RIVERSDIE
IT’S so nice to see everyone back to some sort of normality and feeling a little less stressed. Continue to stay safe and we will keep our freedoms.
Monday, October 25, was a ripper for Ken Wakefield, after he finished on an outstanding 41 points to win.
It was a four-way countback for runner-up, with Neil Bryant collecting the goodies, followed by, Michael Englefield, Noel Murray and Gary Sharman, all on 37.
The only NTP for the day came from Gary Sharman on the seventh (740cm).
It was a game of par for the ladies on Tuesday, October 26, and the nine-hole comp was won by Cath Kent, after another count back between four players.
Next in line were Meg Hamence, Lauris Hicks and Jill Shalders, all square.
Jen Stephenson took out the only NTP for the day, on the seventh (800cm).
Tuesday’s 18-hole par event was won by Kathy Ridley, well in front of her nearest rival, Marie Hudak, on +2.
NTP: 18th — Heather Klemm (45cm).
Wednesday was Stableford for the men, in two grades.
Riverside president Alan Connolly took out A Grade, with a fine 37 points, from Barry Pilgram, just one behind, on 36.
Peter Welling had an excellent day, winning B Grade on 40 points, in front of John Denman with 39.
NTPs: Fourth – Ollie Asmanis (70cm), Seventh – David Lloyd (247cm), 18th – Barry Pilgram (320cm).
Thursday was the ladies’ wind-up and presentation day, along with the changing of the guards.
First a big thanks to May Connolly for her dedication as ladies’ captain over the past couple of years.
Also to vice-captains Lorraine Palmer and Pat Riordan, president, Heather Klemm and the ladies’ subcommittee.
Lyn Saunders will take on the role of ladies’ captain, Caroline James is vice-captain and Carol Benning ladies sub committee president for new season.
With the wind causing havoc, the competition of the day was a 3BBB, which drew a field of nearly 40 ladies.
The winning team on the day was Margie Dunlop, Di Benham and Jan Lloyd, after a terrific 26 points.
Runners-up were the team of Chitra Rankin, Selma Mayne and Janette Mason with 25.
Friday’s nine-hole medley Stableford saw Peter Welling come in with 23 points and the win, over runner-up John Denman (21) after a countback with Dallas Kalms.
The ladies played stableford on Saturday and Linda Dickson put together 36 points to win from Jan Lloyd on 35.
NTPs: Fourth – Leonie Nott (247cm), 12th – Sandy Briggs (120cm), 18th – Jan Lloyd (78cm).
Stableford was also the comp for the men in two grades.
Brent Symons made the most of his 37 points to win A Grade.
With four-way countbacks being the flavour of the week, runner-up was Chris Grimmer, followed by Chris O’Brien, Barry Pilgram and Travis Patten.
The round of the week was by Dallas Kalms, with his mighty 42 points giving him the win in B Grade. Neville Cooke grabbed second place, after a count back against Austin Riley, both on a very nice 41.
NTPs: Fourth – Brad Steer (105cm), Seventh – Chris O’Brien (230cm), 12th – Steven Wilmann (380cm), 17th – Grant Giddings (265cm), 18th – Alec Cattanach (175cm).
Kerry Grimmer put in a fantastic round of 41 points in the Medley Stableford on Sunday, winning in front of Michael Innes after a count back with Kendall Marchment on 39.
The par-five 14th hole was kind to Sam Pipicella and Paul Wilkinson, giving them both an Eagle.
NTPs: Fourth – Jon Slatter (40cm), 12th – Marty Scott (710cm), 18th – Gavin Minter (510cm).
MERBEIN
THE winner last Wednesday was Terry Fitzpatrick on 38 points from Ken Matulick on 35.
Ball winner was Frank Crouch (34 points).
NTPs: Second – Ken Matulick (410cm), Third – Terry Fitzpatrick (225cm), Eighth – Frank Crouch (610cm), 12th – Frank Crouch (550cm), 14th – Ken Matulick (230cm).
Saturday was a relatively small field. Please, members, let’s get numbers to the course and support this mighty club.
The winner was Graham Kerr (88/68) from Terry Fitzpatrick (89/69), while Stuart Watson (87/71) was the ball winner on countback from Jason Binding (99/71).
NTPs: Second – Glen Wallace (400cm), Third – Terry Fitzpatrick (225cm), Third “pigeon” – Dave Timmis (301cm), Sixth – Billy Fairlie (350cm), 12th – Terry Fitzpatrick (645cm), 14th – Billy Fairlie (295cm), 18th – Maxi Trinick (305cm).
The meat raffle was won by Maxi’s mate from Robinvale.
We are following all current directives from the Victorian Government to ensure safe play for all as directed by Golf Australia.
Today’s play is par, and Saturday is Ambrose in twos – so organise a partner and have a crack.
WENTWORTH
BILL Murray continued his consistent form with another win in the stableford round on Thursday. Bill’s score of 36 points was enough to win on a countback from Howard Hankinson.
Ball winner was Bill Slee with 29 hit the ball better on the back nine.
NTP: Eighth – Howard Hankinson (625cm).
John Stephens returned to the club and produced a rusty 21 points to take home the Mr Risky prize.
Sunday’s stroke was again won by the “straight arrow” Col Stewart with an impressive 69 net, making him possibly the favourite for the club championship next week.
Runner-up and also in the mix for next week was Ged Chapman with 71.
Ball winners were Bill Murray (73) and Bill Slee (74).
NTP: 17th – Donny Sproh (430cm).
Dave Gardiner also back returned 80 net to take Mr Risky.
VETERANS
THANKS to double vaccinations, Sunraysia district veteran golfers are returning to the normal schedule. Although delayed a further week until Monday, November 15, we will be gathering at the
Mildura Golf Club to compete in a single Stableford event. Registration begins about 8.30am with Greenie giving us final instructions before allocating groups to their starting tees. Carts are available for hire, so contact the pro shop if you require one.
We finish with our lunch and prize presentations. The winners of the incentive program, implemented to promote and reward regular attendance, will be announced.
The program will recommence for the 2022 so attendance will earn points for next year. The November meeting is also the AGM.
We have the usual issues to discuss and hopefully some willing members who will nominate for executive roles. People are needed to step up so that we can continue to enjoy the camaraderie of fellow district vets, have the opportunity to play on all our district courses and enjoy the benefits of having supportive and generous sponsors.
Do your bit to make sure that this is cost-effective and enjoyable schedule of events continues. There is plenty of members willing to help you become familiar with the tasks. If enough members step up on a regular basis, the roles can be short-term.
Get behind the association so it continues to enjoy the many benefits it now has.
