Gwen and Betty lead the way at the Ridge
Gwen and Betty combine to lead youngsters home
GOLF: When it comes to course knowledge few would know the ins-and-outs of Toowoomba Golf Club’s picturesque Middle Ridge layout better than Gwen Robertson and Betty Maag.
Betty thinks she joined the club in 1967 and Gwen came along about three years later with both now belonging to a group known as OBE, aka “over bl ...... y eighty”.
This month the ladies put their experience to good use when they combined to outplay their younger rivals for a victory in this year’s T.E. Roberts Memorial.
The 4BBB-versus-par event is held in memory of former club secretary Tom Roberts.
Roberts held the position from 1939-1941.
His contribution to the club is also remembered with the naming of the club’s front entrance pillars in his honour.
It is the third time Gwen has won the T.E. Roberts Memorial and Betty gives full credit to Gwen for the win.
“I think I was only on the card about three times but really enjoyed playing with Gwen,” Betty said.
But Gwen’s third victory in the event might not have happened but for Betty biting the bullet and agreeing to partner her friend.
“We often play together but we almost didn’t play in it as Betty is at the stage of not really liking the 4BBB option as her golf is not as good as it used to be,” Gwen said.
Gwen and Betty chose golf as a pastime hoping to find good company and friendship. Both agree they chose well. “If it got to the time that I was no longer playing I would still like to be able to come out to lunch on the open days and join in the dinner at the end of the year,” Betty said.
Betty’s lowest handicap was 21 while Gwen at one stage got down to 17.
Neither of them has enjoyed golf ’s dream moment of a hole in one but while they continue playing it always remains an ambition.
Middle Ridge naturally is their favourite course but Betty also has a soft spot for Dalby Golf Club.
“I used to travel with Carol Feil and of all the courses around here Dalby would be a favourite,” she said.
Gwen also has fond memories of Gatton Golf Club.
“I would have to say Gatton is a favourite. I had an eagle on the first hole the first time she played there,” Gwen said.
“It was a blind shot in and they couldn’t find my ball anywhere until we looked in the hole and there it was.”