The Week That Was .............

Quite often the weather forecast is subject to deserved criticism however I think it fair to say that over the weekend they got it pretty damn right!! Saturday was fine but cold while Sunday as predicted was an absolute disaster.

Saturday was the qualifying for the Denniston Cup for the top 16, nett stroke, to play off in match play; the round was also to count for the Shootout. The qualifying mark for matchplay was nett 73 - those who are in will be notified by mail with a copy of the draw, cut off dates and any other relevant information.

All in all some good golf was played. The Senior grade was won by Joe Tiller on 70, from Tony Park 71, while in countback order in 3rd on 72 were Dennis Maguire, Simon Yorke, and Peter Sim. The Intermediates were led home by Brian Adams on 67 from Raymond Liong on c/b from Alan Scott 68, with Dean Corry next on 69. In a return to form David Blair headed the Juniors on 69 from Grant Osborn on c/b from Dermot Martin on 71 with Peter Davey on c/b from Geoff Brodie on 74 in fourth and fifth.

A recalculation has shown 10 winners for the 2's each receiving $34.00, the jackpot, now $130, was not struck. Closest to the pins were on 3 Kim Sanders & 11 Ian Walker $50 each. Nearest the pin on 18 for 2 sponsored by Benjarong Thai Cuisine, visiting from Brisbane and a former Senior Club Champion, was Michael Ronan (I understand it was an early Mother's Day present for Claire- I hope she got something else as well!!). Nearest the pin for 2 on 2 sponsored by Linden Leaves was Paul Dunn. Nett Eagles was not struck with hole 15 being drawn $85 carried forward.

As most of you will know I am an avid golfer and am unwilling to forgo any opportunity to get out play in almost any conditions. Notwithstanding this when I arrived at Shirley on Sunday at 8.30am the sight was so depressing and the forecast so bad that even I was was not of such a sadistic disposition as to force any one from the comfort of the club house and accordingly an early call was made to cancel Metro and the scheduled Mothers/Daughters & Fathers/Sons. At the time the call was made the conditions were marginal but as the day wore on I am positive the correct decision was reached. This parent/child event will be rescheduled for later in the year and you will be advised of the date in due course.

Mad dogs and Englishmen go out on the midday sun but I am unsure as to how you would describe those who ventured out on Sunday, by my count there were a total of 15. An early twosome were seen heading up 4 but there subsequent whereabouts and progress were unsubstantiated. Dennis Doherty& Gill Davis were drawn to play Andrew & Robyn Gillespie in a Page Trophy match and it is to their credit that both pairs fronted and teed it up in a match that went to the 17th before Dennis & Gill secured the win. I suspect a number of the other matches will be decided on a coin toss?

A group of three men slogged their way round but exited at 15 during the early afternoon deluge - straight into the carpark and out the gate!. A Korean group of five including three women battled their way around the full 18 - they too did disappeared without venturing into the club house. As could be expected a group of four being myself, Brian Nixey and Andrew & Mitchell Vincent hit off just after 9.30am in what was to be the best conditions of the day. We played1-12 & 17, 18 in almost avoiding the most of the rain but it was very cold, wet underfoot and by the end the greens were nearly unplayable due to surface water. From the pagoda the 16th could have been renamed the Lakes while a virtual river was streaming through the 18th. We made a good decision to quit when we did especially as Brian & I won the haggle 2/1 which made the coffee and wine taste that much better.

Hopefully the conditions will improve for next week but please note I am of the philosophy that although that match of the day may be cancelled the course where possible will remain open for those brave souls who have no other way in which to wile away the hours!