A large contingent of 14 Grafton golfers travelled to Armidale last weekend for round one of the annual inter club competition between the two clubs. In true Armidale fashion the host club gave our Grafton representatives a real touch up and lead the two round series by a massive 99 points. Grafton will need to be exceptional if they are to reduce that gap to something respectable when Armidale travel down in the return match in 10 days time. The only really outstanding score of the 3 day mini tour, was recorded by Bob Turns with 38 Stableford points which he produced on the Uralla course on Friday. Despite the fact that Grafton was absolutely flogged, all players had a great time, due largely to the organisation and conduct of the tour by our Club Captain Neil Hayward. Our thanks to Neil for his contribution to a great trip. Although the Armidale contingent was absent, the Saturday field here at Grafton attracted a very good field for the Dean and Corrie Hayes sponsored 18 hole American Foursomes, a unique event in a golf programme. There was some strong combinations, but no one could get near the eventual winners, Graham and John Tracey who returned a nett score of 64 3/8, Gary Cook and Terry Bowe were next best with 66 3/4. In the 3rd runner up spot the experienced Trevor Gleeson teamed up with the youthful Willow Harris with a score of 68 3/8, Pro balls went down to 71 1/4. The October Tallow-wood Challenge, co-sponsored by our Club Professional, Mark Harvison and Coopers Brewery which was played under the stroke format was a gift for “AJ”Pidcock (20) who gave his fellow competitors a golf lesson with a great score of 69 nett. With a score of nett 71, Patrick Vacchiano (20) had to survive a countback from Ron Hockey (12) to claim the 1st r/up spot, with Ron being awarded the 2nd r/up position. The best gross score was recorded by John Tracey (6) with 80 hits for the 18 holes. Next Saturday we return to the Stableford format of the game, on this occasion being supported by Clarence Coast Motors. That event will be followed on Sunday with a mixed competition which will take the form of a 18 hole 4BBB Stableford. Being one of the more popular mixed events, should attract a good field with Holiday Coast Meats providing the trophies for the day. It is not long now until one of the most important events of the golf year will be held, that being the 36 hole Jacaranda Open. Scheduled for 7th & 8th November, co-sponsored by Coca Cola Amatil, Tooheys and Lion Nathan, entries will traditionally come from Clubs within the North Coast area as well as the Brisbane area. A large contingent of golfers from the Virginia Golf Club will also be part of the open event, which will add to a almost capacity field for the two day competition. To secure your preferred time slot, now would be an appropriate time to get your nominations in. Prior to that event, on Saturday 31st October we will have the Jacaranda Open Mens 4BBB Stableford. This too will attract a near capacity field, especially with the injection of at least 12 players from Armidale taking part. This event being sponsored by Living Turf. Players are reminded that on this Saturday Grafton’s qualifier for the Road to the PGA Championships will be held. At a cost of $10 all players will receive a ticket to the PGA Championships to be held at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. As well an opportunity to qualify for the Championship final to be held on Sunday 29th November on the championship course as played by the Professionals in the PGA Championship itself. Should you have any enquiry regarding this event, just contact Mark Harvison at the Pro-Shop/ Ray Hopwood