Hopes were high and the clouds were out, but the sun was soon shining through. Golf was also played. There was speculation about some low scores and with the Championship coming to a close in the near future, all eyes were on the leaders. Will noodles choke? Will Simon win the seniors so he can finally stop talking about it?
It turns out that the scoring was not that crash hot, and playing to ones handicap ended up being enough for the top spot. There were equal winners on 68 points, SOS, Chrispy and JQ. With a count-back being required to decide the medalist, it was JQ who had his nose in front to win the medal. It was smooth sailing for SOS, as he reported that on the 16th he was showing Brendon how to play an approach shot, and Shankyouverymuch his one and only shank for the day was the result. He was also fortunate on the 18th as he was chipping from beside the green, he bladed it and sent it flying towards Brendon who was admiring the result of his tee shot. The ball struck Brendon and ended up stopping on the green.
With Johns win it places him only 2 points behind Noods in the championship, who ended the day in second place, tied with Brendon. Noods was playing solid and consistent early on, but the scoring started to dry up on the back 9 and Noods was relaying his frustrations to his playing partners from then on. Nonetheless 5 points maintains his lead in the champs. Brendon had an up and down day, but was blitzing the par 3’s. On the 12th he hit it reasonably close to take out the ball prize and on the 18th as mentioned earlier, hit his tee shot to 3.56m with the flag at the back tier.
Scubba Steve, Joe and Bob were not that far off the mark and tied in 3rd place on nett 70. Bob’s place also won him 1st place in the seniors for the day. There were a few differences in the placings from those broadcast after the round, as a few players were working off incorrect handicaps, or could not work out the intricacies of gross minus handicap = nett score. Ryan played pretty average all day, but persevered and placed in 4th place on his own with a nett 73. He was in all sorts on the 10th after finding the trees and chipping over the green, with his ball hard up against a large gum with no possibility of a backswing. As peps walked past he suggested that he hit it into the tree… taking note of his advice, Ryan played the trick shot and hit it in the opposite direction of the hole, with the ball popping off the tree and running past the hole. He proceeded to sink his put from about 10m after it took a right angle jump off some gumnuts for a solid 6!
After a reshuffle of the final placings, in 5th place we had a few fossils in Trevor, Simon and Dennis who tied for 5th with a nett 74. All three tied for 2nd in the seniors, with Gordon placing 3rd for the day. This leaves Simon with an 8 point lead over Gordon in the seniors championship. Theoretically Gordon is still a chance to win with 3x wins in the remaining 3 rounds, as long as Simon does not place at all. The trophy is almost in Simon’s grasp, who claims this would potentially be his first ever championship trophy.
Speaking of placings, the main championship is very close and realistically Noods (78), JQ (76), Simon (71), or Gordon (65) can win it. Simon also claimed the 15th pro pin with a spectacular shot with the heavenswood (7 wood??) who put it to 40cm. Refer to photo for evidence. East Birdie was the result
There were no reports of drafties, however Ryan came very close on the second, thinning his drive with a worm burner that went through the water and ladies tee, but still somehow managed to go about 120m down the fairway. Blighty did manage to hit one at right angles with his approach on the 8th, almost cleaning up Dennis in the process. Gordon was travelling ok until the 14th, where he pulled his drive and hit it out of bounds to the left. Noods and Ryan also followed suit, but Ryans managed to do a Priemsy and deflect off the tree onto the fairway. Gordons second shot off the tee leaked right, and once he got to the fairway the ball was gone. He had to jog back to the tee, with his 5th off the tee almost striking his bag in the tree line. All things considered, walking away with an 8 was not too bad.
The eagles nest was again raided by Damo, who sunk a bunker shot on the par 5 6th. Only 4 balls were in the nest so not too much damage, although it took some convincing for SOS to give up 4 shiny new ones. Damian also celebrates his Birthday this week, who is also joined by Mal Fleming and Craig Cameron. Happy birthday guys.
Reminder that subs are not payable for next year and it would be good if they can be paid before the end of year. See SOS for any enquiries. Also Gordon is requesting deposits for the trip away next year of $50 for those who are intending of going.
Results for Saturday, 03 November 2018
1st Chris Priems(68) 1st John Quinlan(68) 1st Stephen O’Sullivan(68) 2nd Stephen Butterfield(70) 2nd Brendon Mitchell(70) 3rd Stephen Kelly(72) 3rd Bob McDonald(72) 3rd Joe Wagenecht(72) 4th Ryan Porker(73) 5th Trevor Jackson(74) 5th Simon Powell(74) 5th Dennis Ward(74)
Seniors Results: 1st Bob McDonald (72) 2nd Dennis Ward (74) 2nd Simon Powell (74) 2nd Trevor Jackson (74) 3rd Gordon Hill (75)
Nearest the Pin Results: ProPin No 1 15th Simon Powell ProPin No 2 18th Brendon Mitchell BallPin 12th Brendon Mitchell
Eagle’s nest Results: Eagle 6th Damien Lee