Saturday competition
The main focus this week for Grafton golf was the Grafton Glass 2 man Ambrose conducted last Saturday which attracted a field just under 120. The event serving as the qualifier for the NSW Keno 2 man Ambrose competition, as well as the Grafton Glass 2 man Ambrose knockout, sponsorship for the qualifier and the knockout series, provided through the courtesy of Dennis Pye from Grafton Glass fame. With a gross score of 68, the pairing of Andrew J. Fletcher (16) and Willow Harris (3) were the victors on the day with a nett result of 63.25. Their card reveals a total of 33 round the front 9, backed up with 35 hits round the back, which is very impressive golf. In the runner-up position, another impressive golf display was provided by the combination of Dean Hayes (19) and Brian Napper (10) who completed their 18 holes with a nett score of 63.75 from a gross score of 71, made up by 35 on the front and 36 on the back 9. The pairing of Hayes/Napper also captured 3 of the 4 nearest the pin hole trophies on offer for the day, Brian claiming the 1st and 17th holes, with Deano backing up that effort with the nearest the pin on the 6th. The remaining prize on the 10th was awarded to Graham Tracey (9). A couple of Langford’s, namely Craig (5) and Aiden (15) were awarded with the 2nd runner-up spot with a nett score of 64 (69 gross) with just the one bogie on their card, the par 3 6th hole. Pro balls going down to those on 67.75 on a countback.
Just the top 16 combinations from the qualifier have progressed to the knockout series. The draw for the Grafton Glass knockout is now up on the notice board and it should be noted that the 1st round of the knockout must be completed no later than the 17th July. Refer to the notice board to determine if you have qualified for the series.
Mid-week competition
Neil Hayward (16) put in a sterling effort to take out the Tuesday Members/Veterans competition from the field of 86 starters with a score of 41 points, just the one point clear of the runner-up Eddy Clack (25) on 40. Two players, Peter Fysh (23) and Matt Dougherty (15) were the next best on 38 with Peter claiming the 2nd runner-up spot following a countback. Pro balls going down to those with 32 or better on a countback. From a reduced field of just 41 starters in last Thursday’s competition, Dylan Clifford (15) and Shane Essex (18) completed their rounds with 36 points and following the required countback, Dylan was declared the winner. The 2nd runner-up spot went to Greg Harvison (scratch) with 33 on a countback from Bill Dougherty (23). Pro balls went down to players on 31 or better.
District Pennants
The Mid North Coast District Golf Association Pennant season has now proceeded to the business end of the series with one of the Grafton teams contending in the final series. Grafton’s division two team has progressed to the semi-finals and will play the strong Kempsey team with the Woolgoolga Golf Club to host that particular semi. Captain of the division two team is Veteran golfer, Jeff Hackett (5) who is supported by Rohan Hackett (5), Matthew Worthing (4), Scotty Brown (5) and Willow Harris (3). Reserves are David Morgan, Michael Beehag and Bill Dudgeon. The Grafton team have been extremely consistent right throughout the pennant series, losing just the one or two matches throughout the entire programme. To make it to the final will be a just reward for all their efforts.
Veteran’s Golf
Qualifying for the men’s Veterans Coopers Brewery Top Gun Shootout continues with just three points currently separating the number one spot from the 10th position on the leader board. Leading the qualifiers at this time is Neil Hayward with 41 points. Following Neil on 40 are Dek Pabian, Eddy Clack followed by four players on 39. In order they are Ken Radunz, Stephen Hancock, Steve Houlahan, Darrel Berry and David Morgan. The final three players who make up the top 10 with 38 are Jack Sheean, Robert Usher and Don Skarratt. Still plenty of time to qualify for the final, with that event scheduled for Sunday 10th October.
Ray Hopwood