2004 Members News & Results
including Associates playing in mixed competitions

Week ending Sunday ....

Thursday 23 December 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

With no Saturday game due to Christmas and small fields in other competitions, an excellent field of 53 saw Thursday's humble Scroungers nine holer emerge as the week's major contest.

Kevin Ireland has been in good form recently, and 22 points on Tuesday was enough to win him three golf balls and lose him three strokes from his Scroungers' handicap. Ireland won by two points from local cop Paul McCallum, with Chris Shea, Ed 'Wily' Riley, Ray Alp, Mark 'KK' Boladeras and Neil Motion all winning a ball for 19 points.

Novelties:  Dick Earl 4, Ashley Hollins best drive.

Tuesday 21 December 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

A 29 point game from Alan Davies was enough to stop the recent winning run from Barry 'Chirpy' Baker, who was beaten into third place in Tuesday's 14 hole Stableford veterans competition. Baker's 25 came behind Davies and Ross Brody, whose 26 points secured second place. Jeff Crowe (24), Dick Earl and Bryan Simpson (23 points), and Alan Britten (20), took out the minor placings.

A field of eight contested Tuesday's Leisure Day 18 hole Stableford, with a battle of the low handicap Titans at the top of the leader board resolved in favour of Hudson Hopewell. Hopewell's very fine 39 points, a great game for a single figure player, was good enough to shade another single figure player, Greg Bell, by a single point.

Novelties (Veterans):  Ross Brody 4, Jeff Crowe 6 and 18, Bryan Simpson 9.

Sunday 26 December 2004 - Boxing Day 18 Hole Stableford

We're a keen mob, us golfers, and eleven were keen enough to leave the left over turkey on Boxing Day to play an 18 hole Stableford. Big hitting Kiwi Brett Smith had a field day, winning with a massive 44 points to beat two excellent players, Danny Clayton and Matt Harker, by an unheard of six points.

Monday 27 December 2004 - Club Trophy 18 Hole Stableford

Another field of eleven took advantage of the holiday break to play for the Club Trophy on Monday - although the ages of the winning players suggest that they are past having to worry about getting the day off to play golf. Three regular Collie veterans shared the spoils, with Ray Alp scoring a huge win. Alp's good recent form continued as he compiled a very big 43 points to register a seven point margin over second placed Ed Riley, whose 36 beat Jim Hine's 36 on countback.

Coming Up

Saturday 1 January - check with the club, it was supposed to be the Club Trophy, but it seems that was played on Monday 27 December.

Sunday 2 January - 18 hole Stableford - Sweepstakes, mixed individual.

Saturday 18 December 2004 - Pat Robb & Keith Martin Trophies - 18 Hole Individual Stableford

It's hard work putting a competitive score together when you are a low handicapper, and even harder after you have made a mess of the first hole, but that didn't stop 10 handicapper Trevor McCormick taking out a two stroke win in the Pat Robb & Keith Martin Stableford on Saturday.

After wiping the par 5 1st, McCormick didn't put a foot wrong for the rest of the game, playing the last four holes of the front nine two under par and coming home with 38 off the stick on the back nine to compile a fine round of 21-21 42.

Two points adrift, Danny Clayton beat another long hitter, Leigh Bernardi, to take second prize on countback with 40 points, a score also shared by Jay Robinson, veteran Dave Henderson, and Peter Slater. Close behind, Alan Davies' 39 shaded the 38s of Peter Castelli, Dean Rakich and Mark 'KK' Boladeras, while 36 points was enough to reward Ed Riley, Ross Davidson, David Pullan, Bill Hunter, Jim Tyler, Chris Bliss and Barry Sheppard with a golf ball each.

Leigh Bernardi won the gross competition with a three over par 75.

In the ladies' competition, the very consistent Lee Hunter won household bragging rights ahead of husband Bill's 36 in the men's event by winning the trophy with a well played 38 points. Jill Burgess, another extremely consistent player, took second place on countback from Nancy Lynn with 34 points.

Novelties:  Colin Giblett 3, Peter Castelli 4, Steven Ireland 10, Dean Rakich 14, Tom Chappell 18.

Thursday 16 December 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

The indefatigable Barry Baker lost three strokes from his Scroungers handicap after his big win last week - and now he's dropped another three, after again taking out the Scroungers prize on Thursday. Baker's 21 points, enough to hold off Dean Crowe on a countback, will see him playing off 18 next time - but with the form Baker has shown recently, even 18 may not be enough to tie him down.

Dave Brunswick, Bill Cromarty and Dean Rakich filled the minor placings with 20 points, while June Pike's 19 was the best in a small Associates' field. Hard to top in Scroungers, Danny Cheng once more won the gross prize with 17 points.

Novelties:  Jim Tyler 4, Dean Rakich 9.

Tuesday 14 December 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

It's that man again! 'Chirpy' Barry Baker is thought to be considering joining the Seniors' Tour after yet another win, this time in Tuesday's Veterans competition. Posting 22 points - The Hacker can only assume the Veterans played nine holes rather than the usual 14 - Baker won on a spin of the wheel (when you're hot, you're hot) from Dick Earl. Another in form veteran, Jim Tyler, took third with 20 points, a point in front of Les McGill.

In the Leisure Day competition Reg Bluett was good enough to win with 40 points, one ahead of Mick Szostak in a small field of five.

Novelties (Veterans):  Jim Tyler 6, Bryan Simpson 9, Dick Earl 18.

Coming Up

Scroungers will continue over Christmas, with the usual competition on 23 and 30 December. Visitors are more than welcome, with Christmas novelties offered as prizes.

Sunday 26 December - 18 hole Stableford - Sweepstakes, mixed individual.

Monday 27 December - 18 hole Stableford - Sweepstakes, mixed individual.

Saturday 1 January - Club Trophy - 18 hole Par, mixed individual.

Saturday 11 December 2004 - Malatesta Brothers - 18 Hole Stroke

It was back to some semblance of normality at Collie Golf Club after the big Summer Open weekend, when a field of 58 men and 7 women played an 18 hole stroke competition for the Malatesta Brothers Trophies. And what a competition it was.

The tightest of battles at the top of the field saw veteran Jim Hine take the day with a nett 69, just a stroke ahead of a gaggle of golfers on 70, with low handicapper Hudson Hopewell taking second place honours on countback from Ross Davidson, club president Tom Chappell, new member Kalev Kutt, and the hardworking Greg Bell. Another stroke behind on 71 were WA amateur champion Scott Hunter, Ian Jones, Ed Riley and the loquacious Joe Dowling, with Bill Hunter, 'Chirpy' Barry Baker and Peter Castelli also winning golf balls with 72.

In the ladies' competition it was a matter of the usual suspects again, with Vicky Graham's nett 70 holding off Bev Moyses' 71 to take the prize.

After the game Ed Riley was awarded with a very well deserved Life Membership for many years of selfless hard work around the club. All members will congratulate Ed on his fine achievement - although The Hacker suspects some members will offer a silent prayer that Ed may now cut back a little on the tree planting, because the course is hard enough already without Ed's dedication to narrowing the fairways even further!

Novelties:  Ray Cooper 4, Peter Slater 14, Trevor Lawrence 17, Joe Dowling 18.

Thursday 9 December 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

With Christmas coming up and the Summer Open behind us, 42 players contested Scroungers on Thursday, and 41 of them watched helplessly as Barry Baker pulled another Ned Kelly act to win in a canter.

Baker played one of the best games of his long and eventful life in hitting a superb 40 off the stick, coming home with 25 points to blitz a quality field. Ross Davidson must have been both amazed and bemused to come a distant second with a 22 point score which would have won just about any other week, with equal third place winners Ian Annandale, Dave Brunswick and Alf Sanford well off Baker's pace with a creditable 19 points each.

Danny Cheng again played beautiful golf to go round even with the card, his 18 points taking the gross prize, while Dawn Gleeson's 17 points made her the best of the ladies.

Novelties:  Kevin Ireland 4, Les McGill 9.

Tuesday 7 December 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

Again it was a matter of the usual suspects at the top of the Veterans' competition on Tuesday, with that picture of sartorial elegance, Alf Sanford, continuing his good form to win by several lengths with 32 points for the 14 holes. Another Veterans stalwart, 'Gentleman Ernie' Sullivan was a big three points behind the unstoppable Sanford on 29, while regular Ross Brody and newcomer Peter Gray, fast proving himself to be an extremely competitive player, shared third place on 27 points.

In the Leisure Day competition Greg Martin backed up his eagle from last week with a fine 40 points to take first place on countback from Dean Crowe, both players three points clear of third placed Mick Szostak's 37.

Novelties (Veterans):  Ernie Sullivan 4, Des Hebb 6, Alf Sanford 9, Ross Brody 18.

Membership

Collie Golf Club is widely recognised as one of the best country golf courses in Australia, and offers wonderful sporting and social opportunities with inexpensive fee structures to suit all time and dollar budgets. Why not make 2005 the year you get serious about the great game? For details of membership, and all the club has to offer, visit our web site at www.colliegolfclub.com.au.

Coming Up

Saturday 18 December - 18 hole mixed individual Stableford for the Keith Martin & Pat Robb Trophies.

Sunday 19 December - 18 hole Stableford - Sweepstakes.

Saturday & Sunday 4 & 5 December 2004 - Ron Tresize Godfrey Pembroke Summer Open

A huge weekend at the Collie Golf Club saw fields of 41 pairs on Friday and 200 players on Saturday and Sunday play for the Bushwalker's Trophies and the 2004 Ron Tresize Godfrey Pembroke Summer Open.

With the course in immaculate condition, drawing numerous compliments from the many visitors - some made a little nervous when they heard about the snake trying to enter the men's changeroom on Saturday morning - the big field played in fine weekend weather for the Summer Open, one of the club's two annual major competitions. After a titanic battle over two days, Collie's Wayne 'Weed' Waywood took out the prestigious prize by just a single stroke over another fine and very consistent Collie player, left hander Clive Pullan. Clearly inspired by the delightful company of The Hacker, 'Trizzy' Lawrence and Mandurah's 'Pommy Pete' Williams on Saturday, Waywood barely hit an errant stroke in compiling a classy 41 points over the first 17 holes, before coming an unexpected cropper in the left hand rough on the 18th to wipe the last. Two points behind on 39 after Day One, Pullan pulled out all the stops to fire a brilliant 42 points on Sunday, but Waywood held his nerve to register yet another 41 points, just shading Pullan 41-41-82 to 39-42-81 for a well deserved and very popular win.

Former Collie player and current WA Amateur Champion Scott Hunter, now playing in Perth at the beautiful WA Golf Club in Yokine, came home for the weekend to be a clear winner in the gross competition with 38-38-76, ahead of Hartfield's T Chalker on 33-35-68.

Daily prizes went to G Riggar of Manjimup, winning the Saturday nett prize with 39 points on countback from Clive Pullan, L Korn of Donnybrook taking out the Saturday gross with 34, Collie's Greg 'Noddy' Moyle pocketing Sunday's nett with a fine 42, and another of Collie's top players, Hudson Hopewell, taking home Sunday's gross with 36. The putting competition was won by Tony Peck.

The visitors had a field day in the ladies' competition, with all four major prizes going to players from other clubs. Margaret River's Carol Combes' score of 38-42-80 was enough to pip Wanneroo's Sue Snowden's 39-40-79 to win the nett competition, while the gross winner and runner up were WA Golf Club members Belinda Wilkinson on 30-31-61 and Judy Thompsett on on 31-28-59. The Collie ladies had a little more luck in the daily competitions, with the Saturday and Sunday nett competitions won by Bev Moyses' 39 and Elaine Riley's 41 respectively. Collie's Vicki Graham took out the Saturday gross competition with 23, while a Royal Fremantle Golf Club visitor, Jill Hibben, won the Sunday gross with 31.

After playing with Pommy Pete Williams on Saturday, and finding they both had a lot in common - both arrived in Australia in 1974, both play off 22 handicaps, both didn't play too well - The Hacker threw caution to the winds and bet Pommy Pete a fiver on their individual results on Sunday. Nursing a crook back (any excuse will do) The Hacker had 21 points, the worst of many shocking games he has played, and he approached Pommy Pete outside the bar after the game with wallet drawn. "Put your money away, lad", said Pommy Pete, pulling his own wallet out. "I had 10 points, lost six balls, and broke me bloody driver".

Friday 3 December 2004 - Bushwalker's Trophies

A big field of 82 players teed off on Friday to contest the 4BBB Stableford competition for the Bushwalker's Trophies, the traditional lead up to the Summer Open, and excellent scores were the order of the day. At the sharp end, the blend of innocent youth and many decades of cunning and experience worked for the team of Clayton Flynn & Ed Riley, both of whom blamed each other's brilliance for their unbeatable 50 points and first prize of a new golf bag each. However, it was only just unbeatable, with Norm Oates & Geoff Donnelly taking second place (and new golf shoes) with 49 points on countback from Des Hebb (who really wanted those golf shoes) and Colin Sussex, a former Collie Golf Club president who came up the hill from Bunbury for the day. The teams of Dale & Graeme Miffling, Ian Annandale & Troy Sheppard, and Wayne Waywood & C Hofman, were a further point behind on 48, while John Brown & Mark Boladeras picked up 21 points on the first 7 holes and 9 on the closing 3 to end with 46 points in a tie with Ken Tate & John Michalak.

Five pairs contested the ladies' section of the Bushwalker's Trophies competition, with Barb Simmonds & Jan Munday taking first prize with a very good 46 points. They were two ahead of Lee Hunter & Dion Tadena, who won second place on countback from Nancy Lynn & June Pike. By the way, apologies to the latter, whose 20 point win in last week's Scroungers competition was omitted by an inattentive Hacker.

Thursday 2 December 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

54 players contested Scroungers on Thursday, a little down on the big fields of the previous weeks, but hardly surprising given the big weekend coming up.

A high standard of play meant 20 points was required to win a golf ball, with Peter Ellery's 22 points taking the win. Close behind, Brian Banks took the runner up prize for the second week in a row with 21 points on countback from Ian Annandale - a top result for Ellery, given the harsh Scroungers handicap system. Troy Sheppard, Graham Williams, Brett Smith, Mick Pokrywka and the ever dapper Alf Sanford all put in strong performances for 20 points, while Danny Cheng's 17 took out the gross prize.

Highlights of the day, however, came on the par five 1st hole, where Greg Martin and Bill Hunter scored eagle threes - Hunter for the second time in four weeks.

Novelties:  Ian Annandale 4 and 9.

Tuesday 30 November 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

A tight tussle at the top in a low scoring game ended with high handicapper Bryan Simpson winning the Veterans competition with 30 points. Simpson took out the prize ahead of the very consistent Jeff Bebbington on 29 points, and long hitting John Wray on 28.

Frank Battista works hard and often on his game, and his dedication was rewarded when he took out the Leisure Day competition in a better than usual field of 11 players with an exceptional score of 41 points. Jay Robinson's booming drives were on target to bring him home three points behind the leader on 38, while Mick Szostak and Paul McCallum beat their handicaps to share third place on 36 points. The CCR was 71.

Novelties (Veterans):  Des Hebb 4, Les Udy 6, Ray Alp 9, Dave Henderson 18.

Sunday Barbecue

Our band of volunteers have done a magnificent job this year on course and in kitchen, and our staff go far beyond the call of duty to keep the club running smoothly. To thank them all, staff and volunteer workers are invited to a barbecue at the club at 4pm next Sunday, 12 December. Bring nothing but yourselves!

Coming Up

Saturday 11 December - 18 hole mixed individual Stroke for the Malatesta Brothers Trophies.

Sunday 12 December - 18 hole Stableford - Sweepstakes.

Saturday 27 November 2004 - Bev Moyses, May Hollins, Dot Sullivan & Maureen Earl Trophies - 18 Hole Stableford

The sibling rivalry between the Bernardi boys was temporarily settled in favour of Matt Bernardi on Saturday when the 7 handicapper played like a pro to take out the Bev Moyses, May Hollins, Dot Sullivan & Maureen Earl Trophies 18 Hole Stableford competition with a brilliant even par round of 72. Starting with a scorching two under par 34 for 23 points on the front nine, Bernardi stumbled a little at the start of the second nine, with just ten points on the first six holes, before coming home with the wind in his sails for another ten points on the final three holes to finish with 38 on the back nine and a total of 43 Stableford points. For the moment this gives Matt bragging rights over his brother Leigh, who two weeks ago notched up a one over par 73 and 42 points to win. Saturday's fine result took a stroke off Matt's handicap - another reason to brag, with Matt now playing off six, one ahead of his brother's seven.

Close behind Matt Bernardi was veteran Alan Davies, whose 41 points was enough to drop his handicap from 25 to 24 and to win on countback from the fast improving Chris Shea. Shea, who only took up the game this year, and who joined the club in July on a handicap of 27, is quickly getting the hang of keeping those booming drives under control. He posted his first sub 90 round with a consistent wipe-free 18 of 89, coming home with ten points on the final three holes to cut his 22 handicap by two strokes.

Greg Bell and new member Peter Gray were next with 39, ahead of Gary Dawson, Stephen Farquhar, Barry Baker, Trevor Lawrence, Colin Giblett and Dave Brunswick's 38, and Barry Sheppard and Graeme Jackson on 37. The course CCR was 70.

In the ladies' competition the ever consistent Vicky Graham came home with 38 points to win by a point from Eileen Riley, with Jill Burgess a further point behind on 36 in a good Saturday ladies' field of nine players. The course CCR was 71.

Novelties:  Clive Pullan 4, Troy Sheppard 14, Gerard Pullan 17, Dean Crowe 18.

Thursday 25 November 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

Another terrific Scroungers field of 70 players witnessed Ed 'Wily' Riley bring home the bacon with a very strong 23 points. Ed's putter was running hot as he completed the round with just 12 shots from the flat blade to win from Brian Banks on 22. A stroke behind on 21 were Alan Banks, Robert Ferris and The Hacker's occasional playing partner Dave Brunswick, who really must be drawn to the attention of the handicapper one of these days. Eddie Mills, Gerard Pullan, Dave Willott and Leigh Bernardi scored 20 points, with Bernardi's 37 off the stick giving him an easy win for best gross score.

A highlight of the day was smooth swinging Danny Cheng's eagle three on the par five first hole, while Collie Golf Club's growing reputation as one of the best country courses in Western Australia, if not in Australia, was emphasised by the fact that eight visitors from South Australia joined local members in the competition.

Novelties:  Bill Hunter 4, Mick Pokrywka 9.

Tuesday 23 November 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

Jeff Crowe took his Monday form into Tuesday when he compiled a fine 33 points in the Veterans competition for a two point win over another extremely consistent player, Dave Brunswick. Alan Britten took third place with 30 points, one ahead of John Mumme, whose new hip seems to be bearing up to the strain of regular golf extremely well. As The Hacker's wife also started to play her best golf after a hip replacement, perhaps we should all think of having it done. Phil Warburton tied with Mumme on 29 points, one ahead of Les McGill and Ray Alp, two other names which feature regularly in the Veterans competition.

Again a pretty average field of just seven contested Tuesday’s Leisure Day 18 hole Stableford, enabling Greg Martin to take out the prize with 38 points ahead of Jay Robinson's 36 and Tony Barker-May's 35 - the latter with four wipes.

Novelties (Veterans):  Ernie Sullivan 4, Alan Banks 9, Jeff Bebbington 14, Alf Sanford 18 (for the second week running).

Monday 22 November 2004 - Perth Veterans Visit - 18 Hole Mixed Individual Stableford

You’d have to feel sorry for the oldies, playing in another scorcher, but that didn’t stop 32 Perth veterans making the trip to Collie to play an 18 hole Stableford competition with 33 local senior members, the big field including 12 Associates. With the temperature hitting 35 degrees, Jeff Crowe led the locals with a fine 40 points to win from the very much in form Barry Baker on 39, the latter shading Jeff Bebbington on countback. Jim Moyses and John Black followed with 38, one ahead of Fred Bronickis, with Ross Brody, Hugh Annandale, Ray Alp and Ed Riley posting 36, and George Davis, Jim Hine and Phil Warburton 35. Best of the visitors was L Judkins with 41, a point ahead of second place trophy winner T Greenfield. K Hopkins on 38, J Sargent and Ray Thompson on 37, P Burston and R Johnston on 36, and Bill Marsh with 35, all won prizes – and unusually, visitors won all mens’ novelties. So much for local knowledge!

Kaye Farquhar took the Collie Associates trophy home with 40 points. Second place trophy went to Bev Moyses, who has quickly regained form after a few weeks sabbatical, with Gwen Tanian, playing her best golf for some time, third on countback after both shot 39 points. Val Riley’s 37, Dot Sullivan’s 36, Kath Alcorn’s 34 and Jan Munday’s 33 were good enough for the minor placings. Five lady visitors vied for the two trophies, with V Wilcox on 37 points a clear winner from Y Sargent on 35, with K Anderson picking up a ball for 33 points.

Novelties:

Ladies – Kaye Farquhar 4

Men – Ron Pass 4, Bill Marsh 9, Ray Thompson 18

Thank You

To the thirty or so members who turned up for the Busy Bee on Sunday to ensure our course is in top condition for the Summer Open. Most country towns would kill to have a course like ours, and the fact that we have such a magnificent course on such a low budget is largely down to the efforts of our volunteers, who are a credit to the club.

Coming Up

A big weekend coming up, with a Friday warm up competition followed by one of the club's premier events, the Ron Tresize - Godfrey Pembroke Summer Open over the weekend. Again a testament to our growing reputation, the club is expecting a top field of over 200 players for the Summer Open, which is a sizeable increase on last year.

Friday 3 December - 18 hole 4BBB Par for the Bushwalker's Trophies

Saturday 4 December - 18 hole mixed individual Stableford, 1st round of the Summer Open

Sunday 5 December - 18 hole mixed individual Stableford, 2nd round of the Summer Open

Sunday 21 November 2004 - Jim & Bev Moyses Trophies 18 Hole Mixed Individual Stableford

Scorching weather on Sunday sadly saw a number of intending players wimp out of the Jim & Bev Moyses mixed individual competition, reducing the field to 23 very hot golfers. At the top of the men's field, young Chris 'Ricka' Shea showed veteran Ed Riley the way home with a fine 40 points, despite making a mess of the 18th for his only wipe of the day. Riley's 37 was followed by Tony Barker-May, who suffered his usual implosion, wiping 12, 14 and 15 to turn what could have been a good round into a fairly ordinary 36 to tie with Dave Brunswick. Lorraine Annandale led the ladies home with 38 points, largely due to a blistering 27 points on the ten hole stretch from four to 13, to beat Betty Sheppard and June Pike on 35, and Bev Moyses' 34.

Novelties:  Ladies - Lee Hunter 4 and 14. Men – Chris Shea 4, Barry Sheppard 14 (for the second Sunday in a row).

Saturday 20 November 2004 - Federal Hotel Trophies 18 Hole Par

Perhaps there was something in the slightly cooler morning air, because teeing off at 8am in the Federal Hotel 18 hole Par competition worked wonders for the group of Clayton Flynn, Mark Boladeras and Tony Barker-May. The trio were already home in the clubhouse half an hour before the afternoon field commenced play after posting unbeatable scores of +7, +7 and +6 respectively. Storming home with five wins in the last six holes, Flynn won on countback to take the $50 Mama J's voucher, Boladeras settling for the $30 second prize. Plans for the three amigos to have a celebratory Mama J's dinner by pooling 1st, 2nd and 3rd prizes were dashed late in the day when Mark Malatesta's +6 sent Barker-May back to 4th on countback, the woefully inconsistent Barker-May having nobody to blame but himself after wiping the first three holes on the back nine (and two of the first three on the front nine) in a roller coaster round. And it's not going to get any easier, with the handicapper crucifying Boladeras and Barker-May, each losing two strokes to 17 and 22, and Flynn dropping one to 11.

Gerard Pullan's +5 made him a clear leader of the also-rans in the Collie Show-affected field of 53, ahead of Ross Davidson, Graeme Miffling and Alan Banks on +3, Jim Tyler alone on +2, and Barry Sheppard, Jim Moyses, Trevor Lawrence, Peter Slater and Greg Bell on +1.

Apologies to Ron Crabbe, Greg Bell, Trevor Lawrence, Barry Sheppard and Tom Dorozenko, whose 36 points last Saturday missed a mention when the barely literate Hacker misread the score sheet. A particular mea culpa to Trizzie, who hasn't stopped grumbling about it all week.

Novelties:  Peter Slater 4, Neil Motion 14, Phil Warburton 17, Rob Ferris 18.

Thursday 18 November 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

A tremendous field of 62 men and 9 women contested Scroungers, and Jeff Bebbington's 22 points took out the major prize on countback from Fred Bronickis and Troy Shepherd. However, the real highlight of the day was provided by Peter Ellery with one of the game's rarest events, a par four eagle. Ellery picked up five Stableford points when his approach shot to the 2nd found the hole, boosting his final score to 20 points and putting him in three way tie for fourth place with Peter Castelli and Ian Annadale. Alan Davies, Alan Banks, John Mumme and Harry Hadfield all posted 19 points to share 7th place.

The consistently excellent Danny Cheng won the gross competition with 16, while Leslie Motion's very good 20 points was just enough to shade June Pike's 19 to win in the Associates.

Meanwhile, Bill Hunter came back to earth with a thud after some tremendous recent performances, including a 34 off the stick for the front nine a couple of weeks ago. Bill was forced to don the dreaded yellow Solstice jacket, awarded to the player who props up the field in the Solstice club-within-a-club at Scroungers. The Hacker wouldn’t normally draw attention to such things - but a couple of his Solstice compadres were insistent.

Tuesday 16 November 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford & Leisure Day 18 Hole Stableford

There was no prouder man in Collie this week than one of the club's resident bandits, 'Chirpy' Barry Baker, who forgot to throw the anchor out - and him an ex Navy man - to score a magnificent 34 points in Tuesday's Veterans 14 hole Stableford. Playing in a field of 22, Baker couldn't miss a putt when he won going away from Les Udy on 30 points, Phil Warburton on 29, and both John Mumme and Harry Hadfield on 27.

A very poor field of six contested Tuesday’s Leisure Day 18 hole Stableford, with low handicapper Hudson Hopewell wasting an excellent 41 points to beat the in form Steven 'Stumpy' Ireland by 3 points.

Novelties (Veterans):  Hugh Annandale 6, Jeff Bebbington 9, Alf Sanford 18.

Coming Up

Saturday 27th November - 18 hole Stableford

Sunday 28th November - 18 hole Sweepstakes

Summer Open

Sunday 14 November 2004 - Dorsett Family Day 18 Hole Mixed Yankee Foursome

Sunday saw a terrific field of 30 pairs, including visitors from Binningup, Bunbury, Busselton, Capel and Kojonup, play Mixed Yankee Foursomes for the 32nd Dorsett Family Day. Collie’s premier golfing couple, Bill and Lee Hunter – little wonder their son is State amateur champion – returned from Perth just in time to combine beautifully for a nett 62. Close behind, in form Gwen Tanian played with Mark Boladeras, who shook off (or is that burned off?) a nasty and well publicised experience with a kangaroo tick and a Saturday competition he would rather forget, to come home with 63. Ron and Lorraine Annandale took third on countback ahead of Ena and Alan Davies and Ernie and Dot Sullivan, all on 63.5, with Jan Munday and Jeff Crowe, and Dale Miffling and Val Riley, registering 64. Capel visitors Peter and Karen Lange won gross with 77. And The Hacker learned a number of valuable lessons, including check that it’s your own ball before you hit it, study the Rules of Golf, and don’t take a penalty-inspired bad temper to the next hole – because you’ll make a mess of that one too.

Novelties:  Ladies - Eileen Riley 4, Margie Pike 7, Karen Lange 14. Men – Alan Hough 4, Steve Farquhar 7, Barry Sheppard 14.

Saturday 13 November 2004 - Banks, Clark, Carpenter and Pokrywka Trophies 18 Hole Stableford

It was a big day for a big hitter on Saturday, with seven handicapper Leigh Bernardi knocking the skin off the ball to post 73 off the stick in taking out the Banks, Clark, Carpenter and Pokrywka trophies with 42 Stableford points. Starting on the tenth, Bernardi registered birdies on 11, 12 and 18 against a bogey on 16 to play the back nine in two under par 34. Although he faded towards the end in warm conditions, wiping six and bogeying nine, he’d done enough to win the day – with novelties for nearest the pin on four and longest putt on 18 providing the icing on the cake.

Two points behind on 40 points, Ian Stewart’s card was boosted by birdies on two and three for second on countback from Ian Annandale. Kevin Ireland and Greg Martin’s scores of 39 points shaded Dave Brunswick, Ken Tate and Des Hebb on 38. One behind on 37 points were Paul McCallum, Peter Ellery, Gary Dawson, Peter Castelli, Clayton Flynn and – assisted by an eagle three on the first – club champion Ron Crabbe.

Four visitors from Narrogin joined the members for a great day out.

Novelties:  Leigh Bernardi 4 and 18, Paul McCallum 14, Alf Sanford (back from his second Augusta Masters title) 17.

Thursday 11 November 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

Left hander Clive Pullan keeps a right hand club in his bag for those awkward moments behind trees, but he didn’t appear to need it on Thursday when 22 Stableford points earned him three golf balls and a Scroungers win. Tom Hardie’s 21 was enough for second place on countback from Mark Malatesta, with Phil Warburton and Jeff Crowe following up Monday’s form to post 20 points along with Hugh and Ron Annandale, Fred Bronickis and Kevin Ireland. John Wray’s 38 off the stick took out the gross competition, with June Ransome’s 19 points enough to hold off Betty Sheppard by a point in the Associates.

Monday 8 November 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford

A change of day provided a great opportunity for the Collie Veterans to practice last week, playing on Monday ahead of the South West Veterans taking over the course on Tuesday. Making the most of it were Phil Warburton and Jeff Crowe on 30 points, Warburton winning the honour on a spin and making it a real day out with two novelties as well. Bandits (they’ll have The Hacker for that) Ed Riley and Barry Baker were two shots adrift on 28, with Jeff Bebbington on 27, Les Udy 26, Ray Alp 25, and Dave Henderson, Harry Hatfield and Dick Earl 23.

Novelties:  Alan Banks 4, Ed Riley 6, Phil Warburton 9 and 18.

Thank You

To the Collie ladies, whose tireless efforts in the kitchen help to make competitions like Dorsett Family Day such a great success. We may not thank you enough, but we certainly appreciate your time - and culinary skills.

Thanks also to our sponsors, without whom we wouldn’t have a golf club. Specific thanks to Pine Hauliers and Wesfarmers Premier Coal, proving themselves great corporate citizens by kicking in $4,400 and $3,000 respectively towards the 2005 Riverside Open.

Coming Up

A big weekend coming up, with competitions on Saturday, Sunday and Monday set to boost the club’s coffers and provide something for everyone.

Saturday 20th November - 18 hole Par, sponsored by the Federal Hotel.

Sunday 21st November - 18 hole mixed individual Stableford for the Jim & Bev Moyses trophies. Let’s ensure we get a big field together for two of the club’s most dedicated and well liked members.

Monday 22nd November - A big field of Perth veterans visit Collie for an 18 hole mixed individual Stableford competition, played for the Newman & Brooks trophies. Lunch at 11.30, shotgun start at 12.15, all over-55’s welcome. The Hacker thinks this is reverse ageism, but nobody listens – roll on 2007!

Saturday 6 November 2004 - Sandvik Materials Handling Trophies 18 Hole Stableford

Fresh from his Club Championship win over Greg Bell – The Hacker can’t work out why the pair of them spend so much time on the driving range, you’d think they’d have the hang of it by now - 2004 champion Ron Crabbe continued his winning form in ideal Summer conditions to take out last Saturday’s Sandvik Materials Handling Stableford competition. Long drives and accurate approaches saw Crabbe fire three birdies, three bogies and twelve pars for an even par 72 and 43 Stableford points, taking a stroke off his 7 handicap in the process.

A point behind the winner, Hugh Annandale struck the ball well and surprisingly long to come in second on 42 points, with a purple patch of four consecutive pars on holes 13 to 16, and despite wiping the 18th hole Steven Ireland registered a creditable 41 for third.

David Laird, Matt Harker, Les Udy (coming home with 11 points on the last three holes after wiping 14 and 15), Brett Matters and Dick Earl posted 40 points. Tony Barker-May, Jay Robinson, Tom Dorozenko, Des Hebb and Hudson Hopewell followed on 39, with Wayne Waywood, Kalev Kutt and Jim Moyses on 38 in a field of 75 players, the course CCR of 70 reflecting the relatively benevolent conditions.

In the ladies’ competition on Saturday, Lee Hunter shot 82 off the stick for a wipe-free 40 points to win handsomely from Eileen Riley on 37, Dot Henderson on 36, and Margie Pike on 35.

Novelties:  Kalev Kutt 4, Steven Ireland 14, Stephen Farquhar 17, Paul McCallum 18.

Thursday 4 November 2004 - Scroungers 9 Hole Stableford

Clearly a week for the chalkies and the Hunters, with Bill Hunter going to the top of the class last Thursday. Off to the perfect start with an eagle three on the first hole, Bill followed with eight consecutive pars for an error free two under par 34, and 24 Stableford points. Two points behind Bill, Colin Giblett shot 40 off the stick, including a birdie on the fifth, the hardest hole on the course, for 22 points, shading Ray Cooper, Ian Annandale and Alan Banks on 21, and Troy Sheppard, Phil Warburton, Jeff Crowe, Jim Burek, Alan Kent and Ron Annandale on 20.

Bev Moyses made a welcome return from Perth to win the ladies’ Scroungers competition with 19 points, winning on a countback from the club’s fittest septuagenarian, Gwen Tanian.

Tuesday 2 November 2004 - Veterans 14 Hole Stableford

They say a change is as good as a rest, and that proved to be the case for Dave Henderson, who returned to veteran golf in top form after a break. Dave played well under his handicap to register 32 points, two ahead of the consistent Hugh Annandale, with Ernie Sullivan, Bryan Simpson and Alf Sanford returning 29 points each.

Novelties:  Frank Battista 4, Hugh Annandale 6, Bryan Simpson 9 and 18.

General

The history of the old 6 x 6 pump on the river bank below the eighth green, which has been a talking point with club members for years, has been explained by a former club member, Vic Murray. The pump was installed in 1957-58 to water the new grass on the eighth fairway, but unseasonal February rain at the time, when 10cm fell in a hurry, brought the river level up to submerge the pump’s petrol motor. Attempting to secure the motor, the club president of the time was washed away to rocks downstream before being rescued.

Former club member Les Allison last weekend played his first round of golf on his old course for six years. Les now resides in Queensland, where he is a consultant to Griffin Coal.

Coming Up

Saturday 13th November - 18 hole Stableford competition, sponsored by Brian Banks, Paul Carpenter, Mick Pokrywka and Neil Clark.

Sunday 14th November - Members are reminded of this Sunday’s Dorsett Family Day, the 32nd since it was first sponsored by prominent South West businessman Norm Dorsett in 1973. The open Mixed Yankee Foursomes competition has become a highlight of the club’s fixture list, so grab your spouse or significant other, or someone else’s, and come along for what promises to be a great day.