What a champion day. The sky was blue, the birds were singing (or at least squarking) and the whole world was happy – except for the handicapper who can’t pay out on those who just happened to pick today to really put it together. But then, it just goes to show how highly thought of this particular event is to the Club members, and that means everybody, not just those who knew Stuart and the great work that he did for the Club. Rodger normally wouldn’t miss it for quids but other family concerns have been occupying him of late but he surely gave us all a thought on the day.
Not sure whether Brendon has been lying low or whether the lessons he took from his Dad (Dave) actually paid off but a Monthly Medal to get him into the field at the death knock (December) and now the ultimate prize with a nett 62 has certainly been a good result for the lad from across the ditch. As well as his two trophies Brendon also collected a 10 year service badge and a memento of his Hole-in-One earlier in the year. And, it seems that he almost repeated the effort today with the ball just sneaking past the hole on the 4th to pick himself up another ball for the collection. The ProPin was on the 15th and the man to collect the filthy lucre up for grabs was that crook grabster, SOS.
Other members presented (in absentia) with 10 year service medals were Noodles and Damo who either had to tear off to, or couldn’t tear themselves away from, commitments to that other ball sport that occupies centre stage during the summer months.
A very honourable Runner-up in the person of Pepsi who put together a one over par round to finish with a nett 64. And it seems that Pepsi was not entirely happy with the way it went at times and was heard complaining about bad bounces and missed putts. But it does seem that he is adjusting pretty quickly to the change in latitude as he spends more time in Melbourne. As well as his trophy, Pepsi was also presented with Life Membership of the Club in recognition of the long and dedicated service over the years. In accepting the Award, Pepsi recalled having arrived at the Club as a mere youth under the care of the likes of Chrispy’s dad and Neil Argall. Neil was able to be with us for the Christmas lunch and was welcomed by all and sundry.
Other who were not too far off the pace were Eddie, Oliver and ChrisV who have all been fairly prominent in events throughout the year. None more so that Eddie who collected both the Open and the Seniors Championship Trophies.
For those that did not grace the top podium in any of the Medals and Majors during the year, there was the event affectionately known as the Chump of Chumps. No shiny silver-ware or glitzy medals to be won, just the smell of some competition to keep the day interesting. So, who was able to wrest the title of the Best of the Rest – none other that Tarcissius himself. For those not in the know, he usually calls himself Targe. Close behind was Mal who has been putting a few good rounds together of late and showing that age is no barrier to playing the game. Michael came in next and this was despite some very obvious discomfort when trying to take a full swing. But he just casually posted a par equalling score for the front nine and only slipped slightly on the back to finish 2 over for the round whilst still being somewhat upset with how badly he was playing.
The Christmas lunch was replete with any amount of roast turkey, ham and beef along with spuds and corn and a range of salads. For a while there the only sound was the clash of cutlery and the gnashing of teeth punctuated by the occasional round of raucous laughter. All of this washed down and lubricated by a steady flow of pale ale and just the occasional glass of red wine. One or two abstemious types did restrict themselves to a glass of water or two. When everyone was suitably sated, our esteemed President, Gordon, got on with the serious business of presenting the trophies contested over the last year of competition. The list of winners is too long to list here but the full list can be found on the Hall of Fame page. A collection of photos will also be posted.
In other news from the fairways, Chrispy seemed to be quite proud of the fact that he had taken an ‘airie’ in a round that was generally less than stellar but not as bad as some. Paul also owned up to similar outcomes but when he does make contact with the ball he fairly makes it fly though the direction can leave a little to be desired. Harry was not too far off the line of one shot from the tee on the 14th as he made his way up the 16th. The Beast almost had a draughtie on the 1st which was not a good start for a bloke who left his swing at St Andrews and still hasn’t managed to get it back. Maybe the Scots have bottled it – or maybe Bill has.
SOS was complaining that the group in front hadn’t let him know that his drive on the 14th had strayed outside the posts and saved him the walk back to the tee. It turns out they did actually signal but SOS was so cranky with the straying shot that he didn’t notice and actually brought it on himself. Another one who got cranky with himself was Snags who DQ’d himself from our event on the 2nd hole after walking past his ball. It’s not clear whether he was just too lazy to go back but reports have it that he can’t have been going too bad as he racked up 21 points on the front nine for the inside comp. CraigC achieved a similar result by forgetting that we were playing stroke and picked up his ball when the Stableford points ran out.
When it was obvious that they were out of contention in all events, one group tried to make things a bit more interesting by playing the last two holes with nominated clubs. On the 17th it was the wedge and, lo and behold, Chrispy managed to par the darned thing. Guess what he might take in the 3-Club event next year. On the 18th it was driver and this proved to be only marginally more difficult with Mehm winning the hole with a bogie.
There were a few unfamiliar familiar faces around as well. David Howard turned up out of the Blue(s) and rumour has it that he might be planning a comeback if he can fit it around his work and studies. John Quinlan is back from his sojourn in the Old Dart and is planning to grace the fairways with his presence once more. Another face familiar to some of the longer term members, and planning a come-back is Gerry Barber. And of course not forgetting Allan who is doing his best to get himself a good handicap when he puts in his third card.
In other member news, Trevor has not been well and is spending some time in Hospital having tests to try to determine exactly the cause of the problem. It was certainly causing him serious problems with his balance last week as he struggled gamely to finish the round. We all wish him the best and a speedy recovery to get back on the greens at Royal Ivanhoe.
Next week is another social round so you can come out and turn in the good scores with impunity. You will be credited with a club attendance which could prove to be useful for qualification for the January Monthly Medal the following week. Numbers might be limited though so if you are intending to be there, registering through the website as soon as possible would be in order so that we can book extra spots if required.
Nominations for the Committee are open.
The Committee consists of�
(a) a President; and
(b) a Vice-President; and
(c) a Secretary; and
(d) a Treasurer; and
(e) up to four ordinary members (if any) elected under rule 53 which provides the following:
(1) At the annual general meeting, separate elections must be held for each of the following positions�
- President;
- Secretary;
- Social Secretary;
- Rules Official;
- Handicapper
(2) If only one member is nominated for the position, the Chairperson of the meeting must declare the member elected to the position.
(3) If more than one member is nominated, a ballot must be held in accordance with rule 54.
The Club Captain is also a member of Committee and nominations are welcome.
We would also like to receive nominations for non-committee positions of Tee Marshall(s) and Assistant Handicapper. These can be filled by official Committee members if required.
Please don’t be afraid to campaign or canvass for any of these positions no matter what your length of membership. New blood might be exactly what is required to take the Club on the bigger and better things.
Results for Saturday, 20 December 2014
Champion of Champions Brendon Mitchell (62) Runner-up Andrew Petricola (64) Second Runners-up Oliver Gross, Eddie Kloprogge, Chris Vinecombe (66)
Chump of Chumps Targe Mifsud (66) Runner-up Mal Fleming (68) Second Runner-up Michael Gourlay (70)