Saturday December 27th – Monthly Medal – Stroke & Putts
The sky was clear and there was just a zephyr from the south as players took to the course for the December Monthly Medal. The hard fairways gave those who drove well execellent value, the greens continue to hold well and there is a growing consistenty with their speed. The large field say a few visitors from local clubs as well as interstate and the odd prodigal returned to the fold as well. On an wonderful day for golf the scoring was excellent. The day’s results were;
Winner and December Medalist; Mick Nicholls – 89/24/65 from Ron Walker – 89/22/67, Joh Freestone – 86/19/67, Sharif Abdul-Sayed – 88/18/70, Les gaunt – 78/7/71, Michael McCarten – 100/29/71 & Darren Freestone – 82/10/72
NTPs; 1st – Bob McLennan, 15th – Dave Muller & 16th – Jim Patton
Least Putts – Mick Nicholls – 24
Friday December 26th – Boxing Day – Stableford
Traditionally Boxing Day sees a field that has enjoyed a great Christmas Day and, as a result, the next day’s golf may suffer, a few scores backed this theory up. It was wonderful to welcome back Alan Wiliams down from RAAF duty in Queensland. Players took to the course with a gusting southerly wind, the fairways gave good run and the greens generally held well. As the round progressed the wind tended to die down however it blew strongly now and then providing players with more than a few challenges. The little corellas had again been at work on the 15th and 16th but a number of golfers took the greens damage in their stride and eliminated the putter by calmly chipping in. All players were in the rooms by 12.30 pm and everyone enjoyed a quiet Christmas chat and drink. The day’s results were;
Winner; Andrew Laing (19) 43 pts from Dave Muller (13) 39 pts and Steve Poulton (27) 35 pts.
NTPs; 15 – Dave Richardson & Les Gaunt, 16th – Keith Hocking.
Saturday December 20th – Ambrose – 12 hole Competition
A good field gathered for the Christmas Break-up, 12 holes Ambrose. Conditions were almost perfect for golf, there was a steady southerly wind, the fairways were hard but still had good cover and the greens continued to be receptive to well played wedges and generally putted quite true. Our friends, the Little Corellas, seem to have concentrated mostly on the fairways and rough however they have made a few trips to the 15th & 16th greens. Currently this damage is fairly slight. The teams were a good mix of age and experience and the excellent conditions promised some good scoring. Four teams shot par or better with one team five under. The 12 holes left a number of players thirsting for a few more but most of the field were happy to get back to the rooms for afternoon tea a quiet drink and a Christmas chat. On a loverly day the results were;
Winners; Mal Mottram, Michael McCarten, Bruce Robb & Leila Beasley – 42/10.9/31.1 from Tony Freeman, Ron Walker, Denise O’Meara & John Freestone – 43/11.2/31.8 and Les Gaunt, Lorraine Robb & Anthony Lakey – 40/6.7/33.3
NTPs; 9th – Leas Gaunt, 10th Anthony Lakey
Saturday December 13th – Stroke
The round began under clear blue skies with an inconsistent southerly wind. The wind moved to the east then back to the south before petering out completely. Despite Thursday’s rain, and its accompanying green tinge, the fairways had dried considerably and players certainly got value for well struck shots. A few players found themselves taking a drop from the ongoing recycled water works however all were more than pleased to do this and to ponder the improvements to the course when the re-cycled water is fully operational. All greens have stood up well the the steady increase in temperature and players were able to attack the flag knowing their ball would hold. Many golfers took advantage of the top conditions and it was not until the final few holes the event that a possible winner became clear. It was a battle between Mal Mottram and Dave Muller, a missed chip here or a short putt there was all that was needed to win or lose the day.
On another matter, whilst the club has worked hard over the last five years to plant around 700 trees/bushes to attract native insects and birds we were not planning on seemingly regular visits by corellas who have again taken up residence in the large trees around the boundary of the course. So far they seem content to dig out and chew the onion grass bulbs. We hope our treatment of the greens has eliminated one of their favourite foods; the cockchafer grubs.
Winner; Mal Mottram – 81/13/68 from Dave Muller – 83/14/69, Rob Rea – 88/17/71, Michael McCarten – 101/29/72 and Les Gaunt – 79/7/72
NTPs; 15th – Bob Dwyer, 16th – Kev Dunn.
Saturday December 6th – 3 Player Ambrose
Steady rain over night and drizzle throughout the morning saw the usual die-hards front up for their weekly round. The drizzle lifted as players took to the course and the sun poked through here and there but the gusting southerly wind did not let up all day. The Ambrose format allowed a number of golfers to be very courageous with their shots, sometimes this came off putting the team in an excellent position however the gusting wind often saw players well north of their intended landing zone. Ambrose also tends to bring surprises and on an interesting afternoon there were surprises a plenty, miss hits shots that ended up in birdie, successive putts that just lipped out and drives that found the trees only to rebound back into the middle of the fairway. The day’s results were;
Winners; Anthony Lakey, Mal Mottram, Scott Williams & Rob Rea – 67/10/57 from Michael McCarten, Pat Chisholm & Jim Patton – 72/10.3/61.6 and Tony Freeman, Dave Muller & Steve Poulton – 74/10.5/63.5
NTPs; 1st – Pat Chisholm, 15th Dave Muller & 16th – Anthony Lakey
Saturday November 29th – Monthly Medal – Stroke 7 Putts
A beautiful late spring day and the November Monthly Medal saw a strong field take to the course. Play began with an inconsistent easterly wind this caught a few golfers out who found their opening shots rising high and falling short. As the round progressed the wind swung around to the south-west again playing with golfers minds. The fairways had continued to dry giving players very good results from their drives and the greens continued to hold. A number of players took advantage of the good conditions to record excellent scores however some excellent golf by junior Michael McCarten soon put paid to the hopes of all others.
Michael should also be congratulated on his performance at the Kilmore G. C. Open where he was the junior champion. RGC captain, Tony Freeman also performed well at Dalhousie District events and Dalhousie club opens to come in 2nd in the 2014 Dalhousie “Player of the Year”. The award was won by evergreen Euroa champion Lance Carraher.
On a slightly windy but generally beautiful day the results were;
Winner and November Monthly Medalist; Michael McCarten – 95/30/65 from John Freestone – 89/20/69, Tony Freeman – 92/23/69, Steve Poulton – 96/27/69, Dave Muller – 84/14/70, Rob Rea – 87/17/70, Jim Patton – 92/21/71 & Andrew Laing – 91/19/72
NTPs – 15th – Bob McLennan,
Least Putts; Rob Rea 28 c/b from Bob Dwyer & Steve Poulton
Saturday November 22nd – Final – John Laing Shield & Par
Congratulations again to club captain Tony Freeman on winning the C grade handicap event at the Marysville Tournament. This puts Tony clear in 2nd place in the Dalhousie District player of the year event.
During the week members had been busy trenching, laying pipe, connecting sprinklers and back-filling so many fairways had lines of loose soil ready to catch and hold a ball. Once completed these works will see all fairways irrigated to at least the 150m marker and all fairways and greens on a central electronic timing system. A green golf course and Park will be a great asset for the community of Romsey and the surrounding districts. Click here for more information on the re-cycled water works.
It was an overcast, humid afternoon with an inconsistent westerly to north-westerly wind blowing as Dave Muller (7) and Les Gaunt (0) hit off in the final of the 2014 John Laing Shield. The front nine was all square but Les kicked away by the 14th to be three up with four to go. Then the wind turned vicious. It blew strongly, often gusting powerfully for the remaining holes. A lost ball here, an unlucky bounce there and some excellent golf from Dave and he was able to pull it back to square on the 18th. Les hit the green on the 19th with Dave about six metres short. Dave then chipped up to about a metre. Les had a five metre putt from the back of the green for birdie and the shield, he calmly lined up his shot and dropped the putt.
In the par competition scores were very mixed. The rain of last weekend kept the fairways green however players again got good value for shots down the fairway. The greens continued to hold and generally putted very true. Players who were able keep below the wind had a great advantage and those groups who got off early only faced three of four holes of the gusting wind. A few groups had to play five or six holes under very tough conditions, this saw many scores blow out. Two players put in top rounds, Kev Dunn had a very good front nine and Pat Chisholm showed just what he is capable of, even under very tough conditions. On a dry, windy afternoon the results were;
Par Competition
Winner; Pat Chisholm (13) – +6 from Kevin Dunn (27) – +4 and Mal Mottram (13) Square.
NTPs; 1st – Les Gaunt and 15th – Tony Freeman
John Laing Shield Final
Les Gaunt (0) D Dave Muller (7) – 19th hole.
RGC captain Tony Freeman presents the John Laing Shield to 2014 winner Les Gaunt
Saturday November 15th – Semi Finals- John Laing Shield & Stableford
Congratulations to RGC captain Tony Freeman who won the B Grade 18 hole nett and to Dave Muller who won the B Grade 27 hole nett at last Sunday’s Mount Macedon G. C. Open Tournament.
At the end of another sunny, dry week the fairways had hardened considerably and players were getting excellent value for well struck drives. The greens continued to hold so players could shoot straight at the flag. As the round progressed the wind moved from the south to the south-west and back to the south. These winds gusted every now and then causing much angst among the unlucky golfers who had balls in the air at that time. They also brought the internal Out Of Bounds on the 18th into play causing all players to think carefully before they teed off on this final hole. On an overcast, breezy and warm afternoon the results were
Winner; Mal Mottram (13) 37 pts c/b from Michael McCarton (29)
NTPs; 15th – Keith Hocking & 16th Mal Mottram
John Laing Shield results were;
Les Gaunt (0) D Bob McLennan (3) – 4/3
Pat Chisholm (0) L Dave Muller (2) – 20th
Next week’s John Laing Shield Final will be;
Les Gaunt (0) Vs Dave Muller (6)
Saturday November 8th – Quarter Finals – John Laing Shield & Stroke
The sky was clear, the course in top condition and there was a steady northerly breeze blowing as players took to the field for the quarter finals of the John Laing shield and stroke. The quarter finalists got away just after 11.45 am with the stroke field teeing off from 12.00 pm. During the round the wind strengthened and swung around to the north-east before settling back from the north. The recent warmer weather also saw the fairways drying out, giving players far more run than in recent weeks. This proved to be a positive on the longer holes and a negative on some of the shorter ones. Players who were able to keep their ball below the tree line prospered, whilst those who crept a little higher often saw their ball heading south at an alarming rate. The John Laing Shield quarter finals saw two very close matches however one followed the wind and blew out just a little. The tougher conditions saw only two of the stroke field able to better their handicaps. On another enjoyable, yet challenging day the results were;
Stroke winner; Dave Muller – 84/14/69 from Adrian Poulton – 95/25/70
NTPs went to; 15th – Steve Poulton, 16th – Adrian Poulton
John Laing Shield results were;
Bob McLennan (0) D Michael McCarten (20) – 2/1
Les Gaunt (0) D Anthony Lakey (15) – 2/1
Dave Muller (0) D Mick Nicholls (10) – 6/4 (Played earlier in the week)
Pat Chisholm (0) D Tony Freeman (10) – 4/3
The semi-finals of the John Laing Shield will be;
Les Gaunt (0) Vs Bob McLennan (3)
Pat Chisholm (0) Vs Dave Muller (2)
Saturday November 1st – Qualifying Round – John Laing Shield – Stableford
A warm week again produced good growth across the course however 6mm – 10mm of rain on Saturday morning saw the fairways soften and players facing longer than expected approach shots. The field teed off with drizzle falling and a gusting westerly wind, as the afternoon wore on the drizzled changed to steady rain and then back to drizzle. The wind continued to gust causing many shots to veer wildly. As the groups turned for home the sun came out and the wind died down, the lull lasted for about six holes before the rain began to fall again and the wind had umbrellas and golfers in all sorts of trouble. The final groups had to play their last four or five holes under very challenging conditions. Players did well to get close to their handicaps to have a chance to move on to the quarter finals of the John Laing Shield. On a very difficult day the results were;
Winner; Michael McCarten (33) – 37 pts from Les Gaunt (7) – 34 pts and Dave Muller (16) – 34 pts
NTPs; 1st – Mal Mottram, 15th – Brad Klassen & 16th – Les Gaunt
The handicap matchplay quarter Finals of the John Laing Shield will be;
Michael McCarten Vs Bob McLennan
Les Gaunt Vs Anthony Lakey
Dave Muller Vs Mick Nicholls
Pat Chisholm Vs Tony Freeman
Saturday October 25th – Monthly Medal – Stroke & Putts
Players took to the field under overcast skies, there was a gentle northerly breeze and the afternoon remained warm and mild. nbsp; The week’s sunny, drier weather saw the fairways hardening and players getting excellent value for their drives. As with last week a number found themselves “through the corner” whilst others, learning from experience, chose their clubs a little more carefully and put themselves in good position for their approach shots. The greens remained receptive and generally putted quite true. As the round wore on it became a battle of three players; each was in with a chance right up to the final few holes. The day’s results were;
Winner and October Medalist; Dave Muller – 84/16/68 from John Freestone – 90/20/70 & Les Gaunt – 79/7/72.
NTPs; 1st – Bob McLennan, 15th – Dave Muller & 16th – Rob Rea.
Least Putts; Dave Muller – 27
Sunday October 19th – 2014 Macedon Ranges Spring Cup
A good field assembled for the inaugural Macedon Ranges Spring Cup; this new event, sponsored by Drummond Golf, Niddrie will rotate between Romsey and Mount Macedon Golf Clubs. Clubs represented were Romsey, Mount Macedon, Goonawarra, Kyneton and Gisborne. The Cup was played over Romsey’s 12 hole par 45 “Old Course”. The morning round saw players battling another strong northerly wind. The Romsey players were well used to this however visitors found it more than challenging.
The rounds of the morning were from Mount Macedon pair Jim Hynes – 44/2/42 and Marcus Ward – 52/8/44. Not to be outdone Romsey pair Beryl Cole – 60/16/44 and Lorraine Robb – 67/22/45 flew the home flag. By 12.30 pm everyone was in and enjoying a good talk with other players and a wonderful lunch.
The wind died down considerably during the afternoon round and scores reflected the more benign conditions. The round of the afternoon came from Romsey’s Les Gaunt who carded an excellent one over the card 46/4.6/41.3. Romsey’s Sharif Abdul-Sayed had played steady golf in the morning but his afternoon round was just that little bit better. Jim Hynes and Marcus Ward also maintained their quality golf. Romsey captain Lorraine Robb came home with “a wet sail” and was able to take the women’s trophy by five shots. On a very varied day the 24 hole results were;
Men; 1st – Sharif Abdul-Sayed – 113/24/89. 2nd – Marcus Ward – 106/16/90 on a C/B from 3rd– Jim Hynes – 94/4/90
Women; 1st – Lorraine Robb – 133/44/89. 2nd – Beryl Cole – 126/32/94.
NTPs; 1st – Jonathan Langmaid (MMGC), 8th – Mick Nicholls (RGC), 9th – Jim Patton (RGC) & 10th – Les Gaunt (RGC)
Straightest Drive; – John Peart (Goonawarra)
Team’s Event; MMGC Vs RGC – top 14 handicap scores; Romsey
Romsey President, Anthony Lakey and Chris Milverton (Drummond Golf, Niddrie) thanked all those who had put so much work into getting the tournament up and running, the volunteers who had prepared the course, the kitchen and bar staff and all the members of Romsey and Mt Macedon who had supported the day. Visitors from the other clubs were also thanked. This, the 1st Macedon Ranges Spring Cup was a great success and it is hoped that next year and into the future it will grow and develop into a wonderful event on the Macedon Ranges golfing calendar.
Niddrie Drummond’s Chris Milverton with the day’s winners.
Saturday October 18th – Stableford
The round began with a strong northerly wind, reasonably clear skies and the sun trying gallantly to shine through and warm the afternoon a little. Early on the wind proved very challenging however, as the round progressed it died down and the sun did shine through. The warmer air and the slightly dried fairways certainly saw balls travelling around 30m further than in recent times; a number of players found themselves in uncommon locations and facing quite difficult shots to get to the green. Steady work by a number of members had the course in excellent condition and even if the golf was not so brilliant, it was a top place to spend a Saturday afternoon. Nevertheless, on a beautiful day, the scores were a little disappointing. The day’s results were
Winner; Dave Muller (16) – 33 pts
NTPs; 1st – Les Gaunt, 15th – Bob McLennan
Saturday October 11th – Stroke
Another stunning spring day; warm, clear skies with nary a breath of wind. The course was again in top nick however vigerous spring growth saw heavy clippings on some fairways so players were allowed to mark their ball, lift, clear the area then replace. It was great to welcome Brad Klaasen back to the club. After an almost two year lay-off Brad did an excellent job to play close to his handicap of 9. The top conditions saw everyone in with a chance however as the round progressed only one player was able to take hold of the course and record a good score; this with at least four putts that just failed to drop. On a great afternoon to be out in the park the day’s results were;
Winner; Pat Chisholm – 83/14/69 from Anthony Lakey – 95/21/74 and Rob Rea – 91/17/74
NTPs; 15th – Bob Dwyer and 16th – Mick Nicholls
Saturday October 4th – Stableford
It was a wonderful spring day, the sky was clear and the air was warm however there was a strengthening northerly wind blowing so not everything was in the players’ favour. It was also the first round of pennant bowls so the rooms were quite full both before and after the round. The warmer air saw many players driving through the corners on some holes and facing difficult shots over the ever taller trees to make par, this proved too challenging for some. Despite the fairways having been mown earlier in the week the spring weather saw rapid growth across the whole course, even the greens (mown late Friday night) were a little fluffy. In the end it was up to the two youngest golfers in the field to show the way home. Michael McCarten, who won the Laurie Thomson shield in the recent club championships had an excellent round but the day belonged to Daniel Wright who shot 71 off the stick. This from a golfer who has played perhaps six rounds in the last 12 months. The day’s results were;
Winner; Daniel Wright (8) 46 pts from Michael McCarten (36) 41 pts and Dave Richardson (24) 34 pts
NTPs; 15th – Mal Mottram & 16 – Daniel Wright.
Saturday September 20th – Round 3 – 2014 Club Championships & September Medal.
The final round of the 2014 Club Championships began with cold, gusting north-westerly winds bringing the out-of-bounds on the first right into play. Once through the 1st the wind blew almost straight towards the dam on the right of the 2nd, many players found themselves well over par as they hit off on the 3rd. The fairways had firmed considerably from last week and the greens had responded well to a recent fertilising program so players who were able to keep their ball on the fairways were able to post a good score. As the round progressed the sun came out but the wind did not let up. The day began with Les Gaunt holding a five shot lead over Mitchell Clement. Les was able to steady over the final nine to record a seven shot win. In B Grade John Freestone held a one shot lead over Ron Walker, very steady golf saw this become a nine shot win. The day’s results were;
Winner & September Medalist; Jim Patton – 91/21/70 from Andrew Clement – 83/11/72
NTPs; 15th – Mitchell Clement
Least Putts; Andrew Clement – 25
2014 Romsey Golf Club Championships Results
Club Champion; Les Gaunt 245 from Mitchell Clement – 252
B Grade Champion; John Freestone – 278 from Ron Walker – 285
Laurie Thompson Shield Winner; Michael McCarten – 361/253 (Best nett result by a junior)
John Jeffrey Shield Winner; John Freestone – 278/215 (Best nett result)
Peter Scanlon Shield Winner; John Freestone – 278/215 (Best nett result by a player 55 yrs & over)
2014 Club Chamnpion Les Gaunt with RGC Captian Tony Freeman
B Grade Champion, John Jeffrey Shield & Peter Scanlon Shield Winner John Freestone with RGC Captian Tony Freeman
Saturday September 13th – Round 2 – 2104 Club Championships
For the second week running conditions for golf were excellent, a clear sunny day with nary a breath of wind. The extremely heavy rain of Tuesday, and follow-up rains on Thursday, had left pools of casual water on some fairways and had softened the whole course so “Preferred Lies” (To a handspan) through the green was granted. Again the course and the whole of Romsey Park was in top nick, a credit to the members who ride the mowers and care for the park’s gardens. On such a great day good results were expected but the golf course again punished loose shots and made the low handicappers work very hard for a creditable score. After the 2nd round of the Club Championships both A Grade and B Grade have two players well out from the field. On a beautiful day the results were;
Winner; Dave Muller – 86/14/72 from Mick Nicholls – 96/22/74, Mitchell Clement – 86/12/74 & Les Gaunt – 80/6/74.
NTPs; 1st – Mick Nicholls, 15th – Mal Mottram & 16th – Tony Freeman.
A Grade Scratch; Les Gaunt (6) 160 from Mitchell Clement (12) – 165
B Grade Scratch; John Freestone (21) 184 from Ron Walker (21) – 185
Saturday September 6th – Round 1 – 2014 Club Championships
Conditions were almost perfect for the 1st round of the Club Championships, a beautiful early spring day with just a southerly zephyr now and then. Groups of three teed off from the 1st at 10 minute intervals and the afternoon flowed very smoothly. A number of players found the fairways a little softer than expected and many found their ball picking up mud so approach shots, once on the green, occasionally resulted in unusual bounce or roll. Once again, “Mr Accuracy” Bob McLennan showed the way home with excellent shots from tee to green on both the 1st and 15th. Romsey Park and the golf course are in excellent condition at the moment and, as the round progressed, players took advantage of the conditions to stake their claim in either A or B grade with some excellent scores being recorded. The day’s results were;
Winner; Ron Walker – 87/21/66 from Mitchell Clement – 79/12/67, John Freestone – 88/21/67 and Peter Scanlon – 102/31/71
NTPs; 1st – Bob McLennan, 15th – Bob McLennan
A Grade Scratch; Mitchell Clement – 79, Les Gaunt – 80
B Grade Scratch; Ron Walker – 87, John Freestone – 88
Saturday August 30th – Monthly Medal & 2013/14 Medal of Medalists
Apart from a very inconsistent northerly wind conditions were almost perfect for golf. The sky was clear, the fairways had good cover, the rough was very neatly trimmed and the greens were quite true. The recent dry, sunny days had dried the course and firmed-up the greens so approach shots had to be to be short of the hole or players risked rolling off the green and the wind blew in at the most inopportune moments for some players causing a few to question just why they ventured on to a golf course. The previous Monthly Medalists were competing for the Helene & Ken Newnham Shield whilst everyone was competing for the August Medal. In the end both events were close run affairs, the day’s results were;
Winner – Medal of Medalists; Ron Walker – 94/21/73 from Les Gaunt – 81/6/75 on a c/b from Dave Muller – 90/15/75
Winner – August Medal; Jim Patton – 95/22/73 on a c/b from Ron Walker – 94/21/73 and Steve Poulton – 99/25/74
NTPs; 1st – Tony Freeman, 15th – Ron Walker and 16th – Mal Mottram
Least Putts; Rob Rea – 25
Saturday August 23rd – Stableford
The day began with the club welcoming new junior, Mick Sadler, for the round of stableford. It is wonderful to again see more juniors around the club and out on the course learning the skills of the game. The field teed off under clear blue skies, the air was cold, but still. However after about 15 minutes, the skies clouded over and a gusting north-easterly wind blew in, providing many challenges for all players. The wind lengthened a number of holes and shortened others. The flukey wind also caused players to reconsider their usual club selection, for fear of being well short or “over the back”. The course was again in excellent nick, but the conditions meant that no-one was really able to take advantage. On a very challenging day the results were;
Winner; Dave Muller (15) 34 pts from Mal Mottram (13) 31 pts
NTPs; 1st – Rob Rea, 15th – Rob Rea & 16th – Mick Nicholls
Saturday August 16th – Guest Day – 4BBB Stroke
Players could not really have asked for better conditions, the air, though cold, was still, the fairways had good cover, the greens putted truly and were recovering well from a fungus attack and the rough was neatly trimmed. A number of guests had not played Romsey before, they were very pleased with the course and most effusive in their praise of the volunteer work done by the club’s membership. Whilst the scoring format had a few players scratching their heads the round generally flowed smoothly. A highlight of the round was the pairing of Life member John Laing with the club’s newest junior Michael McCarten, a sage old head partnered with a deal of youthful enthusiasm. On a very pleasant day the results were;
Winners; Bob McLennan/Anthony Lakey – 81/16/65 from Tony Freeman/Kevin Dunn – 92/23.5/68.5, Mitchell & Andrew Clement – 83/11.5/71.5, John Laing/Michael McCarten – 101/29/72 and Les Gaunt/Mal Mottram – 81/9/72
NTPs – 1st – Mitchell Clement, 15th – John Laing & 16th – Rob Rea
Saturday August 9th – Par
The course was in top notch condition, however golfers had to contend with very cold air and a gusting northerly wind as they teed off in the club’s par competition. The cold air and the wind tested most of the field and the softer fairways took many metres off all but the very best shots. Once again players could fire directly at the flag knowing that good approach shots would hold on the soft greens. Well trimmed fairways and rough, and only a few small areas showing casual water, meant play generally moved quickly making for a fast round. As the round progressed the conditions conspired to make it difficult to post a good score with only two players beating of coming close to their handicaps. On another tough day the results were;
Winner; Mitchell Clement (12) +2 from Bruce Robb (29) -1.
NTPs; 15th – Dave Muller & 16th – Mal Mottram
Saturday August 2nd – Stroke
Hail was falling as players assembled for the club’s stroke competition however by the time groups teed off the sun was out and the air was warming. The course was in great nick having mostly survived the strong winds and rain of the previous few days and whilst the few fallen branches had been cleared players did have to contend with a deal of small branches and other detritus across the fairways. The recent rains meant that Preferred Lies were again granted as balls would pick up mud when they landed. The greens remained soft with well played approach shots holding well. As the round progressed the weather improved; many vests and jumpers came off as players enjoyed the spring-like conditions. Despite the good conditions scoring was difficult. The day’s results were;
Winner; Pat Chisholm – 83/14/69 from Anthony Lakey – 94/21/73 and Mal Mottram – 86/13/73
NTP’s; 1st – Daniel Wright, 15th – Jim Patton & 16th – Dave Muller
Saturday July 26th – Monthly Medal – Stroke & Putts
The July Monthly Medal round began under cool, slightly overcast skies, the rain during the week meant the whole course was again quite soft so preferred lies – to a handspan through the green – were allowed. Friday afternoon’s rain caused the greens to be too slippery to be mown; that and the very soft surfaces meant approach shots had to be very accurate or players faced even more demanding putts. The strong field were confronted with many challenges during the afternoon and a number of players posted good scores for a few holes before falling back to the field. In the end it was up to two of Romsey’s most experienced golfers to fight out the final few holes and grab the July Medal. On another tough day the day’s results were;
Winner & July Medalist; Rob Rea – 87/17/70 from Mal Mottram – 87/14/73 & Dave Richardson – 99/24/75.
NTPs – 15th – Rob Rea.
Least Putts – Tony Freeman – 26.
Saturday July 19th – Stableford
Light rain was falling and a gusting southerly wind was blowing as the field hit off. The rain continued for about 45 minutes before it disappeared completely. The wind moved to the west before spending the remainder of the afternoon wobbling back and forth and causing all sorts of havoc for the players. The gusting winds and the very cold air also made club selection very tricky seeing players often falling short or overshooting the green. Ongoing wet weather again made for very wet fairways and even wetter and softer greens. Approach shots had to be very accurate or players faced very long distance putts. Scoring remained difficult for the round with only one player getting close to his handicap. On a cold, blustery afternoon the results were;
Winner; Rob Rea (17) 34 pts from Les Gaunt (5) and Peter Scanlon (31) 32 pts
NTP; 15th – Tony Freeman
Saturday July 12th – Ambrose
With some rain early in the week and steady rain falling all day Friday the course was again very wet. Casual water had pooled on a few fairways and on some greens. The day began cold but clear however mist, steady drizzle and drifting rain all fell as the round progressed. The Ambrose event allowed players to take a few more risks than usual and in some instances this paid off seeing teams putting for birdie. The wet greens forced all players to “putt with conviction” or risk ending well short of the hole. The cold, wet afternoon again saw players often well short, none more so than on the par 3s where no-one was able to hit any of the greens. On a very varied afternoon the results were;
Winners; Andrew Laing/Dave Muller/Michael McCarten – 76/11.3/64.6 from Les Gaunt/Tony Freeman/Jim Patton – 73/7.3/65.6
Saturday July 5th – Stroke
An excellent field turned out for the afternoon round, this despite the steady drizzle, the north-westerly wind and the very wet rough and fairways; Preferred Lies – handspan – through the green were granted. During the round there were brief periods of dry weather but the sun was never able poke through the grey skies. Once again the cold air, the soft fairways and the wind saw many players well off line or well short of their intended landing zone. As the afternoon progressed water began to pool on a few greens adding to the challenge of the day. As with last week a few players put themselves into good positions during the round but there was only one who could “hold it together” for the complete 18 holes. On a wet and windy afternoon the results were;
Winner; Rob Rea – 89/17/72
NTPs; 1st – John Freestone, 15th – John Freestone & 16th Bob McLennan.
Saturday July 28th – Monthly Medal – Stroke & Putts & 4BBB Final
For a 2nd time this year the women joined the men for a Monthly Medal round. The field assembled with gusting northerly winds and a light, misty rain falling. During the round the wind moved to the north-west and back a number of times and the mist moved to a steady drizzle but the final four holes were played in unrelenting, heavy rain. It was a very cold, wet group of golfers who headed to the rooms for a warm pie, a quiet drink and a chat. The round of the day came from Les Gaunt. A number of others looked good during the afternoon but the wet course, the cold air and slippery grips saw them fall away. The final of club’s oldest shield, The Ampol/W E Tom 4BBB was also played. This match was always going to be hard fought and the harsh weather really tested both teams. On a very difficult day the results were;
Winner and June Medalists; Les Gaunt 79/6/73 and Kath Jekabsons – 107/25/82
NTPs; 15th – Dave Muller
Least Putts; Les Gaunt – 22 and Lorraine Robb – 28
Ampol/W E Tom 4BBB Final
Bob McLennan (0) & Mal Mottram (3) D Pat Chisholm (2) & Jim Patton (10) – 2/1
Captain Tony Freeman and President Anthony Lakey with 4BBB Winners Bob McLennan & Mal Mottram
Saturday June 21st – 4BBB Semi Finals & Stableford
The 4BBB semi-finalists and the stableford field hit off with light drizzle falling on an already wet course. During the round the drizzle regularly changed to misty rain and then back to steady drizzle. Overnight rain also made for a few very soft greens. Once more softer fairways and the colder air saw many shots dropping short causing some tricky chips and pitches to the green. A number of players had learnt from last week and fired as close as possible to the flag safe in the knowledge that the greens would hold, others again found themselves with numerous long distance putts. The two 4BBB matches were quite a contrast. One finishing early and the other going down to the final hole. On another challenging day the results were;
Stableford Results; Winner; Les Gaunt (6) 33 pts from Rob Rea (17) 32 pts NTPs; 15th - Rob Rea & 16th - Les Gaunt Ampol/W E Tom 4BBB Semi Final results were; Jim Patton/Pat Chisholm D Steve Poulton/Anthony Lakey - 8/7 Mal Mottram/Bob McLennan D Andrew Laing/John Moody - 2/1 The 2014 Ampol/W E Tom 4BBB Final will be; Mal Mottram/Bob McLennan Vs Jim Patton/Pat Chisholm. The final will be played on, or before, July 5th
Saturday June 14th – Quarter Finals 4BBB & Par
Light rain was falling as the field gathered for an egg and bacon breakfast and a catch-up with players from other clubs. Over 25mm had fallen during the night so the course’s dams were filling and there was a deal of casual water on the fairways and on a few of the greens. Fortunately there was almost no wind. The heavy overnight rain meant very wet fairways where balls would pick up mud so “Preferred lies”, to a hand-span on the fairway played, was granted. Unfortunately the morning was punctuated by phone calls from players withdrawing due to the weather so it was a much reduced field that took to the course. Clubs represented were Lancefield, Romsey, Kilmore, Broadford and Melton.
The weather was inclement for most of the morning’s round varying from moderate drizzle to steady rain. Almost all players found the conditions very challenging however one, Dennis Davenport (3 1/3 – Lancefield) proved that a class golfer performs no matter what the conditions. In such a tough environment his round of 46, one over the card, was one of the best rounds ever recorded in the Open. By 12.30 the field was inside enjoying a traditional Romsey roast lunch. The rain began to slacken and the afternoon certainly looked the better half of the day. Other good rounds came from Chris Hansen (3 1/3 – Broadford) 52 and Dave Muller (8 2/3 – Romsey) 54. Good handicap scores came from Dennis Davenport – 46/ 42 2/3, Dave Muller – 54/45 1/3, Sharif Abdel-Sayed (Romsey) – 58/46 and Dave Richardson (Romsey) – 62/46.
Within 10 minutes of the afternoon round beginning the rain had ceased and conditions improved. Gloves, hands and grips could be kept dry and the wet-weather gear was stowed away. The run of good weather was not to last and at about 2.45 the drizzle began again, this time it lasted only about 10 minutes. Hot sausage rolls fortified the players as they finished off the final few holes. Before presentations were made sponsors Romsey Collision Centre, CIIC Insurance, Romsey & Wallan Hotels and Black Range Business Group were thanked for their on-going support. All competitors thanked the volunteers who prepared the course, those who prepared and served the wonderful meals and the bar staff who supplied hot and cold drinks on and off the course. After a very challenging morning and more pleasant afternoon the results were;
A Grade;
Stroke; Dennis Davenport 98. R/U; Chris Hansen 108. H/C; Dave Muller 110/92 1/3
B Grade;
Stroke; Sharif Abdel-Sayed 120. R/U; John Freestone 123. H/C; Ron Walker (Romsey) 125/97
AM Handicap; Dave Richardson. PM Handicap; Adrian Poulton (Romsey)
NTPs
1st; – Dennis Davenport 8th; – Dave Richardson
9th; – Chris Hansen 10th; – Ron Walker
Best 2nd shot, 4th Hole; Geoff Hogg(Broadford)
Lancefield D Romsey – 4/3 (Wins; Rob Rea – 3/2, Neil Jarman – 3/2 & Jim Patton 2/1. Losses; Andrew Laing – 1 down, John Freestone – 2/1, Ron Walker – 2/1 and Pat Chisholm – 3/2)
Romsey D Trentham – 4/3. (Wins; Rob Rea – 19th, John Freestone 2/1, Jim Patton – 4/3 & Mick Nicholls – 20th. Losses; Bob McLennan – 6/5, Pat Chisholm – 20th & Tony Freeman – 2/1)
The 2014 Dalhousie District Golf Association Captains’ and Presidents’ Day was held under clear, sunny conditions at Seymour Golf Club. Clubs were contesting “The Bill Chamley Trophy”. The event is played as a 4BBB with each club in the Dalhousie District providing a Captain’s and a President’s pair. Defending champions, Romsey Golf Club, rose to the occasion to record a fine win with 84 points. The two Romsey teams; Bob McLennan/Tony Freeman (40 pts) and John Freestone/Ron Walker (44 pts) were very pleased to have defended the title won in 2013 when the event was played at Romsey.
Best individual team score M Mirrabella/J Mirrabella (45 pts) Broadford.
Our very proud team of John Freestone, Tony Freeman, Bob McLennan & Ron Walker
The first competition of 2014 got underway beneath darkening skies with 35 kph north to north-easterly winds, it looked another tough round of golf! The recent heat had further dried the course and the fairways were losing a little of their green. Cockatoos had also dropped in for their Christmas/New Year visit. As usual they paid close attention to a number of greens, digging down here and there to check the soil structure. To add to the gusting winds and the bird damage on some greens rain began to fall about midway through the round, however it dried up after a few holes. So, on another challenging day the results were;