The annual Open Tournament was held over the weekend at Yamba Golf & Country club and more than 200 golfers from over thirty clubs competed over the three days. Covid border restrictions meant that a large number of Qld golfers, who traditionally come for the Tournament, were unable to do so.
Only weeks before the event, there was doubt that it would go ahead but, thanks to the easing of things in NSW, it was possible for it to take place. Most of the visiting golfers expressed their thanks and they enjoyed some great Yamba hospitality and weather.
At the presentation of trophies on Sunday evening, special mention was made of the great assistance given by so many volunteers who loaned their golf carts to the visitors. The course and clubhouse staff all received acclamation for presenting the course in such immaculate condition.
Friday’s two person Ambrose event was a tantalising taster for most of the golfers and some great scores were recorded. One pair finished nine under par. For most, it was a chance to look at the course and plan their weekend attack. The event is over 36-holes with daily events on Saturday and Sunday.
Ballina and Byron Bay golfers provided some of the best scores with one having consecutive Eagles on the par 5 13th and 14th holes. Winner of the very prestigious Stratford trophy for the 36-holes was David Calvert of Byron Bay with 152 on a countback from Matt Crandell, also from Byron Bay.
A number of Yamba golfers did well in the two-day tournament. They included Luke Hitchings, Geoff Flett, Rohan Smiles, Garry O’Connell, Peter Kelly, Harrison Fahey, Laurie Urquhart and Brian Smith.
Saturday’s round saw more Yamba golfers play well. They included Greig Little, Peter Kelly, David McGregor and Darryl Hagarty.
It was a great three days, not only for the club, but also for Yamba. Most of the golfers stayed in town and made their presence felt in many local businesses.

Midweek Stableford a “Holiday” win

154 golfers played the midweek Stableford event at Yamba Golf & Country Club on Thursday and the course was absolutely perfect in readiness for the annual Open Tournament.
Nigel Holiday celebrated in style when he had the best round of the day to win A Grade with 42 points. Greg Wyllie was r/up with 39 and Craig Penman third with 38.
In B Grade, Sid Mills had a good win with 41 points. He was followed by Peter Brennan (40) and Chook Henwood (38 c/b).
Fast greens caused some concern in C Grade, but all three place getters scored 37 points. Countback saw President Tony Moran win from Ken Lillie and Chris Sharp.
NTP winners: SeaFire 3rd – Barry Fisher (64cm); Peter Campbell Physio 9th – Alex Commins (110cm); SeaFire – 10th Dave McGregor (161cm); Yamba Barber Shop 12th – Rex Bolte (74cm) and SeaFire 17th – Stephen Maher (246cm). The ball rundown went to 34/16.

David Miles