This is the time of the year when anything can happen. The weather can turn bad (or good) at the drop of a hat. Cricket teams can lose (or win) tests at the drop (or take) of a catch. Golfers can win trophies (or miss out) at the drop (or not) of a putt. The weather was good, with not even a hint of it turning bad, and that made it ideal for a round or two, if not for a pound or two. There was only one round at Ivanhoe, but there were two up on the Murray, where the majority of Club members settled in for a couple of days of golf, interrupted by some well considered (or not) wining, dining and punting. Which had the effect of leaving the pickings at Ivanhoe very thin on the ground, despite some late pleading to try to get a quorum together, so there would at least be a competition. No such luck. The registration sheet stayed almost as empty as one of JQ’s discarded ciggie packets. Assuming that he hasn’t been bumming off Pepsi, that is.
Dan brought along his mate, Tom, who can hit the ball a country mile using only a hybrid. Watch out if he ever learns to use a driver! Danny, on the other hand, is looking to revive his golfing career after a family-life induced break, came along to meet some of the gang, and to clear a few years worth of cob-webs out of his golf gear, and his head. He did struggle a bit with his reading of the greens, but his bottom line did support his claim of a handicap of about thirteen. He has promised to come again when his work roster (and moving house, etc) allow. Harry does blame him for putting the mockers on him after the 7th by commenting on how well he was playing, and how he would conjure a result from his drive position on the 8th. The consecutive triples possibly prevented H from matching, if not breaking, his age. Then again, maybe not!
Some of the high livers made to the course in time for a practice round on Friday. The practice seemed to help some, but a few would rather not talk about their Saturday results. Despite being found asleep in the bar at closing, CJ didn’t do too badly, and might have thought he was in with a chance. Sunday didn’t go quite so well, and reports have it that this did not contribute to his award of the Cock’s Plate, which was solely due to some skid-marks that he left.
SOS headed the field on Saturday, managing to break his handicap in the process. Hot on his heels, just a couple of points behind was Dale, so it looked as if there would be some fierce competition on Sunday, particularly with a few others lurking not too far behind. Dale started Sunday with five pars and a birdie on the first six holes, and you could be forgiven for thinking that it was a done deal from there. But, SOS kept his cool, and kept the pace up on the back as Dale faded, to finish just one, agonising point behind. SOS was mighty pleased to accept the Mustard Jacket, and the accolades of all present.
As Dale is not a Club member, this meant that Ken, who put together two nicely balanced rounds takes pride of place in second. Matt had one of the shockers on Saturday, but absolutely played out of his skin on Sunday, decimating his handicap, and elevating himself from a lowly first round rank into third place. Brent and Nalin tied it up for fourth, while CJ (aka Cock’s Jocks) slotted himself into the last point on offer. They probably did not want this mentioned, but SteveG and Gordo tied for the NARGA, which Steve won on a countback (if such a thing exists for such an award).
Ryan soldiered on gallantly as his back/leg continues to give him curry, and affects his ability to swing freely. It apparently does not affect his ability to snore. Mehmet and Zimmer also joined in the fun, both on the course and around the pokies. Nothing much changes, but there were laughs aplenty. Brendon did score one of the birdies of the event, thanks to a slight over-clubbing of an approach shot, that hit Raj and stopped on the green. You’d think the Club Captain would be a little more considerate.
All in all, it was voted a great weekend, even if some of the golf didn’t match. Thanks have to go the Matt for his organisation, and badgering of people to pay up, and scaring up replacements to late drop-outs. Thanks also to Gordo for the happy snaps and the notes.
Results for Saturday, 10 Oct 2026
Ivanhoe: No Competition
Challenge: 1st Stephen O’Sullivan (38, 32, 70) 2nd Ken Watson (32, 32, 64) 3rd Matt Hunt (24, 39, 63) 4th Brent Rowley (33, 27, 60) 4th Nalin Samaranayake (28, 32, 60) 5th Chris Priems (32, 27, 59)
Seniors Results:
Ivanhoe : No Competition
Challenge: 1st Ken Watson (32, 32, 64) 2nd Matt Hunt (24, 39, 63) 3rd Chris Priems (32, 27, 59)