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| 1/3/10 |
Mildura Junior Open
Jake Laubsch will start a warm favourite in the Mildura Junior Open this weekend. The tournament which now has Geoff Ogilvy points status is over 36 holes and has attracted a strong field with low single figure golfers coming from Melbourne and Swan Hill. Luke Merrett form Murray Downs won the inaugural tournament last year and will be hard to beat. Laubsch though, has been playing impeccable golf at Mildura and Coomealla over the last six months. Not many 16 year old juniors can cut five shots off their handicap in that time from 5 to scratch! Laubsch will also get some strong competition from locals in Coomealla's Tyler Verbeek and Ryan Laird and Tim Walker from Red Cliffs will also be a chance if he puts his best foot forward. The second round 18 holes scores on Sunday will also be used to determine the Sunraysia District Golf Association Junior Champions for 2010.
Laubsch Eyes Coomealla Open
Jake Laubsch and Greg Rhodes played together on Sunday at Coomealla in the daily single stableford event. On the surface it appeared like any other group going out for a Sunday hit but was it? Laubsch overcame his elder statesman playing partner to win the Coomealla Club Championship in November and beat the district number one again by three strokes on Sunday. This friendly rivalry just might be what Rhodes needs to get his competitive juices flowing for the "Coomy" open on March 20-21. Laubsch continues to work hard on his game practicing every day. The forgotten man to a certain extent has been Mildura's Ashley Whitehouse who was thought to be the "man most likely" to take over from Rhodes as the district number one. Whitehouse has played only sparingly over the summer but bobbed up at Coomealla on Saturday with a two under par 70.
Entries for the Coomealla Open are filling fast and could break the district record for the biggest local club Open ever.
Hunter Mahan Too Good in Phoenix
American Hunter Mahan (-16) produce two 6 under par 65's on the weekend to snatch the Phoenix Open by one shot form up and coming wiz kid Rickie Fowler (-15). Mahan didn't make a bogey at the weekend, in fact he didn't make a mistake at all. Adding to that was an immaculate putting stroke and he takes home the booty this week. Fowler is bound to be a star as he has the game, the looks and the wardrobe that has the American public drooling. It's almost as if they have forgotten Tiger's not playing. Well almost, but not quite. Korean Y E Yang (-14) looked like he was going to be the "man" until he drove it in the water on 17 and then didn't get "up and down". Best Aussie was Matt Goggin (-13) whilst Robert Allenby (-11) turned in another consistent performance. This week the spotlight falls on Florida for the Honda Classic with defending champion Y E Yang determined to go back to back after his strong finish in Phoenix. Rober Allenby was 5th here last year whilst the Honda was Stuart Appleby's first win in the States in the 90's.
Laura Davies Wins NZ Open
Englishwoman Laura Davies (-9) showed that her form is still very competitive when she won the Ladies NZ Open on Sunday. The win was her 73rd worldwide, she is very popular everywhere she tees it up. Australian Sarah Kemp (-8) was one of three players tied for second. The two big events on the Australian LPGA Tour are the ANZ Masters beginning on Thursday in Queensland and the Australian Open the following week in Melbourne.
Japan's Favourite Girl Wins in Singapore
In Japan Ai Miyazato is bigger than Texas. She is as big a star as any of the Japaneze men on tour, probably bigger and more popular than any local movie star. In Singapore on Sunday Miyazato (-10) won the HSBC Singapore Open a week after she won in Thailand. Both events are the opening two events on the US LPGA Tour. No one has won the first two events of the year on the US LPGA Tour for 44 years. The most famous lady to achieve the feat was probably Babe Zaharis back in 1951. Australia's best finish was Karrie Webb (-3).
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 22/2/10 |
Sunraysia's Hottest Golf Stars Burn Bright
If there was any doubt about the condition of local golf courses then the weekend scores of two of our local "stars" should clear up any doubt. Jake Laubsch scorched around Mildura on Saturday in a six under par 66! Not bad for a 16 year old who eats, drinks and sleeps golf. Over the river at Coomealla, 50 year old Greg Rhodes shot seven birdies, ten pars and one bogey also for a 66. Neither would have known the other's score but it wouldn't seem that way to the casual observer as both then went out on Sunday and shot 68's at their respective courses. Rhodes has played off scratch (0) or better for two decades but didn't get down to that mark until he was around 30 years of age. Master Laubsch on the other hand has reached that mark after his score on Sunday. What an effort. The 2010 Coomealla Open is on in three weeks time and it is sure to be an absolute cracker. Last year Laubsch came from three shots behind in the fourth round of the Coomealla golf club championships to overtake Rhodes and beat him head to head. No doubt both players will be working hard to maintain their form for the first local "major" of the year. Laubsch's win in the club championship was his first major win but he is yet to win a local club 36 hole Open. Rhodes of course, has won over 100 local Opens including around 16 at Coomealla.
Laubsch Wins Catholic Schools Event
Jake Laubsch took out the Catholic Secondary Schools Championship at Goonawarra Golf Club on Monday. Laubsch shot a two over par 74 to win the overall individual section. St Josephs Mildura were represented in the teams section by Laubsch, Tyler Verbeek (76) and Ryan Laird (80). Mildura golf club will conduct their junior championship on March 6-7 with the 7th (Sunday) scores being counted for the Sunraysia District Golf Association Junior Championship.
Poulter Too Good in Matchplay
The Aussies bombed out in Scottsdale Arizona at the weekend in the Accenture Matchplay Championship. Geoff Ogilvy has a 1-2-1 record there in the last three years but he lost in the second round as did Adam Scott and Robert Allenby. It was an all English final between Poulter and Paul Casey who was runner up to Ogilvy last year. Poulter created a bit of controversy a few years ago when he suggested that at his best, it would be between him and Tiger Woods as to who was the best golfer in the world. The Yanks loved that, not. After the weekend he "is" the best golfer in the world but that could change quickly if he doesn't win at his next start. Poulter played superbly on what can only be described as very severe test of golfing skill. The greens looked to have elephants buried under them as the slopes and borrows were horrendous. Obviously Poulter grows another leg when it comes to matchplay as he was sensational in the Ryder Cup 18 months ago. Casey missed most of last year with a rib injury but he looks fit and raring to go this year. Mark him down for a couple of wins on the US PGA Tour.
Tiger Woods
Everyone is having a yap about Tiger so here is my two bob's worth. It is unfortunate when we lose the perception of a hero. Tiger Woods was for all intents and purposes, just that, a hero. He was a hero not for just his golfing deeds but also for the way he carried himself, portrayed himself, in the public eye. He always seemed available to answer media interviews and at all times was vey polite and courteous. So, none of that persona has changed, what has changed is his personal behind the scenes, out of the public eye behaviour. No one, absolutely no one,condones those transgressions from anyone, let alone a hero. Whilst it is understood that there is a furore and he was probably too late in his media apology, for Gods sake, lets move on. He didn't kill anyone, sell drugs or burn a forest down. He has to repair his marriage, earn his wife's trust and get back to playing golf. He will get his due in more ways than one when he steps back onto the golf course. Then we will see how steely his resolve really is. Hopefully he will come back better than ever, I doubt it, but champions have a way of proving everyone wrong.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 03 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 1/2/10 |
END of an ERA
I began playing golf in the front yard of our home in Mildura with my father's left hand golf clubs in the mid 60's as a 13 year old. Two years later I used to ride my bike over the Mildura bridge and hire a half set of right handed golf clubs at the NSW Buronga caravan park. A nine hole sand scrape golf course gave me my first "go" at golf and though I didn't know it then, golf would become a huge part of my life twelve years later. Two knee reconstructions in 1980-81 was the signal that football was becoming too difficult to continue, so I took up playing golf in competitions. In 1987 new Coomealla golf professional Steve Darmody convinced me to open a golf shop for him in 9th street Mildura which became known as Steve's Golf Factory. I worked for Steve until 1993 when he went to Melbourne and then on to Sanctuary Cove on the Gold Coast where he is the head teaching professional. We changed the shop name to Sunraysia Golf Factory until December when it became House of Golf Mildura. I was bored in the early years and began to explore new ways of keeping busy including dreaming up new golf tournaments and concepts. In 1993 we began taking golf tours to other places which included New Zealand (5), Scotland & Ireland (1), Perth WA (3), Queensland (2), Tasmania (2) and several short trips to the Australian Open and Australian Masters. We also opened up a golf shop (Riverland Golf Factory) in Berri South Australia and ran on course pro shops at Mildura golf club (2 years) and Riverside golf club (12 years). During this time we ran three senior pro-ams at Riverside and ran numerous other events at the club. In 2004 the Sunraysia Veteran Golf Association appointed us to organise and direct the 2004 Australian Veteran Golf Championship where we hosted over 700 vets and their partners from all over Australia. It was huge, five golf courses hosting events every day for a week, a Deltones concert, a wine and jazz day at Trentham Estate Winery, three dinner dances on the Mundoo paddleboat, an opening cocktail party and closing dinner with over 700 in attendance. What hoot that was. This year we will host more people from New Zealand and all over Australia for the 54 hole 18th Sunraysia Golf Tours Tri-State Masters where we play threee rounds of golf in three States in the one golf tournament. Kym and I are extremely proud of this tournament as over 4000 people have played in it and enjoyed it since 1993. Our "motto" for the week is "memories live longer than dreams and it's always nice to meet nice people".
Contact me with any golf information or opinions on fax 03 50247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 21/1/10 |
Wilmann Hotfoots it at Riverside
Steve Wilmann has won three club championships at Riverside Golf Club, on Sunday he added the Riverside summer Open to his list of credits in local golf. After 18 holes on Saturday he led the field comfortably from 16 year old Coomealla club champion Jake Laubsch and clubmate Troy Germane. On Sunday all three players came in level pegging so a play off was called for. Germane had played earlier in the day and had to come back to the golf course for the play off. During this time Wilmann took his new golf shoes off as they had caused blisters and sought the permission of the club officials to contest the play off in bare feet. Even though this would appear to contradict the dress rules of the club, permission was granted. The play off took place on the par 3 149 metre 18th in front of the clubhouse. This is a great golf hole that provides an ampitheatre effect for spectators and players alike. Germane was eliminated on the first sudden death hole but the other two continued for a further three holes. Wilmann eventually won with a par to Laubsch's bogey to become the district's first ever "barefoot champion". It is not known what the Royal and Ancient's attitude to barefoot golf is Riverside is a long way form Scotland!
Club President Mick Burke was delighted with the numbers this year which doubled the previous entry in 2009. He said yesterday "the golf course is improving daily and is getting back towards it's best ever condition".
Australia Day Golf in Mildura
A big turnout of golfers is anticipated at our local Sunraysia golf courses on Tuesday for Australia Day. Red Cliffs and Mildura will conduct ambrose events whilst Coomealla, Riverside, Wentworth and Merbein will have stableford events.
Hundreds of competiton golfers have been playing at local clubs over the summer as the weather has been reasonably moderate with only a few exceptionally hot days. There are few districts that offer a different course to play every day for a week where the green fees range between $20-$28.
New seasons Commence in Europe and USA
Australian professional golfers are set to dominate overseas this year with our biggest ever contingent qualified for the rich US PGA Tour and increased numbers in Europe. A lot of Australian are planning to play more events in Europe this year due to the second annual "Race to Dubai" which is Europe's version of the Fed EX Cup. Michael Sim is the boy most likely in the US after his superb year on the secondary Nationwide Tour in the US last year. Richard Green looks our best bet in Europe as he has had his foot on the till for the last two years. Irish youngster Rory Mcilroy could be the next "big thing" in golf this year on both tours after a brilliant season in 2009. Only time will tell if Sergio Garcia can take the next step and win a major which would elevate him the the top echelon. A lot will depend on whether Tiger Woods plays or when he comes back as to what happens on the US Tour.
Contact me on fax 03 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 13/1/10 |
Sunraysia Golf Courses Popular
Most local golf courses have reported increased patronage over the Christmas holiday period so far. Coomealla has been extremely busy with more than 2000 golfers flocking to play in daily competitions or socially. The golf course is without doubt in it's best ever condition and locals and visitors alike have lavished praise on it's condition. Mildura Golf Club have also been delighted with the increased traffic both in their on course motel and green fee traffic. Riverside and Red Cliffs have both been granted increased water allocations which has made a huge difference to their courses, subsequently the number of competition and green fee players has increased.
Ogilvy Follows in Appleby's Footsteps
Geoff Ogilvy won at Kapalua in Hawai for the second year in a row at the weekend in another excellent performance. Stuart Appleby won this tournament in 2004-05-06 so it will be interesting to see if Ogilvy can match that next year. The tournament is only open to the winners on the US PGA Tour in 2009 so only 28 lined up but naturally there were some handy golfers amongst them.
This week the Sony Open also in Hawai will be the second tournament on the US PGA Tour. Nine Aussies including Cameron Percy will line up in the event. Percy, of course lived for a number of years in Mildura where he attended primary school and his dad Ross was a top golfer for Coomealla golf club. Cameron was the last golfer to play with Tiger Woods, no doubt he would have been inundated with questions about the Tiger since. Imagine how the Yanks will play it up if he opens up with a top score in the Sony! Stuart Appleby, Robert Allenby, Marc Leishman, Jason Day, Natan Green, Nick O'Hern, Matt Jones and David Lutterus are the other Aussies. Hopefully one of them will win.
Contact me with any golfing news or information on fax 03 50247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 23/12/09 |
Coomealla Victorious
Coomealla golf club won their first SDGA Summer Pennant since 1988 at Wentworth on Sunday against Merbein. It turned into a bit of a comedy of errors after Coomealla won the first three matches to clinch the title. somehow though, the message went out to the last two match combatants that the scoeline was two one and the match was still "live". When Merbein won the last two games their players thought that they had won instead of losing 3/2. Coomealla deserved their win but having three teams in the competition you would expect them to have a good chance. Summer pennant has provided a great opportunity for new and aspiring winter pennant players to get a feel for the matchplay game. Different tactics and mindsets apply in matchplay golf compared to a straight stroke game. Most purists of the game love the matchplay format and events such as the Ryder Cup and the Presidents Cup have highlighted it's appeal, paricularly over the last decade when television has offered such brilliant coverage.
Cameron Pascoe Is Back!
Former Mildura junior Cameron Pascoe has rejoined Coomealla after a number of years out of the game. After being given a 9 handicap he blitzed around the normally testing Coomealla course on Wednesday in a two under par 70. The handicapper was most impressed with the performance and immeadiately reduced his handicap to 4! It really was a great performance, without doubt his best ever in this district.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au.
Good golfing to all.
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| 16/12/09 |
Merbein Summer Pennant Favourites
Merbein Golf Club take their pennant very seriously and this focused determination should get them over the line against Coomealla Golf Club on Sunday at Wentworth in the SDGA Summer Pennant final. Coomealla fielded three teams in Summer Pennant this year which is indicitive of the strength of the club currently. Adding a bit of spice to the final will be the inclusion of at least one ex Merbein member who now plays for Coomy. Good luck to both teams.
Allenby Back to Back
Robert Allenby has been a bit of a Jekel and Hyde in his playing exploits in Australia in the last few years but on Sunday that may have been put to bed. At least for the forseeable future. My wife commented while watching the tournament "what a terrible swing he has got". What she meant was it looks different to say, an Adam Scott or Stuart Appleby who have more classic style swings. Allenby could just about have landed it on a ten cent piece at the weekend, such was his accuracy with his shots into the green. It also seems that since he has switched to his "claw" like putting grip, his putting has improved out of sight. It just goes to show that golf is definitely between the ears because it wasn't that long ago he was happy with his swing and putting grip and he was playing well. Sometimes a golfer can get a new lease on life just by making some simple changes to set up which improves mind set. I love watching great golf swings but enjoy even more viewing golfers like, Rod Pampling, Craig Parry, Nick O'Hern, Sergio Garcia who each have different swings but achieve great results. Think back to Lee Trevino and Arnold Palmer who had wierd looking swings but are immortals in the game of golf for what they achieved. I used to like watching Jim Furyk until he started backing off two or three times after looking like he was ready to play his shot. Next year should be our best ever on the US PGA Tour with so many Aussies qualified to play every week. Who knows though, what the tour will be like with the uncertainty that the Tiger Woods furore has caused. Golf has been on everyone's lips for over a month now and even though it has been for the wrong reasons it has also heightened interest in our Australian Open and PGA tournaments.
Contact me on fax 03 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 9/12/09 |
Great Scott
It was great to see Adam Scott finally win in Australia. New South Wales is such a demanding golf course, particularly in the wind. When Scott is on song with his putter he is very hard to beat as his general play is usually superb. I was hoping for Stuart Appleby but it seems that when the wind stopped blowing he couldn't maintain his brilliant form of the first two days. The Australian Open was abit of a non event compared to the Masters previously in Melbourne when Tiger was here. It was virtually all Aussies with no foreign contingent to speak of. The upside of that however, is that it was an all Aussie finish. This week Coolum will host all of our big names with even Allenby fronting up after his great win in South Africa. I fancy either Matt Goggin or Greg Chalmers.
Summer Pennant
The two Coomealla teams meet in one semi final of the Sunraysia District Golf Association summer pennant this Sunday whilst Mildura will play Merbein in the other semi. Merbein look favoured to win so they will meet Coomealla in the final Sunday week.
Tiger Troubles
Everyone is talking about Tiger, whilst most people are focusing on his indiscretions I am more concerned about how it is going to affect the golfing industry. Make no mistake, Tiger Woods is much much bigger to golf than what Michael Jordan was to basketball and what Federer is to tennis. When he plays the attendance at tournaments almost doubles, TV ratings go up, sponsors come out of the woodwork and so on and so on. That was before, the golfing world is waiting with baited breath to see what happens next. In Australia his presence at the Masters put golf on the front page of the papers and lots of non golfing people became interested in golf. Hopefully his scandalous off course behaviour won't have a reverse affect on youngsters or any new beginner taking up golf. No one condones his "other life" but it doen't take away his brilliance as arguably the greatest golfer of all time.
Contact me with any golfing information on fax 03 50 246799 or Emial golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 2/12/09 |
Great Golfing Weekend
This should be a great weekend of golf with the Aussie Open, Nedbank Challenge in South Africa and Tiger's tournament in Los Angeles. New South Wales is one of my favourite golf courses in Australia with the fifth and sixth holes simply outstanding golf holes. I like Stuart Appleby this week as he plays wind courses so well having won three times in Hawai. Robert Allenby is my pick in the Nedbank but that is probably more in hope than anything else. He is the only Aussie in the tournament so heres hoping. In America I am tipping Ian Poulter as he has had a good year and is overdue for a win.
Sunraysia Golf Promotion
I am pleased to report that things are moving in the right direction with regard to possible assistance from Mildura Rural City Council for the 2010 major Sunraysia golf events. We have some fantastic golf courses in Mildura and district and we really need let people know through advertisements in golf magazines and papers. After speaking with four MRC councillors who agree in principle with what I have proposed to them a further meeting will take place next Monday.
Contact me with any golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 25/11'09 |
Changing of the Guard
The official 2009 golf season is over with all of the districts major events now completed. There is no doubt that 2009 has been a significant year of change. Most notably, a new golf club in Broken Hill being included under the auspices of the Sunraysia District Golf Association. Time will tell how successful this will be but if nothing else it certainly gave district pennant a shot in the arm. Coomealla have taken over from Mildura as the dominant force in men's pennant. Mildura were the team to beat in most of the last twenty five years but Coomealla with it's huge membership base have taken over that mantle. Broken Hill could be the X factor after finishing second it it's inaugural pennant season. Greg Rhodes is still the district's number one golfer over the last twelve months but 2009 wasn't his best. Ashley Whitehouse holds his position at number two and probably Justin McPhee would be at number three. Jake Laubsch is the name on most people's lips now, when it comes to nominating the possible number one status in 2010. Laubsch finished the year in ground breaking style when he took out the Coomealla Golf Club championship in November beating Rhodes head to head. At 16 with the drive and ambition he possesses the sky is the limit for big Jake who importantly enjoys tremendous family support. There would be few golfers in the district, old or young who practise anywhere near as much as he does, so he deserves every success. Joe Violi won Riverside's club championship in a great story after twenty attempts. Joe has played more rounds of golf in the last twenty years than anyone else in the district, so, once again Ben Hogan's quote of "the more I practise, the luckier I get" is proven. Whilst on good stories, Roger Walder's win in the club championship at Merbein was another great result. Roger has endured health problems over the last couple of years but rose to the occasion when it counted most to secure a position in Merbein Golf Club's history. Justin McPhee is approaching "best ever" status at Red Cliffs with outstanding performances in all of Red Cliffs major events this year. Ashley Whitehouse has built a great reputation since coming from Horsham fifteen years ago and he looks certain to be the main man at Mildura for years to come. Matt Lynch has a stranglehold on the number one position at Wentworth Golf Club but it would be great to see him play in all of our major tournaments and force his way into the Country Week team. At this point it appears that Greg Rhodes, Ashley Whitehouse and Tim Petersen won't be available so replacements will be required. Jake Laubsch, Ryan Laird, Tyler ver Beek and Tim Walker are our top juniors and next in line but Lynch would also represent good value if he committed to the team. From a club perspective, Coomealla goes from strength to strength, Mildura is moving forward and gathering momentum. Riverside and Red Cliffs look stronger after both clubs have been able to secure long term water. Merbein is hoping to have all eighteen holes in play by January and Wentworth's greens are still the best in the district. All in all golf in Sunraysia is still very strong and being played by more local people both competition wise and socially than any other sport.
Changing of the Guard Part Two
After 23 years at the Sunraysia Golf Factory in ninth street I have decided to step aside. In 1987 we opened the district's first stand alone golf shop and it has been a pleasure to serve the golfers of Sunraysia and the many thousands of visiting golfers. My son Garth and his wife Sally who run the Sunraysia Golf Range will take over the shop soon giving the district two House of Golf outlets. I intend to stay on in a part time capacity and help out. We are expect two more grand children in the next five months which will take the tally to eight. So with the part time work, grandchildren, 18th Annual Tri-State Masters in May and more golf to play Kym and I are looking forward to 2010. As this will be the last 19th hole for the year in the Sunraysia Daily you can catch up with local, national and international golf news on our web site at www.sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Have a happy and safe Christmas and New Year and most importantly - good golfing to all. |
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| 18/11/09 |
Golf Tournament Tourism
If ever there was a great example of the impact a golf tournament can have on tourism it was the 2009 Australian Masters. This was a golf tournament that was in decline. In recent years band aide promotions were used to try and prop the tournament up, such as the John Daly side show. Greg Norman had made the tournament in the 80's and 90's and the crowds flocked to Huntingdale to see him win six titles but in the last ten years the crowds had slowly dropped each year. This year though, someone came up with the great idea of getting Tiger Woods and look at what happened. Hotels were full, restaurants were overflowing and everyone has been talking golf. In Mildura we have a similar opportunity, all be it on a much smaller scale, to attract golfers from all over Australia and New Zealand to some of our major tournaments. In past years Mildura Golf Week used to attract large numbers of golfers in August, the Tri-State Masters in May also hosted golfers from all corners of Australia. The 2004 Australian Veteran Championship field of 700 in Mildura was the biggest tournament in the event's history. We used to have a Pro-Am circuit here and more recently a Senior Pro-Am circuit. Sadly all of these tournaments are either down in numbers or not even conducted any more. If the Mildura Rural City Council/Major Events/Mildura Tourism had someone within it's ranks who had the foresight to see what is possible in terms of assisting with the promotion and exposure of these events then the sky is the limit. Make no mistake, if $15,000 was allocated to the promotion of a program of events including, Tri-State Masters, Mildura Golf Week, Coomealla Senior Championship. Robinvale Festival of Golf and the Rivertowns Classic then an aggregate target of 1000 plus visiting golfers can be achieved. One thousand golfers staying for a minimum of six nights with spending equates to a minimum of $1,000,000 into this community. That money then goes around five times in a tourism sense. Not bad for a $15 per head investment is it? On top of the above mentioned events we have eight local golf club open tournaments that could be included on the program which would begin in April and conclude in October. We have the infrastructure, the golf courses, the accommodation, the restaurants and the weather. All that is needed is a promotional plan and the financial support from Council to facilitate it. Do we have a John Brumby in our council ranks?
Golf Club Committees
This month most district golf clubs will be conducting their AGM's. Along with reports on how their club's have traded over the last twelve months and what plans are in place for the future, new committee's will be elected. The leadership and direction provided by the committee usually dictates, to a large degree, the success of the club. Obviously, luck plays a big part as well, rain and irrigation, for instance or the lack of it can determine the condition of a golf course which impacts on how many people play the course. On the surface it seems that most of our golf clubs are clawing their way back after some fairly tough times over the last four years or more. If you feel you can assist with the development of your golf club then put your hand up for committee. Apart from helping your club you will feel a sense of satisfaction from assisting the progress of something that is important in your life.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 11/11/09 |
Sunraysia's New Golfing Star
Jake Laubsch turned 16 in September and was chosen to represent Sunraysia at Melbourne Country Week in October as a caddy. The district's senior golfing officials recognised his talent and thought that a week of mixing, observing and playing with Sunraysia's elite golfers would accelerate his progress. That week Jake was fortunate to be chosen to carry Greg Rhode's bag and observe the champion at what he does best. "He was awesome, he just kept hitting fairways and greens, hole after hole. I really enjoyed watching him play and learnt a lot during the week" Laubsch said on Sunday. One month later and the Coomealla Club Championship were waiting for the challengers to arrive. Greg Rhodes was the favourite as usual but one person thought Jake Laubsch was a good chance to win this year. Jake's brother Nick predicted the day before the championship began that "my brother is one of the main chances to win this year". An opening 75 left him four behind Greg Rhodes but a great round of 70 in the second round made Nick's prediction look on the money. Jake was only three shots behind but the job looked tough for the newcomer at this level. In round three on Saturday Rhodes had 74 so Laubsch's 75 left him four stokes behind. The seeded group in the last round on Sunday was Rhodes, Laubsch, Sean Baumgurtel who had had a superb 70 on Saturday and Cameron Stewart. This was the first time that the youngster had played in a senior seeded group in a major tournament. "I was just so nervous all day playing with Greg, Jake said, but he is so good to play with. My mum caddied for me on Saturday and Sunday which was great". After 14 holes Laubsch had drawn level with Rhodes but he didn't start thinking about that until after he birdied 12 and 13 but then Rhodes birdied 14. "I then said to mum, I probably shouldn't tell you this but Greg and I are level". To which she replied "No, you shouldn't have told me". Rhodes hooked his tee shot badly on 15 but recovered brilliantly to hit the green with his second shot, only to three putt. Laubsch then bogeyed 16 after going bunker to bunker from the fairway. All square going down 17 where Rhodes again three putted giving young Laubsch the lead for the first time in the championship, after he had made par. Both players parred 18 with the junior holding his nerve to win by one solitary stroke against Sunraysia's greatest ever golfer.. What a day for the youngest ever club champion at Coomealla Golf Club. On Sunday night he spoke of his goals and where he needs to improve. "My main goal was to break 300, so to have 290 was good. I was happy with most of my game, I only had 27 putts today, but my bunker play wasn't good, getting up and down only once for the championship. It was so good to win because all day today I was as nervy as hell". Greg Rhodes would no doubt be disappointed in his performance with the putter. If he takes 27 putts he breaks 70 but the flat stick is the only part of Greg's game that isn't A plus, it is a continual source of frustration. In third place was Sean Baumgurtel only three shots back and four better than Rhodes over the last 54 holes in a great performance. This year has been a really good one for "boomer" as he has played some great golf and importantly, achieved consistency. As for the Laubsch family, they're all at Kingston Heath this week doing some Tiger spotting.
Australian Masters
Australia's best golf course Kingston Heath, will host the world's best golfer Tiger Woods, over the next four days in what promises to be a ground breaking week for Australian golf. The biggest void in golf clubs right across Australia is young people, the exposure that this event, and in particular, Tiger Woods, will give the game of golf is enormous. Greg Norman attracted young people to take up golf in the 80's but these days you can go to any golf club on a Saturday afternoon and you will discover that more than 70 per cent of the golfers playing are over 50. Golf clubs, like any sporting club need young people taking up the sport and joining in club competitions. Golf is like a religion to many who play it. It is about excitement and emotion more than actually winning or losing. Let's hope that Tiger plays really well but an Aussie wins on Sunday. Someone like Michael Sim, John Senden or even Adam Scott.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 4/11/09 |
The Man and the Boy
The 2009 Coomealla Golf Club Championships hit off in hot conditions on Saturday with a stronger than usual morning contingent of players. Of the favoured contestants Andrew Stewart was the best in with a 75 followed by Ashley Whitehouse on 78 and Jacob Slimmon with 80. It was clear that the morning conditions hadn't produced the lower scores usually expected. Slimmon is currently living in Horsham and has beefed up considerably due to the manual nature of his employment installing a pipe line. Whitehouse would have been hoping for much better whilst Stewart would have been reasonably satisfied with three over par. Standout performance of the morning came from Phil Moisidis who, off a 10 handicap had 75 off the stick and Brendan Dean who also recorded a 75. Second best score of the day came from up and coming junior Ryan Laird who bogey the last two holes for 74. Laird only played the first round as he is away this weekend. The afternoon players rolled up and eventually the field of 134 players had all hit off in the oppressive conditions. Wentworth footballer Zac McGlynn is not known for his golfing abilities but he had a day out with 93 less his 27 handicap for a nett 66. The district's number one junior Jake Laubsch played good golf for a 75 and virtually sewing up the junior title, all be it with three rounds to go. Sean Baumgurtel had 77 and Cameron Stewart 79. Greg Rhodes hit 16 greens in regulation for a one under par 71 to lead the tournament by four shots. To put the round in perspective, 71 is a good score but to putt for 16 birdies and only be one under is not a good return. Sunday came and again the weather was, Mildura in summer, although it is only spring. Ninety four players had entered the championship and the contenders were dropping out very quickly. Whitehouse followed up his 78 with a 79 and won't be there this weekend after he looked like the man most likely to challenge Rhodes pre tournament. Slimmon improved slightly with 77 but is way out of contention after two great championships in 2007-08. Cam Stewart hit back with a solid 73 to be in fourth place and Sean Baumgurtel excelled with a 71. Baumgurtel has had some great rounds this year but struggles to put two together. Hopefully this weekend he will continue to climb the leader board and get some reward for lots of effort and expense. Rhodes again was Rhodes with another 71. He would not be pleased with two under par and will be aiming for 68's this weekend. Sounds crazy doesn't it? Everyone one else in the field would be rapt with two 71's but we are talking about Rhodes and he of a much higher standard. The story of the day and the championship so far was year 10 student Jake Laubsch who shot a fantastic 70. Laubsch is not unlike Rhodes in stature and looks more like a footballer or basketballer but he has an ability to hit a golf ball and hit it really well. Whilst sitting only three shots behind Rhodes it would be unlikely that a boilover is on the cards, but, stranger things have happened. The best thing to emerge though, from this championship is the emergence of two likely replacements for our country week team next year - Laubsch and Laird.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 28/10/9 |
Coomealla Club Championship
Greg Rhodes and Ashley Whitehouse are the men to beat in the 2009 Coomealla Golf Club championship beginning this weekend. Both men finished equal first in the Wentworth Open which was the districts most recent Open tournament. Rhodes has been a bit out of sorts, form wise, as he has drifted back from a plus two handicap to the lofty mark of scratch. Four round club championships are what he thrives on, so don't be surprised if he is not back to plus two by the end of the championship. Whitehouse has not played as much competitive golf lately, so he will be coming into the event relatively fresh. Jacob Slimmon has been a big factor in the past two championships and is capable of putting some low numbers on the board. Sean Baumgurtel has also lifted his ranking this year and Cameron and Andrew Stewart are usually thereabouts. The junior section of the championship will also be a keenly contested affair between Jake Laubsch, Ryan Laird, Tim Walker and Tyler Ver Beek.
It will be interesting to see how many members play all four rounds this year as the timing of the start of the championship is not ideal. Entry cost is $20 for the championship or $6 for those only playing daily.
Rivertowns Classic
Local golfers dominated the annual Rivertowns Classic at the weekend with all three 54 hole winners coming from Mildura golf club resort. The tournament was conducted at Loxton, Wentworth and Mildura golf club's. The top three players included Fred Stewart in A grade, Frank Poole in B grade and Bev Stone for the ladies. Entries for the Rivertowns Classic conducted were significantly down on previous years. This is a problem being faced by all local tournament organisers that are endeavouring to bring golfing visitors to our district. The only way that we can attract far away golfers to play in local events is to advertise and promote our tournaments in other districts and cities. From personal experience it is a waste of time contacting Mildura Tourism for any assistance. Golfers staying for six nights or more are not equal apparently, to other visitors for other events and festivals. After a meeting recently it appears our tourism heirachy is happy to get behind almost any other event, festival or television show, particularly if it is a one off. Golf tournaments that attract good spenders to the town add to tourism numbers but it was made quite clear that the responibility to attract them is not Mildura Tourism's. The problem is that if our local golfing tournaments continue the downward trends of recent years, then fairly soon there will be no more Golf Week's, Tri-State Masters, Robinvale Festivals of Golf or Rivertowns Classic's. By then though there will probably be another tourism CEO and it will be his or her problem, or will it?
Curators Golf Day
Wentworth Golf Club are conducting their famous (or should it be infamous) Curators Golf Day on Saturday November 7th. The event is a medley ambrose in teams of four and basically it is open to any golfer who can hold a golf club. In past years the curator has stuck the pins in some pecular spots on the greens, well just on the greens. Most participants have really enjoyed the fun of the day and with an ambrose everyone gets to have a go at the putts irrespective of how curly they are. Great prizes and a mjor raffle will be drawn at the conclusion of the golf. Entry of $10 includes golf and a BBQ lunch. For more information contact the club.
Contact me with any golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 21/10/9 |
Violi Riverside Club Champion
Joe Violi came from three shots behind to win the 2009 Riverside Club Championship on Sunday, completing his last round of 75 in the morning in virtual anonymity. Traditionally the last round at Riverside is seeded with the top four players coming up the 18th at 5pm, to be greeted by a waiting crowd in front of the clubhouse. Violi who is known for his introvertedness chose not to be in the seeded group on Sunday and was off the course by the time the seeded group hit off. The third round of the championship on Saturday was highlighted by a par round of 72 by Troy Germane. To shoot par in a club championship is very special, particularly as it was the best individual round by any player in the tournament. Germane has been on the cusp of becoming a top A grader for some years, during which he also played football. This year he would have claims of being one of the districts most improved golfers. Germane splits his competition days between Mildura whom he played pennant for, Coomealla and Riverside. After shooting par he lay only one behind the 54 hole leader Steve Wilmann who had shot a 77. Joe Violi had also had 77 to be three behind Wilmann. Germane also played on Sunday morning due to work commitments in the afternoon but shot a disappointing 82. This left Steve Wilmann with the task of shooting a 77 to win his fourth club championship. Wilmann could not achieve this and finished with an 80 and the runner up prize. When the presentations took place the new champion was nowhere to be seen despite the frantic attempts of officials to locate him. Joe Violi is no stranger to the limelight however, as a seven time qualifier in the Sunraysia Matchplay Championship and also as a member of the Sunraysia Country Week team. He was the inaugural Tri-State Masters champion in 1993 and 94 and also featured at the pointy end of the leaderboard in several club open tournaments during the 90's. Now in his mid fifties he prefers to go as unnoticed as possible even though he has been one of Riverside's top golfers for twenty years. Scores of 76-75-77-75-303 is good golf in anyone's language. Some will argue that Steve Wilmann was disadvantaged by knowing what he had to shoot when the other two didn't. Others will suggest that either way you still have to play the shots and get the ball in the hole. Whatever the opinion, Joe Violi is on the honour board as the 2009 Riverside Golf Club champion.
Hogan Fires up at Red Cliffs
Former club president and semi retiree Michael Hogan had a day out at Red Cliffs on Saturday when he shot a career best 76 off the stick. "Hoges" is quite a popular figure at the "Cliffs" but he was being slated as a bushranger on Saturday night when his score netted back to 62. He will now play off a 12 handicap after losing two shots. Past captain Robert "Muscles" Lawn returned to the winners list in B grade after a few years in the paddock. An 85 off the stick less 21 handicap reducing back to nett 64 saw him salute for the first time in a few years. A lot of past Red Cliffs players are starting to turn up at Red Cliffs which is perhaps due to the improved condition of the course and the reduced membership fees, or maybe just because Red Cliffs is a great place to play golf with lots of other nice people.
Rivertowns Classic
Entries are still being taken for the annual Rivertowns Classic beginning at Loxton on Friday. Day two is at Wentworth with the final day at the Mildura Golf Club Resort. The tournament is open to both men and ladies with some fantastic trophies on offer this year. Phone Mildura Golf Club Resort on 50 231147 for more details.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all |
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| 14/10/9 |
Wilmann on track for three peat at Riverside
Steve Wilmann is well placed to win his third club championship in a row at Riverside Golf Club this weekend after rounds of 73-75. Wilmann shot a one over par 73 on Saturday to be the equal overnight leader with Chris Thomas. Wilmann is hoping to join four other players who have won three championships in a row including Tim Petersen, Mick Innes, Robert Veit and Bill Caffrey. "Computer" Joe Violi is placed second after 36 holes due to two consistent rounds of 76-75. Violi has been one of Riverside's most consistent golfers over the last 16 years but has never really been in contention after 54 holes in previous years. For some reason he has never played well enough for long enough in the championships. There are lots of Riverside people who would be delighted if he could maintain his form for 72 holes and take out the championship this year. Chris Thomas is five shots back running third after 73-80 and will be looking to repeat his great first round form on Saturday. Riverside were pleased with their field of 72 players which is the second biggest championship field in the district behind Coomealla Golf Club.
Rivertowns Classic
Entries are open for the annual 54 hole Rivertowns Classic to be conducted at Loxton Golf Club on Friday October 23, Wentworth Golf Club on Saturday October 24 and Mildura Golf Club on Sunday October 25. Both men's and ladies sections are available to district golfers and a bus will be available on the Friday to Loxton. Entries and information are available at Mildura Golf Club
Stableford Shootout
The third annual Stableford Shootout qualifying has commenced at Coomealla Golf Club. Entry is $25 and is open to any Coomealla Golf Club member. The top 19 single stableford scores between now and the end of February will qualify and then go into a shootout on Sunday March 7th. The nineteen qualifyers all hit off together, then one player is eliminated on each hole until two players remain to play off for the main prize on the 18th. The first prize is usually around a $500 gift voucher to the club and prizes go down to fourth. One good score in five months is all you need to do to qualify. Contact the club for more information.
Presidents Cup
The US once again wiped the floor with the International team in the Presidents Cup in San Francisco at the weekend. Tiger Woods, Phil Mickelson and Steve Stricker were in superlative form and our top liners couldn't measure up. Best performers for the International team were South Africa's Tim Clarke and Japan's 18 year old sensation Ryo Ishikawa. The next Presidents Cup will be played at Royal Melbourne in 2011 where the Internationals only victory was achieved in 1998.
The other big news in the world of golf is that golf will become an Olympic sport in 2016 with the top 120 players in the world rankings contesting a 72 hole championship for the gold, silver and bronze medals.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 7/10/9 |
Riverside On Track
Riverside Golf Club will commence their 2009 club championships on Saturday and the club is confidently anticipating a bigger entry than in 2008. Steve Wilmann is a hot favourite to take out his third title in a row which would give him four club championships in total. Club captain Jim Henshilwood said yesterday " The golf course is really on the improve and our members are delighted with the progress being made by our course curator Brendan Marr and his staff. After a couple of down years Riverside through the help and support of more than 30 volunteers is on track. All departments of the club are ticking over and really it has been a great team effort by so many people". After much consultation and negotiations with Mildura Rural City Council a workable outcome water wise has been achieved, which is great for Riverside and and the entire golfing community. The club has also turned around it's finances which are looking healthy after a period that looked somewhat bleak. In the last few years new greens have been added on the first, second, sixth and fourteenth and the third will be renovated after the club championships. Jack Thomas will begin duties as the club secretary manager soon and as such should deliver an increased professionalism to the administration and day to day running of the club. Club president Mick Burke has a good working committee behind him and if everything planned comes to fruition the picturesque Riverside will certainly be back on track. The club AGM will be conducted on November 10th.
Country Week
Our boys have returned home from Golf Week with mixed feelings. Firstly it was a great result to maintain our place in the premier division after several years in the seconds and thirds. Sunraysia faces a tough task to maintain that position as the further you are from Melbourne the harder it is. Just ask Swan Hill (Northern District) or the North Central clubs of Kara Kara who are always in third division. Unless we continue to turn over new up and comers then we too will filter back through the lower divisions again. One pleasing aspect was that our mid range players in Justin McPhee, Leigh Fuller, Andrew and Cameron Stewart did well winning ten matches between them but we struggled at the top and bottom end. Mind you, some of the players that Greg Rhodes, Ashley Whitehouse and Tim Petersen played were almost professional amateurs who compete at the highest level on a regular basis and live in Melbourne. Until the rules are changed so that only golfers who live in the country are eligible for Country Week then it will not be a level playing field.
Pooncarie Canadian Foursomes
Pooncarie Golf Club will conduct it's annual Canadian Foursomes tournament this Saturday. It has been a big week at the "Port" with the Pooncarie Cup and to play on a bush golf course such as Pooncarie really is an experience. Someone remarked once that having played Pooncarie it was the "best course of it's type" he had ever played. Golf begins with an 11am start and teams will be drawn on the day. For more information phone Pat on 50 295272.
Contact me with any golf information or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 30/9/9 |
Country Championship
Greg Rhodes was Sunraysia's top performer in the 2009 Country Championship held at Rossdale Golf Club and Royal Melbourne Golf Club on Monday and Tuesday. Rhodes shot 72 at Rossdale and followed it up with a 75 at Royal Melbourne. Cameron Stewart played consistently with 74-75 and Tim Petersen had 76 at Rossdale including a hole in one and 73 at Royal Melbourne. Ashley Whitehouse played great golf on Monday for a 71 but slipped back yesterday with 79 as did Sean Baumgurtel 71-83. Team captain Justin McPhee played steadily for 75-76. All players were excited about playing at Royal Melbourne which is rated in the top ten courses in the world. Today our boys play 36 holes across the road from Royal Melbourne at Victoria Golf Club, which was Geoff Ogilvy's home club in his amateur days. Tomorrow it's off to Cranbourne for 36 holes and finally to Kingston Heath for the last round of matches on Friday. The team is really looking forward to playing at the "Heath" which will host the Australian Masters for the first time in November. Tiger Woods will play in the Masters this year which is sold out already, which surely is a first for a golf tournament in Australia.
SDGA Mixed Foursomes Championship
It was interesting to read the comments by the Sunraysia District Golf Association president Greg McCubbin on Monday regarding the lack of support by most clubs and their members for the recent SDGA foursomes championship. Perhaps the lack of promotion of district events is the key element to the problem. How many district golfers knew the event was on? This event has drawn 70-80 golfers in recent years but it received reasonably good coverage in those years and people knew it was on and where it was being played. It is true, unfortunately, that some clubs tend to promote their own events to try and keep their members at their club rather than events at other clubs. There is a real us and them mentality between some clubs which seems to be more prevalent than it ever used to be, which is not good. The SDGA as the governing body should really be working towards bringing the clubs together and promoting their events. It is not enough just mentioning it to the club delegates at each monthly meeting and hoping it will be passed on. Unless some sort of pro active strategy is adopted by the SDGA then the SDGA tournaments will slowly die and that would be a real shame.
Golden Oldies
Mildura Golf Club's Ernie Tyrell recently achieved a lifelong ambition in golf at the ripe old age of 62 years and ten months. Ernie broke down to a single figure handicap (9) last week after years of trying. There are very few golfers in Sunraysia who put as much into their golf as Ernie, so it was great to see him achieve his ambition. To put it into perspective, less than 5 per cent of club golfers play off single figures. Another man who also hit single figures at the same age was Vince Dichiera who plays at Mildura and Coomealla. Vince got down to an eight handicap at 62 years of age three years ago after playing in the low teens at Wentworth for years. Last week he equalled his best round at Coomealla with a 76 off the stick and followed it up with a 78 on Sunday. I would be interested to hear from anyone who reached single figures at a similar age or who has a story to tell.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 23/9/9 |
Big Country Week This Year
Sunraysia is back in the the big time at Melbourne Country Week this year playing in division one for the first time in five years. Since 2004 Sunraysia dropped back to division two, then three but has won those divisions in 2007-08 to climb back in the top echelon of country golf. The challenge now is to do well this year, at the very least, hold our position and not drop back. The team welcomes back Greg Rhodes who hasn't played the last couple of years, he will add some class to our top end. Ashley Whitehouse and Tim Petersen are our other two top enders that need to play really well. Historically Rhodes and Whitehouse have performed well but it is the mid range and bottom end players who have struggled. Team Captain Justin McPhee has finished off our domestic season really well and if he can win his share of games that will be a bonus. Other mid range players who need to step up are the Stewarts, Cameron and Andrew who have both been to Country Week for the last ten years. The back end of the team includes Leigh Fuller, Jake Slimmon and Sean Baumgurtel and their contributions will be quite significant because a win at one or nine carries the same points. Make no mistake, at this level and on these unfamiliar courses, all of our players need to be at their best to be competitive. Twenty years ago Ross Percy was dropped down the order to play at number nine and was thereafter nicknamed the "cretin crusher". He was pencilled in as a win before a ball was hit meaning that only four of the other eight needed to win for the team to be victorious. In matchplay, golf tactics quite often become the game as all you are trying to do is beat your opponent. This is where the matchplay game is so different to a normal stroke play tournament where the lowest total wins. In matchplay you can sometimes win a hole with a double bogey, not very often mind you, but it can happen. This year the courses to be used are absolute mint, including Royal Melbourne, Cranbourne, Victoria and Kingston Heath. Other districts in our division include last year's winners Peninsula, Geelong, Goulburn Valley, Bendigo and Ballarat. Peninsula have been the dominant district at Country Week for the last thirty years, which is no great surprise as they are basically metropolitan with the majority of their team playing Melbourne district pennant every year. Geelong is in the same boat. We are the furtherest district from Melbourne and the most disadvantaged in a golfing sense so it would be fantastic to succeed this year. It has been a great story so far over the last two years and the opportunity now exists for the ultimate finale. To win the title we will need to win at least twenty five contests if we were to win each match 5/4. For this to happen our top four players need to contribute at least 13 wins and the bottom five players at least 12 wins. Good luck to all involved.
Festival of Golf
Robinvale golf club will conduct their 37th Festival of Golf commencing on Saturday and running through to Sunday October 4th. The 36 hole mens and ladies championships will be played on Sunday and Monday. A host of mixed and 4BB events make up a great nine days of golf and attracts people from many other districts. Entries are still being taken so contact the club on 50 263286.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 16/9/9 |
Coomealla Senior Championship
Pat Giles from Goonawarra golf club was the winner of the third annual Coomealla Senior Championship last week. Giles recorded a four stroke win over Cobram Barooga's Ross Percy after rounds of 76-73-77. In the last round Giles began nervously bogeying the first four holes but recovered his composure to par the back nine and cruise to victory. Coomealla were well represented in B grade where Trevor Carroll won from Graham McLellan and Ken Forster took out C grade. The tournament was a great success and possibly presents an opportunity to grow the week by having two additional separate 18 hole events at Riverside and Mildura. These additional events would make the trip to Mildura even more attractive. With 530 players having teed it up in senior tournaments around the State so far this year, who knows, maybe we could attract 200-300 if the package was right? The age of 55 and over represents at least sixty per cent of most club golfers so why not expand the week with more events and functions? It was really interesting talking to golfers from so many different clubs and hearing a bit about their clubs, families and so forth. Four of the players have sons who are playing professionals including Cameron Percy who has qualified for the US PGA tour next year where they tee it up for $5 million every week. I played with Peter Bence who started work as a member of the crew at channel 7 on World of Sport, then graduated to a cameraman and finally directed the show for five years. The club house afterwards really is a great place to be with so many stories from so many blokes from so many different walks of life.
Country Teams
The North West Ladies representative golf team had a miserable time, golf wise, in Melbourne last week. The late withdrawal of number one player Michelle Fumberger seemed to affect the confidence of the team and their performance as they all had to step up one spot. Playing Kara Kara first up gave our girls a great start but it was all up hill from there with three losses against Wimmera and East and West Gippsland. Rhonda Young was our best performer with three wins whilst Nycole Roirdan, Fran Richards and Eily Raeck all won two matches. Somehow we need to find a few new young ladies who can step up and inject some new energy into the team. Apart from the golf results it was a great week which was enjoyed by the players, caddies and officials alike.
Whitehouse Wins at Mildura
Ashley Whitehouse won his seventh club championship at Mildura on Saturday by a comfortable 13 shots. A one over par 73 was a tremendous round in the gale force conditions that blew the scores out for most golfers all over the district. Whitehouse is a gifted player who responds well in adverse conditions. Runner up was Andrew Stewart with brother Cameron in third place. Jake Laubsch got up by one stroke to win the junior championship from Ryan Laird. Both lads went hammer and tong to the last hole with big Jake just pip little Ryan. Results of all competitions can be found on the impressive Mildura Golf and Country Club web site.
Red Cliffs Chicken & Champagne
All district ladies should pencil in the annual chicken & champagne 4BBB day at Red Cliffs golf club next Wednesday September 23rd. This is a great day where the Red Cliffs men pamper the ladies with champagne, orange juice and nibbles around the course and a delightful two course lunch. Phone captain Jill Eyles on 50 2431379 or 0409527769 to book in but don't leave it too late or you will miss out.
Contact me with any golf information on 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 9/9/9 |
Northwest Ladies Country Teams
Northwest ladies Country Teams representative team suffered a blow when Michelle Fumberger was unable to take her place in the team this week. On Monday the team got off to a great start at Long Island golf club beating Kara Kara 5/2. Winners for the locals were Sue Laird, Nycole Riordan, Fran Richards, Eily Raeck and Rhonda Young. In the second match Wimmera just pipped the girls 4/3 after three contests went to the 18th hole where Northwest lost two of those. Nycole Riordan and Rhonda Young both won again and Julie McEwan won a nail biter at the 18th. Yesterday the team played at Peninsula golf club and needed to win both matches against East Gippsland and West Gippsland to advance to division two next year.
Coomealla Senior
Yarra Yarra's Michael Jackson (75) was the equal leader with The Sands Cam Muller after the first round of the Coomealla Seniors Championship on Monday. Jackson got off to a great start parring the first nine holes but stumbled coming in with a 39 around the back nine. Muller went out in 39 but parred the back nine to put himself on top of the leaderboard. Muller has been coming to Sunraysia for many years as his wife's parents live in Mildura and knows the Coomealla course well. Muller was somewhat a surprise leader as his best finish this year was an equal second at Lonsdale back in early February. Coomealla set their course up in much more user friendly way than in last years tournament which was great for all who played. At the end of the day it is a senior tournament for older golfers and Coomealla can destroy a golfer when it is off the back tees with hard and really fast greens. The sensible way it was set up on Monday will ensure more and more players come back next year.
McPhee Wins at Red Cliffs
Justin McPhee is the 2009 Red Cliffs Golf Club champion. McPhee shot par both days on the weekend to finish with 70-74-72-72 which is great golf in anyone's language, especially in a club championship. Runner up and junior champion was Tim Walker who had 76-72-74-80. The next part of Walker's golf education will be as a caddy at Country Week in three weeks time. Another junior to shine was David Filippi who won the A grade handicap and was runner up to Walker in the the Junior championship. Red Cliffs have had some terrific juniors come through the ranks over the years and this year is no exception.
Whitehouse Well Clear at Mildura
Ashley Whitehouse still leads by ten shots at Mildura after an uncharacteristic 79 on Saturday. Best rounds of the day came from Andrew Stewart who is in second place and junior Jake Laubsch who both returned 75's. Laubsch seemed to have lost his way for a couple of months but back to back good rounds at Coomealla and Mildura is encouraging for someone with so much potential. Laubsch is in second place in the junior championship behind Ryan Laird.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 2/9/9 |
Coomealla Attracts Top Seniors
The 2009 Coomealla Senior Open has attracted a top class field this year with 10 of the top 12 ranked players in Victoria teeing it up next Monday. There has been 18 Senior tournaments across the State so far this year with 530 different players competing for points in the Doug Bachli Trophy. Yarra Yarra's Michael Jackson who recently turned 67 is the State's top senior and comfortably leads the rankings in both scratch and handicap. Jackson gave golf away in his middle years and played cricket with his four sons returning to golf in his 50's. The pinnacle of his golfing career came at age 60 in 2002 when he attained a scratch handicap at Yarra Yarra Golf Club. Jackson has won five times this year including Cranbourne, Peninsula and Cobram Barooga over 54 holes. Last month he won back to back tournaments at Royal Melbourne (71) and Yarra Yarra (70). Unfortunately he is in some doubt after pulling a back muscle last week and is having daily treatment in an attempt to continue his recent run of success. Number two seed Ross Percy was the inaugural winner at Coomealla in 2007 and knows Coomealla better than most but his form has been patchy of late. Commonwealth's Allan Bullas is the man to beat this year and is the circuits most recent winner at Peninsula. Bullas has played over 200 metropolitan pennant matches and is still playing division one. He turned 55 earlier this year and promptly won his 15th club championship at Commonwealth Golf Club. Bullas is currently running third in the Bachli rankings and is featured in the August edition of Golf Victoria magazine. Ninety three men and 18 women have entered the tournament with 62 visitors and 31 locals including 27 from Coomealla. After the first two rounds a seeded draw will be in operation on Wednesday for the last 18 holes.
Whitehouse and McPhee Clubhouse Leaders
Ashley Whitehouse shot a great round of 70 in the second round of the club championships at Mildura on Saturday and looks certain to notch up his 7th club title.
Whitehouse is 14 shots clear of the Stewart brothers who have copied each other each day with rounds of 81/77. Junior Ryan Laird slipped back with an 81 after a 78 last week. Conditions were fairly tough with the daily Calculated Course Rating going out to 74. Round three will be played Saturday with the last round on Saturday week.
Justin McPhee was solid at Red Cliffs on Saturday on day two of Red Cliffs club championships with a round of 74 to be even par after 36 holes. McPhee leads by four shots from the clubs top junior Tim Walker who put it all together for a par round of 72. Walker has probably been a little bit behind the likes of the districts top juniors in Jake Laubsch, Ryan Laird and Tyler Verbeek this year but to shoot 72 in a club championship is something special. Phil Lawn who matched McPhee's 70 on day one was disappointed with an 82 but two rounds remain and anything is possible in a championship. Rounds three and four will be played this weekend.
Diabetes Awareness Day
The recent Diabetes Awareness Day could have been the last after more than a decade. Events take up a lot of time to organise and the organisers who have done a wonderful job feel it is time to pass the baton on. A suggestion on the table is that the Sunraysia Veterans Association take over the running of the event which raised over $4000 this year. Hopefully a resolution can be achieved as it has been a terrific event which has honoured it's founder Ian Ramsay in the best possible way.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 25/8/9 |
Walder Wins at Merbein
Roger Walder is the 2009 Merbein golf club champion after leading from start to finish over 72 holes. Walder has been a stalwart of the club for many years and is possibly it's oldest ever club champion. Starting the third round four strokes clear of Ken Matulick and Frank Crouch on Saturday it was foreign territory leading a club championship, by days end Crouch had reduced the lead by two strokes. On Sunday Walder held his nerve to win by six strokes from Crouch and Matulick and was further rewarded with Martin Cup for the best nett score in all grades.
Nathan Gard added another club championship to his CV at Wentworth on Sunday when he defeated 2006-08 champion Matt Lynch by two strokes. Lynch has had Gard's measure in recent years and they have had some great battles. This year after beginning the third round locked together on 150 Gard assumed control with a one under par 70 to take a three stroke lead. On Sunday Lynch just couldn't bridge the gap and Nathan Gard is king at Wentworth for the next twelve months.
Ashley Whitehouse looks poised to add another club championship to his already impressive record at Mildura after a 74 on Saturday. Whitehouse is four shots clear of junior Ryan Laird who has played well in recent weeks. The club decided to run the club championships over four Saturday's for the first time this year in an attempt to attract more players. Even though the field of 67 (for the championship) is up on previous years it represents about only 65 per cent of their usual Saturday fields.
Justin McPhee and Phillip Lawn both recorded excellent rounds of two under par 70's in the first round of Red Cliffs golf club championships on Sunday. Lawn is a past club champion who has moved around from Red Cliffs to Riverside and Coomealla but this year he has saved his best for the "Cliffs". It will be interesting to follow the progress this Saturday with the third and fourth rounds being on September 5th and 6th. Stay tuned.
North West Women's Golf Country Team Announced
The North West Women's Golf Inc recently announced the team to represent our district at the Country Teams tournament in Melbourne next month. Sue Walmsley is the team manager and will lead - Michelle Fumberger Robinvale, Sue Laird, Nycole Riordan Coomealla, Fran Richards, Eily Raeck, Marg McGlashan, Rhonda Young Mildura, Julie McEwan Red Cliffs, Lynda Saunders, Suzie Conquest Riverside. The caddies include Sonya Golitschenko, Jodene Tuau, Janet Luke, Marg Morrison, Fran Sette and Lisa Garioch. The team will play against other districts at Long Island and Peninsula golf clubs on September 7th and 8th.
Sunraysia Country Week Team Changes
Coomealla's Leigh Fuller and Sean Baumgurtel have replace Anthony O'Brien and Brendan Rowse in the team to represent Sunraysia at Country Week commencing September 28th. Both players who are living in Melbourne withdrew due to work commitments. Juniors Jake Labusch and Tim Walker will be the team caddies this year.
Big Scores at Coomealla
Last week Coomealla's Jason Hartley recorded a personal best score of 78 off the stick to give him 45 stableford points and naturally a win. This week he teamed up with Jason Williams to win the club's four ball championship with a combined 49 points. Runner's up were the combination of Travis Laity and Travis Jobson who had 48 points. Jobson was given a 34 handicap which was reduced to 30 after his round on Saturday which included chipping in for a birdie three on the 15th for 5 points!
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 18/8/9 |
Sue Laird Sunraysia's Number One Lady Golfer
Coomealla's Sue Laird confirmed her number one ranking in Sunraysia's ladies golf at Riverside last week. Laird was crowned 2009 champion of champions in the North West Women's Golf Inc championships after a four over par 76 gave her an 11 shot win from Broken Hill's Karen Fumberger.. The win caps off a great year for Sue when she won both the Mildura and Coomealla club championships, Tri-State Masters and the Murray Valley Championship. The next tournament on Laird's agenda is the Women's Country Teams championships in Melbourne from September 7-9.
Victorian Junior Sandcrape Championships
Ryan Laird 76-86 finished two shots back in both the scratch and handicap sections of the Victorian Junior Sandcrape Championships at Elmore at the weekend. Laird led the tournament after the first round but struggled on Sunday in atrocious conditions that included heavy rain and wind. Red Cliffs Tim Walker was upset on Saturday after one of the other competitor's father picked up his ball and walked off with it. Unfortunately Tim and his playing partners didn't realise that on seeing it occur he could have dropped another ball where it happened without penalty. Instead he went back to the tee and played his third shot. On Sunday he recovered to have the best score of our local contingent with an 85. It was a hard lesson to learn but another example of how important it is to know the rules.
Walder on Top at Merbein
The Walder name is famous at Merbein for both cricket and football but maybe, just maybe golf might be included in that conversation soon. Roger Walder is the leader after the first two rounds of the 2009 Merbein golf club championships. Whilst only a small field lined up for the event at the weekend Walder who has only just returned from a visit to London, (where he watched the Aussies struggle in the Ashes) is four shots clear of Ken Matulick and Frank Crouch. Walder has not enjoyed the best of health in recent times, it would be fantastic if he could keep his renowned competitive juices flowing this weekend and see his name etched on the honour board as 2009 club champion. This weekend Red Cliffs, Mildura and Wentworth will all begin their mens 2009 club championships.
Red Cliffs Moving Forward
A big field of 138 players turned out at Red Cliffs golf club on Saturday for Gee Bee's day and everyone had a ball. The club has had a tough time in the last couple of years but there is no doubting the quality of club spirit that continues to grow at the club. Last week popular figurehead Graham Bamford was re elected as president after a long lay off from golf due to a nasty leg injury that almost cost him his foot. New captain for the next 12 months is Dr Lloyd Hale who is the son in law of past captain and president Bob Langford. The popular GBC Motors day which attracts up to 180 players is coming up soon so anyone wishing to play in it should book in now. Red Cliffs has great plans for the next few years and their brand new committee are set to take the club forward in leaps and bounds.
Jackson Favourite at Coomealla Senior Open
Yarra Yarra's Michael Jackson won the Senior Championship's at both Royal Melbourne and Yarra Yarra on Friday and Monday with scores of 71 and 70. That form makes him a hot favourite for the Coomealla Senior Championship in threee weeks time. Jackson is the brother in law of Riverside golf club president Mick Burke. Sunraysia was represented in the tournaments by Coomealla club captain Alan Scorer who had 87 and 79. Other locals to participate were Ross Robertson, Ken Forster and Hadyn Farnsworth. The boys finished off their Melbourne campaign yesterday in the Kingston Heath Senior Open, scene of the Australian Masters in November.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 11/8/9 |
Sunraysia Juniors Third
The Sunraysia District Golf Association junior team finished third in division two of the Regional country Championships at Kyneton last weekend. After looking like Brown's cows at Trentham last year the team looked resplendent this year in the complete Sunraysia uniform. Sunraysia headed off to Kyneton with high hopes but came home realising that they have a lot of work to do over the next two years if they are to climb into division one. This is certainly achievable as the whole team will still be eligible in 2011. Winning team Ballarat who were 40 shots in front of us and 20 shots in front of Corangamite had played the course the day before and had a number of 17 year olds who will drop out next year. Top performers for Sunraysia were Ryan Laird 79-79 and Tyler Verbeek 83-80. The whole team will be off to Elmore on Friday for the 2009 Victorian Junior Sandscrape Championships. A practise round on Friday will give them all a bit of the "sandcrape" experience for the weekend. Putting on sandscrape greens is a whole new ball game but will be a great experience for the boys. If this team can stay together and work hard then they can achieve their goals.
Sue Laird Ninth at Rich River
Sue Laird and Mabel Crouch represented Sunraysia at the Women's Golf Country Championships at Rich River last week. Sue finished equal eighth with rounds of 84-84 and then went into a playoff for the eighth spot in the matchplay rounds. Unfortunately she lost the playoff. The overall winner was 17 year old Breanna Elliot from Yarrawonga who set two course records on the East and West Rich River courses. Elliot went on to claim the title winning her matchplay games 8/6 and 7/6.
Coomealla Celebrates 70 Years
Coomealla Golf Club will celebrate it's 70th birthday this weekend. The present site of the club is it's third after moving down from opposite the Coomealla High School in 1970. The course then was sand scrapes but grass greens were opened up to members in 1978. Ross Putland was the course designer and Kevin Hartley was the man who designed the greens. Since it's inception only the 18th has been relocated although originally the first hole was closer to the club house until a new car park was built and the first hole extended. The third and fourth holes were transposed with the third becoming a par 3 and the fourth a par 4. Some of the club's oldest members will be in attendance at the weekend when a dinner will be held on Saturday night and a brunch on Sunday. Naturally a medley stableford on Saturday and Sunday will give everyone an opportunity to play, reminisce and enjoy one of the best golf courses in Australia. This is my 30th year as a member of Coomealla Golf Club, first joining the club in 1979 when the membership cost $25.
US PGA Last 2009 Major
Hazeltine National Golf Club will host the last major golf tournament of the year this week with the 91st US PGA championship. Rich Beem was the last winner of a PGA title at Hazeltine when he beat Tiger Woods for the championship in 2002. Prior to that Payne Stewart beat Scott Simpson in the 1991 US Open in a playoff. Last year Padraig Harrington won at Oaklands after Tiger had won in 2006-07. It is hard to go against Tiger but Padraig might just have the luck of the Irish again this week.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 4/8/9 |
Wentworth Open
Sixty six players contested the 2009 Wentworth Open at the weekend and the scoring was red hot. On Saturday Red Cliffs number one golfer Justin McPhee shared the lead with Wentworth's club champion Matt Lynch with one under par 70's. Coomealla's Leigh Fuller was on the next line with 72 with a number of players on 73 including Tim Walker, Sean Baumgurtel and Steve Wilmann. Greg Rhodes looked out of sorts on 74 and Ashley Whitehouse looked gone for all money on 76. Sunday came and as all golfers can attest, it bought with it fresh hope and an opportunity to consolidate for the leaders and improve for the rest. It wasn't a level playing field for all competitors as conditions were benign in the morning however, the wind got up in there afternoon and blew the scores right out. Greg Rhodes went out early and came in with a 68 to be the leader in the club house for fifteen minutes until Ash Whitehouse arrived. Whitehouse bettered his Saturday score by ten shots with a brilliant 66. Officials thought this may have been a club record until Lars Holden's scorecard from 10 years ago of 63 was found. Equal first round leader Matt Lynch played in the afternoon and recorded a creditable 79 in strong winds to be seven shots behind. Justin McPhee who played with Whitehouse was third after a 75 gave him a three over total of 145. As both Whitehouse and Rhodes had left the course and were unable to return for a playoff, both were declared equal winners and the trophies were donated back to the club.
District Junior Team
The Sunraysia District Golf Association announced the team to contest the 2009 Victorian Country Teams Championship at Kyneton this weekend. The team is Jake Laubsch, Shay Toma, Jason Tassone Mildura, Tyler Verbeek Merbein, Tim Walker, David Filippi, Damen Southgate, Dom Vartuli Red Cliffs, Ryan Laird Coomealla. This is the best junior team assembled from our district for a number of years and if they play up to form they should win division two and step up a notch next year. The format is medal matchplay where each player plays a stroke round against an opponent from another district.
Golf Numbers Increase
Results of the 2008 Australian Sport's Commission's annual Exercise Recreation and Sport Survey were released last week. Interestingly golf was identified as the fastest growing participation sport in Australia. More than a quarter of a million people took up golf in Australia last year. With a total participation rate of 1,181,100 golf topped tennis, football and netball on the list of most popular club-based physical activities for Australians. This is the first time since the survey was first commissioned in 2002 that total participation has eclipsed tennis. As reported in this column last week there is an opportunity for local government to start getting behind the promotion of our tournaments and facilities because golfers these days are prepared to travel. First though, they have to know that events are on and how good our golf facilities are.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 28/7/9 |
Mildura Golf Week
Golfers have flocked to Mildura from more than 85 different golf clubs for the 62nd Mildura Golf Week. In May's Tri-State Masters competitors came from 60 golf clubs and approximately 50 clubs will be represented in September at the Coomealla Senior Open. All up around 600 golfers who stay for a minimum six nights in Mildura represents a minimum of $600,000 into our community. Tourism people say that the tourist dollar goes around five times which means these three tournaments generate three million dollars. Based on these figures it would be reasonable to assume that council or the tourism authority would be a keen and active supporter and maybe even a minor sponsor. Think again, as zero support is forthcoming. There is no doubt that with some assistance for promotion these numbers from faraway places could be increased and further add to the revenue bought into the town.
Wentworth Open
This weekend local golfers will have the last opportunity for 2009 to play in a local club 36 hole open tournament. Wentworth golf club is traditionally the last club open of the year with club championships at most clubs beginning in August and September. So far there have been six different winners of the 2009 club opens including Ashley Whitehouse Coomealla, Greg Rhodes Riverside, Tim Petersen Mildura, Cameron Stewart Merbein, Paul Domminelli Robinvale, Justin McPhee Red Cliffs and the SDGA title held at Wentworth. Based on that most recent form McPhee would have to start favourite this weekend. Hopefully all of the recent chosen Country Week team will contest the Wentworth title. Entries can be phoned through to Captain Peter Bicker on 0417 866 286.
Third Ultima Ball Whackers Annual Not-for-a-sheep station Fun Golf Weekend
Yes, it's a great name for a golf tournament and reports are the great weekend at Ultima lives up to it's name. Four nine hole events over the weekend for only $5 entry per round including a 10am "get to know you" mixed drawn three person ambrose on this Saturday August 1st. A BBQ lunch ($5) will follow before a nine hole stroke event culminating with a roast tea ($5) and evening festivities. Next morning a cooked breakfast ($5) at the club will be followed by a 4Ball, then another BBQ lunch ($5) finishing with a single stroke in the afternoon. For further information phone Sonia on 0417 557 850. Accommodation is available at the Ultima Hotel for $25 per person.
Coomealla Senior Open
Coomealla gold club will conduct it's third annual Senior Open Championship from September 7-9. This tournament attracts some of Australia's best senior (over 55) golfers, most of whom would probably never have even heard of Mildura, let alone visited here. After playing in the event last year and talking to a lot of the players, almost to a man they regard this tournament as the best run and equal to any other event on the Australian seniors circuit. That is high praise indeed but the golf course, organisation, trophies and accommodation are first class. In the previous two years local player support wasn't as strong as it could be so hopefully more local men and their wives will nominate and enjoy the atmosphere of a big time tournament. Entry forms are at all local golf clubs or contact Alan Scorer for more information.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 21/7/9 |
Mildura Golf Week
A top class field has entered the Murray Valley Championship in the 62nd Mildura Golf Week which begins on Friday. There have been some past Murray Valley champions who have gone on to bigger and better things. Marcus Fraser who won in 1999-2000-2002 led the Scottish Open only two weeks ago and is now entrenched as a top line professional on the European Tour. This year any one of eight players appear well credentialed enough to hoist the trophy at Riverside tomorrow week. The championship will begin at Riverside on Monday, then Coomealla, Mildura and conclude at Riverside. Kalem Richardson from Riverside in Tasmania is ranked ninth in Australia and should win he plays up to that ranking. Craig Hasthorpe has played here in 07-08 so he knows the courses well and this might be his turn. Wangaratta's Andrew Kelly has returned to Australia after playing college golf in America for the last two years and it will be interesting to follow his progress. Jeremy Cross from Geelong is another potential winner who has also spent two years learning his golf craft in the States. Other top liners include Southern's Rory Bourke, Heatcote's Kris Mueck, Horsham's Anthony Smith and Daniel Valente. 2007 champion Brendan Rowse will be hoping to return to 07 form and hoist the local flag. Other top local contenders include Leigh Fuller and Andrew and Cameron Stewart. Last year Cobram Barooga couple Ron and Joy Smith entered the tournament for the 50th time and were duly recognised for that achievement and this year they are back again. John Brown from The Vines will also be attending for his 45th year.
Broken Hill Outback Open
Broken Hill's Trevor Henderson with rounds of 80-74 was a narrow one shot winner in the 2009 Outback Open. Henderson followed on from his good form in Sunraysia's recent pennant season and went one step better than his second in the club championship. Over 100 players fronted up in windy conditions at the weekend including a good contingent of golfers from Sunraysia. Coomealla's Jim Fahey won the B grade championship with 85-83 whilst Red Cliffs duo Robert Bettes and John Fillipi tied in B grade for handicap honours. Robinvale champion golfer Michelle Fumberger won the ladies championship easily with rounds of 78-77.
British Open
59 year old Tom Watson turned the clock back on Sunday when he was just pipped for a sixth British Open victory by Stewart Cink. Had Watson have won it would have been the greatest sporting achievement of all time. What a pleasure it was to watch all 40 hours of the Open this year. Australia's Matt Goggin played beautifully and only missed out by two shots at the end. Links golf really is a different game to what they play in the US. Bump and run as against the US's target golf where there is little rough and everyone knocks it on the green and it becomes a putting competition. The commentary from Peter Alliss, Wayne Grady and Sam Torrance was fantastic and really complemented the excellent coverage, sensational golf course and the exciting golf.
Senior's Golf
Following on from Tom Watson's exploits, local golfing enthusiast Trevor Carroll who is the Golf Week co-ordinator, had a marvellous round at Coomealla on Saturday. Carroll who is 69 had an amazing 75 nett 66 to win Coomealla's July Monthly Medal. The round included only 21 putts and a chip in. It is another fine example of why golf is the greatest game in the world. Trevor's round was his best at Coomealla for almost 20 years which includes roughly 2500 rounds of golf or around 2,00000 shots! Is there another game or contest where the number one player in the world (Tiger Woods) can be comprehensively beaten by the 1037th player (Tom Watson) who by the way is 25 years older? At a different level of course, Trevor Carroll's performance is also another wonderful example of the great leveller that golf is.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 14/7/9 |
District Championships
Wentworth Golf Club proved to be great hosts at the weekend for the 2009 SDGA championships. There were some moans however, that perhaps the greenkeeper set some of the pins in the dark. That aside, almost all of the districts top players turned out and there was uniform agreement that "Wenty's" greens are the best in the district. Red Cliffs Justin McPhee 74-70 had a great weekend to win by two shots from Coomealla's Jacob Slimmon 73-73. McPhee had a topsy turvey pennant season but wins in the Red Cliffs Open and the district make it a good Mc-year. Ashley Whitehouse 73-74 and Greg Rhodes 74-74 went in as pre tournament favourites but couldn't get their putters to co-operate with the plan. Andy Stewart 80-70 probably saved his own bacon on Sunday in a Country Week sense with a terrific 70. Jake Laubsch 74-75 was also a creditable performance, particularly for a 15 year old. The Country Week team was announced on Sunday night with Greg Rhodes being added to the team that won last year's division two title. The team is Justin McPhee R/C, Ash Whitehouse, Cameron and Andrew Stewart Mda, Greg Rhodes, Jacob Slimmon
and Tim Petersen Coomealla. Anthony O'Brien and Brendan Rowse have also been included in the team even though they have been living in Melbourne this year and have not played regularly in local events. It would appear that the selectors (Trevor Carroll, Justin McPhee and Steve Spooner) have tried to stay with the winning combination from last year. The unlucky player is Coomealla's Leigh Fuller who went through the recent pennant season undefeated and fulfilled almost all of the criteria set down for selection for Country Week. This year more than ever there appears to be a particularly strong argument for taking down at least one extra player. Illness, injury or poor form are all good reasons to have a back up player other than one of the caddies. This year Country Week is being played at some fantastic courses including Rossdale, Royal Melbourne, Yarra Yarra, Keysborough and Kingston Heath. To win division one after winning two and three in the last two years would be a monumental achievement so why not cover all bases and take an extra player?
Mildura Golf Week
The 62nd Mildura Golf Week will hit off on Friday July 24. Any local golfers who wish to enter the Murray Valley championships should contact Trevor Carroll on 50 222447. Entry to any other associated Golf Week event can be done directly to the club where the event is being held. The Golf Week committee has again this year decided to run all events at Mildura and Riverside. Coomealla will as usual also be a one day venue for the Murray Valley Championship. This year an extremely strong men's A grade field has entered but the ladies section is devoid of low handicappers. The B grade men's section is also down in numbers this year. Next week we preview some of the gun golfers who are coming to Mildura to try and add their names on the trophy besides Marcus Fraser (first round leader in the Scottish Open at the weekend), Kevin Hartley and locals Jack Furze and Greg Rhodes.
British Open
Greg Norman returns to Turnberry fro the 138th British Open on Thursday. Who could forget his first major win there in 1986 after he shot a record 63 in the first round. Last year Norman almost became the oldest ever winner of the Open when he led into the last round. Two youngsters will get the thrill of their lives when they tee it up on Thursday. Japan's 17 year old Ryo Ishikawa will play with Tiger Woods and Italy's 16 year old Matto Mannasero will accompany five times winner Tom Watson. Lefty, Richard Green could be a good smokey bet for the Aussies but I like England's Lee Westwood or the US's Kenny Perry. This year the telecast starts on Fox at 6pm.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 7/7/9 |
Coomealla Go Back to Back
Coomealla Golf Club won the 2009 SDGA division one pennant final for the second year in a row at Wentworth on Sunday. All indications suggest that this could be the beginning of a long dominance as the power club of district pennant. On Sunday Coomealla won four/one against Broken Hill who were with without their number two player Rod Simmons who was unavailable. Coomealla were always in control and the pennant was virtually decided at the halfway mark after 18 holes. Riverside have been great supporters of pennant and thoroughly deserved their victories in divisions two and three. It would have been terrific though, if Broken Hill could have snatched one of the pennants in their first year. It could have gone either way in division three with the last match going right to the 36th hole. Looking back, the introduction of Broken Hill was a great addition to the pennant rota but as with anything new, some thought needs to be given to their draw and indeed, the whole pennant system. What worked ten, fifteen or twenty years ago isn't necessarily the best way to go in 2010. Exciting new players to emerge included Mildura's Jake Laubsch and Coomealla's Ryan Laird who should be given serious consideration for Country Week(to be announced on Sunday). Pennant results on the golf page.
District Championships
This weekend Wentworth will take centre stage again for the 2009 SDGA championships. Wentworth hosted the pennant finals on Sunday, the district veterans championships on Monday and will conduct their open tournament in three weeks time. Unfortunately very few local golfers have entered the SDGA tournament so far. At time of writing none of the districts "gun" golfers have bothered to lift the phone to nominate. Club captain Peter Bicker is pulling his hair out as it is impossible to do a draw when everyone leaves it to the last minute to enter. Please ring Peter today on 0417 866 286 if you intend playing.
Victorian Amateur Junior Championships
Five of our local lads stepped out in the VGA junior championships last week at Yarra Yarra and Northern golf clubs. Jake Laubsch finished equal third in the under 16 handicap section. He had rounds of 82-76-76-84-318 with Ryan Laird our next best with 81-84-80-77-322. The overall winner had a total of 299. This tournament was a great experience for all of our contingent which included Tyler Verbeek, Tim Walker and Dominic Vartuli. District golf legend Greg Rhodes 73-72 finished fourth, two shots behind Chris Brown 74-69 in the Royal Adelaide Plate over 36 holes on Sunday. Rhodes competed against South Australia's State amateur team beating most of them at Royal Adelaide.
Golf Events Galore
The annual Teachers and Friends ambrose in fours is on at Red Cliffs this Friday. Everyone is welcome so book in on 50 241531. The Pooncarie Golf Club will conduct an 18 hole stroke event on Saturday July 18 with an 11am start. Naturally a most convivial lunch and tea will be available, phone Colin or Pat on 50 295272. The Robinvale Hospital Day is Robinvale's biggest charity day of the year and the ambrose in 4's will be on Sunday July 19. Golfers and non golfers will all be made welcome with all proceeds going to the Robinvale Hospital. ring Gratton Wood on 0400861195. Finally the Variety Bash golf day will be held at Red Cliffs golf club on Saturday July 25. The ambrose in 4's is open to golfers and non golfers alike and is $20 per player. A $2 sausage sizzle will also be available ring Mark Bowring on 0418 147 524.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunrausiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 30/6/9 |
Coomealla Set For Pennant Final
The Sunraysia District Golf Association will be hoping for a great finish to the 2009 pennant season at Wentworth on Sunday. The home and away season ended in controversial circumstances at Mildura last Sunday with forfeits being the order of the day. Mildura forfeited two matches in division one so as to field a stronger team in division two and Red Cliffs ended up forfeiting all five matches in division two. Whilst the division one episode didn't change the ladder, in division two Broken Hill who had the bye, missed out on a finals berth on percentage. The new SDGA club had fulfilled it's responsibilities by travelled down to Mildura each week with a full contingent of players. The pennant rules must be amended to ensure that nothing like this happens again. This week in division one Coomealla who have been perennial runners up to Mildura in recent years take on Broken Hill. On paper it looks a fairly even contest. Coomy flogged Broken Hill at Coomealla two weeks ago but the Wentworth lay out will suit the boys from the Hill much better. Over 36 holes the best team will win and Coomealla will start favourite. In division two little separates Mildura and Riverside. Riverside though, look too accomplished for Mildura whilst in div three Broken Hill could take home the club's first ever SDGA pennant. In division four Coomealla have been the stand out team all year. The next major event of the year will be the 2009 SDGA championships at Wentworth on July 11-12.
Broken Hill Outback Open
Broken Hill golf club will conduct their 2009 Outback Championship for men & ladies on July 18-19. Over one hundred local players and officials visited the course for district pennant last month and were suitably so the club is expecting a good turn up from Mildura. Phone the club on 08 8087 9009 to enter.
Diabetes Awareness Charity Golf Day
The 10th Annual Ian Ramsay Diabetes Awareness Charity Golf Day will be conducted at Mildura Golf Club Resort on Monday July 20 and follows on from Diabetes Week. This event which is open to both men and women became popular on the charity golf day circuit due to the work of some terrific people including Ian Ramsay and his wife Joan. Contact Joan on 50 23 2054 or Ian Plush on 50 21 1232 for more information.
Ouyen Open
Alan "Sammy" Floyd took out the 27 hole Ouyen Open on Sunday with rounds of 36-79. Floyd won by two strokes from Hopetoun's Peter Hallam who shot 42-75. It was a great effort by Sammy as only recently he returned to golf after two and a half years to win the Ouyen Club Championship. Two major knee operations necessitates the use of a ride on cart for the veteran which makes the achievement even more commendable. The icing on the cake for one of Ouyen's favourite sons is that this is the Ouyen Golf Club's centenary year. Well done Sammy!
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 23/6/9 |
Coomealla Stamp Authority
Coomealla Golf Club have had to bow to the power of Mildura Golf Club in division one pennant so many times over the last thirty years but not this year. On Sunday on their home track they answered their critics in emphatic fashion against new comers Broken Hill. The Broken Hill boys travelled down on Saturday and played in Coomy's Monthly medal, after observing their opposition scores that night the home team grew in confidence. To be fair to the Broken Hill players, Coomealla off the back tees in winter is no easy task and they struggled. On Saturday night they used the spare time away from home to discuss the course and the days play, this went well into the night and perhaps they were just a little fatigued on Sunday. This happened to many of our local players when they visited Broken Hill for the first two rounds. Tim Petersen had an interesting weekend after firstly confusing his tee time then racing out to Coomy to play and eventually win at number one , unfortunately his clubs were then stolen out of his car on Sunday night. Jake Slimmon lost to the Hill's number one player Jamie Greenie but Sean Baumgurtel found some form to complement the great form of Ryan Laird and Leigh Fuller. Coomealla has the bye this week but will undoubtably meet the Hill men in the final at Wentworth On July 5. In the other match Riverside and Red Cliffs were playing for pride with the Riverside team victorious in a close contest. Highlight or lowlight was Craig Gursansky landing one on the greenkeeper's shed off the 18th tee. Apparently the bang gave some people a fright and others a giggle but it's not the first time it's happened. Next Sunday Mildura play host in the last round of what has been a terrific season of pennant. The SDGA has some decisions to make however as not everything has gone to clockwork. Maybe it is time to go back to home and away pennant with clubs playing at home one week and away the next and perhaps the semi final then final system could also be revisited next year, to keep nearly all of the teams live right up until the last round.
Ladies Champions
The ladies championships have been played and won with no big surprises at any club in the final analysis. Some of the girls who emerged this year is encouraging for ladies golf, including Marg Lampard at Riverside and Sally Jones at Red Cliffs. Even though there are lots of new ladies taking up golf around the district, which is great, there doesn't seem to be a lot of younger ladies stepping up to top A grade level. Sue Laird is the standout and Michelle Fumberger has been a champion golfer for twenty plus years but apart from Nycole Riordan and maybe Julie McEwan and Rhonda Young, as a district we are a bit short on top liners. Results of all championships are on the golf page.
US Open
After sitting glued to the TV for five days it is fair to suggest that the US Open is as close to a soap opera as you can get. There were so many stories within the tournament. The Americans were willing Phil Mickelson to win amid the sympathy for his wife who has been diagnosed with breast cancer. Mickelson eventually reached the lead with two holes to go only to lose it and finish second for a record fifth time. Then there was Robert Duval who was world number one before Tiger Woods. Duval who has gone from 1 to 887 in the world also hit the front with only a couple of holes to go but also finished equal second. Unbackable favourite in a 140 man field, Tiger was thought to be still a chance until the very end, we only concluded he wasn't when he left the building. Ricky Barnes won the US amateur seven years ago but hasn't fired a shot since, until Saturday, but he shot nine over par in the last 27 holes but still finished equal second. Finally little known Southerner Lucas Glover emerged to win on a public golf course in horrendous weather that took an extra day to resolve. Last year's Open was such a great event when Woods beat Rocco Mediate in an extra 18 holes but this year was even better. That fantastic book and movie called "The Greatest Game Ever Played" about the 1913 US Open might now have a sequel in years to come.
Beef & Burgundy
Red Cliffs Golf Club will conduct their annual Beef & Burgundy day this Saturday. The event is an ambrose in two and is open to all district golfers who will be treated to the famous hospitality of the Red Cliffs Golf Club. After golf a superb beef stroganoff followed by sweets will accompany anice glass of vino. Call 50 241531 to book.
State Junior Amateur
Our top juniors including Jake Laubsch, Ryan Laird, Tyler Verbeek and Tim Walker are off to Melbourne next week to contest the State Junior Amateur championship of Victoria at Yarra Yarra and Northern Golf Clubs. This will be great experience for our kids
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 15/6/9 |
Coomealla Fall in at Riverside
Round three of the Sunraysia District Golf Association's winter pennant at Riverside on Sunday went according to form, well almost. Cellar dwellar in division one Riverside almost caused a huge upset when they narrowly lost to ladder leader Coomealla. Dave Woolcock knocked over Coomealla captain Sean Baumgurtel then Steve Wilmann went down 2/1, Robert Veit and Ben Hogan both hung on till the last hole before capitulating. Steve Spooner was all square after 20 holes against Tim Petersen when they both called it a day and settled for a half. Coomealla remain undefeated but you wouldn't back them with any confidence after Sunday's performance but that's the great thing about matchplay golf, if you hang in there long enough anything can happen. In the other div one match Red Cliffs put up a good performance to just miss out 3/2 against Mildura. The final looks set now to be between Broken Hill and Coomealla. Troy Germane was the star performer for Mildura and young Tyler Verbeek recorded his first win in "Cliffs" colours. In div two the two spots in the final will come down to either Broken Hill, Mildura or Riverside. Comments from the players this year have been positive but having all four divisions play at the one course has not worked effectively as there has been long delays on some hole with up to three groups waiting to continue their matches. Another suggestion is to go back to 18 hole semi finals and finals so as to retain interest right up until the last round. With interest in pennant back somewhat to how it used to be ten years or more ago it is important to make sure everyone is keen and happy with the system. Pennant continues this week at Coomealla followed by Mildura and finals at Wentworth on July 5.
Ladies Championships
Sue Laird is the ladies champion at Mildura again this year but she faces a tough test in the last round at Coomealla today. Nycole Riordan is right on Sue's hammer and is only two shots back after a great round last Wednesday. It will be on for young and old as Riordan is a real fighter and Laird will know she's played by days end. Another close one is on the cards at Red Cliffs where Julie McEwan has regained form to be only three shots behind Sally Jones. McEwan is looking the lady most likely but who knows in a championship what will happen. Marg Lampard hung in at Riverside last week to be six shots behind, she will be hoping she can produce her A game against seasoned performer Lorraine Palmer who knows all the tricks and is sure to be primed and ready for all comers. Leonie Bottomly is playing great golf this year at Wentworth and could easily be the most improved lady golfer in the district, she looks well placed in Wentworth's championship. Bev Cetinich is in front again and heading for her third championship in a row at Merbein.
New Handicap System
Word on the street has it that Australia is looking seriously at adopting the American slope handicapping system. Basically the system differs to ours in that each golf course is categorised, eg Coomealla might be a category 2 and Merbein or Wentworth for instance may be a category 4 or 5. When a player plays in a competition their handicap will change depending on the category of the golf course they are playing. For instance a player may play of 16 at Merbein but 21 at Coomealla or say, Murray Downs. Also, a players initial handicap will be worked out on the best 10 of 20 rounds. Sounds complicated but it is the most popular handicapping system in the world.
Both Victoria and New South Wales voted against it's introduction but was over ruled by all of the other States. I doubt though, that it will be introduced for some time yet as all Australian golf courses will have to be re rated first and that could take up to three years.
US Open
The US Open hits off at Bethpage public golf course in New York on Friday morning. Tiger Woods won in 2002 which is the only time the course has been used for the Open in the past. Naturally he is a red hot favourite but I am going to have a flutter on Sweden's Henrik Stenson with a saver on Robert Karlsson. Pommies Paul Casey and Ian Poulter should also feature but only Geoff Ogilvy looks capable of flying the Aussie flag.
Around the Greens
1,Eighty three year old Ernie Bennett was hit by a runaway buggy on Riverside's 12th hole recently but finished the hole for a four for three stableford points. He then went straight off to hospital where he has 10 stitches in a leg wound. Asked why he finished playing the hole he said, well I'd hit a good tee shot and I wanted to see if I could make the three points! 2, Former Country Week player Troy Neville has returned to the district after a stint at Howlong golf club working in the pro shop for former Coomealla professional Anthony Hunter. On Coomealla's par 5 13th hole (470 metres) Troy hit the green in 2 using a driver and 9 iron! 3, Former SDGA vice president Graham McClellan was walking down a fairway at Coomealla playing with his new toys. A golf GPS device that tells you how far to the green and bunker etc when he lost control of his remote controlled golf buggy only to see it tumble end over end into a deep bunker. Playing partner Graeme Burrows said their group found it very difficult to compose themselves for the rest of the round because it was the funniest thing they had ever seen on a golf course.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 9/6/9 |
Ladies Championships
The recent weather has tested the resilience of the districts golfing ladies in the 2009 club championships. Sue Laird has continued on as the outstanding ladies golfer in the district leading at both Coomealla and Mildura. Laird won her third Tri-State Masters tournament in a row last month and appears to have another two championships sewn up already. Lorraine Palmer is well placed to add another championship at Riverside along with her previous successes at Red Cliffs. Palmer first won a club championship at Red Cliffs in the 80's so to win club championships in three different decades is a significant achievement. Sally Jones is a surprise leader at Red Cliffs and is two shots clear of evergreen Nancy Warhurst. The second rounds are being contested this week and all championships conclude next week.
SDGA Pennant
Round three of SDGA men's pennant hits off at Riverside on Sunday and it will be interesting to see how Mildura fare against the under rated Red Cliffs combination in division one. The "Cliffs" have two smart juniors in Tim Walker and Tyler Verbeek who are both showing great promise but need the older heads in the team to stand up. Mildura must win their last two matches without losing a game to hold any hope of a berth in the final. The unavailability of Ashley Whitehouse at Broken Hill in the first rounds have cost them dearly. Riverside meet Coomealla with the home team on a hiding to nothing in the other div one clash. The local Sunraysia teams will have a chance to regroup this week as all three Broken Hill teams have been allocated byes. Round four will be at Coomealla on June 21.
Holden Scramble
Coomealla Golf Club had an enormous influx of golfers at the weekend when they hosted their "golf extravaganza". All up just under 500 golfers contested events from Friday to Monday with 180 playing in the Holden Scramble on Sunday. This event began in 1992 and has become the biggest event Australia wide during this time. This year the rules were changed once again, going back to four player teams as it was initially. Winners this year were Trevor Carroll, Ben Challis , Barry and Sandy Waters.
Every year there is some heartache when someone makes a blue on their scorecard and get disqualified. The boys from Merbein would have qualified for a trip to the regional final but for poor paperwork! At Mildura on Monday though Merbein's Phil Matotek headed up the scratch winners in the ambrose with help from Steve Clifford, Lucas Brown and Michael Bulicaglia who had 66 off the stick. The Laubsch family including Mum Jo, Dad Paul and sons Jake and Nick won the handicap with 54.25 and the mixed went to Ray Fletcher, Glynn, Raelene and Russell Gibson who had 59.75. All up 92 fronted up for a great days golf.
The Golfer's Wedding
Heard a story recently about the bride who on reaching the groom standing at the altar asked "what are your golf clubs doing beside you? Well this isn't going to take all day is it? he replied!!
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 2/6/9 |
Broken Hill Lights Up
The 2009 SDGA pennant season hit off at Broken Hill on Saturday and over one hundred local players and officials enjoyed the hospitality of the inaugural hosts. The weekend was a resounding success with only a couple of hiccups which will be addressed in due course. In division one the home team just scraped in over a gallant Riverside but perennial pennant runners up Coomealla were too good for Mildura who were without their number one player Ashley Whitehouse. Broken Hill were expected to flog the green and gold's, most of whom were visiting the Hill for the first time. Travis Patten nearly caused a boilover when he just went down at the last hole to 13 times club champion Rod Simmons. Similarly Ben Hogan lost one down to 2009 Broken Hill club championship runner up Trevor Henderson whilst Steve Wilmann defeated Tim O'Neil at the 18th in another nail biter. It appeared that the Broken Hill boys may have been just a little bit nervous but those nerves disappeared on Sunday when they cleaned up Mildura five zip. Cam Stewart won his match which included a hole in one on the 2nd against Tim Petersen, junior up and comer Jake Laubsch began like bat out of the Hill when me trounced Sean Baumgurtel 5/4. . Laubsch ripped in two eagles in a great debut performance which could be the beginning of a standout pennant year. Last year after winning every div two match he was left out of the final but this kid can really play, evidenced by his performance on Sunday when he just got pipped on Sunday at the 18th. Labusch's opponent, Broken Hill's Ross MacKay had easily won on Saturday against Steve Spooner 6/5. Mildura's chances of making the final now appear slim at best as even this far out Broken Hill and Coomealla have a stranglehold on the top two spots. Apart from Laubsch the standout debutant of the weekend was Coomealla junior Ryan Laird who easily defeated experienced A graders in Maurice Warn on Saturday 5/4 and Craig Gursansky on Sunday 7/6. Other juniors who stepped up were Red Cliffs pair Tyler Verbeek and Tim Walker who both played well against Country week players Sean Baumgurtel and Tim Petersen. Both juniors were four up after four holes but were reeled in by the more experienced pair who were just a little bit foggy on Sunday morning, probably from the Broken Hill dust. Coomealla's Leigh Fuller had two good wins whilst Jake Slimmon scaped in against Steve Bibby at the 19th then knocked off Justin McPhee on Sunday 4/3. Broken Hill lead divisions two and three with Riverside their main challenger in two but the third division is wide open. In Division four there is no Broken Hill team and four teams each recorded a win retaining interest in the remaining rounds. There will be no pennant this weekend, pennant will resume at Riverside on June 14.
Ladies Championships
Ladies club championships begin this week and it will be interesting to see how many ladies turn out in the wet conditions. Sue Laird will start a hot favourite at Coomealla. Marg McGlashan and Mabel Crouch will share favouritism at Mildura whilst at Riverside Carol Benning, Lynda Saunders, Marg Lampard and Jenny Leach should fight it out. Julie McEwan and Nancy Warhurst always seem to be at the top of the table at Red Cliffs. Bev Cetinich is going for three in a row at Merbein. Ladies pennant concluded at Mildura on Monday with pennants going to Riverside, Mildura and Coomealla in another successful pennant season.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 26/5/9 |
Pennant Starts at Broken Hill
History will be made in Sunraysia golf in rounds one and two of the Sunraysia District Golf Association, when winter pennant begins in Broken Hill on Saturday. Many local golfing officials believe that this is the shot in the arm that local golf needed. The Broken Hill golfers can't wait as it will be the first time in 30 years that the club will be playing a structured well organised pennant competition. Club captain Peter Jeffries said yesterday " everyone is really looking forward to seeing the Victorians this weekend. We have not long finished our club championships and our boys are champing at the bit. Put it this way, we'd rather see them on the golf course than sitting on the riverbank flogging our fish". Newly crowned club champion Jamie Greeney who had a 68 in the championship will be the "Hills" number one player. Another top liner is Rod Simmons who has won the championship 13 times but didn't play this year, both players play off a 3 handicap. The remaining three players, Trevor Henderson, Ross MacKay and Tim O'Neil all play off 4. In division two our local Sunraysia clubs are in for a shock as the local team is made up of 5 and 6 markers which will really test the depth of any club. Jeffries also added "our golf golf course is in tip top condition after the purchase of new mowers and other equipment recently, combined with some recent rain and our bore water". Four divisions will operate and over one hundred players and officials will boost the towns economy promoting more reciprocal visits between the two districts golfers.
Tri-State Masters Success
The 17th Tri-State Masters has been run and won and our visitors have returned to the many and varied places from which they came. Several factors will determine whether there will be an eighteenth tournament next year. The golfers who flew in from New Zealand, Perth, Brisbane and Tasmania all reported being charged excess weight for their golf clubs for the first time which will influence their decision to come back. Some of the Perth visitors were charged up to $250 per golf bag for the return flight. With so many new tournaments beginning all over the country it is becoming harder to attract new players to offset the numbers who aren't coming back. Reasons cited are are a lot of the regulars are getting older, sometimes into their mid to late seventies, alternative tournaments, petrol and now freight charges and naturally date clashes with family and other functions. Sponsorship is also getting tougher to source however,the tournament has developed terrific relationships with local companies and clubs, in particular the Coomealla Club Memorial Sporting Club, Trentham Estate Winery, Jet Set Mildura, Prime Television, Lorraine's Ladieswear, Ransoms, the Mildura Golf Club Resort and Sunraysia Resort. For the event to continue assistance from Council and the local tourism authority is vital. Over 4000 people have visited Mildura for the Tri-State Masters for a minimum of six nights each since 1993, it remains to be seen if indeed, this year was for the last time.
Contact me with your golfing opinion or information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 23/5/9 |
Spooner Wins Tri-State Masters
Riverside Golf Club 2009 A grade pennant captain Steven Spooner won the Tri-State Masters last Friday at Mildura Golf Club Resort at his eighth attempt. Spooner 73-83-81 won by four strokes from Cranbourne's Steve McPherson who had 83-78-80. McPherson mounted a challenge mid round getting to within two shots but Spooner held on to win a title he has coveted for eight years. Graham McClellan 83-79-82 from Coomealla won the seniors title at his first attempt. Grade stableford winners were A grade Glen Palmer Coomealla 112 points, B grade John Daffy Coomealla 116, C grade John Cook Yarrawonga 109. The veteran winner was John Eliffe Melville Glades Perth 107 and the super veteran Allan Mannering Werribee Park who won a four way countback on 97 points. Sue Laird made it three in a row when she once again easily won the ladies section with 80-79-83 from Portsea's Jenny Jeffreys who won the ladies seniors title with 81-88-83. In the points sections the winners were Glenys Anderson Mildura 102, Rose Alexander Kiama 110, Di Holdsworth Mornington 110. Ladies veteran award went to Merle Thompson Melville Glades 106 and the super vet was Barb Hind from Cobram Barooga 105. Best aggregate points team score of 409 came from Mornington's Di Holdsworth, Jan Dodman, Trish Wech and Gillian Lawrence. Runners up five points behind and best local team was Dave Gardiner, Greg Butcher, Paul Wright and Steve Spooner. The Tri-State Masters once again proved to be a stern test of golfing skill and endurance with only two ladies and three men playing to their handicaps or better for the 54 holes. John Daffy representing Coomealla now lives in Brisbane but first joined Coomealla in 1991 returned to play in the tournament for the third time, it proved to be third time lucky. Trailing Croydon's Hugh Ferry by five points after 36 holes, Daffy playing off a 15 handicap produced the round of the tournament on Friday at Mildura. A 79 off the stick for 44 points pipped the unlucky Ferry by one point. Daffy pointed out that in the circumstances it was "the round of his life". Mildura's Glenys Anderson won A grade for the first time after entering the tournmanent for the fifteenth time after first entering the event in 1994.
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| 19/5/9 |
Spooner Survives at Berri
2009 Tri-State Masters first round leader Steve Spooner (Riverside) had his lead cut in half but still maintain a five stroke lead, after the second round of the tournament at Berri on Wednesday. Spooner slipped and almost fell following his first round 73 with a 11 over par 83. After the round it appeared that he had lost his lead to playing partner Peter Bywaters. In a day controversy, Cranbourne's Peter Bywaters who had hit the 36 hole lead after a 72 at Berri was disqualified for a rule breach which had occurred during Monday's round at Coomealla. The rules infringement (the player changed putters after nine holes) was not brought to the tournament director's attention until Wednesday night. Rule 4-3b states that a player may not substitute a club unless it is damaged Bywaters had thought that it was within the rules to change his putter. To make matters worse he was relegated to second place in the daily competetion on Wednesday, losing a countback to Coomealla's Paul Wright. Cranbourne clubmate Steve McPherson is now in second place with Coomealla's Graham McClellan one shot further back. In the ladies section Sue Laird did what she had to do scoring an 80 to sew up her third title in three years. Laird leads by nine shots from Portsea's Jenny Jeffreys (88) who seems to struggle in South Australia. Jeffrey's is not the only one to struggle though, with a significant number of contenders in all grades slipping out of contention. The South Australian leg is not popular with a lot of the players but is an important ingredient as what makes this golf tournament quite unique. In the stableford grades Mansfield's Robyn Baker leads Yarrawonga's Pat Cook in A grade. Jane Derham from Royal Melbourne leads B Grade by one shot from New Zealander Rose Alexander, Perth's Dorothy Thomson and Pakenham's Yvonne Barrott. Derham, playing for the twelfth year since 1997 is in contention for 54 hole title for the first time. Mornington's Di Holdsworth blitzed the field at Berri with 43 points and now leads C grade by one point from Perth's Merle Thompson with Tasmania's Elaine Cox a further point away. Coomealla's Paul Wright is two points in front of Dom Bonnadio from The Heritage and Perth's John Eliffe in A grade stableford. Hugh Ferry from Croydon is four points clear of Cranbourne's Ray Matthews in C grade whilst Yarrawonga's John Cook looks home and home seven points ahead of his nearest rival. Conservatively there are still over forty players who remain in contention at Mildura today for the final round for one of the 14 fifty four hole trophies which will be presented tonight at the Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club. Much interest will also centre on the four person teams event culminating with a lucky draw including all teams for a holiday to New Zealand from Jet Set Mildura. |
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| 12/5/9 |
Red Cliffs Open
The 2009 Red Cliffs Open will be conducted this weekend and the club is hoping that district golfers will support it with the same sort of numbers that turned out for the Merbein Open at Mildura recently. Red Cliffs has conducted some fantastic Opens in past years and are planning for another big weekend. Andrew Stewart and Justin McPhee will start nominal favourites as past winners of the event but it would be no surprise if any of a dozen players triumphed. Promising juniors Jake Laubsch, Tyler Ver Beek and Tim Walker have all displayed touches of brilliance this season and only need to put two consistent rounds together to succeed. Red Cliffs has been involved in meaningful discussions with Lower Murray Water and fell confident that they can sustain their course through to 2011 and beyond. Appropriately the Red Cliffs Club have come on board as a major sponsor this year to support another Red Cliffs community event. Entries can be phoned through to the club on 50 241531.
Stenson on Fire at TPC
Swedish professional Henrik Stenson put on an absolute clinic in the final round of the Tournament Players Championship to shoot a 66 to win by six shots from England's Ian Poulter. Playing in the last pair Tiger Woods was expected to sweep past playing partner and overnight leader Germany's Alex Cejka but both players crashed and burned. Swedish caddie Fanny Suneson now carries Stenson's bag after first becoming famous as Nick Faldo's caddie several years ago. Arron Baddeley was the leading Australian matching Stenson's 66 on Sunday but finishing eight shots back. This event is one of only three including the US Open and US PGA where the Americans toughen up their golf courses for a tournament. Subsequently the scores balloon out and only a handful of players get anywhere near their usual week to week scores. The US Open is the next major tournament in June and it will be played at a public course in New York - Bethpage which will be another brutal physical and mental test. Naturally Tiger will be the man to beat.
Rotary Charity Day
The Annual Charity Golf Day conducted by Irymple Rotary Club will be held this Sunday at Mildura Golf Club. The event is a medley ambrose in 4's and the proceeds will be directed to the Victorian Bushfire Fund. So far this event has raised over $40,000 for local organisations and projects. Entries can be directed to John Fitzgibbon on 0417 348 750.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 5/5/9 |
Cameron Stewart Wins 2009 Merbein Open
It has been a fair while between drinks for Cameron Stewart but that all changed at Mildura on Sunday when he clinched the 2009 Merbein Open with rounds of 71-75. Stewart has been so close on numerous occasions in the last six years but just hadn't been able to close the deal. The win was the beginning of what will be his most memorable week in the years to come as he will tie the knot in marriage on Saturday. Naturally golf will feature in the honeymoon to Tasmania as a game at Australia's number one public access course Barnbougle Dunes is planned. Runner up Coomealla's Jacob Slimmon 73-75 is fast becoming the best current player not to have won a district open. The door will be left ajar for him at Red Cliffs on May 16-17 or Robinvale on May 24th. Andrew Stewart 75-75 could also be our fifth open winner this year if he can improve on Sunday's as he has been close in each open so far. Merbein were delighted with the field of 113 players and the support of Mildura Golf Club Resort and it's members.
SDGA Pennant
The Sunraysia District Golf Association have announced final details of this year's pennant season. In an exciting development Broken Hill have been added to the SDGA as a member club and round one and two pennant will commence there on May 30-31. A weekend in Broken Hill is sure to get the competitive juices flowing and is the ideal timing for the new club's entry. It will be the first time many of our pennant players will have even been to Broken Hill let alone see their excellent golf course. Originally the course had sandscrape greens but after purchasing grasses from Murray Downs about ten years ago it is now a dessert classic. This year for the first time there will be four divisions with division three and four off handicap. Coomealla will field five teams with Mildura and Riverside four, Red Cliffs and Broken Hill three, Merbein and Wentworth one but none representing Robinvale. Wentworth will host the finals on July 5th as well as the district championships on July 11-12. Matchplay golf head to head is the finest form of the game and an ideal way for golfers to hone their skills and sharpen up their game.
TPC at Sawgrass
This week the 36th Tournament Players Championship will be played at TPC Sawgrass golf club stadium course in Jacksonville Florida. The Americans contend that this tournament is the unofficial fifth major but no one outside the US seem to agree. The stadium course was purpose built specifically to cater for big crowds of spectators. Water is everywhere and crocodiles are almost as plentiful as the kangaroos at Coomealla. Australian players Steve Elkington and Adam Scott have both won the tournament in recent times, last year Spain's Sergio Garcia was the winner. The signature hole at Sawgrass is the par 3 island hole 17th. The green is almost completely surrounded by water and as with most of the other holes is an amphitheatre. Playing there ten years ago I popped one into the water on 17 for a double bogey but the record is held by an amateur player who ran up a less than quick 66 after bombing 27 holes into the water!
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 27/4/9 |
Merbein Open
Mildura Golf Club will play host to competitors vying for the 2009 Merbein Open this weekend. It will be interesting to see if there is a head to head between the districts big three- Greg Rhodes, Ashley Whitehouse and Tim Petersen. All three would be keen to add another Merbein Open title to their alreday impressive records. Merbein are currently renovating nine greens so Mildura's offer to help out this year was gratefully accepted by the Merbein committee. That's the good news. So far the entries for the tournament are much less than anticipated but hopefully the phone at Mildura's pro shop (50 228089) will start ringing off the hook today and tomorrow. Merbein members are great supporters of every other Sunraysia golf club open and are always well to the fore in district pennant. They now need the support of all the players who played in earlier opens at Coomealla, Riverside and Mildura. The news from Red Cliffs, Robinvale and Wentworth are that their courses are really improving condition wise and recent rain will continue to assist growth. Those clubs will be looking for that reciprocal support for their opens in May and August so these clubs should encourage their members to help out Merbein this week. Hopefully the Mildura members will also lend their support on their home course.
NWWG Pennant
The NWWG Inc will commence Sunday pennant and Winter pennant at Wentworth this Sunday. There are so many new ladies taking up golf with the Driving Range and Riverside in particular running successful beginner clinics. Mildura, Coomealla, Riverside and Red Cliffs will have strong representation in both competitions including all grades in Monday pennant. Expect to see quite a few new faces beginning to emerge.
Odd Balls
Lots of funny stories are told and played out at a golf club, here is one. One of the districts top golfers was having trouble with his putter during a round at Coomealla recently and resorted to using his driver instead of his putter. On the hardest hole on the course (14th 407 metre par 4) he hit driver then seven iron then knocked in the putt for a birdie three. Everyone thought that was fairly special but at the same time not advised to be tried by anyone on a handicap more than 0! A Riverside man who mainly plays at Coomy decided to go one up the following week on the 420 metre par 4 ninth. After hitting driver then driver again to reach the green he kept the big waddy in hand and attempted to make birdie but failed. Two putts with his driver gave him a par which he maintains really "Spoons" the previous feat!
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 20/4/9 |
Mildura Open Success
Mildura Golf Club were delighted with the success of their open tournament at the weekend. One hundred and ninety players was an excellent field with the scoring across the board lower reflecting the great condition of the golf course. Tim Petersen did it for all the lefties and reinforced what we already knew about his golf. He has a real talent for golf and even though his focus is not as strong on golf as it has been, he is a real chance in any event he tees it up in. So far this year there have been three Open's (Coomealla,Riverside and Mildura) for three different winners (Ash Whitehouse, Greg Rhodes and Tim Petersen) which is great for Sunraysia golf. The open season continues at Mildura on May 2nd and 3rd when the Merbein Open will be contested followed by the Red Cliffs Open on May 16-17. Mildura have offered the use of their course to Merbein for it's 2009 open as Merbein currently has nine holes closed for renovation. Andrew Stewart has been knocking on the door in all three open's so far and a win on his home course for the Merbein title would not surprise.
Red Cliffs Ladies Open
The district ladies open season hit off at Wentworth yesterday, the Red Cliffs Open will be played next Wednesday April 29th in combination with their Opening Day and special effort for the NWWG inc. Ladies have the option to play either 18 or 27 holes and entries should be phoned to Captain Jill Eyles on 50 241379. Michelle Fumberger won the ladies section at Mildura on the weekend from Sue Laird and they should be the top two again. The draw will be listed in Monday's Sunraysia Daily, however late entries will be accepted.
Tri-State Masters entries
Entries for the the 17th annual Tri-State Masters will be extended until Friday May 1st. The tournament will be played at Coomealla on May 18th, Berri on May 20th and Mildura on May 22nd. Entries have come from New Zealand and almost every State in Australia and is a wonderful opportunity for local golfers to meet and greet visiting golfers with similar interests, both on the golf course and at several social functions. Trophies will be awarded to A,B and C grades in both men and ladies daily and additionally fourteen 54 hole sections will be rewarded at weeks end. An optional four person aggregate stableford teams section keeps everyone's interest right till the last putt and again this year Jet Set Mildura will make available a trip to New Zealand for one lucky team. The daily competition is stableford but there is a scratch section for the A graders and over 50 seniors. Since 1993 over 4000 entries have been received from more than 1100 different golfers. Entries and enquiries should be forwarded to Sunraysia Golf Factory 152A ninth street, phone 50 222923.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 13/4/9 |
Local Junior Girls Victorious
Our North West Women's Golf association were well represented at Bendigo last week in the Kay Marlook Shield. The division three shield was won by Lucy Young, Caitlin and Emily Hancock. After defeating all other teams in division three the girls were over the moon and eager to get back home and out onto the golf course. Kay Mahlook initiated the event in 1987 to give girls an opportunity to learn and play matchplay golf. The girls were so inspired that they are already planning for next year and hope to encourage more girls to go so that the NWWG will have at least two teams represented. All clubs need more girls playing golf so this win could be the boost and incentive for more girls to take up the game.
Mildura Open
All golfing eyes will focus on Mildura Golf Club this weekend for their 2009 Open. Greg Rhodes last won at Mildura in 2007 but his is the dominant name on all of Mildura's honour boards. Rhodes won at Riverside two weeks ago and is hot to trot for the weekend. Mildura's open has been fantastic in recent years with the trophies first class and another big field is anticipated this weekend. In the last five years Ashley Whitehouse (2008), Tim Petersen (2005) and Andrew Stewart (2004) have all raised the trophy and they will again be prominent. The golf course is in terrific nick and a score of even par will probably be needed to win.
US Masters
The US Masters was another huge success this year. Angel Cabrera was brilliant even though luck played a significant role at the end. Hitting out of the trees and deflecting onto the fairway allowed him to stay in the contest on the first play off hole against Kenny Perry and Chad Campbell. On the second hole a par was enough for him to become the first Argentinean to win the Masters. Cabrera's idol, Robert De Vicenzo was the equal leader in 1968 but mistakenly signed for a 4 instead of a 3 causing him to miss out on a play off. Cabrera has such soft hands which appears to allow him to "caress" his putts with incredible control. American Kenny Perry looked home and hosed with two holes to go but the Kentuckian slipped on the last two holes when his draw became a block then a hook. Lee Trevino always said that "you can talk to a fade but a hook won't listen" and such was the case with Perry. Tiger just couldn't get on song but his tussle with Phil was great viewing. Mickelson shot a brilliant 6 under par front nine but stumbled around the back. Geoff Ogilvy was our top performer but a long way off he lead. The next Major will be US Open at Bethpage Golf Club in New York which is a public golf course, even this far out Tiger is the man to beat.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 6/4/9 |
Rhodes Wins Riverside Open
Greg Rhodes came from behind to win his nineteenth Riverside Open on Sunday after beginning the second round in third place. Recent Riverside club champions Steve Wilmann (2008) and Ben Hogan (2005) had shot great rounds of three under par 69's to lead Rhodes by one shot. Travis Patton came home strongly to record a fine round of 39-34-73 to be in equal fourth place. Indeed, there were six players still in contention as Cameron Stewart and Tim Petersen had also had 73's. On Sunday Hogan really took it up to the champ turning two shots in front after the first nine holes. Rhodes eventually edged ahead to be two up after the 15th. Disaster struck Hogan on the 16th when he hooked his ball into "Veit's gully" where he took a triple bogey 7 and his challenge was over resulting in a 79. Wilmann was never a chance on the second day finishing with an 81. Cameron Stewart was the eventual runner up after two consistent rounds of 73-72. Tim Petersen struggled with a 76. There was an exciting finish in the ladies section when Marg Lampard recorded two solid rounds of 87. Marg plays off a 14 handicap and was surprised to tie 6 marker Sue Laird who had 83-91. In the sudden death play off on the 18th, Laird regained her composure with a par giving her another win and Lampard a taste of golf at the sharp end of the tournament and a chance she may not have thought possible beforehand. Mildura Golf Club will host the next district open from April 17-19.
Council-Community-Water-Riverside
Riverside Golf Club sits on crown land and as such rely on the Mildura Rural City Council to oversee and assist with the on going viability of the golf course. Clubs such as Red Cliffs golf club own their own land but Riverside must bow to it's master. The council meet tomorrow night and the question of water will be tabled in relation to Riverside's allocation. Surely common sense must prevail. Riverside along with Mildura and our other district golf clubs has bought thousands and thousands of people to Mildura to play golf. This has been going on for fifty years, unlike some other events and festivals that are "one off's" but are supported to the hilt and then are unheard of again . Riverside has had to make their course a "preferred lies" course from tee to green because of the lack of water available to the club. If this situation is not rectified the ramifications will be enormous. Council and even the tourist association do not understand what golf brings to Mildura. If our golf courses dry up, so will the visiting golfers, once our district's golfing reputation is downgraded then everyone will be affected.
US Masters
The US Masters is the number one golf tournament in world and hits off on Friday morning (out time). It seems the hype surrounding the event is so much bigger this year with so many sub plots emerging. Tiger Woods is over the line according to most American experts. Tiger hasn't won the Masters since 2005 but he loves the course, is in great form and the golf course and pressure to perform, suits him down to a tee. Greg Norman is back for the first time in seven years courtesy of his third place finish in the British Open last year. Hopefully he will make the cut, at 53 that will be good finish for him as the course has been lengthened making it harder for the older players. Six other Aussies will tee it up this year including Victorians Geoff Ogilvy, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley and Queenslander Adam Scott and first timer Matt Goggin from Tassie. Padraig Harrington is going for his third Major in a row after winning the US PGA and the British Open last year. The Irishman has never won the Masters but his silky touch around the greens increase his chances. Anyone watching the event will not see any form of advertising on the course. Everything including soft drink cups, hot dog wrappers and paper plates, has to be in green, so as to be camouflaged if any litter blew onto the course and not be seen on television. No other tournament in the world has this policy but Augusta National golf Club is like no other club. The course is surrounded by a concrete wall similar to what they used to put around football grounds. My picks this year are Sergio Garcia or Justin Rose with Geoff Ogilvy the top Aussie.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 31/3/9 |
Riverside Open
Ashley Whitehouse is the man to beat this weekend in the 2009 Riverside Open. Whitehouse won the tournament last year after following up an opening round 75 with a brilliant 67. Whitehouse won the Coomealla Open two weeks ago and followed that up with a 69 there on Sunday. Most people expect him to be the player that overtakes Greg Rhodes as the district's number one golfer. This has been the case for several years but maybe, this might be the year that it happens. Rhodes had a hic up in the Coomy open finishing third but he has won at Riverside more than anyone else in it's history so another good showing is to be expected. Riverside club champion Steve Wilmann played well at Coomy and was runner up to Whitehouse in home open last year, he could be the smokey. Former Riverside club champion Tim Petersen is the other most promising candidate as he is fresh and ready to win again.
Kay Mahlook Shield
Sunraysia will send four representatives to Bendigo to contest the Kay Mahlook Shield. This matchplay competition has been played for many years and our district has been mildly successful during that time. Coomealla's Jackie Gray, Caitlyn and Emily Hancock and Lucy Young (also a member at Mildura) will go head to head with the States best. Jackie, Caitlyn and Emily are all products of Frank Geyer's Sunday morning clinic's at Coomealla golf club. Our district really needs more clubs to take Coomealla's lead and encourage their member parents to take both boys and girls to the club to learn golf.
Tiger Woods
Tiger Woods is coming to Melbourne in November for the Australian Masters at Kingston Heath. Forget all the hoo hah about his fee because he will make up for it in increased gate takings, accommodation packages and television exposure. Wherever Tiger goes the world watches and they will be watching Kingston Heath, arguable Australia's best golf course, Melbourne, Victoria and Australia. The last time there was so much excitement about golf was when Greg Norman was the world number one. Lots of people, particularly children took up golf because they wanted to be like the "Shark". Tiger Woods will have a similar effect, probably even bigger. He won the Arnold Palmer tournament at Bay Hill Golf Club on Sunday and is a red hot favourite for the US Masters at Augusta next week. Golf in Australia has been on the decline in recent years because less and less juniors are taking up the game, Tiger's appearance could just be the tonic to turn that situation around.
Contact me with your golfing informaton at fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 24/3/9 |
Whitehouse Wins Play-off
Ashley Whitehouse is the 2009 Coomealla Golf Club Open Champion after 39 holes at the weekend. Whitehouse (73) shared the overnight lead with Jacob Slimmon on Saturday after completing his round in the afternoon windy conditions. Pre tournament favourite Greg Rhodes was not at his best but was only one shot back along with Andrew Stewart. On Sunday the four slugged it out together with Stewart returning another 74 and Whitehouse slipping back with a 75. Whitehouse hit a great shot into the 18th and a birdie looked a formality but he missed and a sudden death play off was called for. Rhodes (75) had a putt to get into the playoff but his putter failed him as it had all day. He was not Robinson Crusoe though as the Coomealla greens were at their most treacherous. Riverside club champion Steve Wilmann found that out the hard way, being one under the card on Sunday coming to the 15th until he five putted for a triple bogey! The play off for the title began on the 10th which both players parred and again on the 11th. Whitehouse then clinched the title with a birdie four on the 12th. It is always better to see a birdie win a tournament than a bogey lose it. Tim Petersen has played little golf this year so his fourth placing was a good sign. Leigh Fuller (156), Cameron Stewart and Wilmann were equal fifth with Jacob Slimmon (157) and Andrew J Thomas equal eighth. Once again the Coomealla course was the winner as the greens were much harder and faster and hence the scoring higher.
Hard Luck and other Stories
There were lots of stories of what could have, should have and near misses at "Coomy" with 220 players but a couple really stood out. One lady hit a strongish drive on the 13th catching it just a little bit low, whereupon it went smack bang into a Kangaroo who didn't even notice it and continued eating grass! Another player racked up a 15 on the sixteenth but was heard to say to his playing partners "it doesn't matter, the sun will still come up tomorrow". Great attitude that. The clinker though was the poor bugger who didn't check his score card and signed for a 40 on the eighteenth. He had a 43 but his scorer missed the eighteenth score and put the 40 one line up!
This is another example of how you must check your score card carefully at the end of the round. Everyone in the club house was laughing about the bloke who had a nett 117 off a five handicap, which of course he hadn't really had.
Sunraysia Win Doherty/McInnes Cup
Sunraysia easily accounted for the Riverland Golf Association 15-5 matches to 2-5 matches in the annual Doherty/McInnes challenge at Coomealla. The challenge began in 1996 and is played as a medal matchplay at a club open alternately in each district. Last year the Riverland won for the first time since 1996 so our boys were keen to get the cup back. Next year the challenge will be played in conjunction with the Renmark open. This year's Renmark open will be played this weekend and Greg Rhodes will be the hot favourite and will no doubt be in better condition than last Sunday after he had just turned 50!
Lever Blair/Seeley at Mildura
The SDGA Lever Blair-Seely 4BBB will be played at Mildura on Saturday with a shot gun start at 1pm, cost is $12 per player. This event has traditionally been the number one district four ball for years. The following weekend will be the Riverside open where Ashley Whitehouse will be defending his 2008 title when he had 75-67. By the way, last week's column mentioned a five day membership at Mildura which was wrong. My apologies to Mildura as they have six and seven day memberships along with discounted first year memberships.
Tiger Woods is Good News
Tiger Woods is coming to Victoria and that's great. Golf in Australia has been on a downward spiral for the last decade and Tiger Woods could be the catalyst of an explosion of interest in golf for young people. A big reason for golf's decline is that less and less juniors are taking up the game and without them coming through the numbers have declined. Apart from that Kingston Heath which is arguably Australia's best golf course will be viewed by millions all over the world. The economic spin off to Tiger coming will be enormous.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 17/3/9 |
The Sunraysia District Golf Association will commence it's Open tournament season this weekend with the 2009 Coomealla Open. Greg Rhodes will be the man to beat, as usual and it will take a mighty performance to beat him. Rhodes is 16 under par in his last four competition rounds at Coomealla which is unbelievable golf for any amateur, let alone one is is turning 50 this week. Those appearing to be his biggest threats include Jacob Slimmon, Ashley Whitehouse, Justin McPhee and Anthony O'Brien. The 2009 Doherty/McInnes challenge between Sunraysia and the Riverland Golf Associations will also be contested within the event. Last year Riverland knocked us off for only the second time since 1996 so hopefully our boys will win the cup back. Almost 180 men will line up and up to 40 women which is a huge field foe a domestic Sunraysia event. Limited spots are still available but be quick.
Mildura Golf Club will conduct it's 18th Mildura Masters charity tournament tomorrow and another great day looks on the cards. New club professional Michael McKenzie commenced proceedings on Monday and is looking forward to a great year with the club. Mildura has a range of 5 and 6 day memberships and the club is flying at the moment. The popular Mildura Open tournament will be played from April 17-20. The SDGA's Lever Blair - Seeley 4BBB will be the first association tournament to be hosted by Mildura on April 28.
Mildura Golf Club need a big pat on the back for inviting Merbein to conduct it's 2009 Open Tournament at Mildura. Merbein have closed 9 holes whilst they replant 9 new greens making it impossible to have their open at "home". Golf clubs are commercial opponents so its goes against the usual flow that this gesture be offered. I implore all district golfers to support this open tournament if at all possible. We have already shown how we support the bushfire people and this would be an ideal opportunity to support one of our own golf clubs.
Riverside Golf Club conducted an open day on Sunday to raise money for Horsham Golf Club which was burnt to the ground recently. A good turn up ensured that over $1500 was raised on the day. Riverside will conduct their 2009 Open Tournament from April 3-5. Interesting to see former club captain George Matotek just missed out on shooting his age on Saturday. George has been a model of consistency for over 30 years and is as nice a man as you would ever meet. Keep swinging well Georgie.
The Australian Putters Association will conduct their National Championship in Sydney from May 17-22. Mildura hosted this event in recent years and we have a strong contingent representing Mildura again this year. Our two best performed "putters" over the years have been Alan Morris and Graeme Walters and no doubt they will be at the forefront again this year.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 10/3/09 |
Mildura Golf Club hosted their Junior Championship at the weekend with players coming from 16 different golf clubs. Stand out performer was Red Cliffs junior Tim Walker who parred the course both days in an outstanding performance. His good form carried over to Monday in junior pennant when he holed out on Mildura's sixth hole for his first hole in one. Walker could be the big improver this year and will push Jake Laubsch, Tyler Ver Beek and Ryan Laird. Fifteen year old Luke Merrit from Murray Downs who plays off 3 finished with the second best total of the tournament seven shots behind Walker. Mildura's Kristy Laird (183) was second in the girls event two shots behind Murray Downs junior Emily Smith (181). Coomealla's Lucy Young won the handicap section from club mate Tegan Bell. Mildura were delighted with the field of players from as far away as Broken Hill and Bendigo. After a reduction in juniors coming through the ranks at local golf clubs for several years it looks like things are beginning to turn. The academy has had an impact as has Garth Doherty from the driving range who is actually going into the schools to conduct clinics. Hopefully more parents will encourage their children to play golf and maybe even take them with them to golf. Names to watch this year include David Filippi, Josef Moisidis, Dominic Vartuli, Aaron Lucchesi, Hayden Flett and Trent Perry. Perry has a very strong swing and could be our first top left handed contender since Jason Zambelli and before him Andrew Keogh. The final of the district junior handicap pennant will be played at Coomealla on Sunday between Red Cliffs and Mildura two.
Entries have been coming in from all over Australia for the 17th annual Tri-State Masters. Golfers from New Zealand, Western Australia, Queensland and Tasmania bring lots of enthusiasm and excitement to the tournament in both the men's and ladies sections. All up there are fourteen 54 hole sections for the men and ladies as well as the daily prizes. Jet Set Mildura will again this year provide a holiday to New Zealand for the teams prize. By tournament end over 4200 people will have taken part in the event so far. It would be great to have a few more locals to mix with the visitors this year. Contact Sunraysia Golf Tours on 50 222923 for more information.
Tiger Woods returns to tournament golf this week at Doral golf club in Miami, the course Ben Hogan described in his playing days as the "blue monster". In 2004 Craig Parry holed his second shot from the fairway on 18 to win the tournament. In describing Parry's swing at the time, as "like a average club member" former US Open champion Johhny Miller who was commentating at the tournament created a controversy which ended in him apologising to Parry. Maybe Robert Allenby who has been playing great golf can get over the line for the first time in the US since 2001.
Ladies golf seem to be getting bigger every year with lots of new faces appearing at local golf clubs. The opening day for the NWWG inc will be conducted at Wentworth next Tuesday (17th) with a shot gun start at 9-30. The NWWG inc are expecting a bumper field to kick the season off. The 17th of March is Saint Patrick's day the association is encouraging all ladies to wear something green. Names to Helen Russell 50 276373.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 3/3/09 Golf is back |
Welcome to the eighth year of the 19th hole. So much has happened in local golf since the last 19th hole in September last year. Our golf courses have been decimated by the heat and lack of water, hopefully this year will be a wet one. Coomealla Golf Club has recorded outstanding fields through the summer and will conduct their 2009 Open tournament on March 19-21. As usual the standout performer through the summer was Sunraysia's king of golf Greg Rhodes who recorded a number of sub 70 rounds at Coomealla. It may be a biased opinion but to my mind he is our number one sports person year after year, I am looking forward to the day that he receives appropriate recognition by the wider sports community. Mildura golf club have had some interesting times recently with a new golf professional appointed. Former local boy Michael McKenzie will replace Michael Swan on March 13. Swan had been the popular club professional since 1998 and will now move his teaching operations down to Riverside Golf Club. McKenzie was appointed along with Michael Barry as the first golf professionals at Murray Downs when it first opened but has been operating a sports shop in Swan Hill for almost 10 years. Red cliffs golf club will conduct their annual "Concert on the Course" on Friday March 13 at 7pm. This is a great night every year in picturesque surroundings and the club is hoping that everyone supports the night this year. Red Cliffs, along with Robinvale, Merbein and Wentworth golf clubs have been doing it tough over the last 12 months so please give them a hand by attending. Merbein golf club made the gutsy decision to tear up nine of their greens and replant them several weeks ago. This definitely was the right decision for the club to move forward into the future. Riverside have conducted several significant golf days of late and will go ahead under the direction of new president Mick Burke, who despite being a Collingwood supporter who is a terrific appointment for the club.
Coomealla golf club conducted their third annual stableford shootout on Sunday with Peter Dooley winning from Paul Wright. The concept is that the top 19 players from the summer hit off together at 8am with one player dropping out on each hole. The last two finishing at 4-30pm in a survival of the most consistent and most patient! There were a few dummy spits as players were eliminated but surprisingly only one wrong ball was played. The winner collected a voucher to the club for $580.
Geoff Ogilvy is the king of matchplay in world golf after defeating good friend Paul Casey (England) on Sunday in Arizona. Ogilvy has a great record in this event winning twice and a second in the last four years. Ogilvy is now rated 4th in the world and has left fellow Aussies Adam Scott, Robert Allenby, Stuart Appleby and Aaron Baddeley way behind. Tiger Woods is back and he will start favourite every week until his favourite tournament at Augusta where he is defending champion. The US Masters is the first major of the year in April when Chrissie's man Greg Norman will front up for the first time in ages.
Simulator golf has become popular over the last few months at Sunraysia Golf Factory. La Loma Hills golf club has 18 challenging holes but most players play the front nine which takes around 40 minutes. Best score so far was a three over par 38 by a Sydney visitor. Nine hole stableford competitions will begin next month with some great trophies on offer. So far no one has recorded a hole in one but it's not far off with some super shots just missing the hole.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 10/1/09 Junior Tournament Success |
The 2009 Coomealla Junior Open was played on Thursday/Friday with a good field turning up again this year. Merbein's Tyler Verbeek 84-73 overcame a four shot overnight defecit to win by one stroke from Coomealla's Jake Laubusch 80-78. Tyler who is almost half Jake's size proved to be a real fighter and it became a virtual matchplay contest as they played together both days. It will be interesting to follow their progress this year along with Red Cliff's Tim Walker who had 76 in the second round. Left hander Trent Perry is another up and comer with a really strong swing and his nine under handicap 36 hole score gave him a ten shot win in the handicap section. Jacquelin Gray was a comfortable winner of the girls section with an impressive total of nett 134 winning from Kristy Laird on 152. Unfortunately girl golfers are few and far between in Sunraysia but we always seem to have one or two really talented players.
Coomealla Golf Club continues to break records with great fields over the Christmas break. One hundred and eighty one players plus 30 ladies turned out on Saturday January 3rd and the good news is the field moved beautifully. |
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| 2/1/09 Big year of golf in Sunraysia |
It is four months since my last 19th hole and I have had lots of people asking for it to return on a weekly basis, so here goes. The Sunraysia district is gearing up for a big year of golf with the inclusion of the Broken Hill golf club into our association. Broken Hill will be the venue for the first two rounds of district pennant this year in early June. The inclusion of Broken Hill should be a real shot in the arm for local golf and should increase the traffic between the two cities. Broken Hill has a fantastic golf course which was transformed from a sand scrape course after turf was purchased from Murray Downs in the mid 90's. Having played the course last year I would recommend it as a great golfing destination. Locally, golf is on the up and up but unfortunately not all clubs are faring well. Coomealla is going through a boom period with record fields every week. In the last week alone more than 600 have played in rostered competitions at the club which is exceptional for our district. Mildura is also attracting good fields as well as lots of green fee players. Most of the other courses are struggling due to a number of reasons, the drought and lack of available water, not being the least of these. Everyone in golf is hoping that things turn around for these clubs as it is not healthy to have two strong clubs and five struggling. I hope that conditions will improve and that a couple of these clubs return their focus to the core business of their clubs and that is the golf course. Unfortunately in some cases that focus has been lost and other priorities have taken over.
Sunraysia juniors continue to dominate
Over the last four months several local juniors have emerged as outstanding prospect for 2009 and beyond. Coomealla/Mildura 14 year old Jake Labaush has had some terrific results reducing his handicap to 6 and winning the comp at Coomealla on New Year's day with a 76 off the stick. Merbein/Coomealla's Tyler ver Beek has also been in great form and both of these boys could push for selection in the district team in October if they continue to improve at their current rate. There are about 10 local kids showing great potential at present but much will depend on who coaches them this year as potential can be a dangerous word if the next steps aren't taken to develop that potential.
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| 27/8/8 |
Percy To Defend Coomealla Senior Title
Cobram Barooga's Ross Percy will be back in Sunraysia at the weekend to defend his inaugural 54 hole 2007 Coomealla Senior (over 55) Championship title. Over 100 seniors will tee it up at Coomealla on Monday which is about a ten per cent increase on last year's field. Percy is in top form after winning the Peninsula Senior Open two weeks ago and loves the Coomealla course of which he is a former club champion. Biggest threats to Percy on paper appear to be Buninyong's Chris Tatt who plays off a 1 handicap. Tatt represented Australia three times in international amateur tournaments as well as being chosen to play for Victoria six times between 1979-85. Earlier this year Tatt won the Victorian Sand Greens championship at Maldon with a score of 5 under par. The whole Tatt family will travel to Mildura for the week and son Travis who also plays off 1 at Buninyong will be carrying the bag for dad. Chris has won Buninyong's club championship 13 times while Travis has won it twice. Other players expected to be in the finish are Sandhurst's David McDonald who leads the State's scratch and handicap averages for the Seniors after 10 events. Mt Gambier's John Beaumont should also be in the finish as he has performed very consistently to be just behind McDonald. Almost half of the field are off single figure handicaps with 20 players off 5 or less. Twenty five ladies will also tee it up adding a bit of glamour to the tournament. Twenty five Coomealla members have entered but only four from the other six district clubs, which is very disappointing but not surprising. Over 100 participants and their families will be in Sunraysia for a minimum five night stay which is fantastic for our district. Congratulations to club captain Alan Scorer, his committee, Coomealla Memorial Sporting Club and Auto Synery for this exciting initiative.
Sunraysia Primary Students Shine in Cohuna
The 2008 Victorian Primary Schools Regional Final was played at Cohuna last Friday. Sunraysia sent four players down who had qualified from 40 starters in our district final at Mildura Golf Club earlier in the month. Domenic Vartuli from Red Cliffs Golf Club won the 9 hole event on Stuart Appleby's home course with Coomealla's Josef Moisidis third, Ben Collins sixth and Kane Razis just out of the placing. Domenic and Josef will now contest the State final Box Hill Golf Club on Monday. Golf desperately needs more youngsters playing golf and it is teffific that this incentive to achieve is available whilst nine holes is still not to taxing for the kids.
2008 Club Championships
Matthew Lynch continued his dominance in the club championships at Wentworth at the weekend. Lynch began the third round on Saturday five shots in front of arch rival Nathan Gard but soon lost his lead after Gard returned a brilliant one under par 70 to Lynch's 78. On Sunday however, Lynch righted the ship to overcome Gard with 71 versus 77 giving him a three shot victory. Garth Doherty won the Merbein championship comfortably from young Tyler Verbeek who looks to be a star of the future. Doherty who turned 30 on Friday was a bit "hung" on Saturday and started poorly. His recovery around the back nine was quite spectacular as he finished birdie, birdie, birdie, par then eagle on the 18th for a 73. On Sunday a 77 was enough to give him a comfortable victory. At Mildura after two rounds Ashley Whitehouse remains four shots in front of Brendan Rowse after both had 74's. Whitehouse will be all out to close out Rowse in the third round on Saturday but Rowse is likely to turn up with more than just a new hairstyle this week and still looks a good bet. Andrew Stewart crashed with a 78 but is still only five off the pace so if he can recover his first round form a three way fight might eventuate on Sunday.
The Easiest Shots in Golf
From time to time one meets lots of different characters whilst playing the wonderful game of golf. Recently I played with an interesting fellow who had a very amusing way of putting setbacks on the golf course into perspective. This bloke who plays off a 26 handicap explained to me that his favourite golf shots were the practice swing and the conceded putt. The rest he said "could never be mastered" He went on to say that "if I hit it right, it's a slice. If I hit it left, it's a hook. If I hit it straight, it's a miracle!
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 20/8/8 |
Club Championships
Mildura Golf Club hosted the first round of the 2008 club championships on Saturday with their biggest field (81) entered for the four days for more than ten years. For some unknown reason the club championships haven't attracted good fields at Mildura for years. Perhaps it is because four rounds is a lot of golf for the older players in the club of which there is a vast majority. Mildura usually attracts fields of 120 or more on most Saturdays, this year they changed their championship format to Saturday, Saturday then Saturday Sunday. This replaced the two weekends in a row that almost all of the other clubs use. Ashley Whitehouse leads the tournament with an 71 that could have been much better. Five birdies, four bogeys and nine pars is a bit inconsistent for perhaps Sunraysia's most consistent golfer (bar Greg Rhodes). Most golfers claim that if they hadn't missed this putt or that shot that they would have had a much better score, but that's golf. Whitehouse actually got to three under the card but handed back two shots with soft bogeys, which, for him is unusual. Andrew Stewart returned to form with a par round of 72 adding extra spice to the rest of the contest. It would be terrific if Andy could maintain his current form so that he is still a chance on the last nine on Sunday week. The enigmatic Brendan Rowse also kept in the hunt with a 75. This is far from his best but four strokes is not an unassailable lead to catch in three rounds. Rowse can do anything and would surprise no one if he came out and blitzed on Saturday. After his first round I like his chances this year. Cameron Stewart continued to struggle with a 77 but Cam is capable of putting in a sub par round at any time and this Saturday would be a good time.
Matt Lynch 75-76 is five shots clear of Nathan Gard 78-78 at Wentworth with Darren Bottomly 84-78 a further six strokes back. Lynch is a class golfer and would appear to have his third title in a row home and hosed. Wenty's field for the championship is down this year which is disappointing for the club as the course is returning to it's best.
Garth Doherty 73-77 leads pocket rocket Tyler Verbeek 78-80 at Merbein whose field is similar to last year. Doherty played well on Saturday after not playing for several weeks, on Sunday however his form lapsed somewhat. In third place is one of the Merbein districts favourite sons in Roger Walder. Walder had his best ever round on Saturday but struggled to maintain the form on Sunday. A week is a long time in golf so they all have a chance to improve this weekend.
Red Cliffs Ambrose
Red Cliffs had a terrific field of 136 on Saturday for their annual Pioneer/Bettess ambrose. Winning team this year was Oscar Mannix, Peter Wright, Ryan McEwan and Justin McPhee with a 59 off the stick! Second best with 61 nett was the club captain's team of Mark Woodhouse, Josh Lee, Jason Hartley and Craig Warn. The Red Cliffs course is also coming back and the numbers are increasing in the clubs competitions each week.
Blind Fire-fighters
Heard a story about a group of four golfers who got stuck behind a slow group one Saturday afternoon. After six hours on the course one of the golfers approached the club captain and complained about the slow play. The captain explained that they were four fire fighters who had all lost their sight from fighting the fires. On hearing this one of the complainers an American pledged $50,000 to assist them in any way the money could. The second a French doctor offered to assist with locating a specialist to assist with any optical complications they may suffer from. The third member, an Englishman had a restaurant and offered that all four could bring their families to eat at his restaurant any time for free. The fourth man an Australian asked the captain if it was possible that the fire-fighters could play at night instead.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 13/8/2008 |
Sunraysia Juniors Hot in Snow
The Sunraysia junior district team travelled down to Trentham at the weekend to contest the 2008 Victorian Country Regions championship. Last year for the first time in memory we missed the event but this year our boys excelled. Nearly all of the other teams from Ballarat, Wimmera, South Western and East, West and South Gippsland had much older boys than our group who were taller, stronger and on much lower handicaps. This didn't deter our kids one bit as they were super keen to play and do their best. It was freezing cold for the first round on Saturday but neither the weather or the strangeness of the course that they were all playing for the first time deterred them or curbed their enthusiasm. Our boys averaged nett 72 which was excellent under the circumstances and looked set to exceed that result on Sunday. State officials warned on Saturday night however, that play may have to be abandoned on Sunday if it snowed. The boys couldn't care less about rain wind or snow - they just wanted to play. Well, it did snow on Sunday but not heavily enough to call the event off and again our kids did very well averaging nett 72 once more. Sunraysia won the silverware for the handicap section of the tournament which was simply outstanding given that they were nearly all representing Sunraysia for the first time. Mildura's Ryan Laird was our top performer winning the individual handicap section with nett 72-65. Thirteen year old Jason Tassone also shone brightly with nett 69-72 just pipping his brother Daniel who had 68-70. Twelve year old Domenic Vartulli from Red Cliffs was another to do well recording nett 69-75. Other members of the winning team were Tyler ver Beek Merbein, Tim Walker and David Filippi Red Cliffs and Jade Hall-Kelly Riverside. The trip home in the bus included the trophy proudly positioned on the front seat in a seat belt. Next year junior officials Sue Laird, Tom Gigg, John Filippi and Neville Walker are hoping that the team will contest three tournaments outside the district. It is also hoped that the Sunraysia District Golf Association return to the tradition of providing the team with our official SDGA uniform. Whilst nearly all of the other districts looked resplendent in their district colours our boys were dressed like browns cows. The majority of this group should be together for at least four years so it is important that everything is done to give them the best chance to succeed and be able to wear the Sunraysia colours with pride. Just as our senior team does every year at Country Week in Melbourne.
North West Womens Golf Championships
Tomorrow Coomealla Golf Club will host 70 ladies in the 2008 NWWG championships. At time of writing Michelle Fumberger had not entered so that leaves Mildura's Sue Laird, Coomealla's Nycole Riordan and Red Cliffs Julie McEwan as the main contenders for the title. The Coomealla greens are like Royal Melbourne's at the moment so she who putts best, (or least) wins.
Club Championships
Men's club championships begin this Saturday at Merbein, Wentworth and Mildura golf clubs. Garth Doherty didn't play at Merbein last year after winning the Riverside title for the second time at Riverside in 2006. Doherty will start favourite from last year's champion Chris McGinty who was a surprise winner last year. McGinty hasn't played much golf this year preferring football but is keen to defend his title. Other contenders include outstanding junior Tyler Ver Beek and former footballer Phil Matotek. Matt Lynch looks a sure bet again at Wentworth but he can expect spirited opposition from Nathan Gard and Darren Bottomly. Ashley Whitehouse is naturally the man to beat at Mildura. Whitehouse always performs well in the club championships even when he hasn't been playing well. 2007 Murray Valley champion Brendan Rowse is the man most likely to provide the most opposition. It all depends whether Rowsey is switched on as he can be a bit of a Jekel or Hyde. Rowse's best would match Whitehouse but last year after winning the Murray Valley he crashed in the first round. You can't win a four round championship in the first round but you sure can lose it, which is what happened to Rowse last year. Other contenders are the Stewarts Cameron and Andrew. Cameron has led this championship on a number of occasions but has never been able to close the deal on the last day. Mind you, it was either Greg Rhodes or Ashley Whitehouse that overtook him. The thing is though, if you can do it on day one, two or three, then day four is achievable if the mind is right. It would be terrific if one of the Stewarts could close the deal as they have been great servants of the Mildura golf club.
Hopefully as many members as possible contest their club championships this year as it is the biggest event each year at every club, irrespective of your handicap it is always nice to win your grade. Good luck to all golfers who have the commitment and courage to have a go!
US PGA
The US PGA championship played at the weekend was great viewing. Whilst few people enjoy watching champion golfers shoot ten over par, the ones who succeed are just fantastic to watch and the others remind us of ourselves, even though it is at a much, much higher standard. 2007-08 British Open champion Padraig Harrington was just so classy. Harrington's last nine holes in particular had to be seen to be believed. Again (as is usually the case) it was the difference in putting that sealed the deal. Harrington just kept knocking in the pressure putts which put the heat back on Sergio Garcia who missed three putts in the last three holes. Garcia keeps knocking on the door but there always seems to be at least one player who won't let him in. Next month the Ryder Cup between the US and Europe will light up our screens with Europe starting odds on. Tiger Woods won't be playing but I reckon the Yanks might just win this year against all odds. Sort of like Collingwood last weekend!
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 5/08/2008 |
Jake Laubsch Wins District Junior Championship
Jake Laubsch has played some really good golf this year at Mildura and Coomealla but his round at Wentworth recently was outstanding. Even though there were older boys competing in the 2008 Sunraysia District Golf Association junior championship Jake's one over par 72 was the best of the day. This lad has a big future in golf if he continues to improve and pursue the sport over the next few years. His winning speech at the presentations was a classic when he said " You all played well today, but not well enough!" This wasn't said with anything other than his exuberance and delight in winning the championship but it sounded funny at the time. Red Cliff's Tim Walker was second with a fine 74 and he also is headed for a bright future in the game. Red Cliffs Dom Vartulli was the winner of the under 14 section from Josh Jeffreys and Christie Laird won the girls with 89 with Lucy Young best nett on 73. Broken Hill sent down a contingent of juniors and now Sunraysia will reciprocate later in the year. Following on from the championship a junior the SDGA junior representative team to play at Trentham golf club this weekend was announced. Unfortunately under 18 winner Regan Cavallaro and runner up Ryan Haynes are unavailable as is Laubsch which weakens the team considerably. The team is Tim Walker, Tyler ver Beek, Ryan Laird, Jade Hall-Kelly, Daniel and Jason Tassone, David Filippi and Dom Vartulli. Team manager is Sue Laird.
Greg Rhodes 2008 Wentworth Open Champion
Greg Rhodes 67-73 played ordinarily at Wentworth at the weekend but still managed to come in two under par and win by seven shots from Andrew Stewart 71-76. It sounds a bit odd doesn't it to say he played ordinarily but his standards are just a bit higher than most of us? Rhodes has been on cruise mode for most of the year and it is just a matter of how many putts he makes as to whether he finishes under or over par on most days. Andrew Stewart found a bit of form but lost the family argument when brother Cameron knocked him off for the 36 hole handicap on a countback. Wentworth had a small field which is disappointing as the course was in very good condition and their greens are a delight to putt on. Doug Rowsell gave the locals something to cheer about when he cleaned up B grade with two handy scores of 83-81.
Merbein On Track
Merbein Golf Club will be closed for business from August 11th till 15th due to extensive irrigation works being carried out on their fairways. Merbein sought and were granted a government grant to put in a new irrigation system that will water their fairways from 150 metres into each green (par 4's and 5's). This is a great imitative by Merbein who have been more than pro active in recent times in researching and finding out what grants are available so as they can improve their golf course for it's members and guests.
Coomealla Senior Open Championship
Entries are now being taken for the second annual Coomealla Open Senior Championship to be conducted from September 1-3. Last year this event was a resounding success and many visitors who played in it suggested it was the top senior event of the year. Pretty high praise but even at this early stage everything looks in order to exceed last year's field. Some Coomealla seniors (over 55's) are playing senior events at Kingston Heath, Peninsular and Yarra Yarra next week to spread the word about the Auto Synergy sponsored event. Ross Percy returned to Coomealla to win the event last year and it will take some great golf to knock the former club champion off.
Club Clinics
Women's Golf Victoria recently sponsored a series of clinics at local primary schools which were very popular. Further to that promotion more free clinics will be held over the next few weekends at district golf clubs for any new golfers. Coomealla (phone 274658) and Mildura (50 235082) this Saturday from 9am - 11am and August 16 from 9-11 then at Red Cliffs (50 241531) and Riverside (50 234255) on August 10th and 17th from 9-11. This is a great opportunity to get started with some free tuition.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
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| 30 July 2008 |
Golf Week
The Heritage Golf Club's Luke Bleumink 71-70 is a five shot leader after two rounds of the 2008 Murray Valley Championship. Bleumink was the 2007 Ivo Whitton winner in Melbourne golf last year making him the States most consistent player. On Monday a 71 at Mildura left him only one shot behind overnight leader Kieran Pratt 70-76 from Commonwealth Golf Club. An eagle on the par 4 fourth hole kick started his round at Coomealla yesterday and he will be very hard to beat over the last two rounds at Riverside and Mildura. Pratt should not be discounted as he is capable of sub par rounds and with 36 holes to go five shots is not insurmountable. Sanctuary Lakes Daniel Valenti 76-71 and Kew's Daniel Popovic 76-71 are lying equal third with Craig Hasthorpe next with 74-74. Sean Baumgurtel 78-74 leads the local challenge from Garth Doherty 75-79 but there will not be a local winner this year. 2007 champion Brendan Rowse 78-78 struggled with his putter on both days and will be hoping for a return to form today and a better showing at Cobram Barooga at the weekend. Coomealla's Jacob Slimmon continued his on/off form with an 80 then disqualification for signing an incorrect scorecard at Mildura then a brilliant 70 including six birdies. Riverside should provide the best scores of the tournament so far today which will hopefully set up at grandstand finish at Mildura tomorrow.
British Senior Open
The British Open was fantastic viewing at Royal Birkdale two weeks ago but the Senior British Open at Royal Troon was almost as good last week. One of the highlights was five times British Open winner Tom Watson hitting all 18 greens in regulation in the first round. The wind that day was horrendous but Watson's control of the golf ball was amazing. It is a different game of golf on a links course where you have to land the ball short on some holes and "run it up" to the pin. American style golf is more like darts as it is all about hitting greens on the full, then it becomes a putting competition. Greg Norman got off to a bad start but came home strongly to finish tied fifth with Watson. Norman looks no different in his body shape than he did 20 years ago and his swing is still a thing of beauty. So many of the great names teed it up at Troon including Norman, Watson, Bernhardt Langer, Ian Woosnam, Sandy Lyle and Craig Stadler to names just a few. This week they are all teeing it up in the US Senior Open in Colorado Springs and there will be a top class field including all of the American big name players. The winner last week was little known former fire-fighter Bruce Vaughan from Kansas (where Tom Watson is from) who won in a playoff with John Cook. Vaughn had a less than spectacular career as a PGA professional but this win puts him up in a different category now - a major winner, all be it a senior major.
Young Australian Trophy
The club winners of the Young Australians Annual Trophy recently contested a playoff at Mildura to decide our district champions in the event. Club winners were Lynda Saunders and Ang D'Amico from Riverside, Nycole Riordan and Mick Bacon from Coomealla and Joan Dean and Roger Walder Merbein. Winning pair in our district final were Mabel Crouch and John Bothroyd from Mildura from Bobbie Ramsay and David Filippi from Red Cliffs who will represent Sunraysia in the State final to be conducted at Royal Melbourne on September 28.
2008 Victorian Primary Schools Championship
The regional qualifying event for the Victorian Primary Schools Championships will be held at Mildura Golf Club on Monday August 4th. The tournament is open to students in grades 4,5 and 6 whose schools are members of the Sunraysia Primary Schools Sports Association. The event is over 9 holes with separate competitions for boys and girls. A regional final will be conducted at a later date. All players must be able to consistently hit the ball and supply their own golf clubs. Entries for the event close tomorrow so any parents wishing their child to play should contact Paul McLean at Mildura South Primary on 50 232148 ASAP.
Contact me with any golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 23 July 2008 |
Brendan Rowse On Track For Golf Week
Mildura golf club's Brendan Rowse will defend his 2007 Murray Valley Championship with a degree of confidence next week. Two rounds will be played at his home club Mildura and one each at Riverside and Coomealla golf clubs. Rowse's knowledge of these courses gives him a distinct advantage against his strongest rivals. That said though , Luke Bleumink from the Heritage golf club in Melbourne looks a real threat having been a recent winner of the Ivo Whitton trophy as the leading amateur in Melbourne. Kieran Pratt is another top contender having shot 15 under par to get into a playoff for Australia's most prestigious amateur tournament, the Riversdale Cup in April. He lost the playoff but to shoot 15 under at Riversdale is spectacular golf. Craig Hasthorpe is a winner in New Zealand this year so all three are well credentialed performers who should feature at tournament end. Rowsey is perhaps in better form this year coming into the tournament compared to last year and will face fewer top players from Melbourne this year. Last year Rowse shot three under par for the 72 holes but will probably need to better that to beat Bleumink, Pratt and Hastorpe. Wouldn't it be terrific for Sunraysia golf and Sunraysia sport if he could pull it off again this year? Sue Laird looks well placed to win her first Murray Valley ladies championship to add to her Tri-State Masters title and Mildura and Coomealla club championships this year.
Sunraysia's Juniors and Ladies Golf Push
The Victorian Golf Foundation have backed a program throughout Sunraysia in an attempt to attract more juniors and new ladies to take up golf. Most schools have been approached to include some golf lessons and practise into their sports curriculum which will hopefully bear fruit in the not too distant future. Golf is becoming a sport for predominantly older people, just check out the Saturday fields at most of our golf clubs and you will see what I mean. So we desperately need younger people getting interest in the game. Most clubs have also set up ladies clinics and the tide is starting to turn with lots of ladies putting their hands up. Anyone who is interested in these clinics should contact their nearest golf club for more details.
Tyler ver Beek Continues to Shine
Merbein golf club's 14 year old dynamo Tyler ver Beek had a dream start to his round at Merbein on Saturday. Standing knee high to a grass hopper he reeled off five birdies in the first five holes. What's that,Rodesesque did you say? Tyler finally finished up square with the card to par his home course for the first time. This really is a phenomenal performance and should give him the confidence to set some fairly lofty goals. A spot in the 2009 Country Week team is not
beyond him if he continues to improve at his current rate. Another goal would be to reduce his handicap from 7 down to 5 by the end of the year. Go for it Tyler, you can do it.
Greg Norman Oh So Close
If Greg Norman had of won the British Open it would have provided the greatest shot in the arm for Australian golf since he first rose to prominence 25 years ago. Norman was absolutely sensational for the first 54 holes but just couldn't continue that form on the last day. Don't knock him though because he was way out in front of Adam Scott, Geoff Ogilvy, Allenby, Baddeley, Appleby and the other 13 Aussies who teed it up. He really only played initially as a warm up for this weeks Senior British Open, so he never would have expected to do so well for so long. Our local players thought that the conditions were brutal on the first day of our SDGA championship at Coomealla last week but that was a walk in the park compared to the weather at Royal Birkdale. Even though Norman didn't win, it illustrated yet again what a prodigious talent he has and how history won't recognise his greatness as a golfer because of his bad luck and near misses in the big ones.
Perth Golf Tour
Kym and I have been in Perth hosting our 2008 golf tour and I can recommend the West as a great golfing holiday destination. We slipped down to Margaret River and sampled some of their wineries, (our local wines compare most favourably price wise) lavendar farms and chocolate factory. So far we have had a hit at The Cut, Meadow Springs, Araluen, Secret Harbour, the Burswood today and finally Joondalup on Friday. It is interesting that three prominent golf clubs in Perth are either going into the hands of the receivers or have already done so. As I said, a Norman win would have been the best thing to happen to Australian golf as things are tough in golf, irrespective of where you go. This is our third golf tour to Perth following on from previous tours in 1996 and 2004 and it just goes to show that these bigger clubs are not bullet proof.
Wentworth Open
Wentworth Golf Club will be hoping for a big field in their open tournament on August 2-3. This will be the final open for the year and I am hoping that most of the districts guns enter and go head to head. Brendan Rowse and Jacob Slimmon will be away on that weekend robbing the field of a bit of class. Call the club for entry details.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 16 July 2008 |
Rhodes Master Class at Coomealla
It was no great surprise to most people when Greg Rhodes won the Sunraysia District Golf Association Open tournament at Coomealla on Sunday. It was somewhat of a surprise though, how casual and relaxed he was in shooting a three over par 75 on Saturday. At any time playing golf on a weekend Greg Rhodes likes to listen to the local (son Brendan plays for Imperials) and AFL football between shots. Perhaps this relaxed state of mind is in part, a factor in why at age 49 he is playing better than ever. Saturday's conditions were almost brutal, freezing cold, wind and fast greens on our most difficult golf course. Rhodes was surprised to find himself in the lead on Saturday night but he shouldn't have been as he had played to the daily course rating of 75. Only a half a dozen of our very best golfers broke 80, amongst them Brendan Rowse 76 and Anthony O'Brien 77. On Sunday the sun came out and the wind dropped and so did the scores. Rhodes shot 16 pars and two birdies for a workmanlike (for him) 70. Anthony O'Brien played well for 72 and Brendan Rowse had a disappointing 75. Of the others, Jacob Slimmon had an excellent 71 following on from an 80 on Saturday and Tim Petersen shot 72 after an 82. Rhodes proved once again that he is the master and remains top of the class 25 years on from when he assumed that lofty position in Sunraysia golf. It remains a constant source of disappointment to me however,that only four people followed the leading group on Sunday. Rhodes at his best is the closest you will ever see to a touring golf professional but few local golfers have actually followed him to see for themselves how brilliant he is with a golf club in his hand. Maybe, just maybe, Sunraysia people might get that last opportunity to see him at his best in a major local event next year. We will have to wait and see.
Country Week Team Announced
The Sunraysia team was announced at Coomealla on Sunday night. As usual there a couple of players who can count themselves as fortunate to be included and at least one who was unlucky to miss out. The team is Justin McPhee, Ashley Whitehouse, Brendan Rowse, Tim Petersen, Jacob Slimmon, Andrew Stewart, Anthony O'Brien and Cameron Stewart. Those who must surely have scraped in on performances this year are Justin McPhee and Cameron Stewart who have both been fine soldiers in previous years but have both struggled for form this year. Sean Baumgurtel can count himself unlucky as his scores and win loss ratio in pennant was probably his best ever but he himself didn't expect to be included this year. Anthony O'Brien had a great year in VGA colts pennant in Melbourne and justified his selection by finishing second on the weekend. Jacob Slimmon is the wildcard for Melbourne this year. He can be red hot or very cold. If he can take his A game to Melbourne then it makes our chances in division two much more optimistic. Last year our boys really put their best foot forward so everyone is hoping for a repeat performance, be it at a higher level. By the way, Greg Rhodes was not available.
Golf Week at Riverside, Coomealla & Mildura
The Golf Week committee in conjunction with the Red Cliffs Golf Club have decided to move most events listed for Red Cliffs in Golf Week this year to Riverside and Mildura Golf Clubs. Red Cliffs have experienced greater challenges with their course this year due to the drought and it was decided by both parties that the increased traffic caused by Golf Week would put further pressure on the course. Whilst the greens are in first class condition, some fairways have deteriorated without our normal rain and irrigation. All three clubs share in the income of Golf Week and both Mildura and Riverside have agreed to still split all monies three ways as would normally occur. This is to be applauded as it is a terrific gesture by the two clubs. In saying that it is expected that Red Cliffs members and committee will assist in the running of events at the other clubs. In a time of adversity when every dollar is hard to find I am delighted that clubs are supporting one another even though they are in opposition to one another in a business sense.
British Open
The golfing spotlight falls on Royal Birkdale this week for the 137th British Open. Players from 27 countries will vie for the Claret Jug and it would be terrific if it was an Aussie this year. Geoff Ogilvy and Nick O'Hern appear to be our best chances whilst I like Robert Karlsson and Andres Romero. Two other crowd favourites who should feature on Sunday are Ernie Els and Sergio Garcia.
Lars Holden from Mildura to Vietnam
Former Sunraysia Matchplay champion, Coomealla Golf Club champion and later club professional Lars Holden returned to Mildura last week. I remember Lars when he first started playing golf at Mildura Golf Club when he used to annoy the dickens out of club professional Bruce Milgate. He was a kid that was so determined to get what he wanted and never gave up or got too despondent if he didn't achieve his goals immediately. He lost his mum sadly at 16 years of age just before he lost the 1991 Sunraysia Matchplay Championship to Greg Rhodes at Coomealla. I will never forget the roar from the gallery on the fifteenth green when he knocked in a long birdie putt to win the hole and stay live. He lost at the 16th but vowed that he would return and win this event one day. The next year his dad took the three Holden boys to Kyneton and Lars completed his HSC. The following year he returned and worked for Steve Darmody in the pro shop at Coomealla and worked hard on his game. He won the club championship at Coomy and knocked off Greg Rhodes one up in the Sunraysia Matchplay Championship at Mildura. From there he moved to Melbourne to do a three year golf professional traineeship at Medway Golf Club and lived with my daughter Carmen and her boyfriend. In 1999 he returned to be the club professional at Coomy and in 2000 took up a position teaching golf in Singapore. From there he moved to Vietnam where he took up a position as a golf professional at an enormous Golf Club in Hanoi before finally stepping up to club manager. Lars oversaw 400 staff and caddies, organised corporate golf days, professional golf tournaments and a myriad of tasks associated with the position. It really is hard to fathom that the little boy back in those early years, then young wide eyed enthusiastic youth that left Mildura in 1994 could do all this. Last month he was headhunted to head up a new Greg Norman golf course in Hochi Min City where they expect to attract 300 members
@ $100,000 per membership, he commences that position on August 1st. It was great to play with Greg on Saturday and Lars on Sunday. To have played well with both of them would have topped off a perfect weekend but you can't have everything you want!
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 9 July 2008 |
Coomealla Breaks the Drought - Finally
To go into a pennant final as underdogs after losing to the same team five years in a row is tough on any team but Coomealla overcame their inner demons on Sunday. It is said that golf is 90 per cent mental and 10 percent physical, so golfers have to look inward to achieve their goals. Few people, even at home, seriously gave "Coomy" a chance after losing to Mildura 4/1 the previous week. On top of that their best player Tim Petersen was less than 100 per cent fit and walking 36 holes was always going to be a tough ask. In pennant matches the match ups are crucial as teams don't play in order of handicap and this was the case on Sunday. Tim Petersen rose to the occasion easily beating Ben Hogan, proving that under adversity he really is a "cut" above the rest. The two key contests were between district number two Ash Whitehouse and this year's biggest improver Jacob Slimmon and Leigh Fuller versus Cam Stewart. Whitehouse was in great form winning the comp at Coomealla on Saturday but the "newcomer" was equal to the occasion winning one up after 36 holes. This was a great win by Slimmon who has played extremely well at Coomealla this year but has been a little bit disappointing in the Opens and earlier pennant matches. After Mildura's Brendan Rowse and Andrew Stewart squared up the ledger against Glenn Marr and Sean Baumgurtel the deciding match was between Leigh Fuller and Cameron Stewart. This was a cracker of a match with Fuller holing a 25 foot putt at the 36th hole to force a playoff which he duly won at the 37th. This could be the Coomealla start of a Mildura like dominance as the jungle drums are beating that there could be quite a few defections over the river next year. Wentworth won a close match in B grade and only need another two players to be really competitive in A grade next year. Maybe a few from Coomealla might help bolster "Wenty" if there is the expected transfers from Victorian based clubs next year. Perhaps the inclusion of young up and comer Jake Laubsch who had won all four matches before being dropped by Mildura for the final would have made the difference. This seemed strange to drop a 16 year old playing off 8 who was undefeated against some top opposition. In C grade Riverside made it a black day for Mildura when they inflicted the City club's third loss of the day. Riverside have been great supporters of district pennant and very strong in pennant for many years, particularly in the lower grades. From a district point of view it was terrific that the pennants were shared between three clubs, two of which are much smaller by comparison to Mildura and Coomealla. All in all, Sunday's golf once again proved that matchplay golf is, in the immortal words of Sean Baumgurtel, "golf's purest form" and that the "cream always rise to the top".
Who Can Conquer Rhodes at Coomealla?
The Sunraysia District Golf Association's 36 hole open tournament hits off at Coomealla on Saturday and Greg Rhodes is, as usual, the man to beat. Rhodes has won the Coomealla Open by 12 shots in 07 and 17 shots this year against the best in the district. It would seem he is unbeatable at Coomealla but golf is full of surprises and as we have seen with Tiger Woods, everyone can lose sometimes. Not that I am hoping that will happen, I just hope that all of our district "guns" can fire this weekend and put some real interest into Sunday's second round. The top four players from Saturday will play together and I expect them to be Rhodes, Whitehouse, Rowse and Petersen. Others who could contend include Jacob Slimmon, the Stewart boys, Justin Mcphee and Garth Doherty who has been runner up to Rhodes in both recent Coomealla Open's. There are still plenty of spots left in the field so get in quick and support our major Open tournament of the year. I am looking forward to playing with Greg on Saturday and catching up with former Coomealla club champion and professional Lars Holden on Sunday. Lars who these days is a citizen of Vietnam will be home for a week with his wife and family to see his brothers and his many friends in the district. He is pleased North Melbourne aren't playing on Sunday as he said he would have worn a helmet playing with me if they were!
Ouyen Open Tournament
Ouyen will conduct their six day Open tournament beginning on Thursday and running through to next Tuesday. A ladies 4BBB will commence proceedings on Thursday followed by the men's equivalent on Friday. The popular Mixed American is on Saturday and the men's 27 hole Open is on Sunday with the ladies 18 hole stroke concluding a big week of golf on Tuesday. Entries to Sue Kelly 50 922113 or Peter Young 50 921225. A great time is assured for all who make the trip to the heart of the Mallee.
Diabetes Day at Mildura
The annual "Ian Ramsay and Diabetes Awareness' charity day will be conducted at Mildura tomorrow week. The event is a 4BBB medley stableford and everyone is welcome. This is always a great day and its continued success is a tribute to the hard work that Ian Ramsay and friends put in for so many years. The $25 entry fee includes a $5 raffle ticket where every ticket wins a prize! Contact Mildura Golf Club to enter.
Oh Bev You've Done it Again!
Listeners to the Sunday Golf Show over the last 16 years would be familiar with Merbein Golf Club's Bev Cetinich who was always referred to on the show as "the beautiful, the beautiful, the Beverly". On Sunday, playing at Merbein, Bev had her playing partners in fits of laughter, once again. On the long par 3 eighth hole she played her second shot from behind a tree and closed her eyes as she hit the ball. After much searching by the group Bev finally discovered her ball inside her trouser pocket! It seems that the ball had hit the tree and came back hitting her and dropped into her pocket. It is a once in a million occurrence but it could only happen to our Beverly. Bev is synonymous with Merbein Golf Club and everyone looks forward to her welcome at Merbein's open tournaments and observing her keeping everyone on their toes, especially the menfolk!
Contact me with your golf information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 2 July 2008 |
Pennant Finals at Coomealla
The 2008 Sunraysia District Golf Association men's pennant finals will be played at Coomealla Golf Club on Sunday. Mildura Golf Club will feature in all three grades against, Coomealla in A, Wentworth in B and Riverside in C grade. In C grade both teams look well matched but Mildura appear to have the better balanced side. In B grade Wentworth will start favourite and the outcome could go either way depending on how the two teams line up. Mildura will probably need to do a "shuffle" to improve their chances of victory. In A grade Mildura appear to be a "lay down mazier" after knocking off the NSW team 4/1 last Sunday at Mildura. That match was played in the morning and was followed by Mildura playing Riverside and Coomealla playing Merbein/Wentworth. I went along in the afternoon to observe our elite players and maybe get a bit of a feel on how they would go, not only next weekend but also the following weekend in the SDGA Open, also at Coomealla. I began playing district pennant in 1981 and thought I had seen it all, until Sunday. Two senior top ranking players who shall remain nameless, not only disgraced themselves but also the golf club's that they were representing. A hastily convened meeting on the spot by SDGA representatives immediately disqualified both players, making their contest null and void. In SDGA pennant rules, no player can use a golf cart unless they have a medical certificate. That made it easy for the officials to make that decision. It was the condition that both players were in that disappointed me more than the use of the golf cart. Call me old fashioned but I believe when you pull on the jumper, shirt or uniform of a sporting club in top line competition that you show some respect for, the competition, your opponents, your club and most importantly, yourself. I'm not sure if their actions deserve some sort of suspension but at the very least they should be sanctioned in some way and directed to apologise to the SDGA and their own clubs. Maybe the inclusion of a "no alcohol during play" clause should also be added to pennant rules from here on in.
Mildura Golf Week
Local golfers intending to play in any event of the 61st edition of Mildura Golf Week beginning on August 2nd should submit their entry to Mildura Golf Club asap. Draws will be finalised by the committee for all events next week. A lot of new faces from South Australia and country Victoria will front up for the first time this year, which is encouraging for the ongoing viability of the tournament. The Victorian Golf Association are sending up six young men to contest the Murray Valley Championship against our local defending champion Brendan Rowse. I for one hope that local people support the event and continue on the tradition of golf and social camaraderie that has been so important to Golf Week since the 1940's. It would also be good if the local tourism office got off their collective backsides and went down to the golf courses and found out why these people come to Mildura. Thousands of golfers come to Mildura to play golf each year and maybe that number would at least double with a concerted promotion of Mildura and district as an excellent golfing holiday destination. The Golf Week and Tri-State Masters organisers have carried the golf promotion can for Mildura Tourism for too long and should be given the support that over 15,000 people staying for a minimum of six nights deserve. But then again, who's interested in golf, other than golfers?
Vale Doug Williams
Last week a golfer called Doug Williams passed away five days short of his 89th birthday. Doug was still playing golf up until about two weeks ago and was as sprightly and cheeky as ever. Ne never failed to give me a serve and quite rightly so, I would have been disappointed if he hadn't. Doug moved to Mildura 20 years ago and began playing golf regularly at Coomealla. I first met him when we were grouped together with David Guild and John Daffy in the inaugural Holden Scramble in 1992. Doug was a sensation that day and holed several big putts including a 25 footer on our last hole which ultimately enabled us to win. Steve Darmody was the club professional at the time and so he accompanied us down to play in the regional final at Bacchus Marsh. Steve had taken up teaching aerobics at the "Coomy Club" at the time and hadn't played much serious golf for some months. This became evident in the opening holes at Bacchus Marsh but his game improved after Doug put him right in the picture that he was supposed to be our "main man". It was only at the funeral yesterday that I learned of Doug's prowess as a cricketer having played Sheffield Shield for Western Australia after playing in Richmond's first ever division one cricket premiership prior to the war. Doug loved the Tigers and loved playing golf with his son John and grandson Jason, even though in recent years he needed to carry an oxygen cylinder to get him through 18 holes. On one occasion last year the battery on the apparatus went flat on the 14th but no way was Doug going to pull the pin and he duly finished the 18 holes, be it slightly out of breath. You meet some nice people on a golf course but none better than Doug Williams.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 25 June 2008 |
Laird of the Manor
Sue Laird has taken over as the "Queen " of ladies golf in Sunraysia this year. Last week was a standout week for her when she won the ladies club championships at both Mildura and Coomealla golf clubs. Those wins followed on from last month when she successfully defended her 2007 Tri-State Masters championship win. No one takes their golf more seriously than Sue and it is a credit to her that she is now achieving her goals after all the hard work and practise that she has put in over the last five years.
Sue's son Ryan and daughter Kristy look to be following in mums footsteps as both look to be going ahead in leaps and bounds with their golf at Coomealla and Mildura. Out at Red Cliffs Julie McEwan went back to back in their championship in another commendable performance.
Last Pennant Rounds
Mildura Golf Club will host the last rounds of home and away SDGA men's pennant on Sunday. Last week I suggested that Mildura was undefeated but this was incorrect as Coomealla had their measure when they last played. Mildura and Coomealla had two winners each on that occasion but a no show by one of the Mildura players resulted in a forfeit and a 3/2 win to "Coomy". This Sunday Mildura will be looking to reverse that result with a full team which will include Ashley Whitehouse. Last Sunday at Red Cliffs Coomealla scraped in against Riverside 3/2 after Glenn Marr took 21 holes to overcome Robert Veit. Almost 25 years ago Veit was the number one golfer in the district when Marr, playing in his first year for Robinvale, at Robinvale, beat Veit for the first time. The years have rolled on but the result was still the same, except that it took Marr much longer to claim victory on Sunday. In the other contest Mildura were much to accomplished for Merbein/ Red Cliffs. Country Week Captain Justin McPhee has struggled for form so far this year and no doubt will be looking to put some "runs on the board" against Riverside and Coomealla on Sunday. Country Week selectors will announce the representative team at Coomealla at the conclusion of the District championships on July 13th. As usual it will be very interesting to see who is chosen and
who is left out. Sometimes form is not the only factor in the criteria for selection. Experience at Country Week counts for a lot, potential for future years, being able to be a "team contributor" and fit into the team plan all comes into team selection. Clearly some of the players that will probably be selected this year would not have ticked all the boxes in past years but these days it might be the same song but a played to a different beat. Last year the team performed admirably in Melbourne but this year will be tougher in division two. Greg Rhodes would make a huge difference to going up or going back, division wise, but it is unlikely that he will be available. I would like to see a return to the formula used in the late 80's when some talented juniors were included the group to act as caddies which also gives them a taste of what Country Week is all about. This plan proved successful with most of those juniors following on in the team the year after. Naturally cost is a factor and is the reason why the plan was dropped but I believe it was a great investment for the future development of the team.
BMW German International
Last week the BMW International was played in Munich. Germany's Martin Kaymer was a runaway leader after carding a "Woodsesque" 63 on Thursday to street the field. Come the last day he was 6 shots clear and doing it "on the bit". Sometimes, as Greg Norman found out on several occasions, a big lead can be harder to defend in golf than a big deficit. Denmark's Anders Hansen hit the front by days end, leaving Kaymer who had suffered a triple bogey and gone to 4 over par, needing to birdie the last hole to get into a play off. With a back drop of waving German flags more akin to a soccer match or Grand Prix, Kaymer resurrected himself to birdie the 18th for a second time in a matter of minutes making him the first ever German to win that event. This win virtually assures him a place in the European Ryder Cup team in September when they play the US in America. Every week the European Tour goes to a different country and almost every week there is a different winner. There is no Tiger Woods but everything about the coverage is really refreshing compared the it's US equivalent. Usually these events are telecast from 10 or 11pm at night from Thursday through Sunday on Fox Sports and if you love golf and have pay TV it is a must see.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 18 June 2008 |
Men's Pennant in Full Swing
Merbein Golf Club hosted the third round of men's SDGA pennant on Sunday in fine conditions. In division one perennial winners Mildura remained undefeated after caning Riverside 5/0. As usual Mildura look odds on to win another pennant this year. In the other contest Coomealla won 4/1 against Merbein/Red Cliffs. Coomealla looks to be the other team in the final at Coomealla on Sunday July 6. This year nearly all of the division one contests have been fairly one sided with only Coomealla looking capable of toppling Mildura. Playing at home in the final tips the scales back a bit, but, everything would have to go right for the "blue and whites". It is terrific that Merbein have joined up with Red Cliffs in division one but it would be even better if Wentworth and Robinvale returned to their former strength of past years. Robinvale doesn't have a team in men's or ladies pennant which is disappointing for everyone in district golf. Some of my best pennant memories are of trips to Robinvale or playing against the red and whites. A talking point regarding pennant has been the behaviour of some players over the first couple of rounds. It seems that some players have celebrated in a fashion usually associated with Tiger Woods or maybe even Leyton Hewitt. It is a bit unusual to hear a volley of "come on's" out on a golf course. Even stranger to hear it at the conclusion of a match in the face of an opponent. The star of district pennant so far has been the big "Boomer" Sean Baumgurtel who has so far knocked off Steve Wilmann, Brendan Rowse and Justin McPhee. They are three great scalps to capture and it was most noteworthy to see Sean let his clubs do the talking. It will be interesting to see what happens in the last three contests as sometimes it is difficult to not only "talk the talk" but "walk the walk" when you are "the" man to beat. In division two the top two teams at this stage are Mildura and Wentworth. Wentworth stand out as they have several really low handicappers who would normally hold their own in division one. Pennant this week is at Red Cliffs with the last rounds at Mildura on June 29.
Top Junior Team
After not competing in the junior matchplay tournament against other Northern regions last year, this year should be all systems go. Some of our top juniors have excelled so far this year with most continuing their good form in men's pennant. Merbein's Tyler Ver Beek has been a stand out performer who is improving on a weekly basis. Red Cliff's Tim Walker has really improved and looks on the way to emulating his big sister Christie who is now a trainee golf professional. Mildura's Jake Laubsch is another red bullet performer along with club mate Ryan Laird who is progressing well. Throw in Ryan Haynes, Regan Cavallaro, Jade Hall-Kelly and a strong contingent from Red Cliffs and our junior stocks are looking good.
District Championships
The SDGA championships will be conducted at Coomealla on July 13th and 14th. Greg Rhodes will be the red hot favourite having won the last two Coomealla Open's by an aggregate of 29 strokes. In April this year he was 17 shots ahead of his nearest rival. The only way I could see anyone beating Rhodes is if he plays poorly or if the Coomealla greenkeeper Ossie Cummings sets the course up a little easier than usual. Coomealla is a hard test of golf at the best of times but when the tees are back (as they should be) and more importantly the pins are set in tough positions, then it favours the best player. Nothing wrong with that, except, that I strongly believe that the course should be set as a good test but not to US Open standards. Look, at the end of the day surely the aim is not to humiliate the average club golfer but to give them a reason to turn up to the next championship at the course. I love the Coomealla course and believe that Ossie Cummings and his staff do a great job but hopefully the golf course will be a fairer test for everyone this year.
Big Events at Red Cliffs and Ultima
Two big events occur on the same weekend next week. Red Cliffs golf club will conduct their annual Beef & Burgundy Day on June 28th. Great trophies, wine, beautiful beef stroganoff and sweets along with a sip or two of "port" on the course should warm up all players. Open to all, bookings essential on 50 241532 or 50 242388. Last year the inaugural "Ultima Ball Whackers Not-for-a-sheepstation" fun golf weekend will be played. Four 9 hole events will be contested, a $5 entry fee for each nine will include a BBQ and trophies. Juniors, ladies, men and all visitors will be made most welcome. Last year this weekend was lots of fun. You can stay at the pub and there will be supervised activities for non golfing children. Phone Sonia on 50 396368 or Kelvin 50 39 6330.
US Open
The 108th US Open at Torrey Pines in California was fantastic. Had 45 year old Rocco Mediate won, it would have been the biggest turn up since amateur Francis Ouimet won from the Englishman Harry Vardon in a playoff in 1913. Tiger Woods just seems to find a way to win, he is one of the very few golfers who look comfortable over a 15 footer for par. He just keeps on knocking in the hard putts. Mediate was sensational, a real crowd favourite who loved every minute from start to finish. No doubt his world ranking of 158 will take a tumble and his profile will be enormous in America. This is one time that everyone will remember who finished second in 2008.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 27 May 2008 |
Ouyen In Pennant Final
Ouyen Golf Club will be the underdogs in the 2008 NWWG pennant final at Mildura next Monday. Ouyen have beaten their opponents Mildura, already this year, but it will be a tougher assignment on Mildura's home track. On Monday at Coomealla Ouyen were too strong for Riverside winning 3/2. It was a great result for the small club who originally had entered division two but were asked by the NWWG to move up to Div one as only three clubs had entered teams. Four of the Ouyen girls had to give "strokes" against Riverside in the handicap matchplay format. Next week though, the handicaps are fairly even with Mildura perhaps holding that advantage. Eily Raeck is the standout player for Ouyen but Bev Manley, Marg Gregg, Barb Hahnel and Sue Kelly are all accomplished performers and it would be a real coup if they could take the title. Mildura has a very experienced team including Jan Japp, Fran Richards, Mabel Crouch, Marg McGlashan and Heather Thomas and will definitely start favourites. On Monday another Ouyen team won the sub district pennant final at Hopetoun against Manangatang giving the club their first title for some years, so it will be a hot time in the old town on Monday if "Eily's" girls get up. In division two Coomealla will meet Red Cliffs whilst in Division three Riverside will play Coomealla. Good luck to all teams.
Did you hear the one about the Rhinoceros?
Last week I featured a story about the parrot that became attached to a lady pennant player playing in the semi final at Hopetoun. This week our source has topped last week's story. Last year Lorraine Hickmott caddied for her daughter in a pennant match at Werribbee Park Golf Club. As they approached their ball they saw a rhinoceros charging across the fairway. Give you a bit of fright wouldn't it? Not long after two handlers from the Werribbee Zoo turned up to lead the "rhino" back to his enclosure at the Werribbee Zoo. It seems that a female rhinoceros had been bought down from the Melbourne Zoo to mate with its Werribbee counterpart. Obviously he was a bit shy and in trying to escape her advances he took off at high speed through the fence and onto the golf course.
Bridgman Too Good in Tri-State Masters
Gympie Pines golfer Wayne Bridgman proved too steady at Mildura on Friday to claim his first Tri-State title. It was the first time he had been back to Mildura since 1972 when he contested Mildura Golf Week. "Mildura Golf Week was huge in those days, I remember playing with Bill Britten who was a top class golfer. I didn't realise I had won the tournament until Peter Bywaters told me. I thought he had won. We have had a delightful week as I stayed and played with my son, daughter in law and their best man. All three play golf at Croydon golf club. My daughter in law saw the advertisement for the tournament in Golf in Victoria and we are all really pleased she did. We all intend on coming back next year as it was the best golf week that I have ever played in". Bridgman who is 60 years of age and plays off a 3.7 handicap but has been down as low as +1. I played with him in the last round at Mildura when he shot 73 which could easily have been sub 70 if some putts fell. Peter Bywaters who was playing for the seventh year began the day 7 shots in front of Bridgman. He probably hadn't even thought of him making up the ground as another bloke was only two shots behind. The other bloke (SD) played dreadfully but that's golf. We can't wait for next year as there were so many new people from different golf clubs who will take the story of Sunraysia and the Tri-State Masters back to their clubs and friends.
Aussie Second Again.
Rod Pampling faltered at the second last hole at Colonial Golf Club in Texas on Sunday. Pampling was one shot in front from Phil Mickelson when he hit into a hazard at the 71st hole. The resultant bogey put him back on equal terms with Mickelson and South Africa's Tim Clark. On the last hole Mickelson cut his tee shot deep into the trees while Pampling drove perfectly. It was then that Mickelson played a career shot over trees to 9 foot from the hole. Pampling was probably in shock as he left his approach 25 feet short. Mickelson knocked in the birdie putt and all America cheered. And so they should as it was the type of shot that made Arnold Palmer famous. As for "Pamps", there's always next week!
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 20th May 2008 |
WHITEHOUSE WINS THIRD 2008 TOURNAMENT
Ashley Whitehouse won the 2008 Red Cliffs Open on Sunday by two shots from 2007 champion Andrew Stewart 75-74. Whitehouse bounced back to form after a disappointing performance in the Coomealla Open last month after winning the first two Open's of the year at Mildura and Riverside. Difficult uncharacteristic conditions greeted players on Saturday when they hit off on the long Red Cliffs golf course. Andrew Stewart played consistent golf, as he always does at Red Cliffs which has been his best course, Open wise, over the last ten years. 2006 champion Justin McPhee 78-73 was third after stumbling on Saturday but he recovered on Sunday with the equal best round of the tournament. Ben Hogan 75-78 and Garth Doherty 80-74 made up the top five placing's. Red Cliffs were disappointed with the field of 70 players where obviously the wet weather knocked a few players out including many of the home club members. How ironical that the rain the club has so desperately been waiting for came on the only weekend it didn't want it. Sunraysia District Golf Association pennant commences this Sunday with the next Open tournament being the SDGA championship at Coomealla on July 12-13.
RIVERSIDE TOP IN LADIES PENNANT
Riverside consolidated it's position on top of the ladder in division one of NWWG pennant on Monday. Riverside versus Mildura are always hard fought matches , be it junior, ladies or men's pennant and so it was again with Riverside winning 3/2. Winning players for Riverside included Carol Benning, Lynda Saunders and Jan Moore. Red Cliffs streeted Ouyen 5/0 with Julie McEwan chipping in on the last hole to beat Eily Raeck. The semi finals next Monday at Coomealla Sees Riverside up against Ouyen and Mildura playing Red Cliffs. In division two semis Coomealla meet Mildura and Riverside play Red Cliffs. In division three apparently lots of "ferret" were frequently spotted throughout the day, particularly in the Merbein-Red Cliffs encounter. A ferret is the nickname given to a chip in. At Coomealla the ladies refer to that result as a "gobbler"!
A BIRD IN THE HAND
Heard a great story which occurred at Hopetoun Golf Club on Monday in the sub district ladies pennant encounter between Ouyen and Underbool. Underbool's Jenny Stone screamed in shock as she played a shot as a parrot landed on her head. After several attempts by her opponent, Lorraine Hickmott to remove it, she decided to finish the hole, which she won! Imagine her difficulty in playing shots with the bird entrenched on first her shoulder then her head. After winning the hole Jenny was able to dislodge her new found flying friend but it kept coming back. Eventually the two players decided to put the said bird into Lorraine's bag which they opened up every five minutes or so to let in fresh air. Perhaps Jenny should have retained the bird as she lost 2/1 at the 17th. Once in the club house Jenny's "mascot" was very pleased to fly around the room and acquaint itself with the other players. On leaving the club that afternoon the last Jenny and Lorraine saw of the bird was it perched in a budgie cage next to the Pennant final trophy they will play off for next Monday. Just goes to show there are more ways than one to get a "birdie" on the golf course!
TRI-STATE MASTERS
Another example of what a small world we live in occurred at Coomealla on Monday in the first round of the Tri-State Masters. Peter Bywaters from Cranbourne golf club spotted Wayne Bridgeman from Queenslands Gympie Pines golf club who had played with his friend John Reynolds from Mt Barker golf club in Adelaide. Peter recognised the name and after approaching Wayne discovered that all three had been in the same class at School in Adelaide almost 50 years ago! Sounds crazy doesn't it but these types of occurrences bob up a lot in this tournament each year. A lot of the players are around the same age and have come to play in an event that primarily targets travelling golfing couples. Three years ago at the presentation ceremony on receiving his trophy a chap walked past another player who recognised him from almost 40 years ago when he coached him at football in the under sixteens. As with the previous mentioned neither had seen each other since then!
Contact me with your golf information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 14 May 2008 |
Red Cliffs Open
The 2008 Red Cliffs Open hits off on Saturday with Andrew Stewart defending his 2007 title. Stewart has a great record at Red Cliffs and seems to play well there every year. Last year he led by one shot after the first round with five players breathing down his neck. Playing head to head with Ashley Whitehouse, Stewart prevailed by three shots with Justin McPhee third. This year Red Cliffs is hoping that the golfing community of Sunraysia supports the tournament as their members have supported Riverside, Mildura and Coomealla already this year. The greens at Red Cliffs are really slick and although it is preferred lies on the fairways everyone at Red Cliffs are confident that some great scores will come in at the weekend. A couple of the districts big names won't be teeing it up so it opens up the door for probably six or seven new contenders. A four ball event will commence proceedings on Friday. Phone the club on 50 241531 to enter.
Ladies Pennant
Highlight of ladies division one pennant at Red Cliffs on Monday was the match between Red Cliffs Julie McEwan and Riverside's Jenny Leach. A long putt on the 19th hole clinched the match for McEwan. When a match goes into extra holes it is always exciting, devastating for the loser but exhilarating for the winner. The consolation for Leach was that Riverside knocked off Red Cliffs on their own turf 3/2. Ouyen celebrated their first win in NWWG division one with a 3/2 result over Mildura. With the match delicately poised at 2 all "wily"Eily Raeck won at the 17th to send the Ouyen girls into a frenzy. In div 2 another 19th hole win dominated the club house chatter after Red Cliffs Dee Hopkins overcame Riverside's Thelma Girao. Again though the visitors won 3/2. In a day of play off's Mildura's Sally Eastoe was Mildura's pin up girl after she dispensed with Coomealla's Sue Jones to give Mildura a 3/2 result. In div 3 Riverside's Jan Dedman and Margo Adair both recorded 19th hole victories in a 4/1 result to make Red Cliff's home game a disaster for the home club in all grades. Coomealla won another close match 3/2 over Merbein to finish of a day of great excitement.By the way, who was the lady giving a "puss in boots" impersonation on Monday?
Locals Shine in Melbourne
Two of the districts biggest stars are shining in Melbourne's pennant season. Brendan Rowse is undefeated playing division one pennant for Commonwealth Golf Club after five matches, which is an outstanding performance. After he won the 2007 Murray Valley Open in Mildura Golf Week last year we knew he was destined to become a more mature and consistent golfer. The sky is the limit if he continues to work hard. Anthony O'Brien has also excelled remaining undefeated in colts pennant for Kooringal. Anthony has shown glimpses of his talent over the last five years but now looks as though he is taking the next step in his golf. Golf is the hardest game in the world to master and young men, purely by the social extension that follows a game of golf can easily become distracted. Sometimes it takes a while to get the focus back on golf, golf and more golf but it appears that Rowse and O'Brien are now on track to follow their dreams.
Tri-State Masters
Next week the 16th annual Sunraysia Golf Tours Tri-State Masters hits off at Coomealla, Berri and Mildura. We are looking forward to hosting golfers from all over Australia and five from New Zealand. Whilst this is the 16th tournament the future does not appear bright at the moment. Maybe if our tourism association ever gets someone who is remotely interested in golf or promoting Sunraysia as an excellent golfing destination then we may get more people coming to Mildura to play golf. I won't hold my breath. Just for the record though, over 30,000 golfers have journeyed to Mildura since 1949 to play in Mildura Golf Week and the Tri-State Masters, both of which require a minimum six night stay. Work it out, that is a minimum of 180,000 beds. Take the revenue associated with those events out of our economy during that period and how many businesses would have suffered? Of course there are hundreds of other people who come to Mildura primarily to play golf every year. Sure there are other attractions such as the weather and so on, but our golf facilities are the main attraction for golfers. Our golf facilities in Sunraysia are first class and very cheap by comparison with other regions. If only the people who push the buttons would realise this, then the flood gates would open. For many years I have been preaching this gospel to anyone who would listen but the pulpit is starting to disintegrate.
Don't get me wrong, I am a huge advocate for Mildura Tourism in their other pursuits and fully support the assistance that the Major Events section of the Council give to "one off"events but what about supporting events that continue to promote Sunraysia year after year?
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 7 May 2008 |
Re-Marr-kable Round at Robinvale
Glenn Marr wrote his name into the record books of Sunraysia golf at Robinvale Golf Club on Saturday. The day started ordinarily, playing in a five at the end of the field in the May monthly medal. A par on the par 5 tenth was then followed by birdies on 13,15 an eagle on 16 finishing with another birdie on 18 for a 6 under par 30. Not bad for an Essendon supporter! After parring the first, birdies followed on 2 and 4 and visions of a 60 off the stick started appearing in front of him. Imagine how excited his other four playing partners must have been. Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No, no its super Marr'ie. Just when everything was going rosily, the bogey monster appeared on 6 and 7 but a birdie on 8 saw him finish with 33, added to his 30 was a 7 under par 63. This has got to be the lowest score in the history of Sunraysia golf. Ah yes, I know the sceptics and the negative types will point to the fact that Robinvale is playing shorter at the moment and you can move your ball to get a better lie etc. But the truth is, as any golfer knows, you still have to hit the ball and knock the putts in and fight off those thoughts of falling over. This round by Glenn Marr was remarkable and I hope he receives due recognition for it by Sunraysia's golfing community. A round like this is very rare, even for our local greats of the game in Greg Rhodes and Michelle Fumberger. Glenn Marr will cherish it for the rest of his life. Sometimes as golfers we can do things that 99 times out of 100 seem impossible and it is why we keep playing, hoping for that one round, maybe not a 63, but your best ever round. Just to show the difference between a great day and a shocker, Marr's previous round in the Coomealla Open was a forgettable 85 but he bounced back. He must surely now come into calculations for the Country Week squad as his handicap has plummeted to 2.6.
NWWG Pennant
North West Women's Golf winter pennant was played at Wentworth Golf Club on Sunday and Monday. In all eighty ladies teed it up with lots of new pennant players representing their club's for the first time. Being handicap matchplay means that in theory everyone starts off on an even keel but some players are better "match" players than tournament players. Quite often the low marker will win even after conceding many strokes. Next week we will have a look at who did what when where after the second rounds at Red Cliffs.
Upcoming Events
The Red Cliffs Open is the next major tournament on the district golfing calendar on May 17-18. More about the tournament next week but hopefully all district golfers will enter Red Cliffs and make the fourth Open of the year as successful as the first three at Riverside, Midura and Coomealla. Pooncarie Golf Club will conduct it's Ray Martin Memorial Open Day on May 17th. The game is an ambrose and there is no doubt that anyone who ventures up to the "Port" will have a great day. As well as Red Cliffs and Pooncarie, the annual Irymple Rotary Club medley ambrose in 4's will be on at Mildura Golf Club on Sunday May 18th. It is most unfortunate that all three events are on the same weekend but I guess all three target different types of golfers and fun seekers so hopefully all three will be well supported.
US TPC
The US Tour Players Championship is on this weekend at the Sawgrass golf course which was a purpose built golf course owned by the US PGA of America. All the holes have natural amphitheatre like viewing as well as grandstands which give the galleries great viewpoints. The signature hole is the par 3 17th which is only 125 metres long but is completely surrounded by water. It is reputedly the most photographed hole in the world. This golf course is all about risk reward where you can go for it at your own peril or pull of some great shots. The Yanks regard this event as the fifth major, which it probably is, field wise. Since it's inception in 1974 Greg Norman, Steve Elkington (twice) and Adam Scott in 2004 are the only Australians to win "The Players) but maybe we will win it this year with Allenby, Scott and Pampling our best chances.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 30 April 2008 |
Rhodes Still King at Coomealla
Greg Rhodes returned to the form that he is renowned for, at Coomealla at the weekend. Rhodes has been out of sorts by his standards in the first two Opens of the year at Riverside and Mildura but at Coomealla he was nothing short of stupendous. On Saturday in tough conditions he shot a four under par 68 to blow the rest of the field away. On Sunday in wind and rain he shot even par 72 to win the tournament by a mammoth 17 shots. Rhodes official handicap is now an incredible +2, which means he has to shoot a 2 under par 70 just to play to his handicap. Garth Doherty played well on Saturday for a 73 to be 5 shots in front of the equal third place getters in Ben Hogan and Robert Veit. On Sunday though, Doherty faltered with an 84 still finishing equal second with Andrew Stewart 82-75. Pre tournament favourite Ashley Whitehouse who had won at Riverside and Mildura could not take a trick and recorded two 80's to finish 20 shots behind Rhodes. It just shows how difficult it is to win all the time. Tiger Woods can't do it and he is the best golfer the world has ever seen, so now we look forward to the SDGA championships in July The Red Cliffs Open is the next major tournament on the agenda on May 17-18 followed by the SDGA Open at Coomealla on July 12-13.
Country Week Squad Named
The SDGA named a 12 man provisional Country Week squad on Sunday, from which the team to represent Sunraysia in Melbourne Country Week in September will be named on July 13th. The squad is J Mcphee, A O'Brien R/C, G Doherty Merbein, G Rhodes, T Petersen, S Baumgurtel, J Slimmon Coomealla, A Whitehouse, A Stewart, C Stewart, B Rowse, B Hogan Mildura. The team will be pruned to either 8 or 9 after taking into account district pennant form which begins on May 25 and the SDGA Open on July 12-13. Inclusions to the squad from last year are Doherty, Slimmon, Hogan and Rhodes who is yet to make a firm decision on his availability. Interesting to see that Merbein and Red Cliffs will combine to field a team in Division one pennant this year going up against Coomealla, Mildura and Riverside. It's great to see that Riverside are also back in the top division this year.
Ladies Pennant Commences at Wentworth
The popular Sunday NWWG ladies pennant kicks off at Wentworth on Sunday. Coomealla will field two teams including Sue Laird and Nycole Riordan. Ladies pennant was formed to allow working ladies the opportunity to still represent their club's in pennant and it has gone from strength to strength. On Monday the official ladies NWWG pennant season in three grades will also be played at Wentworth. There are a number of ladies playing on Sunday and Monday giving them an advantage on the Mondays. The NWWG decided that the venue should be the same for both pennant competitions this year which should make it interesting for all clubs and their players. All ladies pennant is played off handicap and not "off the stick" as men's division one and two is played. Apparently, handicap pennant is much more popular with a vast majority of the ladies who play pennant each year.
Great Scott in the US
Adam Scott finally won in the Byron Nelson Classic in Texas on Sunday after a three hole play off against American Ryan Moore. Scott looked home and hosed in the first two play off holes but just couldn't finish the job with two relatively short putts. On the third play off hole he nailed a 48 foot putt to win lifting him from 10th in the world ranking back to 5th. He highest world ranking has been as low as fourth.
Contact me with your golf information or opinion on fax 50 247 243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 24 April 2008 |
Ashley Whitehouse won the Mildura Open by four shots on Sunday after another brilliant closing round of 69. Whitehouse has jumped out of the blocks early this year adding the Mildura title to last week's Riverside win, if he maintains his form he could win every open this year. This would then be known as an "Ashley Slam". The American pundits keep referring to a possible "Tiger Woods Slam" so an Ashley Slam would be our equivalent. Mind you, there are only four majors that Tiger has to win but we have seven opens this year making it just a touch harder. At Mildura on Saturday the district's most improved golfer Jacob Slimmon shot even par 72 to be the overnight leader from Whitehouse and Andrew Stewart both on 74. Sunday came and nearly all of the top liners improved on their Saturday score, which is quite unusual. Slimmon found himself in a different place to which he has become accustomed though and faltered slightly to have a 75. Greg Rhodes had a day to forget on Saturday (77) but really hit his straps on Sunday to improve by seven shots. Tim Petersen (77-72) once again finished in the top five without ever challenging and Andrew Stewart (76) slipped back from Saturday but was still fifth overall. Once again Mildura Golf Club did itself proud with 200 men and 17 ladies in the field and almost everyone full of praise for the tournament. Mildura certainly has created a level of professionalism with this tournament in recent times and fully deserve all accolades.
Coomealla will stage it's open tournament this weekend and naturally Ashley Whitehouse is a hot favourite. Whitehouse has won at Coomealla several times but there is no doubt that Greg Rhodes is always "the" man to beat at "Coomy". I doubt that the super low scores recorded at Riverside and Mildura will be replicated at Coomealla this weekend, a score of 144-145 should be sufficient to hoist the trophy on Sunday night. Coomealla is in the best condition that I have seen it in my 30 years as a member there. The greens are approaching "Augusta" like hardness and speed so there could be a few three and four putts if you are too aggressive. I am very pleased to report that there will be a seeded draw at Coomealla on Sunday as this did not occur at Riverside or Mildura. A seeded draw for the top four players from Saturday is surely the fairest way to decide who is the best player of the tournament. At time of writing 165 men had entered for the weekend so a field of around 180 looks possible. When there are big fields slow play can make it a long day, particularly if you are not scoring well. Two small things that can keep the field moving are : always being be ready to hit when it is your turn or even sometimes when it is not your turn but just to move things along. The other annoying thing that I see every week is when four players move to the next tee and all of them stand and mark their card, rather than the player with the honour playing his shot and then marking his card. Really though, the first and best rule is to keep up with the group in front, not just in front of the group behind!
Merbein Golf Club will conduct their annual Mixed Opening Day on Friday (Anzac Day) and are hoping for some support from men and lady members from other clubs. This is always a great day with the afternoon tea at the end of the day well worth waiting for. Hit off is soon after 12-00 when everyone is assembled and the Merbein hospitality really swings into gear. Things have been tough for the club this year so hopefully there will be a good turnout, profits fro the day as usual will be donated to the Merbein RSL.
Entries for the 16th Annual Tri-State Masters will close this Sunday (27th). So far we have had entries from golfers from over 70 different golf clubs in New Zealand, WA, Queensland, ACT, far NSW, Tasmania, SA and Victoria. It has been a terrific response this year but it would be nice if we had a few more locals playing with our visitors. There are 14 different individual sections and teams prizes to New Zealand and Moonah Links on the Mornington Peninsular. The 54 hole stableford event will be conducted at Coomealla on Monday May 19th, Berri Wednesday May 21st and Mildura on Friday May 23rd. Over 3500 golfers have played in the tournament since 1993, it is without doubt the district's most lucrative event with more than $30,000 worth of trophies on offer. Any male or female golf club member is eligible to enter. Contact 50 246799 for further details, but do it by Sunday.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 17 April 2008 |
Ashley Whitehouse (75-67) is the 2008 Riverside Open champion after a brilliant closing 67 on Sunday. Whitehouse began the second round three strokes behind overnight leader Tim Petersen but after recording seven birdies, one bogey and ten pars he won easily by five shots. Whitehouse had only played twice this year prior to the Riverside opening tournament so he now looks the man to beat from here on in. Whitehouse said on Monday "Last year there were quite a few times that I was glad to finish a round and just go home glad that it was over but on the weekend I was genuinely excited about playing. Maybe having the break from golf was just what I needed because I am really looking forward to Mildura this week and Coomealla next week. The only disappointing thing from the weekend was that my 67 could not be counted as a new course record due to the preferred lie ruling for the Open. It would have been nice to add Riverside's course record to my other course records at Red Cliffs, Wentworth and Mildura".
It was pleasing for the club and the SDGA that all of the districts top golfers turned out at Riverside after many had had a rest from competitive golf. Runner up was 2007 club champion Steve Wilmann who had two consistent rounds of 73-74. Third was Tim Petersen (72-77) who played ordinarily on Saturday but got up and down from everywhere but he was unable to repeat that performance on Sunday. Greg Rhodes (74-77) could not add the title to his previous outstanding record in the event as his putter wouldn't co-operate at any stage. One pleasing thing for district golf was the emergence of a young golfer in 14 year old Tim Walker from Red Cliffs who won B grade with rounds of 80-78. Walker is the brother of former ladies champion Christie who is now a golf professional in Melbourne.
This weekend Mildura will take their turn in the Open roster and if the past few Mildura Open's count for anything then this year should see a sell out field in both the men's and ladies sections. Sue Laird will start an odds on favourite in the ladies section but don't count out Nycole Riordan whose ability is more than matched with her determination to succeed. The men's championship begs a delicious menu with Whitehouse's great win at the weekend and Rhode's poor form. Rhodes won the 2006 Open by 9 shots after rounds of 70-70 and last year by 6 shots after scores of 69-71. Throw into the mix other possible winners in Tim Petersen and Cameron Stewart and the last nine holes at Mildura on Sunday should be very exciting.
Once again in the US Masters it was disappointing that our blokes could not deliver the goods. South African Trevor Immelman was too good for everyone including the parochial Americans. The coverage was one sided as usual with very little exposure for the Australian players or even most of the European players. This will never change whilst we take the American television networks feeds unless our players make it into the last groups on Saturday and Sunday. Even then it is not certain. The US Open is the next major from June 12-15 at Torrey Pines in San Diego California.
On Friday week a chapter will conclude in local golf when Red Cliffs greenkeeper Tom Crawford will finish his tenure with the club. Tom came to Mildura in 1998 after he had completed half of his greenkeeper's apprenticeship in Launceston. Tom's sister lives in Mildura and sent him a Sunraysia Daily advertisement for an apprentice greenkeeper at Red Cliffs Golf Club. After completing his apprenticeship at Red Cliffs he took over as the club greenkeeper and has forged a fine reputation throughout the district, not only for his skill and knowledge but also for his wonderful personality. Since moving here with his wife Amelia, two boys and a girl have been added to the Crawford family and it will naturally be with some sadness when they leave the district. Tom has been involved in some great initiatives in recent years including preparing the football ground at Quandong Park for the two AFL pre season games where he was lauded by everyone, particularly the AFL officials who were delighted with the condition of the ground. Several years ago Red Cliffs Golf Club investigated the possibility of using vacant land in the middle of the course for another project. After a suggestion for an olive farm was rejected Tom proposed a turf farm be installed and since then the farm has provided the club with an income stream which has helped the club stay on the right side of the ledger. Tom has also been the curator at the Red Cliffs Lawn Tennis Club for the past five years and has done a fantastic job. It is not hard to understand then, why there were tears recently at a RCGC committee meeting when Tom handed in his resignation. Tom whose mother in Launceston has not been well recently is heading home to Tasmania and will take up the position of head greenkeeper at the Riverside Golf Club in Launceston on May 5th. Yesterday he spoke of his time in the district saying " We have loved out time in Sunraysia, especially at Red Cliffs Golf Club. The people have been great and it has been an absolute pleasure working at the club and doing the things I did with people whose company I really enjoyed. Whilst Amelia and I are looking forward to going home we will always look back on our time here with great fondness and wish the Red Cliffs Golf Club and all it's members the very best for the future. It is a great golf club". A farewell will be conducted at the club on Friday April 24th.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 10 April 2008 |
The Riverside Open kicks off the open tournament season this weekend. A lot of local golfers will play in the tournament for a variety of reasons. Firstly, the "opens" are always great to play in as you get to meet up with golfers from other clubs that you don't normally see. Secondly, it is an opportunity to test yourself against other golfers of your standard and better from other clubs. Thirdly, it is good to be able to go and play at another golf course other than the one you play every week. Most local golfers who haven't played at Riverside for some time will also be curious to see how it has come back from a fairly horrendous 2007. Reports suggest that the course is looking really good and the club is confident that all who play this weekend will be more than satisfied with it's condition. Lets hope so because Riverside anywhere near it's best is arguably the most "picturesque" golf course in the district and always a "nice walk". We as a district and golfing community need Riverside and indeed all of our golf clubs to be up and firing and attracting visitors and locals alike to the wonderful game of golf. Mildura Golf Club will then conduct their Open the following weekend with Coomealla's due on April 26-27.
Tomorrow afternoon Sunraysia College of Tafe will host a meeting which has been called to establish a region within Sunraysia for the Indigenous Golf Association of Victoria (IGAV) which has been in operation since 1998. All indigenous golfers or aspiring golfers should attend as golf is a terrific sport for people from all walks of life to get together and achieve both small and big goals. Robert Utber who has been involved as an organiser of the Indigenous Golf Championship of Australia will chair the meeting in the Dulka Yuppata Koori cultural centre at Sunraysia Tafe at 5.30pm Phone Bob on 0407513357 for further details.
Friday morning, our time, the number one golf tournament of the year will hit off at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. This tournament is the closest thing to the ultimate golf event imaginable. It is 33 years since the first "black" golfer was allowed to play in the tournament. The door was closed to black golfers up until then, even though they had qualified in all criteria's that the club had specified. Tiger Woods dedicated his first win to that first player (Lee Elder) when he won in 1997. Elder was a great player who was finally admitted into the event at age 40 in 1975 and played under the duress of having 25 death threats if he played. His was a great story as he won 18 of 22 tournament on the original secondary tour which was referred to as the the "peanuts" tour because they played for such small purses. Before that Elder caddied for a big money golf gambler call Titanic Thompson who would beat his opponents and then taunt them by saying "you're so bad even my caddy could beat you". Then of course with $1000 riding on the outcome Elder would easily beat the sucker golfers. Woods is the odds on favourite again this year and as usual it appears that anyone who beats him will win. New Zealander Steve Williams who caddies for Woods is also recognised as the doyen of the bag men and the Masters has produced many of his finest and saddest moments. His men were runners up four times before he tasted success with Woods. Caddying for Ray Floyd in the 90's for two second places, the latter being to Nick Faldo when Floyd was 49. Before that he carried Greg Normans bag for two second places, who could forget Norman's meltdown (also to Faldo) when he led the Masters by 7 shots only to lose miserably? This year we will have nine Aussie's to cheer for and hopefully break our duck in the event. Of the four majors, the US Masters is the only one yet to be won by an Australian. I think Aaron Baddeley or Geoff Ogilvy are our best chances this year. Channel 10 will broadcast the event live each morning from 6am-9am.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 3 April 2008 |
The Riverside Open begins the local golfing tournament season next week. Last year Riverside cancelled their annual Open tournament for the first time since the Murray River wiped out the course in the 70's. Riverside has endured a tough couple of years recently so all connected with the club will be hoping for a good turn out. It is not that long ago that Riverside enjoyed the biggest Open fields of the year, quite simply because of the promotion of the event and the great condition of the golf course. A lot depends upon the support of the home club members because if the majority of them turn out, then you have a great base to work on. There seems to have been a bit of a lull in recent weeks golfing wise, probably due to the late summer but the weather currently is ideal golfing weatherso hopefullyeveryone will be keen to go.
Greg Rhodes and John Keogh (69) were the top performers in the SDGA Lever Blair-Seeley at Coomealla on Sunday from Andrew Stewart and Brad Steer (71). Not all of our top players played in the event which is unfortunate so hopefully there will be a full contingent at Riverside next week. Allan Bishop and Ryan Laird (+11) were the top combination in the handicap event which is hot golf on any course let alone Coomealla. One hundred and thirty two players participated which is basically a normal field at Coomealla on most Saturdays.
Next weekend the US Masters is on at Augusta National Golf Club in Georgia. We have a strong contingent of Australians playing this year with Geoff Ogilvy, Adam Scott and Stuart Appleby our best chances. More about the Masters in next week's 19th hole.
We have just returned home after a couple of weeks in Europe where we went on a river cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam. On most morning we awoke to the beautiful sight of snow cover fields which was quite a novelty. The two weeks prior in Mildura were stifling hot so it was a real culture shock. Most people would be surprised to hear that my favourite experience on the trip was attending a Mozart concert in Vienna which was really something. Vienna has a population of 1,500,000 people but only three golf courses. Membership at the Vienna Golf Club is $1800 per year once you have paid a $16,000 entrance fee. Naturally very few visitors are invited to play there. One thing that interested us was that the Scottish golf professional and his English assistant professional both use the GASP computer system in their video lessons which is the same system that we use at Sunraysia Golf Factory. Apparently most teaching professionals in Europe use the system.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion at fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 12 March 2008 |
The SDGA yearly schedule of events has been officially publicised in most club's syllabuses and a busy year is ahead for all district golfers. The traditional official SDGA opening day seems to have been dispensed with this year which makes the Lever and Blair-Seeley 4BBB at Coomealla on March 29 the 2008 "Opening" day. Riverside have scheduled their Open for April 12-13 followed by Mildura on April 19-20 and Coomealla on April 26-27. It will be interesting to see how many players line up for the Opens this year. Coomealla and Mildura Golf Clubs have enjoyed an explosion of participation over the summer due to being able to water their fairways with grey water. Other local golf clubs have struggled for the same support as water is hard to come by and getting more expensive all the time. This year more than ever there must be an agreement struck between all of our clubs to support one another's Open events. In recent years there seemed to be an attitude by club officials to encourage their members to "stay at home". We need to have seven strong clubs thriving, not surviving and that we require a golfing community spirit. Whilst a golf club's popularity tends to follow the strength of the administration which fluctuates over time, other factors such as weather and the districts economy can dictate a clubs fortune. Whilst the AFL is a far cry from our golf clubs, they take on the responsibility of supporting their weaker clubs. Similarly all of our golf clubs need to support one another, even if that is only on specific occasions, such as Open day's. The danger is if this doesn't happen we might lose one or even two golf clubs which will weaken our region as a golfing destination. Not to mention the effect that that will have on the staunch members of those clubs. I have my doubts that anything positive will come of this, but hopefully all district golfers will make a conscious decision to support at least one other than their own club each month. If this were to happen then just maybe, just maybe all of our golf clubs would get closer to the right side of the ledger.
There was some great golf on TV over the weekend. Two playoff's and a come from behind victory on the US PGA Tour. In Malaysia India's Arjun Atwal overcame 2007 champion Sweden's Peter Hedblom in a playoff. This event stopped and started due to lightening after Australian Kane Webber recorded a great round including nine birdies to miss out on the playoff by one shot. In America Sean O'Hair won for the second time on the US PGA Tour after coming from four shots behind Stewart Cink. 2007 Australian Open champion John Senden was equal third. On the US Champions Tour for the over 50's former US Masters champion Bernhardt Langer overcame Jay Haas after seven playoff holes. These guys still play great golf hitting the ball on average 270 metres off the tee.The big event coming up is the US Masters at Augusta in April.
Our Callaway representative was in Mildura yesterday after recently returning from a sales conference in China. The Callaway conference was held at the Mission Hills Golf complex in Shen Zen where they have twelve golf courses. Our man played three times over the course of the conference, once during the day and twice at night. Twenty seven holes are completely floodlit allowing 24 hour golf. During the trip they stopped off in Hong Kong which is 90 minutes away and checked out some of the driving ranges perched on top of city buildings. It sounded similar to Tokyo which I visited with Bridgestone Golf in 2006. Space is scarce in and around the cities so the only way to go is up. We are looking to do a golf tour to China and Vietnam in either 2009 or 2010 and catching up with 1993 Sunraysia Matchplay Champion Lars Holden.
I have had several emails from local club members complaining about various competitions not getting exposure in this column. I have directed them to go back to their own club officials and suggest that any relevant information be forwarded to me. Please read next line.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 5 March 2008 |
Coomealla Golf Club conducted the final of their summer Stableford Shootout on Sunday. It was a huge day. Nineteen players hit off at 8am and the last putt was sunk at 4.40pm. The first two holes took two hours which really tested one's concentration and patience. One player dropped out after each hole and naturally as the field diminished, the pressure to stay "in" intensified. Long time player and administrator Trevor Carroll was overheard to say on the first tee that "this is the most nervous I have felt on a golf course for a very long time". Just imagine, nineteen players all hit off, find their balls and hit to the green. There were balls coming from every direction and once on the green, the fun really began. The handicaps of the players ranged from the low 20's down to two players on 4 handicaps. If there were two or more players finishing on the same stableford score on a hole, a putt off for the nearest to the pin eliminated the furthest putter. Interestingly there were very few "wipe-outs" and not one player hit the wrong ball! This event, though very long, was a terrific imitative by Coomealla Golf Club and I would encourage all other clubs to contact Captain Alan Scorer for more information about the event and include it in their syllabuses.
Rowan Daymond completed a three year greenkeepers apprenticeship at Coomealla four years ago and moved to Adelaide to take up a position on the green staff at Kooyonga Golf Club. Kooyonga is rated in the echelon of courses in Australia so it was a terrific opportunity for the "Coomealla kid". A new course has been built at St Andrews in Scotland and a few of Rowan's mates cracked it for a job on the new course and contacted Rowan. He starts there on the green staff on March 31st. Rowan plays off a 9 handicap but doesn't play that much, most green keepers seem to spend their free time away from their place of employment but St Andrews might just be provide a bit more incentive to play more. St Andrews most famous course is the "old course" but there are currently 6 other courses within the St Andrews precinct. Rowans sister Rochelle who rose to the top of Sunraysia ladies golf is currently living in Adelaide and plays pennant for Blackwood Golf Club off a 5 handicap. She is still only young and is capable of going much lower if she chooses to put in the work to go lower.
On Friday the 14th of March Red Cliffs Golf Club will conduct their 4th annual "Concert on the Course". This is a fantastic night where people from all over the district congregate around the 18th green, listen and dance to some great music and enjoy the hospitality of the Red Cliff Golf Club. Kym and I have attended the last two years and have had an absolute ball. Tickets are available from several outlets including Sunraysia Golf Factory. Talking of great nights out, "Opera on the Lock" this Saturday (8th) night is one of the best nights of the year, don't miss it.
The 16th annual Sunraysia Golf Tours Tri-State Masters is 10 weeks away but entries are coming in thick and fast. This year the tournament will be played on May 19-21-23 at Coomealla, Berri and Mildura Golf Clubs. An early bird entry prize of 7 nights for 4 people at either the Sunraysia Resort, Club Yarrawonga or the Nepean Club in Rosebud will be drawn from all entries received by March 13. Additionally, teams prizes will be awarded with packages to Moonah Links Golf Club in Rosebud and to the Sky City Casino in Auckland NZ.
The Evening with Glenn Archer last Thursday was a huge success with $13,000 being raised to assist North Melbourne Football Club's fight to stay in Melbourne. Glenn Archer was absolutely sensational and couldn't do enough for the organisers and, indeed, everyone who attended. It really was a great night and one I will remember for the rest of my life. Go Kangas!
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 20 Feb 2008 |
Local Mildura golfer Brendan Rowse went down by the narrowest of margins in the semi final of the Commonwealth Golf Club championships last weekend. Most Melbourne golf clubs have a qualifying round for their championships with the top eight players then going into matchplay knockout. Brendan made it through to the semi final only to lose one down after 18 holes. Incredibly his stroke score was four under the card including four birdies and an eagle. This week he is heading over to the South Australian Amateur Championship. Greg Rhodes finished second in this event in the mid nineties. Following the S A event he will line up in the Riversdale Cup which is regarded as Australia's most prestigious amateur tournament. Melbourne metropolitan pennant then commences the following weekend continuing a busy schedule for the 2007 Murray Valley Champion. Coomealla golfer Jacob Slimmon will also contest the S A Amateur after returning some great scores at Coomealla over the last two months. Slimmon, who has been living in Adelaide in recent years, came home for the summer and hit off at Coomealla in late December on a handicap of five. In the space of seven weeks he has reduced his handicap to one after playing eleven rounds (198 holes) at "Coomy" in four weeks in three under par. Greg Rhodes, not surprisingly, has been the other outstanding performer with a round of 67, two 69's and a 70 for a combined 13 under par in his last four rounds. Rhodes is playing off a +1 handicap with +2 a possibility within the next week or so.
The Moonah Classic is a new event being played at Moonah Links this week replacing the Jacobs Creek Classic/South Australian Open. This event is co sanctioned with the US secondary tour the Nationwide Tour. Jarrod Lyle will start favourite after his recent win in the Mexican Open. Former local boy Cameron Percy might just be the dark horse after good recent form and naturally the big contingent of American players should feature prominently. Percy's father Ross (74-74) who is well known locally tasted victory last week in the Lonsdale Senior Amateur winning on a countback from Helen Burke's brother Michael Jackson (73-75) from Yarra Yarra.
The Accenture World Matchplay Championship hits off today at The Gallery Golf Club, Dove Mountain, Tuscon Arizona. Eleven Australians will tee it up in the 64 man event based on world rankings. Only the US (22 players) has a bigger contingent of contenders, the main ones being Tiger Woods and Phil Mickelson who won at the weekend. Last year Geoff Ogilvy finished second after winning the title in 2006.
"Uncle" Andy Briggs became the first "international" winner of the Red Cliffs Golf Club Summer Cup. Briggs won 6/5 over Brian Fury after being 5 up on the turn. It is the second year that he has come to Mildura for our summer and his English winter but will return home next week. Club Captain Mark Woodhouse, "uncle's" nephew and will not miss paying out to Uncle Andy after golf each day but everyone else at the club will miss the popular "too and from".
Make sure you don't miss out on seeing and hearing AFL legend Glenn Archer Thursday February 28th at the Mildura Workingman's Club. Limited tickets are available up until Friday at Prime Television or Sunraysia Golf Factory.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all
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| 13 Feb 2008 |
Coomealla Golf Club has been really firing on all cylinders lately with tremendous fields and lots of visiting golfers. In years gone by fields of 60-70 players was standard on most Saturday's but these days the club is disappointed if less than 120 turn up. Turn up is probably the wrong terminology because Coomealla has become very professional in how they run their competitions. The majority of it's members book in via the club's web site or by telephone to the pro shop. The club has introduced some very innovative competitions over the past two years with the Summer Stableford Shootout being the standout. Fifty one members entered the event at $20 per player with the best 19 individual scores qualifying for the shootout on Sunday March 3rd. The Nineteen qualifiers will hit off with one player eliminated on each hole until there are two left at the eighteenth. The winner will then collect the biggest club trophy value in district golf. With four stableford rounds to go, 40 points is coming 16th through to 21st so it will probably take a 41 point total to be sure of qualifying. Some great stories came out of last year's shootout with one player playing beautifully for the first seven holes only to crash out after a bad hole on the 8th. If one or more players has the same stableford score on a hole then a chip off or putt off is ordered. Last year eventual runner up John Thomson left his putt off putt 12 foot short on the 11th virtually conceding elimination until the next player left his putt shorter! The next three weeks should be very interesting at "Coomy".
Red Cliffs will conduct their Summer Cup final this Saturday. Last week Brian Fury knocked off John Gray 3/2 whilst "Uncle" Andy Briggs was too accomplished for 2007 club champion Phillip Lawn 2/1. The final should be a cracker as both players are very consistent off their handicap's with Briggs having to concede five strokes.
Does your driver conform? On January first a big list of drivers with "trampoline faces" became illegal to use in club competitions. My feeling is that the majority of players wouldn't know if their driver is legal or not, but you can check. Just "google" banned clubs and a list as long as your arm will appear. Personally I believe it is ridiculous to enforce these bans on ordinary club golfers when really it is only the professional golfers that the R&A should be aiming at. It could create a few issues and arguments within clubs if so and so wins a competition and is deemed to be using an illegal club!
Mildura Golf Club has just released it's new brochure and I for one am very impressed. The publication covers all facets of the club including the golf course which is in terrific condition, restaurant, accommodation and club house activities. This will assist in bringing more golfers to Sunraysia, not just for Mildura Golf Club but all clubs, retail shops and attractions. Whilst on Mildura, recently club professional Michael Swan hosted his annual golf trip back "home" to Tasmania. Eighteen golfers took off to play at Barnbougle Dunes, Claremont, Tasmania and Royal Hobart. As usual a great time was had by all, except perhaps for the two prominent club members who ran the "book" this year. Rumour has it that the odds offered on the host were more than generous and several of the party more than covered expenses!
On Thursday January 28 keen golfer and former AFL legend Glenn Archer will be in town to speak at a function at the Mildura Workingman's Club. All profit from the night will go back via Archer to the North Melbourne Football Club. The night has been organised to assist North in their endeavours to stay and play in Melbourne. Archer has donated his time free of charge and I am really looking forward to hearing his story and opinions on a range of footballers, past and present, and so many other issues within football circles. Hopefully, even have a round of golf with the "Shinboner of the Century". Limited tickets for the night are available at PRIME Television and Sunraysia Golf Factory but be quick!
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 6th Feb 2008 |
Summer Memberships
Participation in club competitions at most of Sunraysia's golf clubs has been excellent in the past two weeks. The fields really pick up when the weather is a bit more tolerable. Most clubs have "Summer Cup" competitions which conclude at the end of February. Every year most of our golf clubs on the Victorian side of the river open up summer memberships at around half of the full yearly subscription rate. It gives footballers, tennis players and a host of other "winter sports" people a chance to join a golf club at a reduced rate for five months. As summer members they are given a home club handicap to enable them to play in their home club competitions. Technically this is not an official handicap as no affiliation fee for summer members is paid to the VGA. In theory, the said player is really only eligible to play in his or her home club competitions but other local clubs usually welcome all visiting club golfers. One thing that will have to be addressed by our clubs is the eligibility of summer members to actually win events such as Monthly Medals and honour board events. It is one thing to put the hand out for the quick money for summer members then deny those same members from winning. As with most things, careful consideration should be given to all parties and perhaps stated on the summer membership forms. That done, everyone knows where they stand, including the summer members, full members and more importantly the club officials who tend to change from year to year.
Vale John "Boomer" King
Last Friday I attended the funeral of John "Boomer" King. Boomer was well known in Sunraysia as he had played football for Bambil and cricket for Settlers. He was a huge man of about six foot four but he was a gentle giant who never smoked or drank alcohol, which is rare for most footballers, cricketers and golfers. After he finished playing footy he held several positions, one of which was the aboriginal liaison officer for the St Kilda football club. During this time he came to know just about everyone in the world of AFL football and anyone famous who followed football. Boomer came up with the idea to have an national indigenous football team and the inaugural match was played at number three oval in the late 80's. All the big name aboriginal footballer played in this match which they won easily. Since then of course, aboriginal footballer have really dominated in almost every State and regional football league. One day he decided he was going to become a professional golf caddy so with his numerous contacts he sought out golf professionals and began caddying. To be fair, he probably wasn't the best caddy going around, but he attracted attention and "got on" with everyone so well that he quickly became a popular bagman. He carried the bags of many great players who all loved him including Wayne Grady who was his most famous bag. Boomer caddied a lot in Australia for Grady who won a US PGA and was chairman of the Australian PGA for three years. I was privileged to have him as a guest several times on the Sunday morning Sunraysia Golf Show talking about his caddying adventures in the US,Japan and everywhere else. I remember attending the Australian Open at Kingston Heath some years ago and Boomer's man was in the last group on Saturday afternoon. The tournament was live on channel seven and naturally the situation was tense as the last group stood on the last green. The 18th green was surrounded by people everywhere as Boomer stood holding the pin just off the back of the green when he spotted Shane Warne who was standing on the balcony of the channel seven corporate box. The other "pro" in the group was Peter McWhinney who was walking around surveying his putt at the time as Boomer threw out his arm and yelled "Warney" to which Warne yelled back "gooday Boomer". McWhinney looked up and said "Boomer do you mind" It was priceless but typical of how everyone knew Boomer. On Friday at the funeral several people spoke about Boomer including Charlie Phayer who related a story of Boomer being offered a dim sim for every run he made in a third division cricket grand final. Boomer made 132 and that night he devoured every dim sim, even though it took him two sittings to do it! There were many great stories told of a man who was one of the stolen generation who went on to achieve things that very few men achieve. Boomer was a real character and he will be missed by all who knew him.
Monday Golf Show
Local golfers can still access a golf show on local radio. Every Monday on 97.9FM at 4-30 Sunraysia Golf Range's Garth Doherty will announce results of club golf competitions and present a guest from one of our local Sunraysia golf clubs. 2007 Murray Valley champion Brendan Rowse featured on Monday with Red Cliffs Golf Club Captain Mark Woodhouse the following Monday. It's great that there will still be a local golf show.
Karrie Still Queen
This weekend the Australian Ladies Masters will be played at Royal Pines on the Gold Coast. Karrie Webb who won the Australian Open at Kingston Heath on Sunday will be aiming for her seventh win in this tournament. Webb who first played in the tournament as an amateur in 1993 has won over one million dollars in the Ladies Masters which began in 1990. Japanese star Ai Miyazato who was runner up to Webb in 2005 will be her biggest threat, other than the hundreds of adoring Japanese professional photographers and journalist who follow Miyazato's every move. It was estimated that there were over 10,000 photographs of Miyazato taken at this tournament in 05. Miyazato is said to be bigger than Tiger Woods or David Beckham in Japan! TV coverage this weekend is on channel 10. Last week I stated there was no live telecast of the Aussie Open but I was wrong again as the tournament was televised on ABC. In men's golf Australian Jarrod Lyle won the Mexico Open on the Nationwide Tour and locally Marc Leishman won the Victorian PGA at Sanctuary Lakes. Tiger Woods won in Dubai after shooting a six under 31 on the last nine holes. He is about as perfect as a golfer can be. In the US over 560,000 turned up to the Phoenix Open. The crowd was 100,000 down on the last day due mainly to the cold weather and the Super Bowl Gridiron final that night in the same town. Hard to fathom isn't it, that many people at a golf tournament?
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 30 Jan 2008 |
Australia Day at Red Cliffs
A great field of 140 players celebrated Australia Day at Red Cliffs on Monday. The scoring was red hot with club president Michael Hogan teaming with Graham Bamford, Peter Dooley and Spida Foster to win the handicap section with an outstanding score of 51 3/8. Club captain Mark Woodhouse and his team of Steve Hopgood, Oscar Mannix and "Uncle" Andy Briggs played brilliantly for a 15 under par of 57 to win the scratch by one shot from three other teams. Red Cliffs Golf Club were delighted to host a large number of visitors from other local golf clubs who all joined in the Australia Day spirit.
Great Scott in Qatar
On the European Tour Adam Scott shot the lights out with a closing 61 to win the Qatar Masters by three shots on Sunday. Scott has been our top player for several years, unfortunately, without ever troubling the top of the scoreboard in any of the majors. Maybe, just maybe, that will change this year. On the US PGA Tour Tiger Woods blew everyone away at the picture perfect Torrey Pines in San Diego to win his fifth Buick Invitational in six years by 8 shots. Woods really is a freak in golfing terms and stated on Sunday that he believes he is playing better than ever and expects further improvement is just around the corner. It's hard to work out what part of his game he can improve on as he is the best at everything, on a golf course. Sixteen Aussies teed it up at Torrey Pines with Stuart Appleby and John Senden the best, 14 shots behind. This week Aaron Baddeley will defend his title at the FBR Open in Scottsdale Arizona. Even though the Super Bowl gridiron final which is the biggest sporting event of the year in America is on just down the road on Saturday night. The FBR is huge. More than 600,000 are expected to attend the golf tournament, weather permitting, including 250,000 on Saturday. Lets put that in perspective, 450,000 attended the recent Test Series between Australia and India. It just goes to show why it is so hard to attract top American golfers to come to Australia. They will take more in gate receipts than the combined prize money for our top four Australian tournaments. Wayne Grady finished third on the US over 50 Champions Tour at Turtle Bay in Hawaii. Grady won the US PGA title in the 90's and could earn 40-50 million on the Champions Tour over the next 5-10 years. Unbelievable, isn't it? Jarrod Lyle was the best of the 10 Aussie's at the US Nationwide Tour event in Panama. This tour is the secondary tour in the US and runs several co-sanctioned events with the Australasian Tour.
Ladies Australian Open
The ladies Australian Open is on at Kingston Heath this week and naturally we all hope an Aussie can win it. Popular big hitting Englishwoman Laura Davies won the NSW Open at the weekend at will start favourite. Karrie Webb looks our best chance but sadly we won't be able to watch it on TV this year. In America the Golf Channel or one of the other networks pick up all of the ladies events but in Australia the ratings don't justify it. What a pity. There's plenty of cricket, football and basketball, even local cycling events on TV but golf doesn't cut it with the networks. Australia has some great talents coming through the ranks in ladies golf but the print media is the only option of finding out about them. Hopefully, that will change soon.
Contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 23 Jan 2008 |
2008 Golf Season Hits Off
Welcome to the 7th year of the 19th hole. The 2008 golf season in Sunraysia doesn't hit off officially until Saturday March 1st but Australia Day is always a big golfing day in Sunraysia. Mildura Golf Club have decided to run their Australia Day competition on Saturday departing from the usual holiday Monday traditional game. Red Cliffs Golf Club has been a very popular destination for their ambrose in 4's with 144 playing last year. Neil Wilkie's H & R Block put on over $2000 worth of trophies covering the scratch and handicap sections and the club house atmosphere at Red Cliffs always provides a most friendly environment after golf. Phone the club on 50 245033 to book an Am or PM start.
Wrest Point International Masters
Last week Kym and I played in the 8th Annual Wrest Point Casino International Masters in Hobart and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. The tournament was played at the Royal Hobart and Tasmania golf courses. Royal Hobart has "gray" water and was in superb condition whereas the Tasmanian course was extremely dry and similar to some of our courses that don't have access to gray water. Almost 440 golfers played from all over Australia with the biggest contingent coming from Queensland. The Tasmanian Government and Events Tasmania support the event financially as they quite obviously recognise the economical impact that the tournament generates. One thing that was clearly evident to us though, was that our local Tri-State Masters tournament being played for the 16th time this May measures up very well on all fronts except the assistance from local council and tourism. More than 3500 golfers have come to Mildura from over 170 golf clubs since 1993 for the tournament staying in Mildura for a minimum of six nights. You don't have to be too clever to work out what impact that has had on our accommodation, restaurants, retail stores, petrol stations, golf clubs and so on. It's getting harder and harder each year to attract new players to the event with so many new events springing up almost on a weekly basis around Australia. I am hoping that this year we can convince the people who make decisions on promoting our region to assist in attracting more new golfers to the tournament.
6/4/60 Golf
Everyone has heard of one day cricket and now 20/20 cricket but Sunraysia will be the first place to introduce 6/4/60 golf. Sunraysia Golf Factory installed a golf simulator in the store back in November which has proved to be a real hit with local golfers. Steele Denman has been conducting video lessons on the simulator which gives the student/golfer all sorts of information pertaining to his or her swing speed, swing path and a host of other technical statistics. As well as the club fitting and teaching software on the golf simulator, an actual 18 hole golf course can be played utilising every part of the game that you would on an actual golf course. The 6/4/60 concept is six holes for four players in sixty minutes and it is sure to popular, especially on hot or wet Sundays in air conditioned comfort. Bookings are essential and a 6/4/60 championship will be played later in the year. Phone 50 222923 for further details.
Tiger Back This Week
Tiger Woods commences his 2008 campaign this week at the difficult Torrey Pines Golf course in the Buick Championship having won the event in 2005-06-07. Three events have already been played on the US PGA tour and everything gears up for the US Masters in April. Australia has 8 Aussies qualified for the Masters so far but there are about 11 more chances. Robert Allenby looks our best chance of ending Tiger's run this week.
If you would like to have a golf event promoted then contact me with your golfing information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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Merbein Too Good in Summer Pennant
Merbein Golf Club are the Summer Pennant champions for 2007. Tyler ver Beek at 14 years of age is without doubt senior SDGA 'pennant's youngest ever team captain and now looks to have secured that position for as long as he wants it. It was an interesting choice by Merbein but it proved to be the right one. Chris McGinty again showed maturity against experienced opposition and looks to be a star of the future. Ver Beek, McGinty and Garth Doherty form a solid basis and a stand alone Merbein division one winter pennant team is a realistic possibility. Aaron Blake had a great pennant season as did Rodney Poole whilst Roger Walder added the experience and Walder fighting spirit that has become renowned through out Sunraysia for over 40 years. Well done Merbein.
Last Golf Show
Last Sunday I signed off on my last Sunday Golf Show and whilst it was a bit sad in some respects, it was great to talk to the two people in Sunraysia golf that have dominated proceedings on both sides of the fairway. Greg Rhodes, to my way of thinking, is Sunraysia's greatest ever sportsman, simply because he has continued to develop and improve his skills for the last 30 years. Most sports people decline in their attempts to improve as age takes over. Name someone in local sport who was number one in 1977 and is still number one in 2007? Rhodes is playing better golf now than he was as a 20 year old. Best of all though, is his humble and considerate attention to those less gifted than he is at sport. Sometimes elite sports people lose that demeanour and become somewhat dismissive. But not Rhodes. Trevor Carroll has been involved as a competitor and administrator in a number of local sports for almost 40 years and continues in an administrative role as Mildura Golf Week secretary. Carroll has always been an interesting character in all of the positions he has held and fear of repercussions over difficult decisions has never deterred him. I certainly respect him for that courage of conviction, even though at times we have not always seen eye to eye. Hopefully all local golf clubs will make a new year's resolution to fax their competition results to the Herald Sun each week, giving not only the winning players exposure but also advertising our clubs State-wide.
Paz You Little Beauty!
Craig Parry is the good news story of the year in Australian golf. To win your national title is such an honour and he thoroughly deserves all accolades that come his way. I reckon, apart from his golfing ability, he comes across as an Aussie old fashioned "good bloke". The Australian Open seems to get better and better every year, lets hope that channel 7 continue it's great coverage again next year.
6th Annual 200719th Hole Awards
Golfer of the Year - Greg Rhodes, as always. Female Golfer of the Year - Sue Laird, fantastic rise up the golf ladder. Junior Golfer of the Year - Chris McGinty, won nearly everything he played in. Most Improved Golfer - Leigh Fuller, a smokey who emerged from left field. Most Improved Female - Sue Laird, a standout, Greenkeeper of the Year - All of them, to be able to maintain our golf courses in the harshest of conditions is appreciated by most thinking golfers. Club Official of the Year - Steve Foley Mildura Golf Club, who took on the toughest position in local golf several years ago and has come through so far with flying colours. Personality of the Year - Brendan O'Brien who retired last month as SDGA President from 1998-2007 and deserves the thanks of all local golfers for his endeavours.
I hope you have enjoyed the 19th Hole this year. Good luck to everyone in golf. Have a Happy Christmas and a safe new year and always remember that īt's always nice to meet nice people" and that "memories live longer than dreams".
Contact me with with any golf information or opinions on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all.
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| 12th December 07 |
Summer Pennant Final at Wentworth
Merbein and Mildura Black will contest the final of the 2007 SDGA Summer Pennant final at Wentworth on Sunday. Merbein will go in as favourites after easily accounting for Red Cliffs at Coomealla last Sunday. Chris McGinty and Tyler Ver beek were too good for the previously unbeaten Tillers and Rod Poole and Aaron Blake made it a four one result. Roger Walder was going along ok against Gannon Bettess until he landed in the 10th bunker and discovered he had misplaced his sand iron earlier in the round. Coomealla can be a daunting place if you keep going into bunkers without the right implement to extract your ball! Underdogs Mildura Black just got over the line against their Gold opponents who have looked the goods from day one. Peter Dooley was the hero of the day for Black after recovering from well down to knock off Keith Williams. John Hardie and Wayne Anderson were the other winners for Black. This week I expect Merbein to continue their good form and take out the Summer Pennant comfortably.
Last Golf Show This Sunday
This Sunday the 725th and last edition of the Jack Abell Sunraysia Golf show will go to air on Easy Listening 1467am at 8am. I first began promoting local golf and golf in general back in 1992 and it has been an enjoyable and extremely interesting journey ever since. Highlights have included interviews with Peter Thomson, Bob Shearer , Peter Senior, Wayne Grady, Brett Ogle, Stuart Appleby, Aaron Baddeley, Ricky Ponting and a host of others. This week my final show guests will be Sunraysia's greatest ever golfer Greg Rhodes and perhaps our most significant golf administrator in the last 30 years, Trevor Carroll. I am sure I will miss not doing the show in the years ahead, but it is time to step aside and sleepin on Sunday mornings. After the Golf Show the 100th and last Coomealla Club Sunday Sports show will air at 9am and even though that show has only gone for two years it has been terrific to be able to talk to local sportsmen and women as well as people such as Ron Barassi, Malcolm Blight, Kevin Sheedy, James Hird, Tim Watson, Lindsay Gaze, David Hayes and Lee Freedman. It should be a real easy listening morning with a few laughs and a few memories, I hope you can join with me to celebrate my last day on local radio.
Australian Open Tomorrow
The 2007 MFS Australian Open will hit off at The Australian Golf Club tomorrow with Peter Lonard a warm favourite. Lonard won the Open when it was last played at the Australian and co holds the record (279) for the lowest winning total in the Open at that course with Jack Nicklaus. Any one of a dozen players could win the title this year with Geoff Ogilvy, Rod Pampling and Aaron Baddeley all good chances. My pick is Stuart Appleby who will be desperate to play well after a disappointing finish at the PGA on Friday where he missed the cut by seven shots. Appleby has won the Open before when it was played at The Grand Golf Club in Queensland. If Appleby doesn't play well then maybe it will be Rod Pampling's turn.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 5/12/07 |
Summer Pennant Finals
Coomealla Golf Club will host the 2007 SDGA Summer Pennant semi-finals on Sunday. In the first semi Mildura Gold tackle their sister team of Mildura Black with Gold being odds on to win. I think the Black team will cause a turn up with wins by Andrew Stewart, Darren Knight and John Hardie enough to get them over the line and into the final. Red Cliffs look home and hosed in the second semi after being the best team in the competition so far but I am tipping another upset. Merbein only need three wins to continue and the abilities of Chris McGinty, Roger Walder and Aaron Blake should enable Merbein to advance to the final at Wentworth on December 16. As usual summer pennant has been a great success this year introducing a number of new golfers to the best golf game of all, matchplay golf. Good luck to all competitors.
New Zealand Open-Nedbank Challenge
Last weekend two great golf events were played, won and watched by fanatical golf galleries in New Zealand and South Africa. Michael Hill is a proud New Zealand watchmaker who six years ago built his own private golf course near Queenstown in New Zealand's South Island. The population of Queenstown is less than 11,000 and a long way from the Island's biggest City, Christchurch. It is a popular destination for snow ski-ing in winter but golf traffic is miniscule by comparison. That could change soon. The choice of venue was surely a big risk for the promoters after enticing Tiger Woods with millions of reasons to compete in the event in Auckland several years ago. In golf there often is an incredible spirit of people joining together to make an event work, once again here, it came to the fore. The 2007 NZ Open was a huge success. Adelaide promoter and organiser Bob Tuohey did a marvellous job to put on such a world class event, just as he had done with so many events including the Ladies Masters at Royal Pines and the Jacob's Creek tournaments in Adelaide. England's Richard Finch was the winner of the golf tournament but Michael Hill, Bob Tuohey, the volunteers and people of Queenstown were the real winners and springboards the expectations and anticipation of the 2008 event at the same venue in next twelve months time. Sir Bob Charles who is the patron saint of all left handed golfers provided the highlight of the tournament by shooting 68 in the second round beating his age by three shots. In South Africa the 27th Nedbank challenge was won by one of it's own in Trevor Immelman. Immelman has grown up watching the Nedbank challenge which was the absolute Mecca golf tournament for him. His dad is the head man who runs South African golf so it certainly was a proud day for him. The winner took home US $1,200000 which is unbelievable whilst runner up Justin Rose collected US $600,000. The South Africans regard this tournament as their number one sporting event and to have a South African win it again well and truly put the cream on the cake.
Australian PGA
The best field of the year in Australia will tee it up at Coolum tomorrow for the Australian PGA Championship. Adam Scott and South Africa's Rory Sabbatini (2nd 2007 US Masters) will fly in fresh from competing in the Nedbank Challenge. This is the PGA's 6th year at Coolum which has showcased some terrific finishes. I expect Craig Parry to win from John Senden and Stuart Appleby with NSW Paul Marantz a roughie at good odds for a top five finish.
Contact me with your golfing information or news on Fax 50247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 28 November 2007 |
Red Cliffs Favourites in Summer Pennant
Red Cliffs recorded an emphatic five nil victory over Wentworth at Mildura on Sunday in round two of 2007 Summer Pennant. Four players have won both matches played so far for the "Cliffs" including Shannon Tiller, Graham Tiller, Tim Walker and Declan Ganz. Other players to win both matches include Les Williams and Rhett Smythe (Mildura Gold) John Hardie (Mildura Black) Jake Winslow (Riverside) and Aaron Blake (Merbein). The third and last round will be contested at Riverside on Sunday and the finals the following week at Wentworth. The semi-finals will possibly be between Red Cliffs versus Merbein and Mildura Gold versus Mildura Black but Coomealla and Wentworth could still sneak in with victories this week. The two semi-final winners will then meet in the afternoon to decide the 2007 SDGA Summer Pennant.
Sunraysia's Golf Coaches
For many years Sunraysia had only one golf professional in Bruce Milgate at Mildura Golf Club, then Steve Darmody arrived at Coomealla giving local golfers a choice. Currently there are four men teaching golf in the district including Mike Swan, (Mildura) Brad Pitt, (Coomealla) Mark Bowd (Sunraysia Golf Range) and Steele Denman at Sunraysia Golf Factory. All four have a good knowledge of the golf swing and can assist and develop the game's of golfers at all levels. There are so many things that can determine whether you hit the ball well or poorly and these guys have been trained to identify and fix swing faults. Since Sunraysia Golf Factory installed it's new "Golf Simulator" a lot of local golfers have been taking advantage of having their swings checked and shots measured. Today a "Nearest the Pin" competition on one
of the simulator's par 3's begins which will be geat fun. The men's tee is 151 yards whilst the ladies only have to hit it 112 yards. Over $2000 in prizes are up for grabs between now and Christmas so why not have a go? Weekly winners will be announced in the 19th hole.
Australian Masters
The last round of the Australian Masters at Huntingdale on Sunday was compelling viewing for anyone remotely interested in golf. The drama of the last nine holes where the lead se sawed between five players was really terrific. The good news was that an Aussie won but the whole event was first class. When channel Seven went to the news I luckily turned on the radio and listened to the last two play off holes live on ABC radio. Aaron Baddeley deserved his win whilst Sweden's Daniel Chopra was unlucky to lose, but that's golf. Non golfing people struggle to understand why golf is so much harder to master than any other game but how many other games deliver that last hole pressure? Thousands of people only metres away and five minutes between shots to think about what shot to play and how to play it, and the consequences of that shot. In other sports against other players such as football, cricket, tennis and a multitude of other sports what you do is quite often dependent or reactionary to what your opponent does. In golf you have lots of time to talk yourself out of it or overcome any self doubts and nail it. This week the New Zealand Open will be played in Queenstown and the following week it is back to Coolum in Queensland for the Australian PGA with Geoff Ogilvy and Adam Scott. The following week the 2007Australian Open will be played at the Australian Golf Club in Sydney.
World Cup in China
Scotland overcame the US in a three hole sudden death playoff to win the 2007 World Cup on Sunday. Colin Montgomerie and Mark Warren proved too good for Boo Weekly and Heath Slocum at the Mission Hills golf complex which has ten courses. The World Cup is a two player teams event where a best ball (4Ball Better Ball) format and alternate (2 man ambrose) shot format is used during the four rounds (72 holes). Australia's Nick O'Hern and Nathan Green were well down the list at 9 under par leaving them 16 shots behind.
Contact me with your golfing information on Fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 21 November 2007 |
Summer Pennant 2007
The kids were hot in the first round of summer pennant at Red Cliffs on Sunday. Forty players lined up in eight teams of five with six juniors taking part. Five juniors were amongst the twenty winning players on the day including: Chris McGinty and Tyler Ver beek representing Merbein, Jake Winslow from Riverside and Declan Ganz and Tim Walker for Red Cliffs who defeated fellow junior Jade Hall-Kelly of Riverside. Summer pennant is a great grounding arena for matchplay pennant and it's obvious that there are still lots of golfers keen to represent their clubs. Next week round two will be at Mildura giving the two Mildura teams an advantage against Merbein and Riverside. It is great to see Ouyen fronting up once again but disappointing that Robinvale cannot raise any interest in pennant at any level.
Golf Simulator in Mildura
The very latest in golf technology was introduced in Mildura's City Heart at Sunraysia Golf Factory on Monday. Most of Australia's leading golf teachers have been incorporating the "Golf Achiever" laser technology combined with video analysis software in their teaching and club fitting. This golf simulator provides unparalleled accuracy and precision in the measurement of club head speed, ball flight and launch angle of the club. All of this information is magnified on a giant movie screen for the golfer to see. Lessons are videoed and a copy is burnt onto a DVD for the golfer to play back at home. Every time a lesson is done, that information is stored in the computer, so that a player's swing and lesson history can be referred to at any time. This makes it much easier for the student to understand and absorb what the golf teacher is explaining and see for themselves what he/she is doing in their swing. The golf simulator will also be used to play actual games of golf on "real" golf holes. Either nine or eighteen hole games can be played and Sunraysia Golf Factory will begin a "nearest the pin" and "long drive" competition next Monday with lucrative prizes on offer. With a long hot summer just beginning, a lesson with Steele Denman or a game of golf in air conditioned comfort provides an attractive option for Sunraysia's estimated four thousand golf hungry club and social golfers.
29th Australian Masters at Huntingdale
The inaugural Australian Masters was played at Huntingdale in 1979 and was won by New Zealander Barry Vivian with a score of one over par 289. Vivian was invited and duly came to Mildura 23 years later and won the Riverside Senior Pro-Am, saying at the time "I didn't realize at the time or even consider how big an event the Aussie Masters would become". Six times Greg Norman won the tournament that virtually copied all facets of the US Masters at Augusta. Norman carried the event and attracted some of the world's best to compete against him during a twenty year assault including, Jack Nicklaus, Tiger Woods (8th in 1997), Nick Faldo, Bernhardt Langer, John Daly, Mark O'Meara, Colin Montgomerie and Sergio Garcia. During the late 80's and early 90's Sunraysia Golf Tours took a bus load down to the Masters and in 1992 saw Craig Parry win it for the first time. Last year Englishman Justin Rose won, which his first big tournament win and set him on the path to a fantastic year in the US and a number one finish on the European Order of Merit (money list). The tournament where the "Tradition Continues" will be telecast on Prime television and whilst Aaron Baddeley is the favourite I reckon left hander and 2004 winner Richard Green is a good bet whilst Sweden's Daniel Chopra represents good odds for a top five placing.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 14 November 2007 |
Rhodes Triumph's at Coomealla
Greg Rhodes won the 2007 Coomealla Club Championship on Sunday. This result was thought to be inevitable and nothing different to what most people expected at any stage during the tournament. Most people at the same time though, were hoping that Cameron Stewart could maintain his first round form when he shot a brilliant 69 and took the challenge right up to Rhodes. On Saturday Stewart slipped, just a little bit, with a 76. Rhodes had started the day three shots behind and he, more than anyone, knows that round three of a championship is, well, like the third quarter in a football match. A quick 68 soon signalled his intentions giving him a five shot lead going in to the last round. Stewart once again found himself in familiar territory on Sunday but he was determined to put up a good fight. After the two players coming equal third (17 shots behind) both withdrew in the morning it left Rhodes and Stewart to virtually go head to head. Rhodes began his round with a birdie three and then an eagle three which is tough to match. Stewart, to his credit wasn't just watching on as he began birdie, birdie and then lipped out for birdie at the third. In the remaining 15 holes Rhodes was one under par finishing with a 69 while Stewart played steadily for a 73, giving Rhodes a comfortable nine shot victory. In many respects this tournament was no different to the hundred or so tournaments that Rhodes has won in the past but there were a couple of interesting things that happened. In the second round Greg Rhodes did something that we have all done before, he four putted. Two holes later he took three shots to extricate his ball from a greenside bunker on his way to a 41 for nine holes. Surely those two holes gives us all hope! On Sunday his mother and one of his sisters (Beth) came out to watch him play golf. For the very first time. I feel certain that he was delighted to see them there. As for Cameron Stewart, his time will come, particularly if he continues to play such good golf. You know, his score of seven over par for 72 holes would have won the Coomealla Club championship at least 15 times in the last 20 years but that would be of no consolation to him. In the junior title little Tyler Ver-Beek played great golf at the weekend to win by four strokes from Ryan Laird. For the first time in quite a while we have some top quality juniors emerging with Ver Beek, Laird, Chris McGinty, Ryan Haynes, Regan Cavallaro, Jade Hall Kelly and a couple more not far behind them coming through. In B grade Warrick Hamilton finally won, after leading this division after 54 holes in both 2005-06 with no luck. In C grade Aaron Blake won three years after he joined the Sunraysia Social Golf Club where le learned the ropes, so to speak. He is on the way to better golf. Coomealla had their best championship ever averaging 110 player a day over the four days of the championship which speaks for itself. Well done.
Lucky Phil wins in Shanghai
Phil Mickleson won the HSBC Champions tournament in Shanghai in China on Sunday after leading by five shots and then nearly throwing it all away. In the final round he incurred no less than six penalty strokes. With three holes to play Englishman Ross Fisher pulled back seven shots to lead Mickelson by two but a visit to the water finishing in double bogey on 18 looked to have cooked his goose. Mickelson then hit his ball in the water on 18 but the golfing gods smiled on him and he made bogey to go into a playoff against Fisher and Lee Westwood who had come from nine strokes behind. What a shemozzle! All three putted for birdie on the first playoff hole, all missing. Mickelson then sealed the deal with a birdie on the next hole. It is the first tournament win for Mickelson outside the US in 14 years. Last year Yang Yong-eun knocked off Tiger Woods to take the title but this year he was disqualified for signing an incorrect scorecard. Even though his third round score of 70 was correct he had inadvertently signed for a 4 instead of a 5 and then a 3 instead of a 2 on another hole. Hard to believe that this could still happen at that level. Signing for a higher score is ok, except you have to accept the higher score but signing for a lower score means goodbye.
Contact me with your golfing information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 31 Oct 2007 |
Lawn greener at Red Cliffs
Phillip Lawn 72-73-79-73 is the 2007 Red Cliffs Golf Club champion after two amazing rounds of golf at the weekend and perhaps owes the runner up Justin McPhee 76-72-75-76 a debt of gratitude in the process. Lawn led after rounds one and two but fell one shot behind on Saturday night. On the 16th hole he had carved his second shot left into the mulga, after searching for five minutes, he not only abandoned his ball but his whole championship as well, deciding to DNF. Former multiple club champion and current Country Week captain Justin McPhee then convinced Lawn to trudge back to the tee some 250 metres and play the hole again. At day's end, Lawn had forfeited his three shot lead but still lay only one shot behind McPhee. Third placegetter and defending champion Anthony O'Brien 78-72-75-75 was on a roll until this stage of proceedings at two under par for the day but became totally distracted. O'Brien then dropped five shots in the last three holes but was still only two off the lead. There was much discussion in the club house on Saturday night about the happenings on 16 but most were pleased that all parties were still in tact and commended McPhee's for his sportsmanship. He could quite easily have said "whatever" and worried about his own game which would have eliminated his closest rival. But no-one wants to win that way. Most people at the club though, thought that Sunday would be a two horse race between traditional rivals McPhee and O'Brien as Lawn had never been seen in their class. Golfing wise. Indeed, it is probably fair to say that he has never seriously been considered for a spot in our Country Week team, whereas the other two are regarded as two of our district's best five players. So on Sunday, off they go and it was neck and neck right up until the final hole. Lawn was two shots in front after 15 holes but McPhee eagled the 16th and they went to the 17th locked together, with O'Brien one shot back. What a nail biter. The smart money surely must be on the favourites in this situation. But not this time. The underdog kept his nerve and parred the last two holes as his opponents both made bogeys. A 73 under those circumstances is something he and his family can be very proud of. I have known Phillip Lawn for more than half of his life and have watched his progress from when he was a little boy going to golf with his dad Robert, who was club captain at Red Cliffs for several years. He is now a multiple club champion at Red Cliffs and as such deserves to be recognised and awarded due credit for an outstanding performance. Congratulations Phil.
Laird learns the hard way
The 9th annual Rivertowns Classic was played at Loxton, Wentworth and Mildura Golf Club's last week with around 90 players playing at least two of the rounds. The best men's score of the tournament could not be recognised due to a non signing of the third round scorecard. It is always sad to see someone lose out this way but unfortunately it has been happening for over 100 years. Ryan Laird who is only 13 years old recorded rounds of 34-37-39 points but in his excitement forgot to sign his score card at Mildura after a great closing score of 39 stableford points on Sunday. Ryan's mother Sue won the ladies A grade section with rounds of 36-36-41 points and was naturally devastated. Other winners were Marlene Wall in ladies B grade with 38-37-34, Peter Harman 35-39-34 men's A grade, Fred Stewart 39-36-37 men's B grade and Les McGlashan 36-39-35 in men's C grade. Perhaps the biggest scorecard fopar of all time occurred in the 1968 US Masters at Augusta, when Robert DiVinzenzo mistakenly signed for a 4 on the 17th instead of a 3 which then put him into a playoff with Bob Goalby. Goalby who in reality, had hit one shot more in the last round then duly got up and won the playoff leaving DiVinzenzo to lament on what should have been. You know, it is never over until it is over, or in golf's case, until the paperwork is signed,sealed and delivered.
20th Athen's Open
This Sunday it is Mildura Golf Club's turn to host the 20th staging of the Athen's Open. This is an event that attracts Greek golfers to the district, actually, not just Greeks, but friends of Greeks and friends of friends of Greeks. Basically if you can skoll ouzo and stand to attention during the raising of the Greek flag at the opening ceremony, then you are in. The event rotates around the district's golf courses and whilst it began and continues to be more of a social occasion, the golf is serious. The late Peter Manolas was a staunch supporter of the event and won the champion golfer title twice. Since Peter's passing a perpetual trophy is awarded in his honour each year for the best scratch score.
SDGA Moving Forward
The annual Captains and Presidents dinner was held at Mildura Golf Club on Monday night and many of the issues facing local golf were discussed. Naturally water, or the lack of it was an agenda item but there are lots of other hurdles facing our local clubs. One positive item discussed is that Broken Hill have made advances to become a member club of the VGA and subsequently the SDGA. This could be rubber stamped as soon as January. Inclusion in our pennant season could occur as soon as 2008 but if not certainly 2009. The SAGA are digging in trying to persuade Broken Hill to remain a South Australian member club but the SDGA looks a more attractive option for them and us. Next month the SDGA AGM will be held and the new committee will decide whether events such as the District Matchplay will continue. It would be a shame if it didn't but unless it is revamped then it is better to go into recess as the running of it has been nothing short of farcical in recent years. One imitative that I do applaud and endorse is the decision to honour out going SDGA President Brendan O'Brien by awarding the best performed player at Country Week each year with the Brendan O'Brien shield. Ash Whitehouse will be the first recipient for his 2007 performances. O'Brien has been involved in Country Week for 29 years as a player,Captain and selector and fully deserves that continued recognition. Both he and district secretary Ken Cameron have decided to step down next month so a new executive will need to be sourced. Thanks to both men for their contribution to Sunraysia golf, particularly O'Brien who has been president for 10 years.
Contact me with your golf information on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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| 24 Oct 2007 |
Steve Wilmann is the 2007 Riverside Golf Club Champion after rounds of 74-76-74-75-299. Wilmann has been a talented golfer for over ten years and first won the club championship in 1999. It has been a long time between drinks but this win could ignite a renewed desire to become one of the districts top players. Wilmann certainly has the talent but has tended to enjoy his golf and the social side of being at a golf club. Nothing wrong with that, but, anyone who can hit a golf ball as well as he can could achieve consistently better results. I for one hope that this win in the club championship will provide the catalyst for his future golfing endeavours. Dave Woolcock was runner up after rounds of 80-80-72-80-312. Woolcock who plays off a 10 handicap played well below his handicap in each round with an aggregate of 16 shots under his mark. Naturally he won the A grade handicap section quite comfortably. Other winners included John Marlais in B grade 80-75-80-82 and Chris McGinty 80-80-84-75 in the junior section.
Past Red Cliffs Golf Club champion Philip Lawn 72-73 is the half way leader after the first two rounds at the weekend. Lawn has lobbed back at Red Cliffs after stints at Riverside and Coomealla. One over par is outstanding golf at any time but more particularly in a club championship. On Sunday the condition were quite hot and windy which made low scoring very difficult. Lawn, Justin McPhee and Anthony O'Brien all played in the morning which was reflected in their scoring. Even so, conditions were still much tougher than Saturday making McPhee's round of 72 following a 76 all the more impressive. Only O'Brien 78-73 looks capable of tossing Lawn or McPhee who are destined to lock horns on Saturday and Sunday. Baden Stone after a 77 on Saturday looks to have the junior championship to himself, even after Sunday's 85 which he recorded in the afternoon.
Mark Hensby continued the Aussie last round falters in the US PGA Tour's Fry's Electronics Open in Scottsdale Arizona on Sunday. Hensby led into the last round only to lose by one shot to Canadian left hander Mike Weir. Mind you, Hensby is pretty happy with the $540,000 cheque as it lifts him from 151 to 99th on the US money list assuring him of another year on the tour in 2008. If he had of stayed outside the top 125 he would have been delisted. On top of that he had forgotten to enter the Q-School at years end where players get another chance to qualify for the US Tour. Hensby was 15th on the money list in 2005 and played in the Presidents Cup but injuries and poor form had seen his world ranking drop to 345.
Cheating in any sport is something that everyone despises. Of course cheating can occur in many ways. The latest and most obvious way is by taking performance enhancing drugs. Golf is a sport where cheating is rarely mentioned. Golfers can be disqualified for many misdemeanours but the majority of them are unintentional. Forgetting to sign your scorecard or forgetting to record your club handicap on your card are two ways you can be disqualified that are regarded by many as silly rules. Neither though are regarded as cheating. Taking a wrong drop or moving your ball accidentally and not replacing it in it's original position can also attract penalties. Again though, usually all of these mistakes are generally unintentional. Lately I have been disappointed to hear more and more people from a cross section of local golf clubs complaining about people cheating. Not counting correctly. To be called a cheat at golf is the worst slur any golfer can suffer because it is just totally unacceptable. Unfortunately some new golfers don't take the rules as seriously as they should and have trouble adapting to the code of club competition after having played only "social golf" previously. Ok, that is something that usually sorts itself out over time but deliberately cheating is another matter. Sometimes youngsters starting out try to impress their friends and family and get caught up in their and others expectations. In other cases older members have trouble counting due to memory lapses which is perhaps understandable but still not fair on others who count properly. Sometimes you hear of a new golfer who is winning week after week but whose handicap is decreasing and members from that club will unfairly and sometimes jealously suggest that "maybe he can't count". At times it can be true but in most instances it is not and the player is unduly suspected even though he is completely innocent of anything except improvement. The answer then is that if anyone suspects that someone is miscounting then they should inform the club captain who will then arrange for himself or someone from the committee to play with that person. Golf is the absolute last sport where the player himself is usually the first person to call a penalty on himself and not try and get away with an indiscretion, as in almost all other sports. If ever we lose that fundamental principle of honesty, then golf as we know it will never be the same and that would be a terrible shame.
Contact me with your golf information or opinion on fax 50 247243 or Email golf@sunraysiagolftours.com.au
Good golfing to all. |
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