Week ending Sunday ....

2004 News & Results

Jan - May 2005 News & Results

Sep - Dec 2005 News & Results

Week ending Sunday 26 November 2006

Gray motors to victory

Week ending Sunday 19 November 2006

Kononen & Swan take out Dorsett Day

The rising star of the club Ben Kononen continued his excellent run of form when he combined with Cara Swan to take out the prestigious Dorsett Day mixed competition last Sunday. Kononen and Swan had 73 off the stick to win from Scott and Lee Hunter who finished with a 76. In third place were the talented duo of Danny Cheng and Vicki Graham with a score of 78.

The nett section was won by Wayne Waywood and June Pike with the very good score of 67½. Runners up were Scott Chambers and Dot Lawrence with 69 7/8 followed by Barry and Betty Sheppard with 71¼.

Novelties were won by Ben Kononen ,Cara Swan and Scott Chambers for nearest to pins, Vicki Graham and Bev Moyses for longest putts while Dot Lawrence picked up the closest second shot novelty on hole 6.

A good field of 46 players contested the event and afterwards the crowd were entertained by the talented Annika Kononen, and many players and families stayed on for tea at the club. The club would like to thank the Dorsett family for their generous sponsorship, and the day was enjoyed by all players.

***

Bill Hunter showed a bit of form for a change to take out last Saturday’s Stableford event sponsored by Brian Banks, Neil Clark, Paul Carpenter and Mick Pokrywka. Hunter recorded 41 points to win from Chris Bliss, who finished with 39 points. Bliss took second on a countback from a host of players who all finished with the same score. These included Clive Pullan, Ron Crabbe, Alan Kent and Ken Tate. Graham Williams, Dean Rakich and Mick Finlay all had 38 points, while visitor Scott Hunter shot two under to record 37 points and round out the vouchers.

Ron Crabbe, Jim Tyler and Graham Williams picked up nearest to pin novelties with Ken Tate and Neil Clark winning longest putts. Steve Wallace took the long drive on hole five.

A good field of 54 players took part and the course was rated at 70.

***

Dean Crowe recorded a good victory at Scroungers last Thursday. Crowe recorded 21 points to win on countback from a large contingent of others who also finished with 21 points. These included second placed Scott Chambers, John McLintock, Phill Warburton, Rob Ferris and Jim Moyses. Peter Gray, Ed Riley, Bryan Simpson and Bill Hunter rounded out the vouchers with 20 points. Novelties were won by Peter Gray and Jim Moyses. Phill Warburton finished off an excellent day by taking out the gross with 39.

44 men contested the event with ten Associates also playing. Cara Swan was the best of the Associates from Bev Moyses and Dot Lawrence.

***

Frank Battista had 31 points to win Veterans last week. He won from Ross Brody on 29 points with George Davis finishing third with 27 points. Ernie Sullivan, Dave Brunswick and Phill Warburton all had 24 points. Novelties were won by Brian Banks, Dave Brunswick, Alan Banks and Frank Battista.

***

Dave Czerniawsky played some excellent golf to record 38 points and win Leisure Day last week. Czerniawsky won from the ultra consistent Hudson Hopewell on 37 points. Clayton Flynn, Trevor McCormick and Michael Stocks all finished with 36 points.

***

Summer Open entries close on the 29th November and those intending to play should get a wriggle on and nominate quickly, as the event is always popular, with many visitors already in the field. Friday’s 4BBB is a timesheet and this will be posted on the 30th.

***

Tonight after Scroungers the club will host James Blundell and tickets are still available at the door. A great night has been promised by the organizers.

Week ending Sunday 12 November 2006

Flynn flays the course

On a day of low scoring Clayton Flynn emerged from the pack with a nett 65 to win the Greg and Clayton Bell 18 hole individual stroke event last Saturday. Flynn narrowly beat Ross Davidson and John Brown, who both recorded 66s. Flynn, a product of the late John Riley’s junior program, has been in good form this season, and his win didn’t come as a surprise. His ball striking is characterised by a low draw and he is very tidy around the greens. Ross Davidson displayed a welcome return to some semblance of form to edge out John Brown, who played his best round for some time, and his result could have been even better if some of his many birdie opportunities dropped.

53 players contested the event and the good scoring was reflected by the course rating of 70. Others to feature included Ray Cooper, Fred Bronickis, Jim Hine and Peter Rowe, all with excellent 68s. Greg Bell, Ron Annandale, Ron Crabbe and Jeff Graham each had 70 to claim a voucher.

The sponsors awarded a gross trophy which went to Hudson Hopewell with 75 off the stick. Ron Crabbe recorded an eagle on hole 1 to pick up the eagles nest, which was worth nine.

Novelties were won by Ray Cooper, Peter Gray and Hugh Annandale for nearest to pins, while Wayne Waywood and Fred Bronickis picked up novelties for longest putts. Ken Tate blasted a monster down 5 to win the long drive.

***

The sartorially elegant George Dorozenko recorded 24 points to easily take out Scroungers last Thursday. Looking as if he had just stepped out of the enclosure at Flemington, Dorozenko played his best round of the year to beat the promising Paul Moyses who finished with 21 points.

Michael Stocks and Butch Fraser each had 20 points, while Jim Atkinson, Graham Williams and Peter Rowe all finished with 19 points.

Novelties were won by Rob Loxton and Harry Banks. Angela Ireland was the best of the Associates with 16 points from Rhonda McGill who took out second place on a spin with 15 points.

***

The South West Veterans had a successful day at Collie last Tuesday. Many Collie players featured in the wash up, with Jim Hine being the best in recording 41 points.

***

This Sunday sees the annual Dorsett Day being played with an excellent array of prizes on offer. Members are urged to support this day as the Dorsett family have been wonderful sponsors of the club of many years. There is a nomination sheet on the notice board, and the draw will be done Saturday night.

***

Thursday 23rd November sees the club hosting James Blundell. Tickets are available from the bar and members who wish to have a great night are asked to purchase a ticket as quickly as possible.

***

Summer Open entries are coming in steadily, and early indications are for a very good field once again.

***

This Saturday sees an 18 hole individual Stableford for the Brian Banks, Mick Pokrywka and Paul Carpenter trophies. Sunday is Dorsett Day while Veterans and Leisure Day is on next Tuesday. Scroungers is on as usual every Thursday.

Week ending Sunday 5 November 2006

Rowe and Wallace blitz fourball field

The late pairing of Peter Rowe and Steve Wallace proved a successful combination in winning the Noddy group fourball on Saturday with 48 points. Rowe’s graceful play and ‘The Hammer’s’ brute force overwhelmed the field, resulting in a convincing four point victory.

The pairing of young gun Leon Moran with the wily Ross Brody was second on a countback from the fourball specialists, Joe Italiano and Ray Cooper, both with 44 points.

Voucher winners included Peter Gray-Ed Riley, Stumpy Ireland-Ash Hollins, Matt Harker-Chris Bliss, Jim Tyler-Rod Simmonds, Jim Hine-Alan Davies, Hudson Hopewell-Frank Battista, Ben Kononen-Bryce Richards, and Ian Annandale-Dean Rakich.

Novelties were generously provided for all 18 holes by the sponsors, including an encouragement ‘NAGA’ trophy, won by Jay Robinson and Rob Cavanagh.

The skills of Ash Hollins were much sought after by his playing group, resulting in a ‘Toss of the Coin’ in the bar prior to play. He did not let his partner down with a typical ‘Ash’ round including an excursion onto Mungalup Rd off the third tee.

***

The recently consistent Tony Barker-May recorded 22 points to go one better this week and win last Thursday’s Scroungers competition, picking up five pars and a birdie in a round of 41 off the stick, and completing a horror start to the season which has seen his Scroungers handicap drop from 21 to 15 in three games. Barker-May won from Jeff Crowe and George Dorozenko, who had 21 points. ‘Doro’ looked the winner for most of his round but his lack of match fitness told on the last two holes. Ross Davidson, Graham Williams had 20 points while Rod Simmonds, Dean Rakich, Bryan Simpson and Alan Davies each managed 18 points to round out the vouchers.

Novelties were won by Tony Barker-May and visitor Perry Moyses.

June Pike took out the Associates for the second week running with 20 points from Rhonda McGill on 18 points.

A total of 52 men and 7 Associates took part in the popular weekly contest that is Scroungers.

***

A SWGA 27 Hole Men’s Foursomes event was held last Sunday in conjunction with the Club Men’s Foursomes. Considering the value of trophies put on by Newman and Brooks the field of 11 pairs was disappointing. The golf, however, was of a high standard, with Manjimup’s Adam Davey and Evan Sewell taking the Gross from former Collie golfer Warren Colgan and Shaye Tresize from Capel. Their scores were 116 and 122 respectively.

Ron Crabbe and Greg Bell won the nett event on 111.5 and also took honours in the Club Foursomes Championship with their gross score of 122. Danny Cheng and Chris Stewart led early but slipped after lunch to be runners up with 125, from Leon Moran and Trevor Stewart on 127.

Others to feature in the nett prize booty were Clive and Dave Pullan 112.5 and Matt Harker and Wayne Waywood on 112.75.

***

Ray Alp had 28 points to edge out Alan Davies on the same score in last Tuesday’s Veterans. Ross Brody and Dave Brunswick had 27 points to finish equal third.

Novelties were won by new member Mick Finlay, Dick Earl, Phil Warburton and Les Udy.

***

Greg Martin amassed a staggering 47 points and lost 3 strokes in last Tuesday’s Leisure Day. Clayton Flynn finished with 38 points, with Leon Moran again in form with 36.

***

The annual Dorsett Day mixed pairs game will be held on Sunday November 19th. Excellent prizes will be on offer, and the game will be followed by a meal and entertainment on the deck. A nomination sheet is on the noticeboard, and ‘singles’ are encouraged to put their names down to see who bites.

Week ending Sunday 29 October 2006

New Dad Harker in big win

No doubt inspired by the birth of his and Kristy’s first child, Milla Beige Harker, Matt Harker produced a scintillating round of golf to easily win the 18 hole Stableford event held last Saturday. Harker, who has a swing that wouldn’t look out of place on the PGA tour, racked up 43 points to win from two very much in form players, Leon Moran and Ben ‘The Kid’ Kononen, who both recorded 40 points.

Noddy Moyle threw the anchor out on the last but still managed 38 points, while Barry Kononen and Frank Battista each had 37 points. Barry Sheppard rounded off the vouchers with 36 points.

Novelties were won by Greg Bell, Ron Annandale and Hugh Annandale for nearest to pins, while Ash Hollins and Peter Slater won longest first putts. Ron Crabbe won the longest drive down 5.

44 players took part and the CCR was 71.

Peter ‘Shanks’ Slater was up to his trick shots again last Saturday. This time he managed to lob near the 100 metre post on 10 off the 11th tee. Slater will be asked to put on a clinic as entertainment for the Summer Open. Usual legal disclaimer applies.

***

Head Scrounger Ed Riley recorded 22 points to win last Thursday’s competition. He won from Tony Barker-May, who had 21 points to record yet another minor placing. Peter Ellery, Leigh Bernardi, Peter Gray and Bill Hunter all had 20 points, while Tom Hardie and Alan Davies each managed 19 points to round out the vouchers.

Novelties were won by Michael Stocks and Bryan Simpson. Leigh Bernardi had a very good round to win the gross with 37.

Peter Ellery did well to finish with 20 points last Thursday considering he had 32 shots on number 6. In a ‘Jim Carrey’ like performance Ellery experienced a great deal of trouble with one of our feathered friends.

June Pike took out the Associates with 18 points from Shelley Barker-May on 17 points.

A total of 58 men and 8 associates took part in the popular weekly Scroungers contest.

***

John Wray had 28 points to salute the judge in last Tuesday’s Veterans. Jim Hine had 27 points to finish second with Alan Davies finishing third with 26 points. Alan Banks, Peter Gray and Bryan Simpson all had 25 points, Les McGill and Ed Riley 24 points, and Dave Brunswick and Dick Earl 23 points apiece.

Novelties were won by Les McGill, Harry Hadfield, Peter Gray and Les Udy.

***

Hudson Hopewell amassed 38 points to edge out Matt Harker in last Tuesday’s Leisure Day. Harker finished with 37 points, and it appears his recent fatherhood has done wonders for his golf game.

***

A good field of 80 players took part in the annual Griffin Wesfarmers Day. There were heaps of prizes and novelties, with Wesfarmers winning the challenge. The leading Wesfarmers pair was Steven and Kevin Ireland, while for Griffin Wayne Bell and Matt Storen took out the honours.

***

The annual Dorsett Day will be held on Sunday November 19th. Excellent prizes will be on offer, and the game will be followed by a meal and entertainment on the deck. A nomination sheet is on the notice board.

***

This Saturday sees a 4BBB Stableford sponsored by Greg Moyle , Ash and Chris Stewart and Dean Crowe. The boys are putting a great deal of effort and money into the event with a vast array of prizes, novelties on every hole and a sausage sizzle. There is a timesheet at the clubhouse.

Also this weekend sees the South West Men’s Foursomes played on Sunday at the club. The match committee has decided to incorporate our own Foursomes into this event, and a nomination sheet is at the clubhouse.

***

Next Tuesday the club will host the South West Veterans, which is also Melbourne Cup Day, and the word is Irish eyes will be smiling.

***

Eclectic & Five Point Competition

Hudson Hopewell remains on top of the Five Point Competition with 25 points, but he wouldn't want to rest on his laurels, with a couple of late and very much in form challengers snapping at his heels. Leon Moran's brilliant play over the past three weeks or so culminated in yet another sparkling 40 point performance on Saturday, his second place behind Matt Harker leaving him just a win behind Hopewell on 20 points. Ben 'The Kid' Kononen isn't letting them run away with it either, and Saturday's equal second place with Moran takes him to 19 points, six off the lead. And let's not discount the dark horse running into form at the right end of the season - Noddy Moyle's 38 points earned him four for the Five Point comp, lifting him to 19, equal third with young Kononen and Peter Gray, who has been treading water for the past couple of weeks - or is that circling like a shark?

Unsurprisingly for this stage of the season, nobody of any significance did anything of any significance for the Eclectic, so Hudson Hopewell stays on top with a gross 55, two clear of Ron Crabbe, with Greg Bell still on 59, Clayton Flynn 61, and Leigh Bernardi 62. Hopewell still needs to birdie the fourth to complete the set. However, this is a nett competition, and when handicaps are taken into account, Crabbe, with a nett 53.5, could overtake Hopewell's nett 53 for the lead with just one birdie from plenty of choices on 4, 5, 8, 17 and 18 - and Flynn jumps to third with a nett 55, an outside chance for the win, needing a couple of birdies (he has the options on 2, 3, 5, 8, 11, 15 and 16) to challenge the leader. And if any of their handicaps drift out one before the end of the comp .... looks like an exciting finish coming up!

Click here to take a look at the current state of play,
hit CANCEL if asked for password.

Week ending Sunday 22 October 2006

Big day out for Ben - again

The rising star of the club Ben Kononen played some brilliant golf to record plus nine and easily win the Collie Mail Trophy. 14 year old Kononen, who practises very hard, and has benefited from coaching, continues to display huge improvement. It seems only a matter of time before he progresses to single figures.

Noddy Moyle appreciated the extra run on the course to finish second with plus six. Hudson Hopewell continues to play great golf finishing with plus five and running third overall. On a day of high scoring Leon Moran and Matt Bernardi both had plus four while David Laird, David Broadbent, Dennis Cocker and Chris Dunning all had plus two. The Webmaster, who ended up tearing up his card, was an inspiration to Moran and Dunning, both of whom gained great credit by keeping straight faces while watching their playing partner implode. Moran is simply an awesome player who has every aspect of the game, while Dunning is a great advertisement for visiting Sanctuary pro Gavin Vearing, with his ongoing course of lessons clearly paying strong dividends. Alan Banks again played well to have plus one and receive a voucher.

Novelties were won by Matt Bernardi and Leon Moran for nearest to pins, while Alf Sanford and Chris Shea picked up longest putt novelties.

Greg Bell hit a boomer to win the long drive down 5.

The field was 45 and the course was rated at 70.

***

Ross Brody again played well to take Scroungers last Thursday. Brody amassed 22 points to win from Graham Williams who finished with 20 points. A host of players had 19 points including John Wray, Frank Battista, Tony Barker-May, Bruce Roberts and Neil Motion. A welcome visitor, Graham Wyles, also finished with 19 points.

John Wray won the gross while Nancy Lynn was the best of the Associates with 17 points. Novelties were won by George Davis and Ross Brody.

***

Leon Moran again dominated Leisure Day to win with 40 points. Hudson Hopewell was runner up with 37 points while the long hitting Paul McCallum did well to have 34 points.

***

Rob Ferris was a tearaway winner of Veterans last Tuesday. Ferris recorded 31 points to win from Ed Riley and Alan Kent who both finished with 25 points. Les McGill and Ernie Sullivan had 24 points. Novelties were won by Ross Brody, Rob Ferris and Bryan Simpson.

***

Members are used to hearing the occasional ball cannon into the machinery shed from people on the practice fairway, Jim Hines being a particularly skilful exponent. Peter Slater went one better last Saturday when he managed to lob one on the clubhouse roof from the practice tee. Needless to say Slater's score last Saturday reflected his efforts prior to hitting off. (The Webmaster does not accept responsibility for this libellous comment, and refers all of Mr Slater';s barrister's enquiries to W Hunter Esq).

***

Joe Italiano’s efforts in the bunker at Nedlands were bad enough. Spare a thought for Ian Annandale who chalked up eight bunker shots on the one hole, also at Nedlands. (Refer legal disclaimer above).

***

Nomination forms for the Men’s Foursomes on November 5th are on the noticeboard, as are nominations for Dorsett Day on Sunday November 19th.

Week ending Sunday 15 October 2006

Big week for Banks

Alan Banks capped off a great week of golf with a superb round last Saturday to take out the Ricoh trophy. Banks compiled 40 points to win the Stableford competition on a countback from Bill Hunter. The field comprised 48 players on a delightful day for golf, and the course was rated at 72.

Others to perform well included Kalev Kutt who took third place on a countback from Leon Moran. Both of these players had 39 points. Trevor McCormick scored 37 points, while Leigh Bernardi and Peter Rowe had 36 points. Greg Moyle, Ron Crabbe and Graeme Miffling all recorded 35 points to round out the vouchers.

Ricoh also supplied eight novelties and these were won by Dan Clayton, Clayton Flynn, Ron Crabbe, Tony Barker- May and Leigh Bernardi for nearest to pins, while Dick Earl and Les Udy won longest putts. Kalev Kutt also won a novelty for the longest drive down hole five. Barker-May was his usual model of consistency, birdying the first for four points, and having 18 points after eight holes, before reeling off five wipes in the next seven holes to finish with 28.

The pressure of being named Summer Open favourite must have told on Paul Moyses, as he struggled to maintain the previous week’s form.

***

Alan Banks landed the first leg of the double for the week when he convincingly won Scroungers last Thursday. Banks amassed 22 points to win from Jeff Crowe and Ernie Sullivan, both of whom recorded 20 points. The field was down to only 26 players due to the threatening weather and a number of players being at Country Week. Frank Battista, Barry McGill and Phill Warburton all had 19 points to rate a mention. McGill also won the gross with 38. Novelties were won by Alan Banks and Phill Warburton.

***

George Davis was successful in the Veterans competition last Tuesday. Davis had 27 points to win from Frank Battista and Ed Riley, both of whom also had 27 points. Others to feature included Ray Alp and Des Hebb. Novelties were won by Peter Gray, Jeff Crowe, Alan Davies and Phill Warburton.

***

20 members made the annual pilgrimage to Perth for Country Week. There were mixed results with ‘Wedge’ Waywood getting up for a victory in the stroke round at Nedlands while Dean Rakich recorded a couple of seconds in the stroke round and the four ball with partner Troy Sheppard. Clayton Flynn also picked up a second placing in Wednesday's Stableford competition.

Others struggled during the week including club secretary Joe Italiano, who was worn down by the tiring week to the extent he recorded a big century at Nedlands, which included a masterly display of bunker play.

***

Ross Brody showed the benefit of local Knowledge when he had the very good score of 43 points to win the Veterans day last Monday, 16 October. A total of 72 players took part with visitors from the metro vets as well as a good contingent from Harvey. Dave Brunswick made it a local quinella with 41 points to complete a very successful day for the club.

***

The ladies have been extremely busy catering of late with Worsley Social Club last Sunday and the Veterans on the Monday.

***

The club would like to thank Ryan Booth and Terry Massara for their assistance in the recent Bunker renovations.

***

The club's Foursomes will be held in conjunction with the South West Foursomes on Sunday November 5th. The event will be over 27 holes commencing mid morning, with great prizes donated by Newman and Brooks.

***

This Saturday sees the time honoured Collie Mail Trophy played over 18 holes and it is a par event. Scroungers is on as usual today and Veterans and Leisure Day next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 8 October 2006

Hopewell takes Club Championship

Hudson Hopewell successfully defended his title when he won the Club Championship after the final qualifying round was concluded last Saturday. Hopewell, who has been in outstanding form lately, finished with 228 to have a four stroke buffer over Greg Bell - who made the sacrifice of giving up his title chance so he could drive to Melbourne to watch his team win the AFL Grand Final last weekend.

Ash Stewart played sensationally throughout the championships to easily win the B Grade with 256. Peter Gray defied his 70 years to be runner up with 272, while Trizzy Lawrence obviously enjoyed his elevation into the Veteran category to record a victory with 250 from Phill Warburton on 256.

The ultra consistent David Laird nabbed the nett trophy with 213 from Clayton Flynn on 215 and Charlie Serravite on 217.

***

The final round of the Club Championship was also a standalone 18 hole Stroke event sponsored by Piva’s Deli, and Ash Stewart was a most worthy winner. With a strong south easterly wind blowing all day Stewart, who has a low ball flight with his shots, was able to tame the conditions and record the excellent score of 66 nett. Two shots behind was Dennis Cocker, who has been playing very well of late. Paul Moyses finished third on 69, and now with more time to concentrate on his golf Moyses should be set for a big summer. In fact, some are predicting he could take out the Summer Open coming up in early December.

David Laird recorded 70 with a host of players on 71 including Trizzy Lawrence, Ron Crabbe and Hudson Hopewell. Trevor McCormick, Colin Brown, Clayton Flynn and Phill Warburton all had 74 while Dean Rakich, Dick Earl, Bill Hunter and Graeme Miffling received vouchers for their 75s.

Novelties were won by Jim Moyses, Steve Wallace and Bruce Roberts for nearest to pins, while Dick Earl and Chris Bliss picked the long putt novelties. Hudson Hopewell smashed one down 5 to win the new long drive novelty sponsored by Jim Atkinson’s not yet open for business B&B, The Friary.

The field of 90 included 27 players from Donnybrook, and the CCR was 71.

***

Last Thursday’s Irish Scroungers was met with a mixed reaction, and it could be quite a time before the format is rolled out again. In fact, it was particularly Irish for some Japanese visitors, who looked more than confused on reaching the first green to find a group of four slicing at them from half way down the second. Bravely persisting, but cottoning on, they cut across to the tenth, hoping to find some normal people - or nobody. No such luck - they teed off, and immediately came across a bunch of Associates firing back at them. Adopting the strategy of sliding down the left flank while keeping a very close eye on the four lunatic women, they cunningly avoided a skirmish - only to find Ed Riley and his old cronies waiting in ambush like a demented Dad's Army around the corner. At that point the visitors decided that if you can't beat 'em, join 'em .... and they turned around to play the course backwards too.

Anyway, John Brown didn’t have the trouble most of us lesser mortals had, he can send that big slice from any given green to any given fairway with unerring accuracy, and he recorded 36½ to win from Dean Rakich on 37. Brown also won the gross with 41. David Broadbent finished on 37½, while Peter Gray and Stephen Farquhar both had 39. Ray McGill recorded 39½, Jim Atkinson 40 and Brian Banks 40½. Kaye Farquhar with 41½ won the Associates event from Vicki Graham on 43. Novelties were won by Ray Alp, Jeff Bebbington and Wayne Waywood for the men, while Rhonda McGill, Cara Swan and Shelley Barker-May won the novelties for the Associates.

***

Frank Battista recorded an excellent 32 points to win Veterans last week. He won from Phill Warburton on 29 with Ross Brody, John Wray and Ed Riley all on 25 points. Novelties were won by Ross Brody, Phill Warburton and Brian Banks.

***

Clayton Flynn warmed up for this week’s Country Week in the big city with a win in last Tuesday’s Leisure Day. He had 37 points to win from Ron Crabbe and Hudson Hopewell, both of whom had 36 points.

***

Members will have no doubt noticed the bunker renovations being carried out by Scott Chambers and Michael Stocks. In fact, one member swore he saw a couple of camels wandering through the vast sands of the bunkers on the first hole last week. Truth is, the new bunkering looks first class, the softer sand will have us all learning new techniques with the sand iron, preparing us for visits to city courses, and we look forward to the whole of course bunkering program being completed – it will look terrific. Any truth in the rumour that Scott would like to double the size of the pond on 16 too?

***

This Saturday sees an 18 hole Stableford event sponsored by Ricoh. Scroungers is on today and next Monday the WA Veterans group will conduct an event. Anyone wishing to play should see Phill Warburton. Veterans and Leisure Day as usual next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 1 October 2006

Martin masters conditions

Big hitting Greg Martin tamed the course to edge out the unlucky Tony Barker-May and win last Saturday’s 18 hole individual Stableford, sponsored by the club. Martin has been in good form of late, and is widely acknowledged as one of the club's biggest hitters. He scored 39 points to beat Barker-May on a countback. It only seems a matter of time before Tony Barker-May throws off the bridesmaid tag and wins a competition, as he has been knocking on the door in recent weeks.

The field of 38 players was quite good considering it was Grand Final weekend. Other players to feature included Chris Bliss on 38 points, Trizzy Lawrence and Kalev Kutt on 35 points, and Ron Annandale and Hudson Hopewell with 34 points each.

Novelties were won by Steve Farquhar, Greg Martin and Graeme ‘Tiger’ Jackson for nearest to pins, with Charlie Serravite and John Brown claiming the longest first putts.

***

Greg Martin’s performance on the course was possibly overshadowed by Noddy Moyle’s performance in the clubhouse. Noddy really laid the ears back and seriously enjoyed the West Coast win.

***

A very good field of 67 players contested Scroungers last Thursday. In the men’s section Chris Bliss was the victor with 21 points. He narrowly beat John Brown, Ed Riley, David Broadbent, Fred Bronickis and Jeff Crowe, all of whom scored 20 points. The head scrounger generously paid 19s, and the beneficiaries were Graham Williams, Peter Ellery, Dale Miffling, Ernie Sullivan, Noddy Moyle and Bill Hunter.

John Brown took out the gross with 38, and novelties were won by Ray McGill, Ross Davidson and Peter Gray.

The associates section was won by Bev Moyses with 20 points from Kaye Farquhar with 19 points.

***

This Thursday’s Scroungers will be the Carl Murphy ‘Irish Day’, where the course is played back to front. It should provide an interesting challenge for all players and there will have to be some exceptional course management to master the conditions.

***

Jeff Crowe scored 30 points to win Veterans last Tuesday, winning from Ray Alp, Jim Hine and Peter Gray, all of whom had 27 points. Novelties were won by Ross Brody, Peter Gray , Frank Battista and Phil Warburton.

Hudson Hopewell continued his lead up to the last round of the club championships with a good performance to win Leisure Day with 38 points.

***

Saturday sees the final round of the club championships, and competition is tight in all divisions. In the A Grade Hudson Hopewell holds a slender lead from Greg Bell and Chris Stewart. The B Grade sees Ash Stewart leading from Charlie Serravite, Peter Gray and Stephen Edwards.

The Veterans seems to be a contest between Trizzy Lawrence, Phill Warburton, Ron Annandale and Peter Gray, while the nett event is very close with the favourites being David Laird and Clayton Flynn.

***

Saturday will also see the introduction of a new novelty. This will be for the longest drive on the fairway on the fifth hole and will be sponsored by Jim Atkinson's The Friary.

***

Saturday’s event is an 18 hole stroke for the Piva’s Deli trophy. Today Scroungers and next Tuesday Veterans and Leisure Day. Also next week, men’s Country Week.

***

Members please note that two October Saturday fixtures have been swapped around. The Ricoh Business centre 18 hole Stableford competition will now be played on 14 October, and the Collie Mail 18 hole Par game will be played on the 21st.

Week ending Sunday 24 September 2006

The return of 'Roger' Davis

George Davis produced a scintillating back nine to claim victory in last Saturday’s 18 hole Par event sponsored by club members John Brown, Tom Chappell and Trevor McCormick. Davis turned one down but stormed home with plus five on the back to win on a countback from Leon Moran and Peter Gray. Moran is playing some excellent golf at the moment, while the now septuagenarian Peter Gray, who with Dick Earl celebrated his 70th birthday last week, continues to make his mark as one of the club’s most consistent performers.

It was a very popular win for George Davis, who is one of the club’s unsung heroes, in that he is always willing to help out in any capacity.

The sponsors in their generosity saw fit to also give a gross trophy which went to Hudson Hopewell.

Other players to do well included Rod 'Rocket' Miller, David Laird and Greg Martin all on plus 3, John Wray on plus 2, Trizzy Lawrence, Jim Tyler, Colin Brown, Ray Cooper, Matt Bernardi, Ian Stewart and Michael Dowling on plus 1.

Novelties were won by Colin Brown, Jim Tyler and Noddy Moyle for nearest to pins and Alan Kent and Graeme Miffling for long putts.

Eric Annandale’s playing partners were treated to a fine exhibition of golf on Saturday. They were reaching for the hard hats early on when the Bullant's shots were far from precise in their direction.

A good field of 55 players contested the event and the CCR was 70.

***

The ‘general’ Dean Rakich played golf to a very high level to take out Scroungers last Thursday. Rakich mastered the heavy conditions to win with 19 points from David Broadbent, who claims Leon Moran has fixed his golf - which is really a big claim considering the size of the task.

Broadbent amassed 17 points while Ross Brody, Ed Riley and Jeff Crowe all finished with 16 points to claim vouchers.

Novelties were won by Jeff Crowe and Ron Annandale when only 25 men played on a day when the weather broke late in the day. Shot of the day went to Frank Battista in his post-match putt-off against Ed 'Wily' Riley, Riley's ten metre putt to within six inches proving a handy target for Battista, whose putt glanced off Riley's ball into the hole to claim the twenty cents.

***

David Laird and Leon Moran shared the honours at Leisure Day last Tuesday. Both players had 38 points with Laird winning on a countback, with Matt Harker getting a mention on 37 points. Both Moran and Laird are teeing off this weekend in the Westcoast Open in Busselton and the club wishes them well.

***

Ernie Sullivan topped the list in the Veterans last Tuesday with 29 points. Jim Tyler and Ross Brody had 27 points while Jeff Crowe and Ed Riley rounded out the winners with 25 points apiece. Novelties were won by Ed Riley, Frank Battista, Brian Banks and Ray Alp.

***

Club Treasurer and golf addict Greg Bell really must like those West Coast Eagles. After their win last Saturday he packed up the car and headed to Melbourne. In doing so he is missing the last round of the club championships and also Country Week. One would hope the Eagles can get up to make the sacrifices worthwhile.

On Sunday a group of golfers from Kojonup will be playing 18 holes, hitting off at 9.00am.

This Saturday is an 18 hole individual Stableford for club trophies. The timesheet allows for players to hit off in the morning so they can view the AFL Grand Final. Scroungers is on today and Veterans and Leisure Day as usual next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 17 September 2006

President Stewart takes command

Club President Ian Stewart enjoyed a day out last Saturday when he was successful in winning the Federal Hotel 18 hole individual Stableford competition. Stewart accumulated 39 points to edge out Ray Cooper on a countback. A feature of Stewart’s win was his outstanding putting, and he could be heard long after in the clubhouse dishing out advice on technique to anyone who could be bothered to listen. Cooper has been in good touch lately, and he had a marvellous front nine in which he scored 24 points.

Relative newcomer Barry Kononen nearly matched his son Ben in taking out a Saturday competition when he scored 38 points, and was the leader in the clubhouse until the very last group came in with the winners. Once again the old adage rings true, ‘slow and steady wins the race but bores everyone’.

Noddy Moyle also played very well to return with 38 points. Others to perform well included Ben Kononen and Dan Clayton with 36 points, Wayne ‘Wedge’ Waywood and Dave Brunswick on 35 points, Ed Riley and John Wray rounding out the vouchers with 34 points.

Among other scores, Tony Barker-May was a model of consistency, adding 20 points on the back nine to the superb 10 points he put together on the front.

Novelties were won by Phill Warburton, Trizzy Lawrence and Stumpy Ireland for nearest to pins, while Tom Chappell and Bruce Roberts picked up longest first putts.

Country Week must be getting close, with Bruce Roberts and Ian Jones putting a fair deal of time into their game.

Talk about the wheels falling off, it literally happened to Kevin Ireland on the eighth hole last Saturday. After his third dreaded ‘Arthur’ of the round it got too much for the mild mannered Ireland, who took to his buggy wheel with his nine iron. It was a very slow trip for the rest of the round.

The field was 49 and the CCR was 72.

***

Tony Barker-May produced an excellent round of golf last Thursday to score 21 points and win Scroungers. Starting with better than usual one-pointers on the first two holes, Barker-May got lucky with 19 on the next seven to beat Rob Ferris by a point, with Chris Bliss running third with 19 points. Ray Alp, Kevin Ireland and John McClintock all had 18 points and were rewarded with a voucher.

Novelties were won by Ed Riley and Chris Bliss, while Rob Ferris was also successful in taking out the gross.

Dot Lawrence was the winner of the Associates with 15 points, with June Pike finishing second with 14 points.

With Dot Lawrence finding form, she and husband Trizzy could be absolute ‘smokies’ for Dorsett Day on November 19th.

A good field of 56 men and 7 Associates played Scroungers.

***

Alan Banks took out the Veterans with 27 points from Peter Gray on 26 points. Bryan Simpson finished with 23 points and Ed Riley had 21 points to round the winners. Novelties were won by Alan Banks, Phill Warburton, Peter Gray and Dave Brunswick.

***

Sanctuary professional Gavin Vearing continues to offer coaching, and in most cases there have been positive results from those who have had a lesson. A booking sheet is on the noticeboard.

***

This Saturday will see an 18 hole individual Par event for the Brown, Chappell and McCormick trophies. Scroungers is on today and Veterans and Leisure Day next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 10 September 2006

Fourball kings reign supreme

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 14 September 2006

Joe Italiano and Ray Cooper confirmed their status as four ball kings when they combined to win the Veterans 4BBB Stableford last Saturday. They compiled a tidy 47 points to edge out Dennis Cocker and Mark Sugget who finished with 46 points. Ash Stewart and Chris Bliss finished third on a countback from Ron Crabbe and Chris Dunning and former four ball maestros Jim Moyses and Stephen Farquhar. All of these pairs finished on 45 points.

Scoring was very good and the Veterans gave out novelties on all holes which meant you were unlucky not to walk away with something for the day.

Highlights for the day included Dennis Cocker’s eagle and Scott Hunter’s round, which included a quiet 7 birdies.

A total of 31 pairs contested the event.

***

Last Sunday saw the Mixed Foursomes Championships played with 12 pairs taking part in the 27 hole event. Ron Crabbe and Bev Moyses produced an excellent afternoon round to get up and beat Greg and Norma Bell. Crabbe and Moyses finished on 124 with the Bells on 127. Others to do well included Danny Cheng and Vicki Graham on 128.

Greg and Norma were successful in taking out the nett section with 107^3/4 from Crabbe and Moyses on 107^7/8. Other to do well in the nett were Wayne Waywood and Betty White 110^1/2 and Ron and Lorraine Annandale on 113^1/2.

The next major fixture in the mixed calendar will be Dorsett Day scheduled for November 19.

***

Jim Moyses played some excellent golf to win Scroungers last Thursday. He recorded 19 points to edge out Alan Kent, Ernie Sullivan and Phil Eldridge who all had 18 points. Also in the vouchers were Peter Rowe, George Davis, Frank Battista and George Dorozenko, all of whom recorded 17 points.

Novelties were won by Graham Williams and John Michalak with Leon Moran taking out the gross.

A total of 56 men and 3 Associates played with June Pike winning a voucher in the Associates with 15 points.

***

Alan Banks was successful in the Veterans competition last Tuesday, recording 29 points to beat Dave Brunswick, Les Udy and George Davis, all on 26 points. Novelties were won by Ross Brody, Rob Ferris and Jim Hine.

***

Warming up for his third place in Saturday's 4BBB, Chris Bliss had 40 points to win last Tuesday’s Leisure Day. Bliss beat Hudson Hopewell by a single point with Trevor McCormick, Matt Harker and Dave Czerniawsky all recording 38 points.

***

Competition was fairly intense in the mixed fours last Sunday with players monitoring each others' progress from opposite fairways, and it even went to the extent of one Associate driving her electric buggy into her male opponent's legs prior to hit off. She claims it was accidental, but there are grave doubts.

***

The final round of the club championships will be played on Saturday 7th October, and a full list of leading contenders will be published next week.

***

This Saturday will be an 18 hole individual Stableford for the Federal Hotel trophy. Scroungers is on as usual today with Veterans and Leisure Day next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 3 September 2006

The Kononen Kid cleans up

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 7 September 2006

On a day of stellar scoring, young tyro Ben Kononen rose to the occasion to take out the Komatsu 18 hole Par event last Saturday. Fourteen year old Kononen showed maturity beyond his years to score plus seven and withstand spirited challenges from Ron Crabbe and Tony Barker-May, who both finished on plus six. And it could have been a bigger win, with young Ben – playing with his mentor Crabbe - plus nine before dropping strokes on the last two holes. Watch out for mini-Ben too – Kononen’s ten year old brother has been seen on the course, flourishing a very sweet swing.

It was good to see Tony Barker–May score well (hear! hear! - webmaster) as he puts a great deal of time and effort into his game, so far without clear evidence that any of it is working. However, he was strongly motivated to score well on Saturday, as his wife Shelley cut her handicap to 23.9 with a fine 69 nett during the week. Tony teed off with a handicap of 23.8 on Saturday knowing a poor game would see Shelley equal his handicap for the first time ever, but his plus six saw him drop to 22.2, providing valuable breathing space and leaving the ego relatively intact. For the moment.

52 players made up the field and there were many good scores, which was reflected in the CCR of 70.

Hudson Hopewell and Stephen Farquhar both recorded plus four with Farquhar showing a return to form after a well deserved overseas break.

Ron Annandale, Dave Brunswick, Chris Bliss and Dave ‘Chopper’ Czerniawsky all scored plus two, while Jim Moyses and Alan Banks returned plus one.

The match committee were feeling generous and rewarded Rodney Simmonds, Joe Italiano, Tom Chappell and Trevor Lawrence with a voucher for finishing square.

There were three visitors playing on Saturday, including ex club and Riverside champion Warren Colgan. Warren is keen to play regularly in Collie and participate in the club’s major events.

Novelties were won by Michael Stocks, Trevor McCormick and Bill Hunter for nearest to pins while Mick Pokrywka and Dick Earl won longest putts.

***

Graham Williams, armed with his new Callaways, continues to march on taking all before him. This time it was Scroungers and he won with 19 points on a spin from Butch Fraser. Ian Annandale, Neil Richards and George Davis all finished with 18 points, and Stephen Ireland and Ken Woods rounded out the vouchers with 17s.

Novelties were won by Jim Burek and Jeff Crowe.

A total of 47 players contested the event.

***

Jay Robinson took out Tuesday’s Leisure Day with 39 points from Greg Martin on 36 points, with Greg Bell running third on 35 points.

Bryan Simpson continued his excellent form to take out the Veterans competition with 27 points - a wonderful result for the octogenarian who first played the course 70 years ago. Dave Brunswick finished second on 24 points with John Wray and Des Hebb tied on 23 points.

Novelties were won by Bryan Simpson, Peter Gray, Alan Davies and Phill Warburton.

***

With the advancement of technology in golfing equipment it will be interesting to keep an eye on Vice President Steven Ireland, to see if his recent purchase of state of the art gear can bring about the same turnaround in his game that Graham Williams has experienced.

***

This Sunday will see the Mixed Foursomes Championships. There are plenty of spaces to be filled and members are urged to enter as there will be some excellent trophies to be won.

***

Those members wishing to attend Men’s Country Week are asked to nominate by the end of this week.

Week ending Sunday 27 August 2006

Laird's good form continues

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 31 August 2006

Former club captain David Laird continued his run of excellent form to take out the Collie Mowers 18 hole individual Stableford competition held last Saturday. Laird recorded 40 points to just edge out a group of four players on 39 points. Taking second place for the second consecutive week was Matt Bernardi, from Michael Stocks who is quickly adjusting to his new irons. Also on 39 were the talented Peter Gray and Rodney Simmonds, returning to some semblance of form.

Two players, Matt Harker and David Pullan finished with 37 points while Ed Riley, Joe 'Medhurst' Italiano, Chris Bliss and Jim Moyses all had 36 points to collect a voucher. Ed Riley in particular is enjoying a very good season, and has rarely finished out of the money.

Hudson Hopewell had the best gross of 31 on a day where many battled to score well. 61 players took part and the CCR was 71. Club champion Hopewell's score was assisted by what his playing partners described as the shot of the century on 15 when, stuck in the roots of the first tree in the line of big trees on the right, 15cm hole side of the trunk, with no shot to the green, and virtually no swing, Hopewell - almost falling over backwards as he struck the ball - bent the ball around the entire line of trees before emerging short of the green, running on to about three metres short of the hole. He made the birdie putt, commenting on the previous shot that he 'had to pull one out of his arse occasionally'. His partners could believe it, as they couldn't imagine where else it might have come from.

Novelties were won by Ron Crabbe, Chris Bliss and David Laird for nearest to pins, while Garry Dawson and Noddy Moyle picked up the longest first putts.

As was stated, many struggled, but probably none more than Peter Slater, who had a deplorable 6 points on the back nine. However Slater displayed a bit of ticker to continue on and have 14 on the front nine to partially redeem the situation.

***

Tuesday’s Leisure Day and Veterans again were washed out due to the stormy weather for the second week in a row.

***

John Souter-Robertson scored 21 points to win last Thursday’s Scroungers competition. It was the first time in a long time for Souter- Robertson to salute the judge and he won from Michael Stocks on 19 points.

A host of players finished on 17 and were rewarded with a voucher. These included Tony Barker-May, Ron Annandale, Mick Pokrywka, John Wray and Jim Burek. John Wray also won the gross with 16.

Novelties were won by Dick Earl and Frank Battista for two excellent long putts.

June Pike was the winner of the Associates with 17 points while Lesley Motion showed a return to form to claim second with 16 points.

A total of 60 players took part, continuing the good fields that Scroungers attracts during the year.

***

A new game is evolving around the club where a group plays “pass the putter”. This involves some desperates exchanging and trying out each others putter to no avail. These players might pay to actually look at the Indian firing the bow instead of blaming the arrow.

***

There was generally a positive atmosphere at the club’s AGM held last Sunday. Ian Stewart will continue as president with Bill Hunter taking over the captaincy from Stephen Farquhar after the latter's four years of great service to the club in that role.

Trevor 'Trizzy' Lawrence was awarded life membership for his many years of dedicated service to the club, an honour he richly deserves.

***

Sunday September 10th is the date of the Mixed Foursomes and at this stage it is a 27 hole event. The entry form is on the noticeboard. A light lunch is included. All members and Associates are urged to support this event.

***

Men's Country Week nominations are on the board, and those intending to attend are asked to nominate quickly.

***

A change to the fixtures with the AFL Grand Final on September 30, this will now be a par event for a club trophy. A morning and afternoon timesheet will be posted. Also the fifth and final round of the club championships will now be played on Saturday 7th October.

***

Saturday this week will be an 18 hole individual Par event sponsored by Komatsu. Tuesday will see Leisure Day and Veterans while Sroungers is on today.

Week ending Sunday 20 August 2006

Sugget slays field

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 24 August 2006

Mark Sugget produced a sizzling round of golf to easily win the Bernardi Brothers 18 hole Stroke competition held last Saturday. On a day when there were more centuries than a summer of cricket, Sugget made light of the gloomy conditions to win by two shots from trophy donor Matt Bernardi. David Laird finished third on a countback from Hudson Hopewell and Ron Annandale. All of these players had 73 nett. Ken Woods and Ed Riley finished with 74. Tony Barker-May, Graeme Miffling, Bryan Simpson and visitor Colin Brown all had 75s to round out the vouchers, with Barker-May in particular delighted to be among the prizes after starting with eights on the first three holes.

The donors were very generous in their trophies in that they gave out a gross trophy for A and B grade, the winners of which were Hudson Hopewell and Ash Stewart.

As was previously stated, many of the 46 players struggled with the conditions, and an award was given to the biggest struggler of the day, Alf Sanford. A measure of the difficult conditions was reflected by the CCR of 73.

The Bernardi brothers presented novelties on all holes, and this was very much appreciated by all winners, including Alf Sanford, whose difficult day was alleviated by winning a prize for the shortest drive on 15.

***

Chris Shea produced a wonderful round to eclipse the field in last Thursday’s Scroungers. He amassed 25 points to win in a canter from the vocally enhanced George Dorozenko, who finished on 20 points. Matt Harker had 19 points and vouchers were won by Ray McGill, Peter Rowe and Kevin Ireland with 18 points. Ireland in particular was outstanding with the length he generated off the tee with his new driver. Perhaps Peter Rowe could consider borrowing the club.

Rhonda McGill took out the Associates division with 13 points. Obviously the McGills have benefited from their overseas holiday, as Ray, who claims he had not swung a club in anger for five weeks, struck the ball as sweetly as he has ever done in his life, amassing 18 points despite his playing partner trying to undo him by talking about how beautifully he was swinging.

Leon Moran won the gross with 15 and novelties were won by Brian Banks and Ray McGill.

***

Chris Shea’s effort at Scroungers must have taken the edge off him for Saturday’s event as the big hitting left hander pulled out after only nine holes. Maybe he needs to look at some sort of endurance training so he can see out those extra nine holes.

***

While on the McGills it is good to see Rhonda finally work out why her putter was off in more ways than one. It took husband Ray to discover the dead mouse in the bottom of the bag.

***

With one round left in the club championships left Hudson Hopewell is making a determined run for the gross honours while the nett competition can still be won by any one of a number of players.

***

Saturday sees an 18 hole individual Stableford competition sponsored by Collie Mowers and More. Scroungers as usual today and next Tuesday Veterans and Leisure Day.

Week ending Sunday 13 August 2006

Champ in form ahead of championship round

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 17 August 2006

Current Club Champion Hudson Hopewell played solid golf to record a very good victory in a low scoring game to win Saturday’s Sanctuary Resort 18 hole Stableford competition. Hudson had 39 points to win from John Brown, Trevor McCormick, George Davis and Graham Williams who all finished with 37 points. Others to rate a mention were Graeme Jackson and Dan Clayton on 36 points, with Ed Riley, Dave Brunswick, Jim Burek and Leon Moran all on 35 points. The low winning score left many players kicking themselves over the shots they left on the course.

Novelties for nearest the pin went to David Broadbent, John Brown and George Davis while longest putts were won by Dick Earl and Troy Sheppard.

The field was a disappointing 48 players and the CCR was 72.

***

Garry Dawson continued his good form when he took out last Thursday’s Scroungers on a spin from the consistent Peter Gray. Both players recorded 21 points. Alan Banks, Ross Brody and Stephen Ireland all finished with 18 points while vouchers were paid to Leon Moran, Tony Barker-May, Dale Miffling, George Dorozenko, Ray Cooper and David Broadbent all of whom had 17 points.

Best gross went to Leon Moran with 15 while Tony Barker-May and Alf Sanford picked up the novelties.

The Associates section was won by Shelley Barker-May on a spin from Bev Moyses and Kaye Farquhar. All ladies finished with 18 points.

A total of 51 men and 12 Associates competed on the day.

***

Chris Shea returned to form - or at least, kept the erratic side of his form in check - to win Leisure Day with 36 points from Leon Moran on 34 points. Only 6 players contested the event which, was played in poor weather conditions.

***

Jim Hine continued on his merry way taking out last Tuesday’s Veterans Competition from another very consistent performer in Dave Brunswick. The winner had 29 points while Brunswick recorded 28 points.

Others to get a mention were Alan Malpass on 27 points, John Wray 25, Bryan Simpson 23, Peter Gray 22 and Dick Earl on 21 points.

Novelties were won by Alan Malpass, Bryan Simpson, Ross Brody and Peter Gray.

***

Recent reports stating the possible demise of sand green king Phill have been quickly put to rest with Warburton answering the critics in the best possible way. In the Williams Open, Warburton had 77 off the stick to finish third in the gross.

***

Club committeemen Greg Bell and Bill Hunter went to the State Sand Greens Championships in Waroona last weekend. There was a case of divine intervention on Saturday night when Kym Bell went into labour and saved them from another embarrassing round on the Sunday. Both players are of the opinion, Collie members should get down on their knees and give the grass greens a kiss of thanks.

***

Next Saturday sees the fourth round of the club championships take place. The gross event is poised for a great finish with Greg Bell leading on 232 with Chris Stewart 234 and Hudson Hopewell on 235. In the nett section leading contenders include Stephen Edwards, Clayton Flynn, David Laird, Charlie Serravite, Ash Stewart and Wayne Waywood.

Scroungers are on today and next Tuesday Veterans and Leisure Day as usual.

Week ending Sunday 6 August 2006

Big hitting Kiwis take Ambrose on countback

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 10 August 2006

The long hitting combination of New Zealand pair Kalev Kutt and Brett Smith worked well in tandem to narrowly win last Saturday’s Lotex Filters Cleaning Service 2 person Ambrose. The winners had to survive a countback from Jay Robinson and Chris Shea. Both pairs recorded the excellent nett score of 54. Kutt in particular has started to take his golf very seriously, spending many happy hours analysing Ernie Els' swing in slow motion video, and the analysis has clearly paid off, with greatly increased accuracy off the tee. Kutt is also doing a good job controlling what was once an errant temperament, with a rare pull off the tee out of bounds on the last hole - after his partner put his tee shot in the ditch - bringing nothing but a wry smile to his face. Playing with former Poms Tony Barker-May and Dave Brunswick, the Kiwis also took the honours in the second country of origin Tist Mitch, beating the Poms by 5.5 strokes.

The best score of the day came from the father and son team of Les and Barry McGill with 53.5 nett. It was good to see past club champion Barry make a welcome visit to the club and show he still possesses a fine game. Regrettably, as a visitor he was unable to take the prize.

Other pairs to rate a mention included Chris Dunning and Charlie Serravite, David Broadbent and Steve Wallace, Ross Davidson and Peter Rowe all on 56.5, Fred Bronickis and Chris Bliss, Jim Hine and Alan Davies, Bill Hunter and Colin Naysmith with 57.

Novelties for nearest to the pin were won by Chris Dunning, Jay Robinson and Kalev Kutt, while Colin Naysmith and Fred Bronickis won long putts.

A debating point in the clubhouse after the game was, which was shortest, Graham Williams drive on number 8 or Joe Italiano’s missed putt on 18.

Sanctuary Resort professional Gavin Vearing was a visitor on Saturday and he gave an entertaining talk on his career and different coaching packages that he has on offer. It was suggested Ray Cooper enrols in the all day etiquette package.

A total of 56 players competed in the competition.

***

Alan Davies continued his with his consistent form to edge out Brian Banks on a spin to take out last Thursday’s Scroungers. Both players had 19 points. Leigh Bernardi and Stephen Farquhar both finished with 18 points with the head Scrounger generously paying 17s which meant Mark Sugget, Fred Bronickis and Colin Naysmith received a voucher. Novelties were won by Jeff Graham and Steve Farquhar.

Best gross went to Leigh Bernardi with 39, while June Pike took out the Associates section with 18 points from Kaye Farquhar with 17 points.

***

Dave Brunswick was successful in winning last Tuesday’s Veterans competition from Hugh Annandale. Both players finished on 25 points and won from Jim Hine and Peter Gray on 24 points. Novelties were won by Ray Alp. Bryan Simpson, Jim Hine and Dick Earl.

David Laird again was successful in Tuesday’s Leisure Day. He amassed 40 points to beat Hudson Hopewell on 37 points and Clayton Flynn with 33 points.

***

There is an old adage in sport that even if you can’t play golf at least look like a golfer, so it was very refreshing to see one of the members taking the time to actually bring out the shoe polish and take the time to make sure his shoes were sparkling. Good effort ‘Popeye’.

***

This Saturday’s event is the Sanctuary Resort 18 hole individual Stableford trophy. Scroungers as usual today and Veterans and Leisure Day next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 30 July 2006

Pullan pips Broadbent on countback

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 3 August 2006

Clive Pullan continued his run of very good form this season when he won the Kleenheat Gas Par event on a countback from David Broadbent last Saturday. Pullan has been in excellent touch lately and he recorded plus 4 to edge out the erratic hooker, Broadbent, who has endured a couple of years lost in the golfing wilderness. 

Captain Steve Farquhar enjoyed a return to form to record plus 2 as did the ever consistent Peter Gray and Frank Battista. A host of players finished on plus 1 including Dave Brunswick, Garry Dawson, Alan Davies, Dean Rakich, Bryan Simpson and wet weather specialist Colin Naysmith.

A gross trophy was also given and that went to Leon Moran, who is quickly returning to form after a long absence from the game. Novelties were won by Matt Bernardi, Troy Sheppard and David Pullan for nearest to pins, and Alan Kent and Frank Battista for long putts.

Graham Williams’ putter certainly was not hot during the round and it got a great deal colder after he threw it following another missed putt, only to see it land in the middle of a large puddle beside the third green.

The event attracted 56 players and the CCR was 71.

***

Nine brave ,hardy and very foolish souls braved the rain and hypothermia to compete in Scroungers last Thursday. Conditions didn’t stop Dean Crowe recording 19 points to easily win from Ross Davidson with 15. Others to get a mention included Alan Kent on 13 and Ray Cooper and Dean Rakich on 11. Graham Williams won the novelty on number 4.

***

Tuesday specialist David Laird had a good day when he took out Leisure Day with 39 points. Laird won from Jay Robinson on 38 with Leon Moran on 37. 10 players competed in the event.

***

The Veterans ran a three man Ambrose last week and it was won in a tight finish by Alan Banks, Ed Riley and Dave Brunswick on 39 from Ray Alp, Ernie Sullivan and Ross Brody on 39^2/3. Novelties were won by Peter Gray, Dave Brunswick, Ernie Sullivan and Jim Hine.

***

Prominent member Charlie Serravite prides himself on his length off the tee, so you can understand how miffed he was when, playing at Dunsborough Lakes recently, he was continually outdriven by his playing partner. Pity that his playing partner was a 58 year old grandmother.

***

The decking project is almost complete and it has surpassed expectations on the impact it will have on the clubhouse. Mark Sugget and his helpers are to be congratulated on their efforts.

***

It is good to see Scott Chambers back at work and the club wishes to thank Trizzie Lawrence and his helpers for the work they have done in his absence.

***

This Saturday will see the Lotex Filters 18 hole 2 person Ambrose, with Scroungers as usual today and Leisure Day and Veterans next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 23 July 2006

Hines takes second win in a week

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 27 July 2006

Jim Hines streeted the field to easily win the P&H Mine Pro individual Stableford event last Saturday. Hines, who has been in very good form in Veterans events lately, carried that into a Saturday competition to record 42 points and win from Steve Wallace on 38 points. Wallace beat Wedge Waywood on a countback for second place.

Other players to feature on a cold but fine day where the field size was 64 included Ross Brody and Steve Edwards on 37 points, Leigh Bernardi and Ben Kononen on 36, and Ed Riley, Barry Kononen, Ray Cooper, David Laird, Matt Harker, Peter Gray and Ron Crabbe all on 35 points.

The sponsor was extremely generous with prizes and even saw fit to reward golfers who were obviously challenged by the day. The ‘winners’ in this section were Ken Woods, Jeff Bebbington and Les McGill.

Novelties for nearest the pins were won by Peter Gray, Steve Wallace and Hudson Hopewell while longest putt winners were Ed Riley and Clive Pullan.

The CCR of 73 reflected the difficulty that some players experienced handling the course.

Other highlights of the day included Ian ‘Dynamite’ Annandale’s exemplary display of bunker etiquette on six and self proclaimed ‘best putter in the club’ Steven Ireland’s lovely four putt on twelve.

***

In the Veterans last Tuesday Jim Hines gave a form pointer for what was to come when he took out the competition with 27 points from the in form Peter Gray, who also finished with 27 points. Alan Kent and Dave Brunswick had 25 points while Ross Brody finished with 23 points.

Novelties were won by Ross Brody with a trifecta and Dave Brunswick.

***

Only eight players contested Leisure Day last Tuesday and the consistent Ron Crabbe won with 37 points from Matt Bernardi with 36 points.

***

Heavy rain washed out last Thursday’s Scroungers event and also hampered the Graham Marsh 54 Hole Event played earlier in the day. Players completed the rain delayed event with State Colts member Nick Saraceni winning the boys section, with even par for the three day event, and Stacey Shanahan winning the girls section. 17 year old Tanya Kilfoil from Bunbury ran second in the girls section and she and the winners were rewarded with a trip to the Australian finals to be played at Royal Pines later in the year.

An interested visitor last Thursday was Ron Baddeley, father of Aaron, who was impressed with the layout of the club and the hospitality of the members.

***

Collie sporting great Peter Rowe’s comeback to golf appears to have stalled to such an extent that he is contemplating reverting back to his natural left handed style. Some would call this arrogance and others desperation.

Work on the decking project has commenced and Mark Sugget and his helpers are progressing very well on what should prove to be a very valuable asset to the club.

Course superintendent Scott Chambers is making steady progress after knee surgery and hopefully will be back on deck soon.

This Saturday members should note that it will be an individual par event and not a 4BBB as was in the original fixtures. Today Scroungers as usual and Tuesday Veterans and Leisure Day.

Week ending Sunday 16 July 2006

Young gun Kononen in first win

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 20 July 2006

Young member Ben Kononen combined brilliantly with Dan Clayton to narrowly win the Collie Eagles 2 person Ambrose last Saturday. Kononen, a young Greg Norman lookalike, has shown great potential in the few months he has been playing, recently using school holidays to good effect for practice, and Clayton, one of the club’s most consistent players, had 71 off the stick. Their handicap of 18 gave them a nett score of 53 which in the end was half a stroke better than the runner up pair of last week’s winner John Brown and Jim Burek. Other pairs to feature were Brian Banks and Rod Simmonds 54, Ed Riley and Peter Gray, Col Naysmith and Mark Sugget 54.5, Ray Cooper and Joe Italiano 55, Noddy Moyle and Leon Moran 57, Steven Ireland and Peter Ellery 57.5.

The event attracted the good field of 62 players and the sponsors saw fit to include two long drives which were won by Steve ‘The Hammer’ Wallace on five and, for the over 55s on ten by Peter Gray, who can really get the ball out a long way.

Usual novelties were won by John Brown, Jim Hine and Graham Miffling for nearest the pins and new member Neil Richards and Kalev Kutt for long putts.

***

Veteran Dave Henderson recorded a very good victory in last Thursday’s Scroungers. Henderson had 21 points to beat John Wray on a spin. Wray played some great golf to win the gross with 19. Others in the mix included Ian Jones 20, Peter Ellery, Stephen Farquhar and Frank Battista 19, and Dean Rakich, Norm Oates, Hugh Annandale and George Davis, all on 18.

Kaye Farquhar and Jan Munday were the best of the Associates with 18 points each.

Novelties were won by Fred Bronickis and George Davis.

***

A great field of 22 took part in last Tuesday’s Leisure Day. Golfers have been spoilt by the fine weather this season and field numbers have been excellent in all competitions. Garry Dawson had a day out to score 41 points to win from David Laird and Steve Wallace, each on 39 points. Dale Miffling, Ron Crabbe, Leon Moran and Dan Clayton all had a respectable 35 points.

***

In the Veterans last Tuesday Ray Alp was a comfortable victor with 28 points from Ross Brody on 25 points. Alan Kent and Dave Brunswick had 23 points each while Ed Riley and Jim Hine rounded out the vouchers with 22 points

Novelties were won by Jeff Crowe, Dick ‘Tiger’ Earl, Des Hebb and Dave Brunswick.

***

Has Father Time finally caught up with the pirate of the sand green circuit, Phill? After years of domination he and his partner put in a lamentable effort in the recent fourball at Williams, and many are now asking if the reign is coming to an end.

***

Today (Thursday 20^th) will see the players of the future on display when the Graham Marsh 54 Hole circus comes to town. Numbers are down slightly on previous years but talent levels and egos are still exceptionally high. Hit offs are scheduled for 10.00am. Members who are intending to play Scroungers today are asked to hit off after 2.30.

***

Next Saturday will see the P&H Mine Pro Service 18 Hole Individual Stableford take place, while on Sunday there will be an 18 hole Yankee mixed event. Today, Scroungers after 2.30pm and next Tuesday, Leisure Day and Veterans as usual.

Week ending Sunday 9 July 2006

Brown bombs Stroke event

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 13 July 2006

John Brown enjoyed a return to form last Saturday when he won the Challenge Process Chemicals Stroke event. Brown, a master of the flat stick in that he uses the trusty putter whenever possible, had the very good score of 67 to win by one shot from the in form Michael Dowling. Talking of good form, third place getter Greg Bell has been white hot lately, and he continued on his way with the best gross of 75, nett 69. The event, which doubled as the third round of the club championships, attracted the good field of 61 players with the CCR being 72.

Other players to rate a mention included Charlie Serravite who is always around the mark come championships time, the long hitting yet erratic Steve Wallace, and Chris Shea, all of who finished on 71. David Laird, Hudson Hopewell, Ash Stewart, Chris Bliss and Mark Sugget all had 72 and Ron Annandale, Bill Hunter and Dave Brunswick finished with respectable 73s.

Novelties were won by Colin Brown and Jeff Graham for longest putts and Ross Brody, Peter Gray and Ray Cooper for nearest the pins on the par threes

They say a week is a long time in sport and that held up well for last week’s winner Peter Slater, who attained a century very easily. It was good to see ‘Smokin Joe’ Zareba make a return to the fairways. Joe not only had to contend with steering his golf ball around the course but he also had to control his remote controlled buggy, which at one stage ended up in one of the bunkers.

***

23 points was enough for Ray Cooper to win Scroungers last Thursday. Cooper, who only wishes he could play as well he talks, had one to spare from Ron Annandale, who is slowly returning to form after his holiday. Greg Bell had 21 with Shire President, Bruce Roberts on 20. Ian Jones, Bryan Simpson, Alan Banks, Trevor McCormick and Kevin Ireland all finished on 19 points.

Helen Annandale took out the Associates with 20 points from Eileen Riley on 18 and Bev Moyses on 17.

Novelties were won by Butch Fraser and Tony Barker-May, who won a ball with a long putt on the ninth for the third time in a month. 59 men and 9 Associates contested the event.

***

Ed Riley played very well to take out the Veterans 14 hole competition last Tuesday. He amassed 30 points, as did Alan Davies, with Peter Gray gaining third with 27. Others to do well were Alan Kent, Ross Brody and Jim Hine with 25 points. Novelties were won by Hugh Annandale, Jim Hine, John Wray and Ernie Sullivan.

***

Present club champion Hudson Hopewell had a day out when he scored 40 points to win Leisure Day from ‘Mr Consistent’ Clayton Flynn with a tidy 36 points.

***

Next Thursday will see the course being used as part of the annual Graham Marsh Junior Golf 54 hole event. Approximately 100 juniors will hit off commencing at 10.00am and members who can assist with the day should see Stephen Farquhar. Members should also note that Scroungers hit offs on this day will be from 2.15 onwards.

The AGM is scheduled for Sunday August 13^th and a sheet for nominations for positions is on the noticeboard. Also there are some constitutional changes posted and members are asked to read these as they will be voted on at the AGM.

The Quiz Night on July 21^st is rapidly approaching and Steven Ireland has not been inundated with responses thus far. If you are contemplating going please see him as soon as possible.

***

This Saturday will see the running of the Collie Eagles 2 man Ambrose event and Ray Cooper has promised some tremendous prizes. Scroungers is on as usual today and Veterans and Leisure Day next Tuesday.

Week ending Sunday 2 July 2006

Popular win to Slater

Courtesy of the Collie Mail Thursday 6 July 2006

Peter Slater was a very popular winner of the annual Solstice Group’s 18 hole individual Stableford last Saturday. The methodical Slater, who has ignored technology and is one of few golfers who use a driving iron off the tee, compiled an excellent total of 42 points which included birdies on holes eight and eighteen.

The winner had two points to spare over the talented Matt Harker, who always performs well in big events. Greg Bell continued his excellent form with 39 points, 24 points coming from the back nine with 34 off the stick. This enabled Bell to take third on a countback from Michael Dowling, who has only recently returned to the club from a stint in Newman.

A gross trophy was also awarded which went to Hudson Hopewell with 38 points, and others to do well included Jeff Graham, 38 points, Steve Farquhar, Alan Banks, Ray Cooper 37 points, Wayne Waywood, Garry Dawson and Chris Bliss on 36 points.

Twenty Associates also took part and it was pleasing to see a relative newcomer in Pat Booth claim victory in a tight finish from Shelley Barker-May and Jill Burgess. All three finished with 34 points, and a countback was needed to separate them. Others to rate a mention were Maureen Earl, Lee Hunter and Judy Dowling on 32 points. There were claims of performance enhancing substances being used by one group of Associates, with the ladies polishing off a nice bottle of red during the game.

Novelties were provided on every hole and it was also good to see former juniors Brad White, Clayton Bell and Scott Hunter return to support the event. Hunter displayed the best form of the visitors to shoot 2 under off the stick. A couple of players who did not display any form were Michael Stocks, who won the coveted Jacket, and life member Ernie Sullivan, who took the NAGA award.

The event attracted a total of 98 players and the CCR for men and Associates was 71.

***

Chris Bliss showed the benefit of hard work when he took out Scroungers last Thursday. Bliss had 21 points to pip Jeff Crowe with 20. The erratic hooker David Broadbent finished with 18 as did committee member Mark Suggett, Neil Motion and the ultra consistent Graham Williams. Those who finished on 17 were also rewarded and these players included Hugh Annandale, Dean Crowe, Ray Alp and Alan Banks. Novelties were won by Mark Malatesta and Jeff Crowe. In the Associates, Nancy Lynn was the winner with 18 points from Shelley Barker-May and Lee Hunter on 15 points. A very good total of 63 men and 7 ladies contested the event.

***

Last Tuesday a relatively rare event took place in that it rained which resulted in both Veterans and Leisure Day being cancelled.

***

Last Saturday a presentation was made to Tony Barker-May in recognition of the tremendous work he does with the club’s website. This site is equal to any in the country and the club is very fortunate to have someone of the calibre of Tony. If you have not already check it out on www.colliegolfclub.com.au.

***

Starting last Monday was our “new” Course Superintendent Scott Chambers. Scott is a very gifted and extremely hard working superintendent. The club wishes to extend a warm welcome back to Scott, Caroline and the baby, and hope you will enjoy your time with us.

***

The Quiz Night is rapidly approaching on July 21^st and with quizmaster Joe Italiano refreshed from his World Cup Odyssey a good night is guaranteed. See Stephen Ireland for bookings.

***

The decking project is expected to take place in the near future and this will further enhance the clubhouse and surrounds. On a disappointing note, it is extremely galling to all members to witness the senseless acts of vandalism on the 11^th and 16^th greens that occurred last Sunday.

***

This Saturday will see the third round of the Club Championships played in conjunction with the Process Challenge Chemicals Trophy. Today Scroungers are on as usual and next Tuesday Veterans and Leisure Day.