Symons on a hat-trick
Local champ chases yet another district title
LOCAL champion Steve Symons is hoping his flat stick catches fire as he chases a three-peat of district championship wins next month.
Symons is one of the most successful golfers in the men’s championship’s history, claiming the title eight times.
The 47-year-old said he was hopeful of claiming a ninth, putting him one short of Torquay legend Joe Briody who won 10 between 1954 and 1966.
“It’s exciting to have a chance at three in a row,” Symons said. “And, you know, I was happy to win it once. So to win it eight times (over my career) seems out of this world.
“At my age, there’s not going to be a lot more wins. So it would be great to keep it going.
“There’s a lot of young guys coming through and I’m trying to keep them at arm’s length.”
Symons is in good form, making the final of Thirteenth Beach’s club championships.
“My game has been really consistent lately. It’s a matter of warming the putter up a little bit and the scores will come down,” Symons said.
Symons credits experience for his longevity at the top of Geelong’s golfing ranks.
And he will need it this year with a cracking field featuring Curlewis club champion Todd Morgan, Thirteenth Beach’s Troy Tainton and Stewart Drayton, East Geelong’s Nik Taylor and Jeff Crabbe and current Queenscliff club champion Michael McSween all down to play.
The first round will be played at Queenscliff on March 3 with the second round at Clifton Springs on March 4.
Symons said both courses suited his game.
“I have the experience playing all the courses for 30-odd years,” he said.
“I’ve played them so much that they’re second nature and I know where to hit it and know where to go.
“I enjoy playing both courses. Queenscliff suits my eye pretty well and Clifton Springs, I’ve had some success there over the years.
“I haven’t played much golf at them lately, but I can’t imagine they would have changed much.”
Entries can be submitted online through the men’s competition at swga.com.au/competition/mens-club