We moved away from our regular monthly format and played a Team Stableford competition this time around. The teams were selected on handicap and this had the added bonus of players getting acquainted with other members of SAOGA who they wouldn’t normally play in a foursome. This idea came from Chris Skewes and although I don’t normally single a committee man out for praise as they all work tirelessly behind the scenes on your behalf, Chris really put out organising the venue, food, raffle and prizes, so many thanks Chris.

The weather had been very overcast for the last few days but a break in the clouds enabled us to enjoy this new venue in bright sunlight, well that was until the closing holes when the sky’s let loose but hey that’s why we lugged round umbrella’s for 16 holes.

24 players turned up and it was great to see a few old faces, Chris and Sue Watson and Chris Porter for this our first visit to the Patawalonga. A later start than normal and it seems to have had a very positive effect on the scores or maybe it was the team format that brought out some of the best golf we have recorded this year. The best score of the day went to Kevin Brenton who broke the course open with a 38, a great score in the conditions but he was chased all the way by Terry Greaney who also had 38 but was pipped on a count back. Barbara Beesley came in with 37 points to take the ladies prize. But to show how competitive a day it was 18 players had 30 points or better which was a fantastic day for golf.

Cyril Arnold using a bit of local knowledge claimed the NTP on the 5th at 2.5 m and made birdie and congratulations to Martin Joyce for his winning shot on the tricky 16th. I say tricky because although there were a high percentage of pars scored on this hole, Martin was the only one who must have landed on the green cause no one else marked down their distances. Go Martin!!

But the day belonged to Team Skewes, Duerden, Carol Brooker and Woodstock who walked away with the coveted title of SAOGA Stableford team of the year 2005. It was a magnificent effort from this team, I know, I did the scoring!! Runner up went to Team Hudson, Brenton, Prater and Keane, tough luck guys, only one point on the 7th really hurt didn’t it?

Our thanks also go to the Westward Ho golf club who allowed us to use their club rooms. The feedback I received after the game was very positive both for the format of the day and the venue, so it looks like we will be adding the Pat to our list for next year.