It never ceases to amaze me the veracity that my fellow golfers display when it comes to playing their sport whatever the weather. On a very cold and cloudy day reminiscent of a summer’s day in England, 27 of our hardy members turned up to do battle with the Flagstaff Hill Golf course. The first tee was booked at 7.36 and the Mulder’s, Bob and Leon and your intrepid author led off the field. I would like to report that local knowledge and skill gave this team an edge but that was not the order of the day, others more worthy took those honours. But we did get round in 3½hours a credit more to our speed of golf than an ability to shoot a low score.

But before I name the names it was good to see a few more of our members taking up the opportunity to take part in these monthly gatherings: Banjo Paterson, Augustin Paul, Cameron Galloway, Warwick Pope and Tony Meadows to name but a few. A couple of no shows Neil Hunter and James Czornhalan. Now James’s wife is about to give birth so what is your excuse Neil, it can’t have been too hot for a young Scot now could it? At least Dave Brooker didn’t put in an entry form, he knew his Saturday night out did not have waking up at 6am on Sunday morning printed on the dance card!!

So on with the golf, and congratulations this month go to Mark Duerden, I have never seen so many 4 pointers and scrubs on one card, but it doesn’t matter how you score only that it adds up to more than anyone else and in Mark’s case 38 points was enough to win the day. Commiserations go to the runners up, our illustrious Club Captain, Jeff Snedden on 37 points and Rick Karolewicz on 36. For those regular readers of this monthly update you will note that these three have been regular winners and already I can see the club championship slipping in their direction. Catherine Robinson was once again the winner of the Ladies competition and she is playing some great golf, well done Catherine.

So fellow members if you have any aspirations of winning this prestigious award you have a few events left to make your mark. It should also be noted that Jeff was nearest the pin on both of the chosen par 3’s but in accordance with the new rule (Jeff and I made it up yesterday) he could only take out one, so congratulations also go to Bob Mulder for his 1.8m shot of the 13th. It was therefore something of a shame that he three putted!!(or was that the next hole Bob?)

Our thanks go to the Flagstaff Hill staff for a beautifully prepared course and to the bar and kitchen staff for the excellent service post golf.

Our next monthly meeting is at Murray Bridge on 17th July and I look forward to catching up with as many of you who can make the journey. Oh yes the low score of the day, congratulations to Allan Dix who was well out of the frame this month but the winner this month whose name starts with Len and ends with Dewsnap 16 points was by far the best of the day!!

Once again we were blessed with excellent condition with which the 26 intrepid players could take on and challenge the Championship course at Lady Bay It was also good to see some old friends, namely John and Helen Humphreys who although unable to play had made to effort to come and see us off. John has just had a shoulder reconstruction. Pay more attention next time Helen is speaking to you John!! We also welcomed a soon to be member in Scott Healey and Leon Mulder was playing his first competition as a member and a welcome return to Bob Watson.

The course was in excellent condition the weather benign and some high scores were expected. So congratulations to Bob Mulder and Len Dewsnap who must have made excellent use of the course and had more shots than anyone else. I know it’s a tough game and we should be sympathetic, but the author only hopes this does not deter them from making further appearances during the season.

In all competitions of this type there are always tales of what might have been and Allan Dix was first and foremost in that category. If Mark Duerden hadn’t turned up and scored 38 points Allan’s 38 points would not have had to face the Club Captains scrutiny and alas he lost on a count-back. But congratulations to both of them as any score better than par was an excellent effort. Once again our Captain, Jeff Snedden was in the winners circle with a well constructed 37 points. The ladies winner was Catherine Robinson with 37 points and Dylis Hinde was runner up with 34 points, well done to both of you.

It would be remiss of me not to mention two of the day’s best shots and congratulations to Darryl Letts for his nearest the pin on the 6th hole at 3m and to Ian Woodstock for a wonderful shot on the 8th at 1.801m (yes I do carry a tape measure Jeff).

This was our second year at Lady Bay and we were able to use the superb new facilities and all agreed it was an outstanding venue. A number of the players had taken the opportunity to bring there families along and stay at the onsite accommodation. It was great to see them at the after match celebrations and lunch. It was suggested that perhaps next year more members might like to advantage of this facility and enjoy each other company for a meal on the Saturday night. The venue has been booked again for next year on the 19th March, so put it down in your diaries and the committee will look at trying to organise an evening.

Finally commiserations to James Newport, who came back to the field with 30 points this time, there’s is always Victor Harbor on the 10th April James.

On a beautiful sunny Sunday morning 31 golfers lined up to test their skills against the Fleurieu Country Club Course. This was an exceptional turn out and all players are to be congratulated for their attendance. They say winners are grinners but young James Newport must still be smiling after pummeling this well turned out course to the tune of 47 points. In the clubhouse after I heard his marker telling anyone who would listen that he had never had to take both shoes and socks off before to count someone’s score on just 9 holes!!

Other starring roles on the day were Jeff Snedden, James Prater and James Lunnay, all had 36 points which is a very creditable score for the day. It was down to our Club Captain, Jeff, to decide the minor placing’s and they came in as shown above, well done Jeff!!

Leading the way for the women was Carol Brooker who took the Lady’s prize with 36 points. I’m not sure who was the most surprised when our President gave her a kiss when he presented the cheque, her or the first second and third men who he didn’t kiss.

There were many stories of shots well played, but only two were recognised. Ron Hinde who took out nearest the pin on the 5th hole with his tee shot 1 meter from the hole and Bob Mulder on the 9th at 2.5meters. I promised Bob I wouldn’t tell anyone that he three putted, so my lips are sealed. Well done Ron and Bob, there were no prizes for the next shot so who cares if you got the birdie or not!!

David thanked the Fleurieu golf club for the use of their facilities and for the excellent after match food. He was also very complimentary to all of the members who had played and particularly pleased to see some of the wives who had made the effort to come along for the lunch.

To those who didn’t walk away with a prize there is always next time and with Lady Bay on the 13th March, that opportunity is not far away.

Author note: Have you noticed that you had to have a name beginning with the letter J to get into the winners circle this month, is this a conspiracy or what!!