FORTY two players contested this year’s Men’s Foursomes, up on previous years and played over 27 holes on Saturday only. This concept instigated by club captain Nev Blanch appears to be a winner. It was certainly a winner for him as he and partner Rod Desborough emerged the club and A-grade champions after a score of 126 for the 27 holes. They won A-grade by six shots from runners-up Murray McCartney and Neil Evenden. B-grade was won by the pairing of Paul Boyd and Pete Hinton, with Geoff Swaffield and Brian Roberts runners-up.   A-grade nett was won by Damien Moore and James Urquhart just a quarter of a shot in front of runners-up Syd Gilfillan and John Hynes. B-grade nett winners were Adrian Yeo and John Aldous with Garry Croucher and partner Alex Kees runners-up. Congrats to all winners and bad luck to the others.

The foursomes format is certainly an interesting concept and it certainly also affected the nearest to the pins competition. Would you believe the Wingham Plaza Butchers 1st/10th was won with a shot almost 12 metres from the pin. However the prize is still the same, so congratulations to James Urquhart on his win. Others winners included John Hynes on the Caddies Restaurant 3rd/12th, Steve “Harmy” Allwood” the All About Conveyancing 4th/13th, Craig Harrison the Bayview Seafoods 7th/16th and Syd Gilfillan hit one in close to win the 9th/18th Bent on Food hole. In the ball competition only four other pairs won with last year’s foursomes B-grade winners Dave Elliott and Earle Braham getting the last one.

All in all the day was a successful one and congratulations must go to Neville Blanch for his organisation and foresight in staging the event.

A GOOD field of 52 players competed in a two person ambrose for the Robert Allan trophy last Wednesday, resulting in some very close scores to determine the winners. That combination was Ron Wilson and Bill Sullivan on a countback from an unlucky Ted Bowen and Phil Anderson who appeared to be the winners until the last few groups struggled home. Third spot went to Neville Bell and Graham Troth, with Neville definitely the best and fairest in that group, considering at least six tee shots/player had to be used. Speaking of tee shots, the NTP winners included Nev Bell of course, on the long 7th/16th (most players used woods) and Gordon McClusky on the 3rd/12th hole.

ANOTHER good field of 32 players enjoyed beautiful conditions last Thursday in the final round for the month of August LJ Hooker umbrella. Scoring was excellent with at least 22 points needed to win a prize and even one of them missed out. There were three scores of 23 points, with the winner on a countback, the handicapper of course, yours truly, from Dave Andrews and Graham Troth. Fourth spot then went to Pete Hinton, his 22 points beating Tom Hadwell also on a countback. Damien Moore was the unlucky one, his 22 points missing out on a prize. The nearest to the pins were won by Rod brown on the very short third hole and Rod Walch on the long seventh hole.

The monthly LJ Hooker umbrellas are becoming a very prestigious prize to win and this month’s winner is the very consistent and popular club captain, Neville Blanch. Nev totalled 77 points for the four August Thursdays, beating Ian Herd (73) and Dave Elliott (72).

WITH the fine weather and plenty of run on the course, the lady golfers in the club are certainly enjoying their golf of late. One of those is Pat Whiteley, the winner of this week’s Friday single Stableford. Pat won from an improving Marcia Fowler, Jill Hampton, Janice Surtees, Jan Baker and Ruth Woodward. Belinda Tonkin won the nearest to the pin with a good shot.

THIS Saturday members and visitors play an Irish Fourball for the Foy Family trophy. This popular  event is open to all golfers. The following week, September 12 is the Taree Toyota Monthly Mug/MRD Electrical Medals/ Kangaroofing long drives event. Good luck and good golfing.