WE were very fortunate to miss the predicted weather event during the week, and our thoughts go to our Country cousins who are currently battling through floods and the aftermath of the storms.

While we had to put up with some howling westerlies, our course continues to recover from the flooding and the greens are nothing short of sensational – one visitor has commented that they are positively the best he has ever played on – well done Greg and the Course team.

This week’s featured sponsor was Macksville Mitre 10 – thank you.

Tuesday 9 November was a Medley Stableford, very closely contested with both Divisions going to countbacks.

In Division 1 (0 to 20), Jaydan Taylor (0) from Bellingen had a great round of 38 points off scratch to win on countback from Stuart Garvey (7). In Division 2 (21 to 45), Tony Seymour (32) and Sue Stuckey (30) from Sawtell both scored 36 points, Tony winning the countback.

Other good rounds from Neil Duffus and Jeramy Ashman 36, and Sue Brooks 35, with the Ball Rundown to 32 on countback.

On Wednesday 10 November, the Women played their Monthly Medal Stroke & Medal of Medals playoff.

In Division 1 (0 to 25), Marilyn McNally (23) won the Medal with 67 net from Jenny Thorne (24) with 69 Net. Kerrie Eichorn won the scratch with 86.

In Division 2 (26 to 34), Debra Gersbach (27) scored 76 net and won from Joy Green (31) with 77 net. Debra also won the scratch with 103. In Division 3 (35 to 45), Peta Giddey (38) scored 71 net to win from Wendy Avery (45) with 77 net. Scratch winner was Peta Giddey 109.

Congratulations to Jen Thorne who won the Medal of Medals for 2021.

Other good scores from Cheryl Gilmour 70, Kay McGoldrick 72, Donna Easey & Henny Odlenhove 74.

The Ball rundown to 77 net on countback.

I never expected to be playing golf on Thursday 11 November, given the expected weather forecast, but all we got was a good stiff breeze.

Some of the field pulled in in fear of the expected conditions, others for Remembrance Day services, we still had 92 players. Chris Thorndike (17) got some good form going prior to the boy’s trip away on the weekend with 37 points to win Division 1 (0 to 17) from Rick Heywood (9) with 36 points.

A popular (and unexpected) win In Division 2 (18 to 22) by Andrew Donovan (21) with 37 points from Andrew Mackinnon (18) with 35 points.

In Division 3 (23 to 45), Jamie Lucas (25) top scored for the day with 40 points to win from Leslie Mohr (23) with 35 points.

Other good scores from Stuart Johnston 36, Linne Street & Keith Elphick 35.

The Ball Run Down to 30 points on countback.

Prior to the presentation, we observed a minute’s silence in remembrance of those who made the supreme sacrifice, and to acknowledge our ex-service members.

A small field for Friday’s Toyota Service Advantage sponsored “Island Challenge” as it nears its conclusion for this year’s “Road Trip to Royal Pines” prize package.

Keith Elphick (21) was the overall winner with 69 net from Joe Street (16) with 71 net.

Scratch winner was Stephen Carr 76, and the best lady’s score was Jennifer Johnston (23) with 75 net.

Progress results will be posted shortly.

Saturday 13 November was a Medley Stableford, the day kept cool with the stiff south westerly making it a challenge into the breeze. Division 1 (0 to 15) was won by Ben Honeybrook (12) with the best score of the day 39 points from Ian Vidler (15) with 35 points.

Division 2 (16 to 20), was won by Andrew Bagust (19) with 37 points from Geoff Brooks (17) with 36 points.

In Division 3 (21 to 45), Keith Elphick and Bernard Dugdale both scored 34 points, Keith winning on countback.

Other good scores from Gary Johnstone 35, Garnet O’Brien, Philip Mander, Geoffrey Harris & Kevin Anderson all on 34.

The Ball Run Down to 31 on countback.

On Sunday morning, we played both the Men’s and Women’s Top Gun Shootouts.

The Men were kindly sponsored by Stephen Doherty.

A few of the top seeds faded under pressure early, and it was a close battle to the finish, with a number of nerve rattling chip-offs to decide eliminations on most of the early holes.

Congratulations to Bill Mann for his win in a close finish from Rob Read.

My thanks to all those who participated in great spirit, and Macca for his assistance marshalling and his selection of a few sensitive chip-off locations.

The Women’s event looked like the final round of the Masters, with a great crown supporting the contestants.

After several nail biting chip offs, the winner was Lyn Parkes after a chip off with Faye Hopkins on the 9th hole – there was only a 20cm difference between them – now that’s a close finish.

 

By Geoffrey MCCANN