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Grafton Golf Club Championship and “Harvo” has the lead
At the halfway mark of the 2015 Club Championships, Greg Harvison has established a commanding lead in the title chase, with two rounds of 74 and 71 (total 145). “Harvo”, who plays off a handicap of plus 2, last won the Championship in 2009 and at various times in the past he has been a strong contender, finishing in the runner-up spot on more than one occasion during his outstanding golf career. Greg not only leads the Championship, but he also co-sponsors the event through his company, Greg Harvison Building and Design together with Jacaranda City Coaches, (David and Leanne Morgan). The 2014 runner-up in the Championship series is Matt McKee, who currently holds that position on a score of 149, four shots in arrears to Greg. Although dominating the Championship series, together with Graham Dewberry for almost the last 40 or so years, defending Champion Matthew Worthing is currently in third place with a two round total of 151, and cannot be discounted at this time in retaining his title.
The competition in ‘A’ reserve is also fairly tight with John Tracey leading that grade with a score of 157 from Ian Langley who currently holds the runner-up spot on 159. Next best is Paul Grieve on 163. Youth is well represented in ‘B’ grade with one of our juniors, Willow Harris, leading on 167. Willow has established a healthy lead over the next best, Timothy McKee on 173. Two veteran’s are leading the charge in ‘C’ grade with Eric Schaeffer on 180 establishing a three shot lead over Jock Macpherson on 183. Ten players remain in the chase for Championship honours in ‘D’ grade with two players leading on 198 strokes. They are Tom Battaglini and Patrick Vacchiano with Ricky Paxton in with a real chance recording a two round score of 201. The Championships will conclude next weekend with the third and fourth rounds scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. The series therefore is far from over and all remaining players still have an opportunity to feature in the results.
Last Saturday’s event also included the August Monthly Mug, sponsored on this occasion by Craig Woods Plumbing. There was no doubting the winner with Deano Hayes (17) smashing the field with an outstanding 64 nett. The grade and medal results are as follows. ‘A’ grade won by Paul Langford (5) with 69, ‘B’ grade was taken out by Jim Lehn (11) with 71 on a countback. Eric Schaeffer claimed ‘C’ grade with 72 and John Bartlett (32) on 73 nett took out ‘D’ grade. Pro-balls went down to 77 nett with Graham Lentfer claiming the pro-pin on the 1st, with his tee shot finishing 249 cm from the cup.
Apart from the third round of the Championship being held on Saturday, Bob Turns is providing the sponsorship for the 18 hole Stroke competition being held in conjunction with the main event. Bob not only supports our Club with sponsorship, but also as one of our enthusiastic players who lives for Saturday golf and when he hits the ball straight quite often features in the results, and he will be keen to do so this week.
Following on from the Championship series, on the 15th August the qualifying round for the 2015 Holden Scramble will be held, sponsored by Ken Casson Holden, the competition will be split over morning and afternoon shotgun starts, the tee times being 7.30am and 12 noon to cater for the huge number of players taking part. Cost for the days play will be $40 per player which not only entitles you to your golf, but you will receive six Callaway golf balls and lunch. Playing conditions, especially relating to allowable handicaps, are a little complicated for this particular golf news forum, however a thorough explanation of those conditions are on the notice board, or contact our golf professional Mark Harvison for assistance. The Holden Scramble is open to four person teams of men or women and mixed teams, all welcome to participate. However be sure to confirm the handicap guidelines when nominating your team.
For those players involved with Veteran’s golf, on Sunday 23rd August a mixed two person Ambrose is scheduled. Nominations are now being accepted. Non Veteran’s are welcome to play also.
Ray Hopwood