Sports
Grafton men’s golf
Almost 130 starters found the introduction of a new event to our golf programme a great experience, and from the positive comments from all players, this particular team’s event is sure to become a permanent feature of future golf competitions.
The event, known as a Texas Scramble was brought to the club by Club Captain David Morgan who should be more than pleased with the reception this new style of competition has received from those taking part.
Leading the field home was the 4 man combination of Paul Ensby, Al Donaghey, Nick Fuller & John Shearer who completed their 18 holes with a score of 141pts which equates to just under 8pts per hole on average. Next best in the Coopers Brewery sponsored event with 140pts were Jason Casserly, Simon Loadsman, Dougie Hughes & Andrew J Fletcher. Just the one shot in arrears to that team came Kev Vaughan, Noel Allen, Rod Masen & John Tracey on 139pts.
Although the nearest the pin trophies were restricted to just the par 3 holes, there were some very good shots recorded. Greg Harvison took out the Pro Pin on the Mark Harvison sponsored 1st Hole with his tee shot measuring just 135cm from the cup. Even closer to the pin on the 6th (Advantage Hospitality Supplies & Clarence Valley Window Tinting) was Matt Worthing (88cm). Closer again on the 10th (Hanks Kitchen) was young Nick Fuller (56cm). Proving he has lost none of his skill, Billy Newman claims the NTP prize on the 17th (GJ Gardner Homes – Clarence Valley), his shot just 126cm from going in. To win a pro ball from this new event you required a score of 135pts or better to claim one.
With the July races just around the corner, it serves notice that two of our more important competitions are not that far away. Commencing with the Coopers Brewery 18 hole stableford Sweepstakes scheduled for Tuesday 10th July. This event nearly always attracts a capacity field so it is advisable to nominate early for this particular competition, either online or through the Pro Shop early. The normal Tuesday walk up start will not apply on this occasion.
Following the Herron Stakes, on Saturday & Sunday, 14th & 15th July the prestigious 36 hole Herron Cup will be held, co-sponsored by Coca Cola & Tooheys. The Sunday 18 holes will also incorporate the Grafton round of the 2018 Tooheys Shield. Once again big fields are anticipated for both days, therefore names in early as possible to ensure your preferred time slot.
The monthly Thursday Tallowood competition last week attracted a healthy field of 50 starters in the Mark Harvison/Iron Jack sponsored event with the best score on the day being recorded by Kieran Walsh (13) with a 69nett against his name. Peter Smyth (26) had to claim the 1st runner up spot the hard way by surviving a countback from Neville “12 marker” Higham (17), as both these players completed their rounds with scores of 70nett.
There are several players in both Grafton Undercover Storage singles knockout & Grafton Glass 2 man Ambrose knockout series who have not complied with the due dates for the completion of their 1st round matches. This is causing some concern for our Club Captain who will reluctantly be compelled to apply the forfeit rule should those particular matches not be completed without further delay. David will not want to do this, but he will not have any alternative should those players involved not comply.
Next Saturday the competition will be the July monthly mug, sponsored by Grafton Ally Fabrication and as normal for such an event will be played under the stroke format.
Ray Hopwood