We are all a very lucky bunch of tragics at the home of golf. Even without the benefit of prefered lies, conditions couldn’t have been better for our first International challenge. The sun was shinning, and the balls had some roll. Proven by the six members capable of scoring 36 stableford points or better.

Our first two ball best ball(Australia vs Internationals) round proved to be a roaring success, with the majority of members calling for more in the future. Especially the beaten Australians who are hellbent on a re-match. The new format was played in adjunct to a competition round, so the Stableford points accrued for the round potentially earned Championship Points. Well done to the Internationals, who narrowly beat their competitors 5-1. Am sure we all look forward to testing the metals again.

After being soundly beaten the week before in the first matchplay round, our youngest member Kazim Akdag showed what he is capable of.  His 78 off the stick for 42 stableford points(5 points clear of second) demonstrated the untapped potential that threatens this years leaderboard. Well done Kazim, and welcome to your new handicap just in time for monthly medal.

The club championship is starting to heat up. After a very generous head start, the juniors are starting to climb their way into the top ten. With Andrew Petricola, Damian Lee, and Stefan Belevski(what a good gopher) leading the charge.

A few notable performances accomplished on the day were: Andrew Blight’s fantastic tee shot from the 15th(photo right), which led to a tap in birdie and a hole win for the Australian team. Both Craig Sharp, and Damian Lee managed to pitch in from identical positions about 40m out on the 11th. Damian for birdie, and Craig for par. We almost had an albatross on the 14th, with jan Siemon driving the green, and the ball rolling just past the hole!

If anyone has photos that are worthy of the website, or just a good laugh for members please send them to me at jansiemon@live.com.au.

Results for Saturday, 26 February 2011
1st Kazim Akdag(42) 2nd Oliver Gross(37) 2nd Andrew Petricola(37) 3rd Ben Akdag(36) 3rd Damien Lee(36) 3rd Jan Siemon(36) 4th Mehmet Akdag(35) 4th Emilio Bassi(35) 4th Stefan Belevski(35) 4th Mike Mann(35) 4th Craig Sharp(35) 5th Bill Eastoe(34) 5th Malcolm Fleming(34)

Windy conditions greeted golfers, preferred lies continued, and the Sun once again shone on the hallowed grounds of  Ivanhoe Lakes. Congratulations must firstly go to the groundskeepers(and yellow dog), for their tireless effort in making this round possible. Secondly, the continued success of Targe Mifsud.

Andrew Petricola… What more does one need to hear. The man can purchase a house, start a business, and even make a lady say yes! In the spare time, he presides over our club, and constantly hands in competitive cards. Was the Pres’s day. 69 of the stick for an incredible 41 stableford points(off 6!). Well done Andrew, good to see the seniors now having to work for their championship points.

Targe Mifsud continues on his merry way to December silverware, with a very solid 79 gross giving him 40 stableford points. One would have assumed good enough for his third win of the season. With almost a three shot deduction in handicap already this year, I’m sure Targe was happy to take the champ points for second, and move into top place on our leaderboard. Notable names rising up the table were Damien Lee, Stefan Belevski(backing up last weeks medal win), and Emilio Bassi who just stays in the points.

Matchplay has already begun, only one week after the draw. I’ve been informed that a very close game was played between Kazim Akdag, and Jan Siemon. With the later coming through 3 and 1. Well done Jan, good luck in the second round.(Kazim could you please update the matchplay section of the website)

Update on 2011 Calendar: the copy of the calendar on this webpage is now current.

As you all know this week will be the first two ball best ball Australia vs World event. Below is the groupings set by the Pres.

Results for Saturday, 19 February 2011
1st Andrew Petricola(41) 2nd Targe Mifsud(40) 3rd Damien Lee(37) 4th Stefan Belevski(35) 5th Emilio Bassi(34) 5th Rod Grant(34)

Prefered Lies!!! Perfect conditions again at the home of golf. If only golf could be this easy…

 Well apparently not… With only one member on Medal day managing to play to, or better than par!

Firstly, I think we need to applause the hardcore golfers that arrived for our first attempt at this months Medal. Brave effort lads. Over 100ml of rain overnight, and you say “we’ll get a round in”… Fantastic Gents.

This week we saw the return of Stefan Belevski. A very talented young gopher that when right has the ability to shoot low. Proved this week with a majestic one under 32 back nine.

Damien Lee, Bill Eastoe, and Mehmet Ahdag all were in with a red-hot chance throughout, but when it came to the last half dozen holes just weren’t able to close the fast finishing winner. Perhaps mathplay handicaps were on the mind?

And now for a few brief words for our President.

Gentleman,Vice President Damien discovered an error in this year’s calendar in relation to matchplay.  I had inserted an additional round (being round 3) which should in turn have read quarter finals in June so this has been amended. 

 Please note summary of revised schedule:

18 June 2011 – Matchplay Quarter Finals in lieu of Matchplay 3rd Round

30 July 2011 – Matchplay Semi Finals in lieu of Matchplay Quarter Finals

27 August 2011 – Matchplay Final (+ playoff for 3rd) and Ambrose event for all other comers in lieu of Matchplay Semi Finals

24 September 2011 – Par event in lieu of Matchplay Finals.

 Apologies for the oversight, but it was missed by us all.  Well done Damien for keeping a close eye on things.

Results for Saturday, 12 February 2011
1st Stefan Belevski(67) 2nd Mehmet Akdag(69) 2nd Bill Eastoe(69) 2nd Damien Lee(69) 3rd Andrew Blight(71) 3rd Oliver Gross(71) 3rd Mal Whelan(71) 4th Malcolm Adey(72) 4th Craig Sharp(72) 5th Gordon Hill(73)

No golf was played this week due to bad weather.

It was arranged by the brave members who turned up to face the elements, that Feb monthly Medal(matchplay draw) will now be played 12th Feb.

The pairs event is coming up on the 26th Feb.  We need to determine the following:

Qualification for international contingent:

Born overseas;

Australian born with migrated parents;

One parent who migrated;

Grandparents who have migrated; and

Ring ins (to even out numbers)

Everybody’s thoughts would be appreciated.

World – was thinking of 2 ball best ball, two Aussie’s v two Internationals, format would be whatever main comp (inside) is on the day (so those wishing to play in that could do so).