Mareeba scores an upset
GOLF THE 2017 FNQGA Men’s Pennants Season has started with a major Round One upset.
Reigning champions Half Moon Bay were yesterday routed 4-1 by Mareeba at Gordonvale Golf Club.
Mareeba’s Michael Benjak was in good form and ultimately prevailed against Half Moon Bay player Michael Rogge in a tight fixture.
In an unexpected result, Half Moon Bay star Oliver Duncan was beaten by Mareeba’s Lenny Corder.
FNQ Golf Association’s Sean Metcalf said yesterday’s results set the season up for more fierce competition.
“Usually it’s Half Moon Bay and Cairns fighting it out … if Mareeba can back this performance up, it will really open up the competition,” he said.
In other A Grade results, Cairns beat Mossman 4-1; Paradise Palms defeated Southern Districts 4-1; and Innisfail edged Atherton 3-2.
Metcalf expected Half Moon Bay to bounce back against Gordonvale at Atherton Golf Club this Sunday.
“No doubt they’ll be out to make amends,” he said.
About 120 players teed off at yesterday’s event, which featured A, B and C grade.
Metcalf said Gordonvale could be a tricky course, even for skilful golfers.
“People think of it as a small country course, but most players from big clubs will struggle when they come here,” he said.
“Once you get onto the out- side nine there are a lot of trees.”
Meanwhile, Millaa Millaa Golf Club is celebrating after claiming the 2017 Tableland Challenge.
The final round of the twoball Ambrose event – with teams from Millaa Millaa, Mt Garnett and Ravenshoe – yesterday had about 60 players.
“Mt Garnett took it off Millaa Millaa last year, so it’s good to have it back,” said Millaa Millaa Golf Club captain Shane Bradley.
PEOPLE THINK OF IT AS A SMALL COUNTRY COURSE, BUT MOST PLAYERS FROM BIG CLUBS WILL STRUGGLE WHEN THEY COME HERE