Putt's n Pars from Grafton Golf Club - 19th June 2023

Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club

Weekend Golf.

In brilliant golfing conditions last Saturday, 124 players contested Greensill Bros 18 hole 4 ball aggregate Stableford with the winning combination of Steve Houlahan (10) and Rod Masen (22) taking advantage of these conditions to record an outstanding score of 78 points. On an individual basis, Steve recorded 38 points with Rod backing him up with 40. Just three points in arrears to the leaders were Graham Tracey (10) and Brett Paxton (17) with 75 for which they were recognised as the 1st Runner-up team. The pairing of Bill Dudgeon (18) and Clive Taylor (14) were next in line for a trophy putting together a score of 73 to claim the 2nd runner-up position. No doubt the shot of the day belongs to Ron Phillips (17) who recorded a hole-in=one on the Reece Plumbing sponsored 6th hole, which would have made his day. The remaining nearest the pin trophies went to Shane Essex (12) on the 1st for which he received the Pro pin award for that effort. On the Hanks Kitchen 10th Matt Katon (12) tee shot finished just 86cm from the cup. Rohan Hackett (1) was another who put his tee shot close, picking up the prize on the 17th his tee shot 95cm away. To be awarded a pro ball on the day your team needed a score of 66 points or better.

This coming Saturday will be a single Stableford which is the annual Legacy Day sponsored by Bob Pike, a competition component of the Bob Pike week of golf, for various competitions for both men and women golfers, Bob is a long-time member of Grafton Golf Club and a great supporter of Grafton golf in particular. Should you run across Bob anytime soon it would be a good idea to thank him personally for that support.

Weekday Golf.

It was impossible to wipe the smile off John Dougherty’s face following last Tuesday’s members/veterans competition with John picking up the win in both competitions. Playing off a then handicap of 28 John recorded a personal best score for some time, accumulating 42 points over the 18 holes. The only blemish on John’s card was a wipe on the par 5 11th, however still managed 23 on the back 9 to back up his 19 around the front. Runner-up in both competitions was Gary Bondfield (19) with 41 and he was followed by Steve Houlahan (11) with 40. There were 76 players in the Veteran’s field and to earn a pro ball you required a score of 31 on a countback. In the members division there were 94 starters and to get a pro ball in that competition you needed a score of 32 or better.

Organisers of the Thursday Tallowood Challenge had a busy time with the red pen with no less than five players disqualified from the event. Their crime, not signing their score cards, a severe penalty for a simple lack of attention to detail. Unfortunately these things some time happen. At the completion of play, it was Col Handley (19) who took out the major prize, smashing all those in the 52 man field with an amazing score of 66 nett, five shots clear of his nearest rival, Patrick Dougherty (12) with 71. Also with 71 was Billy Darby (11) which earned him the 2nd runner-up prize. Pro balls went down to those on 78 nett.

Coming Events.

Just a few weeks now before the 36 hole Herron Cup, scheduled for Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th July. Entry fees for the competition will be $55 for both days or $30 for just a single day. The two day entry fee must be paid prior to teeing off on the first day. Prior to the Herron Cup the Herron Stakes day will be held on Tuesday 11th July. On that day there will be no designated Veterans competition.

Ray Hopwood.