Last Sunday the 65th Annual General Meeting of our Club was held which attracted a healthy number of almost 60 members.
The main business to come out of that meeting was the formation of the Board of Directors to control the Club activities for 2019. Elected unopposed for another term were Trevor Townsend (President), Neil Hayward and Matt Davidson (Vice Presidents), Neil to assume responsibility for the greens and Matt to take on house responsibility, Robert Turns (Treasurer), Heather Robinson (Public Officer), David Morgan retained his position of Club Captain, following an election for that position. The following were all elected unopposed for the remaining Board positions, Matt Dougherty, Tim Newsome and Matt McKee. A couple of further highlights resulting from the meeting include the awarding of Life Membership to Neil Hayward in recognition of his 15 plus years as a Club Director, Club Captain and Vice President; an honour which is more than justified for his contribution to the Club for all those years.
The many volunteers who contribute an enormous amount of time to the conduct and maintenance of the course and Club house were also formally recognised with the awarding of the Club Person of the Year being granted to Barry and Gai Leeson. This was a particularly popular award as both Barry and Gai put a great amount of time and effort into the Club and this honour formally confirms the Club’s appreciation for their combined contributions to the outstanding appearance to both the Club house and course.
Prior to the AGM on Saturday, Cansdell Signs and Digital Printing sponsored a 18 hole single Stableford which attracted a good field of 110 starters. The event was played in very hot and humid conditions which proved extremely uncomfortable for many golfers, which was reflected in the scoring. Apart from D Grade, all grades were decided on a countback basis, which more than confirmed the closeness of the competition. Although the playing conditions were difficult it did not hamper the overall winner of the day, Bob Pattison (22) who put together a more than outstanding round culminating with 46 points, 5 points clear of his nearest opposition, that score equates to 84 hits, which will no doubt result in a substantial reduction to his handicap. The next best score on the day was 41 points recorded by two players, Neville Gilbert (13) and Bill dudgeon (14) which gave them the win and runner-up position in B Grade. A Grade was won by Clint Corbett (9) from John Tracey (6) both players completing their rounds on 37 points. Both Bob Wicks (19) and Terry Bowe (16) recorded scores of 40 points to be awarded with the win and runner-up spots in C Grade respectively. Scores in D Grade were a little more decisive with Tony Miller (26) the best with 40 from Tom Porter (21) who finished with 38. Tom’s score no doubt given a boost claiming the NTP Pro pin prize on the 1st with this tee shot almost going in, finally finishing just 68cm behind the cup, obviously making the birdie putt. To claim a proball you needed to play to handicap with 36 points. Eleven players finished on 36, two unfortunately miss out on a ball following a countback. One of those players to miss out was John Dougherty compounding his disappointment, his regular golfing buddy, Tom Porter, knocked him off from the Pro pin trophy, John’s tee shot finishing just outside Tom’s 68cm effort.
Putting this column together each week is a team effort and it is appropriate that special recognition be given to two “young” ladies who make a significant contribution to the preparation and presentation of the weekly report. They are Heather Robinson and Mary Katte who between them decipher the original draft and transmit it to the media. Without their assistance it would be very difficult.
On behalf of the management and staff of our Golf Club, they extend the compliments of the season to all those associated with golf in the Clarence Valley in general, and all members of our Golf Club in particular.
Members should note that the Club will be closed on Christmas Day. For those wanting a competition golf game, a 18 hole Medley event has been scheduled for Boxing Day.
Ray Hopwood