CAPTAIN'S BLOG - NEWS

2019 Club Championships.
The final rounds of the Match Play to determine the Club Champions were played last Sunday the 24th November. The contestants were treated to some very mild conditions, which made the going considerably easier than might have been the case. All the players who have contested the knockout finals series are to be congratulated on their achievements.

 The Club Championship.
The two finalists for the 2019 BGC Club Championships were Phil Jeffery and John Mulholland. During the knockout phase of the finals, Phil accounted for Jim Phillips 2/1, and Clark Gibbons 2/1. John accounted for Brian Hanrahan 7/6, and John Mellen 1up, so the final was going to be very evenly balanced, and as anyone who has played a match over 36 holes can attest, anything can happen.
After the first 18 holes, and with each holding the lead at some point in the match, John Mulholland led by 1 hole.
​Following the break, John chipped in with his 3rd shot to win the first hole.  He would extend this lead over the next 11 holes as Phil found the re-start difficult after the break. Although winning one hole after the break, Phil found the relentless pressure applied by John to be too great to overcome. Despite fighting hard the match ended after 30 holes with the score 7/6 in favour of John Mulholland. Congratulations to both players, a worthy champion and an equally worthy runner-up.

'B' Grade Club Championships.
Craig Houden and Tony Rourke contested the finals for the 'B' Grade club Championships. Craig had beaten Alec Dietsch 3/2 and Ash Southon 3/1 on his way to the final, while Tony had accounted for John Ferguson 5/4 and Jim Larkin 4/2. Tony gave nothing away as he started quickly and was always in control of the match. Craig gave a good account of himself, but was unable to make any inroads, Tony Rourke winning 8/6 after 12 holes. Congratulations to both players for a well played match and final series.

'C' Grade Club Championships
Ken Dobie and Roberto Ratalino faced off over 18 holes of match play for the championship. Ken had won through with success over Norris Dudgeon 2/1 and Piero Dal Bianco 1up, while Roberto reached the final with wins over Alan Lindsay 2up, and Alan Turpie 1up. After the dust had settled, Ken Dobie overcame Roberto on the 14th hole with the score at 5/4. Another great competition, and both players should be rightly proud of their effort. Congratulations to both players for a fine match.

Recent Results

Wednesday 20th November. An excellent day for a game of golf, and 67 players joined the field for our usual Single Stableford event. Paul Pettiford (13) put together an excellent round to post 42 points to win from James Rowe (16) with 40. The Eagle is doing a marvellous job protecting her nest lately and again there was no winner on this hole. The NTP 11th went to Ash Southon and the pro-pin to David Bickford. We welcomed a visitor from Warringah GC to the club and the DSR was 69.

Saturday 23rd November. Otherwise known as the 'Patron' day as it appears that Brian Lamb (20) had a blinder to post 44 points (and he missed a couple of short putts!!) and win the competition from Col Weatherby (32) with 42 points. The Eagle now has 4 balls in the nest awaiting a good shot. The NTP 11th went to Ash Southon and Tony Rourke won the pro-pin. 74 players in the field with 11 visitors!! We welcomed players from Gosford, Wisemans, Sandhurst, Pennant Hills, Balgowlah, Strathfield and The Ridge GC's. It was a pleasure to have 4 of the visitors stay for the presentation. The DSR was 69.

Sunday 24th November. A very small field for the competition (perhaps due to the crowd following the players competing for the Club Championships). The Men's winner was Nik Potter (27) with 38 points, and the Women's winner was Diana Lindsay (28) with 34 points.

The Mentor Program.
Last week I advertised for players to act as Mentors to assist new members into golf, and to assist current (but not playing) back into the game. I received quite a response.  Thank you to the following members: Bob Young, Rob Bearup, Chris Barry, Carol Turpie, Peter Metcalf, Simon Kemp, Pat Donoghue, Tony Dick, Paul Carroll, John Buchanan, Peter Cottee, Alec Dietsch, John Mellen and Martin Flaxman. Over the next few days I will complete an introduction letter to each of the Mentors which will provide you with an  idea of the role ahead. If anyone wishes to join the program, either as a Mentor or as a player in need of a Mentor, just drop me an email at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

The Rules Quiz.
As a result of the Legacy Day competition not providing an opportunity to run the quiz, there were two rules questions asked at last week's presentation. Go back and read the questions now.
The answers are, there is no penalty for signing in the wrong box on a scorecard, and a player may not have two caddies working for them at any one time.
Alec Dietsch and Daniel Weekes again fought out a putt-off, and again Daniel made good with the putter to win. I think he may just have the 'wood' on Alec now. Just saying!!

This week a question with a difference. As the Saturday competition is the St Andrews Day affair, I thought I'd ask a question with a definite Scottish flavour.

Question. In 1744 the first Rules of golf were published. They were produced to provide 'The Gentlemen Golfers Of Edinburgh' ( later to become 'The Honourable Company of Edinburgh Golfers') with a set of rules to be used for the first 'Open'  competition which would be played at Leith GC.

• How many rules were introduced in that list?
• Who was responsible for their composition?

"Who Am I?". Competition.
Still no correct answer to this competition, now in it's 4th week. The clue for this week.

"I am known for my special ability to put people to sleep".

​Email your guess to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com
(note: the photo is a logo only)

A Little Humour
​John and Bob were two of the bitterest rivals at the club.  Neither man trusted the other's arithmetic.

One day they were playing a heated match and watching each other like hawks.  After holing out on the fourth green and marking his six on the scorecard John asked 
Bob, "What'd you have?"

Bob went through the motions of mentally counting up.  "Six!" he said and then hastily corrected himself, "No, no...a five."

Calmly John marked the scorecard, saying out loud "Eight!"  "Eight?" Bob said, 
"I couldn't have had eight."
​
John said, "Nope, you claimed six then changed it to five, but actually you had seven."  "Then why did you mark down eight?" asked Bob.

John told him, "One stroke penalty, for improving your lie."

Now Go Out and Enjoy A Game of Golf !!

Legacy Day 2019.
The Golf.
Yet again the Bowral Golf Club community came together to show their support for this very worthy cause. BGC has been supporting Legacy in this format for more than 15 years, and each year keeps getting better. A field in excess of 120 club members and a further 40 plus visitors enjoyed playing conditions as good as it gets. Gone was the howling and dusty winds of the past many weeks and everyone enjoyed the round. The team led by Jeff Hammond had the MASH 2576 tent running smoothly and was a welcome stop-off. A number of novelty events were hosted during the round, and these were won by : Ross Jauncey (Straightest Drive 1st Hole), Brendan McGuire (Drive and Pitch 13th hole), Alison Mooney (NTP 14th hole), Sharon Rowe (Long Drive Ladies 18th hole) John Ferguson (Long Drive Men over 65 18th hole) and Michael Ljubic (Long Drive Men 18th hole). My thanks to Bruce Frankland for organising the events.

The Dinner
The Legacy dinner experience is one not to miss. Canapès on the verandah, a moving  flag ceremony (with a very fine rendition of 'Taps' and 'Reveille' by Chevalier College student Chakaye Trace), an excellent meal prepared by Regina and her team, served by Tim and his amazing team. Then a moving and passionate address by our guest speaker Dr Brendan Nelson AO. The full house was treated to a magnificent affair.
During the evening the Club Captain presented Legacy President Tim McKinnon with a cheque for over $2000 from golfing proceeds during the day's game. We were privileged to have Ms Gillian Adamson present the major golf prizes during the evening. Winners of the trophies this year were:

1. The War Service Trophy, (for ex-service personnel with war service). Bruce Frankland, runner-up John Jones.
2. Armed Service Cup. (ex-service and National Service personnel without war service). Dick Hiser, runner-up Martin Flaxman on count-back.
3. Wyndham Trophy. (4BBB for all ex-service personnel). John Jones and Bruce Frankland, runners-up Rob Humphreys and Dick Hiser.
4. The Legacy Trophy. (4BBB club members without military service). Jim Rowe and Sharon Rowe, runners-up Jim Larkin and Dennis Cooper.
5. Macrite Trophy. (ex-service personnel 65 years and over, additional stroke added to handicap for each year over 65). David Stanley, runner-up Tony Dick.
6. Michael Fitzgerald Tankard. (individual club member, non-service personnel). Bill Motteram, runner-up Jim Rowe.
7. Ladies Singles. (club member). Noela McMurray on count-back, runner-up Helen Chadwick.
8. Ladies 4BBB. (Club member). Noela McMurray and Jenny Ogg, runners-up Robin McGinnes and Helen Chadwick.
9. Peter Douglas Trophy. (ex National Service member). Kevin Burke, runner-up Martin Flaxman.
10. Visitor's Trophy. S Birchall, runner-up T Mooney.

​Congratulation to everyone for an excellent day in support of a very worthy cause.

Mentor Program.
The club has quite a few new members (and some longer term members) who are interested in joining the competition fields on the various days of the week. For whatever reason, they are a little hesitant to take those first steps. I would like to arrange a list of playing members who would be interested in mentoring these players. The role would consist of making contact with the player and arranging a game (games) with them. To introduce them to the club, course and competition environment. If anyone is interested in performing this role, please email me at bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com . Many thanks in advance.

Water Wise course Care.
Everyone is well aware of the drought conditions affecting NSW. We have the benefit of a bore supply system for watering our course. However, the rate of inflow from the bore is such that it takes several days to replenish the water used for one watering cycle. With no other inflow to the dam, we may find ourselves having to concentrate the watering to the greens and approach areas and tees in the near future. Additionally the ground staff may have to restrict the regularity of mowing of the fairways to limit damage to these areas. Just giving you a little advance notice, don't panic!!

Dad's Army
Many of you will be aware of the fantastic job performed throughout each year by the members of Anton Sanger's willing troops. Apart from the work you may have noticed around the clubhouse of late , (namely, the rockery and the rose garden at the club entrance, the re-painting of the furniture on the patio, the painting of the garden boxes and railings etc on the patio etc) the boys carry out numerous jobs on the course which would otherwise either cost us to have done or would not get done at all. They do this in their own time, and are extremely happy to do so. The club recently put on a BBQ in recognition of their hard work. Anton also asked me to thank the following for providing services to his platoon. Richard Pegum (donated rocks for the wall), Simon Badway (Highlands Stone Walls who set the rocks), Michael Parker (Mician Trees and Gardens) and Shane Martin (who provided the backhoe/digger). Many thanks.

Recent Results
Wednesday 13th November. (Otherwise known as Damian Gair's last day). A lovely afternoon of 4BBB golf with 10 visitors joining the field for the November Open Day. Peter Cottee (19) and Peter Shortle (26) combined well to put up a score of 45 points to narrowly beat John Buchanan (18) and Greg Ridell (27) on a count back. Paul Carroll (17) used his new clubs to great effect to win the single event with 37 points on a count back. The Eagle again defended her nest (anyone else think the 6th green now looks very small with the new mounding?? optical illusion I'm told). John Mellen won the NTP 11th and a visitor, Adrian White, from Queanbeyan GC won the pro-pin. The visitors were from Queanbeyan, Highlands, Braidwood, Chatswood, Kogarah, Avondale Fox Hills and Pennant Hills. The DSR was 69.

Sunday 17th November. Again the men are outnumbering the women in the new event. Come on ladies, it's a great way to join a competition without the pressure of the mid-week. Winning the men's competition this week was Brian Hanrahan (15) with 38 points from Fraser McDonald (21) on 34. Sonya Bleakley (36) again secured a win with 28 points.

The Rules Quiz.
As there was no usual Saturday afternoon presentation the rules quiz question from last week will roll into this week. However, there is also a question for this week to be added. So go back and work out your answer to last week's question come prepared with both answers. 

​This week's question.  True or False.  A player may use two caddies at the same time during a round?

"Who Am I?". Competition
The clue for this week.
"My wife and I were both in attendance at the Legacy Dinner last Saturday evening".

Answers to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

A Little Humour


​Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf!!
​

Recent Results

Tuesday 5th November, Melbourne Cup Medley. An Irish 4 ball to celebrate the running of this iconic Australian event. 15 players in the field (several late scratchings apparently!!). Receiving the winners ribbon and silks was the team of Nick Reinhard, Paul Pettiford, Rosemary Pettiford and Ash Southon with 81 points. Second past the post was the team of Chris Hill, Ann Spiden, Berneice Markwell and Penelope Cuffe with 68 points. Chris Hill won the NTP 14th and Nick Reinhard the men's version.

Wednesday 6th November. A single stableford in ideal conditions. Paul Carroll came to the fore with a score of 39 points to win the day from Shane Harvey on 38 points on count back. The Eagle successfully defended her nest, Peter Hannaford won the NTP 11th and Nick Reinhard won the pro pin. 58 players in the field and the DSR was 69.

Saturday 9th November, The Remembrance Day Shield trophy. Our Club President, Rob Humphreys (28), showed the field a clean pair of cleats with a fine net 64, to win by a margin of 5 strokes from Russell Bourne on a net 69 on a count back. This event coincided with the November monthly medal, and I must apologise for announcing the incorrect 'A' and 'B' grade winners at the presentation. My fault entirely, I mistook the 'Visiting member' category with a normal 'visitor'. A visitor is not eligible to win a monthly medal. The winner of the 'A' grade medal was David Bickford (15) with a net score of 69 from Alec Dietsch (13) on a count back. 'B' grade was won by Norris Dudgeon (22) with a net 70 on a count back from Martin Flaxman (23). 'C' grade was won by Rob Humphreys (28) with a net 64 from Russell Bourne (25) with a net 69. The Eagle's nest was not won, Danny McCarthy won the NTP 11th and Glen Welsh won the pro pin. There was an excellent field of 78 which included visitors from Mildura, Camden, Kogarah, Cromer, and Port Kembla. The DSR was 69.

Sunday 10th November. The men's single stableford competition seems to be growing steadily and this week the winner was Warwick Heeson (16) with a score of 34 from Brian Hanrahan (15) with 33 points. The women's event was won again by Sonya Bleakley (42) with 39 points.

A New BBQ.
Thanks all round to those who arranged for the donation of the BBQ from Barbeques Galore in Mittagong. Thanks in particular to David McGinnes, Tim Davis and Kevin Kenny. I'm sure the sausage sizzles will taste a little different without the rust flavouring!!

The Rules Quiz.
Last week saw the largest number of competitors in the putt-off since the competition began. 6 Players determined that there was no penalty from the grounding of the club whilst playing a practice stroke in a penalty area. After several rounds of putting, Jim Larkin emerged as the victor, well done all, I'm glad the numbers are rising, that might mean the blog is being read by a larger audience ??

This week.
In stroke play, a marker signs the player's score card in the space provided for the player's signature and the player then signs in the space provided for the marker’s signature. What is the ruling?
A - Both the player and the marker are disqualified.
B - There is no penalty.
C - The player is disqualified.

Good luck!

"Who AM I?", competition.

The clue for this week,
"My wife is also a well recognised player at the club".

Guesses to bgcclubcaptain@gmail.com

A Little Humour
A Golfer has been slicing his tee shots on every hole.

He asks his Irish caddy if he has noticed any obvious reasons for his poor tee shots, to which the caddy replies:

"Aye, there's a piece of sh*t on the end of your driver."

The Golfer picks up his driver and cleans the club face at which point the caddy says: "No, the other end."

Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf!!

The 6th Green construction phase has now been completed by Damian and the team. The mounding has been seeded and we should see some shoots in about 8 days. To avoid creating footprint depressions and damaging the newly seeded area, signs have been erected directing players to avoid access. Please use a ball retriever instead. Also note that players are requested NOT to play over the new areas, but to use the drop zones until further notice. The Captain and the Greens staff wish to thank you for your consideration.

The Rotary Hoe.
Following my requests for donations in order to purchase this item for the course, sufficient funding has now been pledged. I'd like to extend a great note of appreciation to Haille Smith, Tony Fitzpatrick, Alec Dietsch and two donors who wish not to be named. I hope to be able to have the machine in operation very soon.

Recent Results

Wednesday 30th October. 58 players including two visitors from Antill Pk and one from Woodlands GC contested the rare midweek stroke competition. With a net score of 69 on a count back, Niel Halvorsen (25) won from David Simmers (24). David McGinnes poached a ball from the Eagle's nest, while Rob Humphreys won the NTP 11th and Paul Pettiford the pro pin. The DSR was 69.

Saturday 2nd November. The first men's competition for the month, and a small break from trophies. 71 players in the field and a warm fine day. Craig Houden (20) put up a score of 40 points, which could not be beaten, while Pat Donoghue (21) tried hard but had to be content with 39 points to come runner-up on a count back. The Eagle was not troubled, Robert Walters (from Belconnen GC) won the NTP 11th and John Ferguson won the pro pin. We welcomed visitors from Belconnen and Murrumbidgee GC's. DSR was 69.

Sunday 3rd November. The fields on this new competition are slowly growing, and we were again able to award first and second in the mens group, but unfortunately not in the womens group. David Bleakley (27) won the day with 37 points from Tom Whitmarsh (22) on 36. The men's NTP 14th went to Michael Halfhide. In the women's competition, Ellen Goodwin (27) won with 32 points, and there was no winner of the NTP. Visitors from The National, Indooroopilly and Ashgrove GC's joined the fields.

The Rules Quiz.

Last week I raised a question testing knowledge of 'advice' (go back and read it now). The answer is that player 'A' has given 'advice' to player 'B' by saying "in my opinion". Hence player 'A' is penalised 2 strokes.

This week.
What penalty applies if a player, playing from a penalty area, grounds their club in the process of making a practice swing?

1. Loss of hole, OR
2. 1 Stroke, OR
3. 2 Strokes, OR
4. No Penalty

Try your luck at the Saturday presentation. Last week 5 players had the correct response, and after the dust settled from the ensuing putt-off, Daniel Weekes again held off the challengers. Well done all.

A Little Humour
A golfer hits his ball into a deep ravine, then descends to find the ball.
His buddies hear "whack, thwack, crack on and on, until finally the ball sails out of the ravine.
His buddy asks "How many strokes did that take you to get out of the ravine?". He replies, "Three", but his buddy says "three??, but I heard seven."
His reply was "yes, but four of them were echoes!."


​Now Go Out and Enjoy a Game of Golf.