What a start to Spring!!! Ivanhoe members could not have asked for more. Gorgeous sunshine, perfectly mown fairways, and unbelievably commented on fast greens!!! For those lucky regulars, maybe it’s time to pay some cash, and shut the gates. That we are truly chosen is rapidly becoming an understatement. WIth chip, and run already in play, the big hitters must be licking their lips for whats in store for the pursuing months.

Medal day format is always daunting for the majority of competitors, alas one seasoned professional always seems to bring his A game early in every month. Our ever consistent President Andrew Petricola(70!) precisely, and patiently played his way into a countback for the September Medal with an unlucky Brendon Mitchell(81). Brendon has only recently helped welcome into the world a beautiful baby girl, and the club passes on all best wishes. unfortunately Brendon, sometimes you can’t have it all.  Both receiving the full champ points, the 1 stroke handicap deduction, a trophy(only one given in alphabetical order of first name), and a new golf ball. Well played Gentlmen.

All out on his own for second was Paul Anderson(87), claiming his highest finish down at Ivanhoe. Good work Paul, scoring becomes addictive, the handicap must be punished. Mike Mann(91) continues to enjoy the 2011 season, always in and about the points. Mike takes third place, and also collects maximum points in the seniors competition, which i have to admit looks all a little confused at the moment(we are onto it).

Ball hole went to Ken Grist, and the cesh will roll into next week.

Results for Saturday, 03 September 2011
1st Brendon
Mitchell(65) 1st Andrew Petricola(65) 2nd Paul Anderson(66)
3rd Mike Mann(67) 4th Malcolm Adey(69) 4th Bill Eastoe(69)
5th Rodger Clarke(70) 5th Stephen O’Sullivan(70)

Winter officially concluded last week at Ivanhoe Golf Course, and what a wonderful way of welcoming in Spring. The sun shone once again on the chosen, and a very plesent round was enjoyed by members in polo’s. Last weeks warm temperatures have really done wonders, and with the benefit of preferred lies throughout, the course has held together exceptionally well. With all the on going maintenance Spring is looking ideal to be out swinging the clubs.

The 2011 Matchplay has come to an end, with a popular, and well deserved recipient in Benananan Akdag, who will leave breakup day with his first Ivanhoe Golf CLub Trophy. Benananan has managed to knock out some of the more hardened matchplay competitors to achieve this years title, but a 4&3 victory over Mo Sabih in the final must have been the sweetest. Congratulations to both Benanan, and Mo for their win, and second respectively, very well-played. Double points for all final four, unfortunately Benananan you will a receive a two-stroke deduction in handicap.

Third an Fourth in this years Event was played out between Damian Lee, and Oliver Gross. After a promising first tee shot by Oliver to set the scene, last years club champion soon took the reins to close him out 5&4. This years tournament has been extremely interesting, and sure members are keen to get straight back into it again in 2012.

For the remaining matchplay losers, a Par round was played.

With ideal conditions for scoring,(yes, even playing Par) only one member managed better than handicap! This weeks championship points go to a somewhat surprised Gordon Hill(+2), who believed he was to miss out on a top five placing. After setting the season on fire early, Gordon’s strong work ethic quickly doused his rise. A welcome return to the winners circle in both competitions.

Stephen O’Sullivan(0) takes outright second this week, albeit being +2 on the turn perhaps a chance lost. Even though this round should give him some confidence heading into the end of the season.

Harry Boughen(90), and Tony Mifsud(85) share third place this week with -1, making it a clean sweep for the seniors.

Ball hole this week went to Jan Siemon, who then proceeded to wipe the hole, cash again heads off to Caroline Petricola. Great golf Cas.

On a darker note. The 2010 McClaren Vale Shiraz has landed in Hawthorn. This is the following vintage that members have been enjoying, or in some cases even consumed from last year. Please text Jan(0406 225 442) if orders wished to be filled this Saturday. For those who think they have missed the boat, I’ve been informed that six cases are still available for the 2010 price of $125. First in best dressed.

Results for Saturday, 27 August 2011
1st Gordon Hill(+2)
2nd Stephen O’Sullivan(0) 3rd Harry Boughen(-1) 3rd Tony
Mifsud(-1) 4th Paul Anderson(-2) 4th Targe Mifsud(-2) 4th
Jan Siemon(-2) 5th Richard Hall(-3) 5th Andrew Petricola(-3)

Another perfect winters morning embraced the Ivanhoe members, well, at leat after the fog left. I’m sure there were a few low scores early in the day… Albeit a little wet under foot for a few holes around the course, prefered lies has maintained a decent level throughout winter. Which should really hold the course in good stead for summer.

Rapt to be back in the driver’s seat, Chris Priems(77) relished the conditions, only nudging that talented young gopher Stefan belvski(72) out by one stableford point. Chris’s 40 points was attributed to his front nine, where he grasped every opportunity with both hands. He was even with the card about to play the eighth, then doubled nine too for a two over 37 front(23 points). Great golf Chris. Enjoy the new handicap..

Making this consecutive second place recipient Stefan Belveski(39) continues his winning golf, constantly, playing to, or bettering his par week after week. Stefan’s first real season now playing serious club golf at Ivanhoe sees him ten points clear in the 2011 Club Championship. Mo Sabih(84), and Oliver Gross take out third this week with 36 points apiece. Meaning everyone else will go out!!!

The seniors competition table is now up to date with Targe Mifsud on top spot, with the next three member chasing him down ,trailing only 4 points behind! Both tables are still very close, and with some impressive trophys up for grabs and not much time left its still anyone title.

The Treasurer has an old version of the Club Calendar which noted that the Matchplay finals were to be played next month – in fact they are to be played this Saturday.  Mo and Benanananan will be playing final this Saturday and Damien with Oliver will play off for 3^rd place.

Originally on the calendar there was to be an Ambrose round played on the final day – however it is too late to organise.  Normal par competition will be in place instead.

What I will propose is that we conduct an Ambrose round format for next month with the famous Australia v World  (not you Dave H) competition again to give the Aussie’s a chance of revenge.  This will be finalised on the September meeting.

Ball hole this week was won by Noodles, and our jackpotted cash was awarded to Oliver Gross.

Results for Saturday, 20 August 2011
1st Chris Priems(40)
2nd Stefan Belevski(39) 3rd Richard Hall(37) 4th Oliver
Gross(36) 4th Mo Sabih(36) 5th Rodger Clarke(35)

   The Thirteenth of August provided perfect playing conditions for members. Albeit a little chilly, not a breath of wind was endured, and the majority of the fairways were firm under-foot. Greens continue to improve, giving confidence to those of us who can, and cause for a new putter for others. Its been nice to see the constant change in the course week to week, the improvements are noticed, and certain the loyal Ivanhoe golfer is appreciating what is being done to our beloved track.

On to the results for this round. As you could tell by the crowd on 18, a popular winner was cheeered back into the clubhouse. Jan Siemon(80), championship placer two years in a row has taken his first win. This blogger said it a while back, that this golfer was on the up. But has he left it all to late…

That exceptional young gopher continues to impress. This week playing of a handicap of 7, Stefan bElevski(73) produced two consistent nines(one over back!) for 38pts taking second place. Stefan’s fine gophering form has taken him five points clear in the championship race. Well done Stefan, fantastic, consistent golf off a low handicap. Good luck for the rest of the season.

Third this week is shared by Chris Priems(80), and Benananan Akdag(85) with 37 stableford points. Benananan’s round was also good enough to take out a hard competitor in Oliver Gross(83) in the penultimate matchplay round. And for Chris… Two weeks of points… ???

Matchplay Semi Final Results:

Ben Akdag def Oliver Gross 2&1

Mo Sabih def Damian Lee 1 up

So now we have our contenders for the Matchplay Title, and the 16 championship points. Good luck to both Mo, and Ben. This year third, and fourth will also play off for points, so Damian, and Oliver… Its time to do it again..

On a more public service kind of announcement. Happy 18th birthday to KAzim AKdag. So for all those members who have been quietly awaiting retribution once he became accountable, please form an orderly line next to the putting green. Ask members to be patient, and Kazim will get round to all of you.

Ball hole this week jackpotted, so twice as many reasons to play this weekend!

Results for Saturday, 13 August 2011
1st Jan Siemon(39)
2nd Stefan Belevski(38) 3rd Ben Akdag(37) 3rd Chris
Priems(37) 4th S Butterfield(36) 5th Targe Mifsud(35)