GOLFWEEKLY
Not quite absolute zero, though most of the 26 players arriving to be drawn in two three-balls and five four-balls may have thought the temperature may have provided an additional challenge to scoring in the face of a fresh north westerly wind.
Not faced with any of the supposed challenges Jimmy van Rensburg, Pete Andrews, Nick Oosthuizen and Heinz Czepluch posted a superlative 90 points to take first place. Mark Warren, Keith Buttemer, Dave Curran and Donald McGarvie secured second on 83 points.
A three-ball of documented talent faltered as Neil Loundar, Arnie Schultz and Ricky Barresi came home with 76 (71+5) points to own the Hamer & Sukkel at prizegiving. Len Bohnen with his birdie on the par three sixth, and the only one on the par threes, captured the multiple carry over two-club pool for his covey. Head-and-shoulders above competing players was Jimmy van Rensburg with an individual 69 nett to round off proceedings.
Friday September 15 2023
The threat of a strong northwesterly wind offset by warm temperatures saw 37 players arrive early morning and be drawn in three three-balls and seven fourballs to contest an alliance stableford two-scores-to-count competition with the standard bonus point for a “sandy”, a par from a bunker.
The greens had speeded up considerably following recent spring treatment and with the strong wind many found their short game challenged.
The three-ball consisting of Pete Andrew, Mike Stadler and Keith Rugg took all in their stride to post 86 (81+5) points to take first place. On their heels in second were John Crandon, Henry Ellis, Michael Collins and Brian Shirley on 85 points.
The three-ball comprising Mike Beaumont, Matt Chadwick and Brian Reid struggled to overcome the testing wind as they finished with 69 (64+5) points and lay claim to sole ownership of the Hamer & Sukkel at prize-giving. No birdies on the par threes were recorded and the two-club pool carried over.
Jenny Ralph with a fine individual 70 nett was player of the day while Ross Grainger shot a solid individual 79 gross to round off proceedings.