WELCOME all to the weekly golf roundup and what a mixture of weather conditions we have experienced. With the staging of the 129th Wingham Show set down for the weekend, everyone of course was expecting rain. However the 'show' gods stepped in and some beautiful sunshine was the result. Congrats to the 'show people', I trust you had a successful weekend.
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ONTO the golf and a relatively small field (the rest were obviously at the show), played a stroke round for the Billinghams Menswear trophy. It must have been very heavy going as, not one player finished under par with their net score. One did, but was later disqualified for an incorrect handicap on his card. As a result net 73 was the best score on the day, that going to A grader Geoff Blanch. Geoff picks up a fairly substantial Billinghams Menswear voucher for his troubles. Other players to figure 'in the money' included Richard Dudgeon (A grade net with 76 on a countback), Dennis Mckeough (B grade with net 73) and Lauri Dege (C grade net with 74). Runners-up in each grade were Dave Andrews (A grade net 76), Dennis Remedio (B grade net 74) and peter Griffin (C grade net 75). The course was definitely the winner with balls going out to net 78, definitely the highest for a long time. Tony Toms won the last ball.
In the nearest to the pins competition Geoff Blanch hit one to just over a metre to win the 7th/16th Bayview Seafoods voucher, and in doing so also won the Caddy's Restaurant "shot of the day." All in all it ended up a great day for Geoff. Others to win NTP's were John Aldous on the 3rd/12th, Nev Blanch the All About Conveyancing 4th/13th and Paul Knapp on the 9yh/18th Bent on Food hole. No-one won the Wingham Plaza Butchers 1st/10th hole.
THE prospect of rain "dampened" the field somewhat last Wednesday, but that did not stop 45 other veterans from 'enjoying' an Irish Fourball. With the prize on offer a substantial voucher at "Harrigan's" irish pub on offer for each winner, play was very spirited and some good golf was often noted. Winners were former North Sydney "bear" Barry Casey, Alwyn Elith, Danny Mills and Jim Bradshaw (Jim always seems to win team events). Runners-up were Nev Bell, Graham Troth, Robert Allan and Ian Davies, just two points behind the winners. Third, beaten on a countback on 121 points, was the team of Peter Christie, Nev Hall, Paul Dawson and Bill Millward. Geoff Swaffield won the NTP on the 3rd/12th and no-one claimed the 7th/16th.
AGAIN, with the threat of 'foul' weather on the horizon, a reduced field of 46 players competed in the second last ambrose. Scoring however was excellent with some great results returned. Similar to last week, less than one shot separated the first five teams, a couple missing out despite some great scratch scores of five under par. Obviously though, they were not on good terms with the handicapper. Winners on the day were "Operators" (Robbie Hynes), "Bakers four" (Harry Cooper) second and "Chequered Bobcat" (Greg Wilmen) third. Richard Clark won the NTP with a good shot, dave Elliott won the port (and shared most of it) and Clare Cattell won the cooked chook.
A SMALL field of just 18 players ventured out Thursday and "I never win" Garry Stackman won the day with 23 points. Garry won by two shots from playing partner Glen Porter with playing partner Dave Elliott third on 20 points in a three way countback. Playing partner Graham Troth won the NTP on the third as did playing partner Rex White on the seventh. This would have to be the first time all the prizes were won by players all in the same playing group. I wonder which regular playing partner was absent Thursday.
THIS Saturday's event is the April Taree Motorama Monthly Mug/MRD Electrical Medal/Kangaroofing Long Drive stroke event. Daryl and Ben Heywood are also putting on a trophy for the day. Hope to see you there. A reminder that the Wingham Open is set down for Sunday the April 13, a week this Sunday. Good luck and good golfing.