A new year, a better swing. Can only get better…

Welcome to the 2012 season proper. After a well-earned rest(if that’s what one would call Xmas!), it was very pleasant to be amongst the members again, at the Mecca of Golf. With the course playing superbly, and a Saturday morning befitting the occasion, a Monthly Medal was hotly contested.

There was some brilliant golf played by a handy few members, alas only five competitors were able to play to par or better. Perhaps just a slow start to the year…

The group that has turned up to play early, as same last season is the trophy hunting seniors. Taking out 4 of 5 placings in our opening event(double points) the Vin O’Meara, Emillio Bassi(80) leads the charge in Rodger’s absence collecting the January Medal in style. After a year of studying cards, certain winning trends become apparent. Emillio’s 80gross (60 nett) is a perfect example of playing to your strengths. On Medal days it’s about capitalizing when you should, and harm minimization when in trouble. Our Medal winners round consisted of no worse than two double bogies, 10 bogies, but managed to par all the par 3’s.. Well deserved Emillio, and perhaps a full season may see him atop the tables come Xmas.

The mornings golf seemed to just flow, and enjoyable, peaceful surrounding were had. Can see why. Bob McDonald played well. BOb’s nett 65 was due to a very consistent stroke round, and would not surprise to see a trophy or two by years end.

Equal third went to the unlucky Ken Grist(66), and Jan Siemon(66), who with three to go would have thought themselves a chance at the Medal, only to throw a few shots in the closing holes. Nonetheless. Nobody was going to catch our winner.

Just like to acknowledge a very bizarre card handed in by Bill Eastoe. Bill played 50 strokes on his outward 9, only to come back in 1 over the card for 84 of the beater. Only just missing out on points! Would be scary if he can put together  two nine’s like that.

Results for Saturday, 07 January 2012 1st Emilio Bassi(60) 2nd Bob McDonald(65) 3rd Ken Grist(66) 3rd Jan Siemon(66) 4th Harry Boughen(68) 5th Kazim Akdag(69)

  With the completion of this our first competition round for the 2012 season, a trophy was awarded, sacks of money distributed, and double points awarded to victors.

Played under perfect conditions(back to back), the second round was always going to be a test for the leaders to hold on to their slight advantage. Although many challenges were launched, two standout golfers remained.

Our eventual winner of the 2012 Vin O’Meara Xmas Cup was Rodger Clarke(131), who backed up a superb opening round, leading into the second day. Rodger followed this with a nett 67, good enough by a handy few. Well played Rodger, nice way to start the year.

Second on the turn, Craig Sharp(133) carded a second round 68 ensuring he takes the 10 championship points, and gives his owners some handy coin heading into Christmas.

     After being 7 shots off the lead first round, Mal Addey(136) had different thoughts for this years club championship. COming oUt second week with the second best round of the day! Mal shot 65 net to secure an early start for the points, thus making a few young members happy along the way. Love your work Mal.

Results for Vin O’Meara Xmas Cup 1st Rodger Clarke 2nd Craig Sharp 3rd Malcolm Adey 4th Gordon Hill 5th Ken Grist 5th Chris Priems

Can I say it feel’s like only last month that this blogger posted his first comments. What a year! And, where did it go? The opening round of this years running of the Vin O’Meara marks the start of the 2012 season!

Looking back on what has been a memorable year, maybe somewhat better for some. There have been some fine performances, and matches played. Nothing refreshes a moment’s reflection than reading through old posts.

Onwards to the new year. FOr what seems like an eternity(2 weeks) the sun finally shone once more on it’s golfing faithful. The first round of the 2012 season commenced in ideal condition, and with the added pressure of a cash prize, the hardened players rose to the top.

Rodger Clarke(82), our halfway leader set a cracking pace, leaping out with a nett 4 under par card. Great round Rodger, which consisted of 2 birdies, and 3 triples! Have to add, much pressure follows a halfway leader in any tournament, and when googled less than 83% actually followed on for the victory. Given all that… All the best for this weekend Rodger, and well-played opening round.

Hot on our leaders heels heading into this weeks final round are Craig Sharp(78), and Jan Siemon(78), 65, and 66 respectively. Two golfers on their day can shoot fantastically low, but perhaps only when they get it all right on that day. Chasing our top three down will be four seniors, which seems to be a continuing trend already for the new year. Ken Grist(86), and Bob Mc’Donald(93) start their second round only 3 off the pace. While last years winner of this event Emilio Bassi(89) is joined by Mo Sabih(not available second round) 5 strokes short of Rodger.

Forecast for Saturday morning is favourable, and a red hot challenge can be assured. May the best horse win.

Last reminder for all perpetual trophies to be returned this week!!!

Results for Saturday, 3rd December 2011

Rodger Clarke(64), Craig Sharp(65), JanSiemon(66), Ken Grist(67), Bob McDonald(67), Emilio Bassi(69), Mo Sabih(69)*

The last round of the 2011 season for the Ivanhoe Golf Club unfortunately was washed out…

Such a disappointing end to a compelling year of club golf. With both the club, and seniors(especially) titles placings in hot contention, all were eagerly anticipating a dramatic climax. ANyways, we have our winners.

Congratulations to the Pres,  Andrew Petricola whose 73 championship points proved just that 4 better than second place Stefan Belevski. Both these golfers have had stellar seasons, and are deserved recipients of all due accolades. The real interest in the completion of this round was in third place, with seven members able to make it their own. All contenders were present, and playing well. Some very well. Damian Lee was having the round of his life(2 under through 12!) before the skies brought us all inside. With no change in Championship Table MO Sabih stands in place for more silverware. Great year gentleman, will give the rest of us targets for the upcoming season.

Heading into the last round, the seniors title places were contended by 5 members. With no change possible, the table remains. Great work to both our first Seniors Championship winners Targe Mifsud, and Mike Mann. Mo Sabih takes second, Oliver Gross for third. This comp was great watching this year, and am certain that all members have welcomed the introduction of this Championship.(more trophies for the short and straight!)

The Calcutta, Xmas Cup, Vin O’Meara has been auctioned, and fingers crossed we will be able to play consecutive weeks. An impressive figure was bet over/during a BBQ beautifully prepared by the girls in the clubhouse. The money is to be split 60% 30% 10%, considering almost $2300 is to be collected by start of play Saturday morning, first prize becomes a very plesent early christmas gift.

A reminder to all perpetual trophy holders to please return these precious items, as the engravers are becoming anse.

The last competitive round of 2011, for those who qualified is the Stuart Clarke Champion of Champions played on the 17th December. For the rest of us, an Ambrose round will be played, which is anticipated to be alot more fun.