It was a sea of green which greeted the almost 130 starters in the Thompson Wheelahan & Hampshire sponsored Irish 4 ball last Saturday. The Green however was not as in green grass, but the huge number of green shirts worn by the past winners of this particular event. Those past winners, by wearing their shirts in the particular event recognize the long standing association of Thompson Wheelahan & Hampshire who have been providing the winners trophies for the last 20 plus years. That sponsorship is due largely through the courtesy of Chris Wheelahan and his associates, with Chris adding to their support with the supply of pre-event drinks of extremely high quality which adds to the days enjoyment. The winning team of last Saturday’s competition, David Wilks, Greg Tozer, Bob Perl and Jim O’Donohue were outstanding with a great score of 97 points. Those points accumulated by the unique scoring system that applies to the game. This particular team have won the event on one earlier occasion and obviously knew their way around the system.. There were two teams that finished with scores of 95pts, which required a countback to determine the place getters. Early favourites to win the event outright, Jim Cross Jack Harvison, Bill Newman and Trevor Townsend were awarded the r/up position. The 2nd r/up spot was taken out by Simon Loadsman, Andrew Fletcher,Nick Bryant and Theo Agiannitis. Those teams with scores of 87pts or better achieved a pro-ball for their efforts. Possibly the shot of the day belonged to Theo Agiannitis on the par 4, 8th hole. Theo fired his tee shot long but wide of the 8th fairway, almost to the 9th fairway and was confronted by a wall of trees which would have proved too much for most golfers of all grades to contend with. However not for Theo, who with a lofted iron he hit over the trees with a high hook with his ball finishing just 260cm’s from the unsighted cup. That was more than good enough to win him the nearest the pin trophy for the measured 2nd shot on that hole, the prize being provided by Reece Plumbing. There is no doubting the popularity of this particular golf format, (Irish 4 ball), and with the continuing support of Thompson Wheelahan and Hampshire will undoubtedly remain the premier teams event on our golf programme. It may be possible that Grafton Golfing thrill seekers missed the event by not referring to their official programme books, but there was a mixed event held on Sunday which attracted a rather restricted field. The numbers may not have been all that great but the quality of scores was up with the best. Two combinations, David Morgan/Janeen Roberts, Rod Ford/Cheryl Shanley both finished with 45pts. That is the order they finished in following the required countback. Coles Supermarket provided the trophies for the various winners. The next mixed golf day is scheduled for Sunday 17th April and will be a 2BBB event. This particular competition a little more important than normal, being a charity day for Muscular Dystrophy, promoted by Reg & Kay McLennan. As the time for the event draws nearer we will provide more details. However it would be worthwhile putting this date in your diary and support a more than worthwhile cause. This coming weekend of course is the annual Virginia trip which will see 25 or so regular players not available for our normal Saturday competition. That competition will take the form of an 18 hole Stableford with trophies provided by Andrew Fletcher & Associates. The following weekend will incorporate the Easter break, and as a result there will be no formal competition on Good Friday. However the Pro-Shop will be open between the hours 10am to 4pm for anyone wanting a game or to make a purchase of some kind from Mark. The Club house will be closed on that day. Normal competition will resume on Easter Saturday with a 18 hole Single Stableford with Social Golf available for those wanting a game on Easter Sunday and Monday. Normal mid week competitions will proceed as normal. Ray Hopwood