we are talking about sizzling scores, David Lloyd took the cake.
His exceptional 85/66 had him topping off a great week, taking home the C grade medal. Glenn Butterworth had to pick up second place after a lovely 94/69 and Riversides stalwart Alec Cattanach also played very well (88/70), taking out third.
Nearest-the-pins: Ken Honsby (fourth, 236cm), Steve Wilmann (seventh, 166cm), John Fraser (both 12th, 400cm, and 17th, 300cm) and (Reece Godfrey (18th, 95cm).
Sunday’s medley stableford was a winner for Andrew Diwell on a fine 38 points in front of three players on 36 points. Kevin Aston was second, over Shane Johns and Jake Kiel.
Nearest-the-pins: Jim Callaway (both fourth, 248cm, and 18th, 9cm) and Jon Slatter (seventh, 480cm).
Coming events: today – stableford; Thursday – women’s stableford, Friday – all-day-play nine-hole medley stableford, Saturday – men’s stableford, women’s stableford, and Sunday – medley stableford.
MERBEIN
JOE Barber played well on the back nine, scoring 22 points on his way to 40 points for the round.
This was more impressive as he had the best tee shot of the day, recording and “airy” with one of his drives.
He recovered well to win the day.
Wednesday’s winner was M Cook (83/71), runner-up was S Cordell (90/74), third F Crouch (85/74).
Friday’s winner was F Drayton (17 points), runner-up F Crouch (12 points).
Saturday’s winner was J Barber (40 points), runner-up A Fairlie (37 points) and M Vining (37 points).
Nearest-the-pin: second J Barber (15cm), third M Thomson (95cm), 16th A Fairlie (133cm).
Upcoming events: Wednesday – stableford, Friday – nine-hole twilight stableford, Saturday 4BBB par.
Don’t forgot to book your game in on mygolf to ensure your group.
Two meat trays are up for grabs for the winners on Saturday.
Thank you to all who helped to scarify/topdress and fertilise the greens.
More working bees lie ahead in the coming months.
VETERANS
At the time of writing the following information was accurate and relevant but with the changing circumstances associated with the COVID-19 virus things are likely to change.
As with every association, the utmost objective is the safety and health of our members.
It is fair to say that we are members of a high-risk group, being veterans.
Our golf is also not a high-priority event so we have to weigh up the pros and cons if we are to continue to organise the day.
At the moment that next round can only proceed under very strict conditions.
The Red Cliffs Golf Club has in place all of the necessary measures required to host the event.
Hygiene standards are high, participants can be seated according to the new guidelines for lunch and as an outdoor activity our numbers are below the maximum allowed to gather as a group.
Hand sanitation will be available and hand washing enforced.
There will need to be changes. The VVGA Council has advised us that to avoid close contact, shotgun starts are to be replaced with set tee times.
We will also need to ensure any pre-competition instructions are held in an area where we can maintain personal distances.
John will need to be loud as we will have to spread out and not congregate around the front of the clubhouse.
Players can’t share carts.
If you want to use a cart then be prepared to use your own or hire as an individual.
You may decide to walk. During play, appropriate distances must be maintained and groups of four are permissible.
Avoid handing the flag and don’t handle a competitor’s ball.
No handshakes or high fives no matter how good the shot.
So stay tuned and keep your fingers crossed.
Like a pitching wedge shot, it all up in the air.
I will have an update next week.
