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2017

Mar 29

2017 GSA Hickory Golf

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29 March 2017 – Yarra Yarra Golf Club

GSA players would like to thank Peter Swan and Yarra Yarra Golf Club for inviting the Hickory Heroes for nine holes of Hickory Golf.

The day started with a light lunch in the Dining/Library Room. The atmosphere was electric with players Noel Terry (RMGC) and John Smith (Metropolitan) talking about 60-70 Pennant days, and Paul Burgess (Woodlands), Charles Wilkins (Woodlands), Marty McGuire (Commonwealth and Mark Brasher (Kew) perusing and discussing the Library Books.

14 players assembled at the 1st tee

Results
1st John Smith Hcp 5 16 points
2nd Mark Brasher Hcp 3 15 points
3rd Marty McGuire Hcp 11 13 points
3rd Paul Burgess Hcp 23 13 points

Presentation in the Members Lounge at a nice long table.
Again players were discussing Hickory Golf, Clubs by Cliff George.

It was a great day for the Players and Yarra Yarra Golf Club

As Peter Maher and I were chauffeured for the day by John Smith we were the last to leave.

Another great day was had by all.

Max Findlay

May 08

2017 Dinner at Kingston Heath

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23 May 2017 – Woodlands Golf Club

Approximately 80 members and their guests attended the 2nd dinner of the year at Kingston Heath Golf Club on Monday May 8th. Guest speaker was Jarrod Lyle who kindly lent us his time prior to departing on a 6.00am flight to Perth the following morning to participate in a series of Pro Ams and the WA PGA Championship.

In a candid and at times emotional speech Jarrod spoke about his return to professional golf after his second bout of Leukemia. Playing in the Australian Masters at Royal Melbourne Jarrod spoke about the lead up to the event, the encouragement he received and the emotional toll it took on him.

Afterwards Jarrod answered numerous questions on topics as varied as his health, professionals playing Pennant, Sergio Garcia and his Masters win, Louis Oosthuizen and the quality of his ball striking and many other topics.

Those who attended were privileged to hear such an honest and open account from a truly inspirational figure not only in golf but in life.

May 23

2017 Don Lawrence Trophy

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23 May 2017 – Woodlands Golf Club

The annual Don Lawrence Trophy was played at its regular venue Woodlands Golf Club. This popular 4BBB event was well attended and we thoroughly enjoyed playing in fine autumn conditions.

The field was made up of many regular faces and past winning combinations as well a number of guests.

After play Muriel Lawrence Don’s widow attended the dinner and made the presentations. Sadly this is to be Muriel’s last year of attending, as she is leaving Melbourne to live with her family in South Australia. We wish Muriel all the best for the future and appreciate the contribution she has made to the success of our event over the years.

Results

Winners of the Don Lawrence Trophy

Andrew Thomson and Committee member Tony Rule 45 pts

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Andrew and Tony played with guests, young professional Matt Perry currently playing on the European Challenge tour and John Harrington who recently launched a line of Peter Thomson signature clubs and balls.

Best score by non-member/ guests – Tim Maguire and Greg Bain 46 pts
Best 9 out – Mal Fettes and Peter Vlahandreas 25 pts
Best 9 in – Tim Maguire and Greg Bain 23 pts

NTPs 11th (Women) – Virginia Gorrell | (Men) Max Findlay
NTP 17th (Women) – Kim Hastie | (Men) Mark Brasher

President Graeme Ryan thanked Woodlands for their wonderful hospitality and another successful day.

Andrew Thomson John Harrington, Matt Perry and Tony Rule

President Graeme Ryan and Muriel Lawrence presenting the trophy to winner Tony Rule

Aug 07

2017 Presidents Trophy

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07 Aug 2017 – Royal Melbourne Golf Club

RMGC member Tony Rule wins President’s Trophy with a “sandy 3”

This year’s President’s Trophy was played at its regular venue, Royal Melbourne GC. Good entries were received, but some late cancellations saw a reduced field of 18 brave the wintry conditions to play their 9 holes with just seven clubs in the bag under modified 1950 rules.

At lunch, the top four nett qualifiers for the sudden death matchplay were determined with Virginia Gorrell the clear top qualifier followed by RMGC member Tony Rule.

Due to multiple ties, a countback and much card checking, the two remaining players were decided in very new member Grant McKay and Richard Fellner, a qualifier in 2016.

The matches began on the first tee of the East Course. Richard defeated Virginia on the first playoff hole followed by Tony defeating Grant also on their first hole. Finalists Tony and Richard halved their first hole. Then, on the second hole, Richard putting for a four had an agonising lip out for 5. Tony made 5 as well, so they moved to the Par 3.

After their tee shots, both players were short and bunkered. Richard was away, air-mailed his shot, yet was saved by some tea-tree at back of the green. Still away for the next shot, he played a great downhill chip to the green.

Tony then made a good, long carry bunker shot to the green, yet still had some work to do with the putter. After a quick read, as the rain was getting heavier and the green wetter, Tony sank a 30 footer for a “sandy 3” and sealed the win.

Players and spectators returned to the clubhouse for presentation, photos and refreshments

GSA thanks the Royal Melbourne Golf Club staff for their assistance and wonderful hospitality making for a very enjoyable day.

The clubs ongoing generosity for allowing us to hold this event every year is much appreciated.

Finalists  Grant McKay, Tony Rule, Virginia Gorrell and Richard Fellner

A wet but exciting finish between finalists      Richard and Tony

Oct 16

2017 Annual Hickory Day

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16 Oct 2017 – Kingston Heath Golf Club

The Society’s Annual Hickory day was held at Kingston Heath Golf Club October 16 playing for the Frank Shepherd and Burtta Cheney Trophies.

A warm spring afternoon saw 20 players, with many wearing clothes of the era, go out with their hickories for our 9 hole event.

With great weather,the Heath in beautiful condition and quick greens, it was a perfect day for playing hickories.

A most enjoyable day closed with refreshments and snacks as Secretary Kim Hastie and President Graeme Ryan made the presentations.

The Golf Society appreciates and thanked the club for their ongoing support and hospitality with this event

Results
Men’s Winner – David Worley
Women’s Winner – Kim Hastie
Longest Drive – Luke Eipper
Nearest the Pin – Rod Hiscox
Guest winners – Terry Thornton and Ros Nicol

Grant McKay, Neil Walker, Cliff George, Matthew Mollica and Terry Thornton

David Kelso with Andrew Thomson and guests Max Yasuda and Shinji Saga

Frank Shepherd winner David Worley with Graeme Ryan

Burtta Cheney winner Kim Hastie

Oct 23

2017 Historians Forum

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23 Oct 2017 – Riversdale Golf Club

The final historian’s forum for the year was at Riversdale Golf Club.

The four main speaker’s very informative presentations gave us a real insight into the clubs long and proud history.

President Ken Watson spoke about the Murdoch family and their connection with the club. John Boundy talked about the St Johns Wood course -the clubs current location. Ian Rowell gave us an insight into the first 20 years of the Riversdale Cup. This much sort after and prestigious amateur trophy has a wonderful history. John Boundy returned to the lectern to talk about Riversdale 125 the clubs most recent historical publication.

Other presentations of interest were by Cliff George GSA Curator, he spoke about the Victorian Golf Cup, a trophy with an interesting history.

It was quite special to see this beautiful old trophy displayed beside the Riversdale Cup.

Ross Davis spoke about his comprehensive collection of golf ball markers. They were well displayed and drew a lot of interest.

With wonderful views of the course, members and guests had a thoroughly enjoyable day.
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See full report >>

Nov 15

2017 Doug Bachli Trophy

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Doug Bachli Trophy at Victoria Golf Club

The Doug Bachli Trophy was recently contested at its regular venue the always challenging Victoria Golf Club.

A good field went out to play the annual Stableford competition on a warm spring afternoon. The course was in wonderful condition and thoroughly enjoyed by all.

Neil Walker won the Doug Bachli Trophy and Men’s competition with an impressive 41 points. Tony Lang was runner-up on 35 points.

Morag North was the Women’s winner with 32 points and Virginia Gorrell the runner up with 31 points.

The 36th Annual General Meeting and Cocktail Party followed the golf.

Doug Bachli winner Neil Walker with Graeme Ryan

Past President Geoff Vincent AM was honoured with Life membership to the Golf Society

Women’s winner Morag North

Hickory Championship winner Mango Maguire

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