It was one of the most highly anticipated finals last weekend when David Morgan (8) and Matt McKee (plus one) contested the final of the Grafton Undercover Storage (Trevor & Jen Townsend) Singles knockout.
Despite the obvious variance in handicap it was always going to be a close contest between the two strong competitors. At the completion of the scheduled 18 holes, the match was all square, when Matt missed a eagle putt and David missed a birdie putt. The 19th hole was squared with pars from both players. It was not until the 20th hole that a result was finally achieved, when Matt had a uncharacteristic three putt, which resulted in David claiming the Grafton Undercover trophy and knockout title for 2019. This was the second occasion that David has claimed the title as he had earlier won the knockout when he defeated Jeff Hackett 4 & 3 several years ago, so top class competition is of no concern to our colourful Club Captain. Trevor and Jen Townsend have indicated that they will again be associated with the 2020 knockout event continuing their more than welcome and appreciated sponsorship. Just the one knockout competition remains undecided and that is the Grafton Glass (Dennis Pye) 2 man Ambrose, that final should be completed within the week or so. The combination of Jimmy Cross and Billy Newman has earlier taken out the 2019 4BBB knockout series.
Grafton Truck and Trailer Repairs provided the trophies for last Saturday’s single Stableford, which attracted a good field of 104 starters, when you consider the current dry conditions. This indicates great support from our Club members despite those conditions. The best way we can support our Club through this current dry spell, is to continue playing through the difficult conditions, the good times will eventually return. To determine the winners from the Saturday event a three way countback was required with Chris Kelly (28), Tom Porter (20) and Tony Miller (26) all recording 41 points. In the end Chris was awarded the overall win, Tom took out C Grade with Tony the best of the D Grade brigade. The winner of A Grade was John Thompson (8) with 40 from Paul Langford (7) on 38. Terry Bowe (14) cleaned up in B Grade on 36 with Ron Phillips (14) claiming the runner-up position with 38, following a countback. The runner-up position in both C and D Grade went to David Page (18) on 37 and Ricky Paxton (23) with 38 respectively. Thirty 8cm was the distance from the cup Peter Sinclair (8) achieved on the Mark Harvison Pro-pin hole, for which he received a handy dozen golf balls. Most players with a score of 33 points or better were awarded with a pro-ball for their good golf.
The competition next Saturday will return to Stroke golf with the December monthly mug up for decision. The overall winner of this event will join the November monthly mug winner, Darryl Toms in the gold mug playoffs scheduled for later next year. Sponsors for the event on Saturday is the Grafton Hotel.
Last Tuesday’s competition was dominated by three players, Brian Napper (10), Chris Wheelahan (13) and Dennis Pye (13) all recording 38 points and following the necessary countback process that was the order they finished in. Pro-balls going down to those on 35 points. Scores in Thursday competition were a little more spread out with Dek Pabian (22) winner with 42 points from Ray Cavanagh (27) on 41. Mick Carter (7) the next best on 39. Pro-balls went down to those players on 34 points or better.
The Iluka Open is on the golf agenda next Saturday and Sunday with the Sunday component of their open a round of the 2019 Toohey’s Shield. Club captain, David Morgan, would like a strong representation of Grafton golfers to contest the Shield event, nominations can be made on the appropriate sheet on the Club notice board, or contact Iluka Golf Club direct. On Sunday December 15, the Club AGM is to be held on a date to be advised in December. The nomination sheet for the various Board of Directors positions for 2019/20 is now up on the notice board for those eligible members who would like to be part of a team to administer and promote our Golf Club. Nominations for those Board positions close at 6pm on December 8. Any inquiries should be directed to the Club public officer, Heather Robinson.
Finally a request from our Club captain, any winners from the last few weeks who have not picked up their trophies, check the voucher board and claim your trophy. The back log of vouchers need to be cleared up prior to the end of the year. Your co-operation in this regard will be appreciated.
Ray Hopwood