In an Ambrose team competition, birdies and even eagles are almost commonplace. But, in this opening of season competition, Mark Rae traumatised the par 5 13th hole with a drive and eight iron for an exceptional albatross two. With his older brother Wayne, in form Justin Lavendar and Anthony Mee, this highlight of the day, unfortunately, was not enough.

Winners of the day in a very large field were Brian Iveli, Scott McNeilly, Chris Moorhead and Leigh Wilson. Their six under par gross was just too hard to beat.

Just 0.75 of shot behind were Tom Martin, Ryan Wisley, Joshua Gorman and Brett O’Connor. Close behind was Pedrana and Ellis in third place.

Ball prizes for the albatross to Marks team and the Grafton boys Shannon O’Connor, Paul Grieve, Simon Lodsman and Mathew Worthing for an eagle on the same hole.

NTP on 2 was Chris Moorhead to his surprise and Terry Adcock on 7 to no one’s surprise. Tony Johnson put it close on 11 and Gary Klingberg found the 17th pin placement to his liking.

Andrew Cowling was the winner of the Thistle on the ninth, judging the difficult forward pin perfectly.

Ball prizes down to the team of Geoff Grayson, Phillip Killerian, John Clarke and Graeme Phelps. Very unlucky to the team of Waynne Nunn, Garry Taylor, John Hopkins and visitor Scott Schumutter. They were just 0.15 shots outside the money.

Maclean Thursday golf

There was “consistently subdued” scoring on Thursday’s Stableford.

Retirement is obviously suiting Geoffrey Johnson’s golf as he just headed the field in A Grade with 37 points on count back from the inform Mark Rae, who just beat Bob Harvey, also on count back.

In B Grade, visitor Ned Taylor had 38 points, just one shot better than second place Michael Rice.

Mark Hemmy made an average day much better with nearest the pin on 2 with grand old master Geoff Craigie being ever so close on the 7th. Joshua lifted a disappointing day with a precise tee shot on 11 and Stephen McKenzie was easily the best on 17.

The Thistle hole was taken by John Fong Tee. His less than perfect drive was redeemed by a magnificent approach.

Balls run down to 33 points in both groups. You know who you are.

Miles James