CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

On Saturday, we played in beautiful  conditions for the Redmond Dalton Trophy. Did the morning players or the afternoon players get the better of it is debatable, however Peter Watson handled the frosty conditions with an 7.50am start to go on and produce the winning score of 38 points. As is their tradition, the Dalton Family were again in attendance competing in a round of golf and then dinner at the club to celebrate Redmond Dalton Trophy Day, which has been ongoing since 1982. Although the presentation was delayed due to the large field, we had 144 players on the course that day, the presentation of the Silver Plate was made by John Dalton. Peter tells me, as he was first off in the morning he had to watch the results all day waiting for somebody to come in with a better score. This did not happen, although many tried, including myself, so he got dressed in all his finery to come to the club and receive his prize. It was disappointing that the ARU chose to put the Bledisloe Cup on at 5.00pm AEST on the same day, which restricted numbers at the presentation.  However, I am confident they will realise their mistake and make allowances for the Redmond Dalton Trophy day at Bowral in their calendar next year.

Although many may have not been aware, last Saturday, we competed for the bragging rights as the winners of the Morning verses Afternoon players. Any players hitting off prior to 11.00 am were included in the morning team, with the rest in the afternoon team. I don't believe the weather was a factor as it was miserable all day with rain, sleet, snow, wind and freezing cold. After the event it was determined from a selection process, secrete to the Pro Shop, the morning players rose to the occasion winning 420 points to 402. A great win and worthy of a prize equal to the occasion. Prior to the presentation, as a memento of this magnificent achievement, I had purchased a good bottle of red wine for all morning players present. Fortunately, only Matthew Gooden was in the clubhouse to collect his prize. Also on Saturday, I had the privilege of playing with Mark  MacMillan. Although we were runner-up, we had a good day, with Mark winning the $186.00 pro pin. Sorry Mark, if you hadn't told your wife. Picture shows the two winners on the day.
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The annual White Horse Cup Dinner was held in the Members Room last Thursday night. A group of 16 gentle warriors from  the competition held in February, got together to lament on our earlier successes over a few beers and the occasional bottle of red. After a dinner serving from Chef Alex, of a generous plate of Beef Cheeks and veggies, followed by Apple Crumble and Ice Cream, the members went on to tell stories about their White Horse Cup campaign and many other amusing stories that came to mind. As the night proceeded, the stories got longer and more amusing. However, it was soon down to business. In tradition, introduced by Don Barker, the "Golden David" is presented to the best performer of both teams. This year, the winner, with 3 wins from 4 starts, was Terry Downing. Although Terry is allowed, it is actually a privilege, to take the trophy home for twelve months, he has to convince Rosemary it is not a garden gnome and will require some TLC. Overall this year, our successes were limited, which is not unusual, bearing in mind, we have not won the White Horse Cup in about 50 years of involvement. As I have been the coordinator for the past two years, without success, the buck stops with me and I have chosen to "Fall on the Sword". My replacement will be the ever enthusiastic Don Barker, who will assume the position as coordinator. Don had the position prior to my taking it over. He is well experienced and will be very capably assisted by David Boyd, Captain of Bowral 1 and newly elected Jim Phillips as Captain of Bowral 11. My special thanks were extended to David Boyd and Alex Mulholland for their rolls as Captains of the teams and all players for their dedication in turning up each week, sometimes at 5.30 am to represent our club. I am confident that, under this new management, success is guaranteed. Any other members who may wish to join this illustrious group are invited to contact Don, David or Jim with your expression of interest. I wish them all well for the future.

The final of the John Owens Memorial 4BBB knockout Trophy was played in perfect conditions on Sunday between Jim Phillips & Tony Fitzpatrick against Sam & Alex Mulholland. After an ideal start on the first hole by the Sam and Alex, going one up, the scene was set for an epic contest between these four great golfers. All square on the second, Sam hit a great drive and chip to go two up on the 3rd.Tony hit a fabulous fairway wood on the 4th, emulating the David Burgess recent hole in one, however it ran just past the hole to settle at the back of the green. Jim had the first chip and as usual,  put it beside the flag for a par and win. On the 11th, Alex pulled a 9 iron into the trees on the left, hitting a branch and ricocheting on to the green from where he sank an 11 meter birdie putt. Jim and Tony looked on in "amusement". On the 16th Sam hit a drive to the front of the green, about 270 meters and with a chip and a putt, got the birdie. It was an evenly matched event with both teams squaring the last four holes, with great golf played by all.  Sam & Alex won, one up on the 18th and were worthy winners. Tony and Jim were gracious in defeat and Jim spent some of his Pro Pin money from the day before, congratulating their win. A small crowd of onlookers appreciated their efforts and the walk around the course.