Weekend competitions
It was an interesting event last Saturday, which was an 18 hole American Foursomes, sponsored by two of our regular members and golfers Dennis Pye and Chris Wheelahan, who would be more than happy with the support their event attracted. Almost 140 starters teed up, which resulted in some excellent golf being played.
No one was too surprised with the winning combo, two of our younger stars taking out the major share of the available prize money. Jackson Wright (scratch) and Willow Harris (2) put together a brilliant round of 68 gross to take the event with 67.25 nett. A check of their card reveals 5 birdies, just the one bogie, the remaining 12 holes all pars. It has been a big year for those two young golfers, the highlight being Jackson winning the recently completed Club Championship with Willow finishing in the runner-up spot to Jackson in that Championships series. Much more to come from these two golfing stars in the future. Not far behind the winners, but with considerably more handicap was the combination of Matt Katon (13) and Club President, Matt Davidson (12), with a nett score of 68.625, which equates to 78 off the stick, which was a great effort worthy of the runner-up spot. Next in line came Clint Corbett (8) and John Dahl (7) who put together a handy round of 75 gross and following the application of their 5.625 handicap, finished with a more than commendable 69.375 nett. To win a pro ball you required a score of 72.125 or better to feature in the rundown.
The nearest the pin rewards went to Rohan Hackett (4) on the 1st; Jamie Stockton (16) on the 6th; the 10th went to Tim Bartlett (2) with Mat McKee (scratch) picking up the 17th. Our two sponsors Dennis Pye and Chris Wheelahan support the Club in more ways than one and their continuance of that support of Grafton Golf is more than appreciated.
On Sunday the Annual Naggers Cup was held which turned out to be a benefit event for the McKee family with Mathew, Annaliese, Julie and Maddie all featuring in the results. Played under the American Foursomes format, Matt McKee (scratch) and Annaliese (18) lead the field home with a nett score of 64.25. The runner-up position was taken out by Rowan Butcher (6) and Maddie McKee (8) with a score of 68.75. Three combinations picked up the available pro balls on offer, they were Neil Hayward (15) and Kate Thomson (17), Brian Napper (7) and Heather Purtill (11) with Matt Worthing (3) and Julie McKee (25) securing the last one.
Veterans golf
The Veteran fraternity are getting down to the business end of their qualifying for the Coopers Brewery Top Gun shootout, with the final chance to make the top ten final scheduled for next Tuesday September 28. Currently leading the qualifying series on 43 points are Dek Pabian and Dean Hayes, who are followed by three players with 42, John Tracey, David Brown and Stephen Summerell. Next best are Neil Hayward and Stephen Castle with 41. The remaining four players, all with 40 are Eddie Clack, Brian Baldwin, Brian Dougherty and Glen Gardner.
The shootout final itself is scheduled for Sunday October 10 commencing at 9am. If you have qualified for the final and you are unable to take your place in the shootout, please advise the organisers accordingly so that an appropriate substitute can be arranged.
The play-off for the qualifier involved with the Amgrow Veterans Challenge is scheduled for Tuesday October 12. Those players who have qualified include, Neil Hayward, Brett McConnell, Jack Sheean, Steve Houlahan, Brian Baldwin, Dean Hayes and Bob Fish. The prize for the winner of the series will receive a $100 voucher provided by Amgrow who have supported this particular series for some time now, which is very much appreciated by all our Veterans.
Ray Hopwood