Balaklava Men
Confusion over the likely maximum temperature last Saturday probably led to a few missed golfing opportunities, but not for the 25 hardy souls who played a Par competition, hitting off at varying times of the day.
The A Grade field, which included the national quince champion Emu Ackland, was dominated by young Tate Michael who boosted his E.B.P. rating considerably with a very healthy, winning return of +3. Demon cheese arranger Merv. Hameister cruised in all square while Bill Berry, he who famously invented the word “xknugg”, nipped into third place with -1.
Behind them, in staggered file, appeared M. Smith (-2), I. Michael (-3), M. Day (-3), G. Ackland (-4) and wearing an appropriate paper bag over his head, M. Loy (-8).
Housing Hinspector for Hire DHigby HAddison (+4) wrestled the B Grade crown from that agricultural legend Scott Michael on a count back. Standing off from this uncultured melee was a trim, tailored, tactful Rob Veitch, happy to stand under his hat and accept thunderous applause for his 3rd. place winning score of +2.
It was left to J. Michael (square), G. Toms (-2), D. Trickett (-4) and particularly G. Sonntag (-9 !*?#) to make up the numbers.
For the C Graders, it was a case of deja vu all over again as tyro Corey Temby stole the limelight, scoring +8 and pouring a bucket-load of disappointment over both jumpin’ James Napper (+6) and junior juggernaut Jordan Wilson (+5).
The rest of the pack was led in by the elegant T. Matz (+3), J. Taylor (square), M. Hahesy (square), C. Hahesy (-4), M. Bell (-5) and D. Robinson (-6).
Jake Michael, our sole Junior player, continued to show solid improvement, returning square with the card.
Although this proved to be a Birdie-free zone, nonetheless Rob Veitch helped himself to a Nearest the Pin on the 3rd., Military Merv. Hameister on both the 8th. and 15th., Tate Michael the 10th. and the mighty Muzz, Murray Smith the 17th.
If you’ve been troubled by a strange, persistent pattering noise recently, relax. It’s not early-onset tinnitus, but the sound of our shiny new GolfLink cards landing in letter boxes throughout the burrough.
Healthy Thursday twilight chook-golf numbers continue to please the relevant committee members and all of us should be more than encouraged by predicted perfect conditions for this Saturday - we could all try hitting off from around 11.30am?
Balaklava Mid Week
Results: Wednesday January 27.
John Michael 48, Merv Hameister 45, Doug Taylor, Mike Hahgsy 43, Dene Newton 40, Bill Berry 38, Don Anderson 37, Martyn Bell 37, Chris Hahgsy 36, gerry Toms 32.
Birdies: Merv Mameister no. 1,2,3. John Michael No. 7.
Hamley Bridge
Twenty-nine players competed in Thursday’s stableford event with near perfect conditions.
Noel Stringer who hasn’t been mentioned in despatch for some time “returned from the wilderness” winning the day with 42 points closely followed by Len Usher with 41 from Ed Manning, Dave Russell 40, Roen Cameron 39 Wally Jackson and Ian Rohde 38 (c/b), all of the above being ball winners.
Other scores: Brian Cooper, Ron Smith 38, Anton Noack 37, Bob Ahola, George Dahlitz, Wim Van Pelt, 36 Barry Schwartz, Adam Mitchell, Ian Ferguson, Ross Hienze 35 Rex Mortimer, Colin Doudle 34, Max Grasby, Dennis Nation 33, Craig Doudle 32, Tony Jones 31, Cliff Applebee, Kieth Kluske, Warren Isgar 30, and Bob Spriggs 27.
More birdies were made than usual, Barry Schwartz 7th, Anton Noack 9th, Adam Mitchell 5th and 9th, Dave Russell 6th and 9th, Ron Smith 9th, Kieth Kluske 12th, Len Usher 9th and Ian Ferguson 4th. Nearest to pin was won by Len Usher.
Saturdays stroke competition was won by Kieth Kluske with a nett 67 who finished just in front of the rapidly improving Rowland Pawlak on 68 from Barry Schwartz who must be wondering what could have been after nailing three birdies and finishing with a 69. Other scores Wim Van Pelt, Doug Cooper, Neville Durdin 70 Ian Telfer, Roen Cameron 71 Anton Noack 72 Ron Smith 73 Len Usher, Ross Hienze 74 John Mitchell 76 Barry Zerner 80 and Wally Jackson 81.
Anton Noack “had a good day with the blade” winning the putting competition with only 21 putts from John Mitchell and Doug Cooper with 23. Birdies were made by Neville Durdin (17th) and Barry Schwartz 9th 14th and 17th who also won the pros approach on the 9th.
