Sports Shorts

Jill Barnes, Mel McLennan Michelle Wright and Marg Adcock looked fresh as daisies and ready to enjoy some Christmas cheer after nine holes of hijinks on Wednesday.

Getting into the Christmas spirit

The members of the Warwick ladies Golf Club kitted themselves out in their best Christmas attire and braved the 37degree heat on the course to play their annual nine-hole Christmas competition.

There were little Christmas surprises sprinkled all over the course, and the Ladies had to follow instructions well to play the mixed-up jolly Christmas game.

Congratulations to the winners Narelle Norris, Lyn McKillop, Di Johnston and Di Macdonald.

It was a fun day with plenty of laughs coming from around the course. Organisers would like to thank everyone who helped run the event.

The putt for a pressie was a big hit with everyone.

It certainly put everyone in the mood for a little bit of “Festive Fare” when they returned to the Clubhouse. Everyone enjoyed a delicious “Christmas Dinner” provided by the hosts of Birdies Bar and Bistro. The Ladies extend a very big thank you Neil and Sam, who looked after everyone so well and who continue to support Ladies golf. Your support is greatly appreciated.

Gwen all smiles after hot round

On Saturday a smaller field of Ladies braved the extreme heat and played for a trophy sponsored by Cherry Tree Coffee and Dining. No heat issues for Gwen Mills who did it again shooting a very hot 39 points. No surprise she finished the round with a smile from ear-to-ear.

Playing in the same group was runner up Judy Lester, with a solid score of 35 points. The rundown went to Annice Payne and Anne Lyons (31 points).

Gwen also scored the pro pin, with a great chip onto the ninth green.

Changes to committee line-up

On Sunday the Ladies held their annual meeting. As the Committee status has changed with the new Constitution, it is no longer an Annual General Meeting. Congratulations to the four Ladies who put up their hands to help guide the Ladies golfing ship in 2024.

Narelle Norris is Madam Chairperson. Narelle formerly of Toowoomba joined the club some time ago and brings a wealth of knowledge to the position. She is also a very experienced golfer, who knows her stuff. Congratulations on your appointment Narelle.

Captain Roslyn Darton retains her position. She has proved very capable in this role and is doing an amazing job.

Melanie McLennan will move into the secretary’s position. With years of experience on the committee, Mel will handle the role with ease.

Last but certainly not least is Wendy Rhea who is simply a jack of all trades.

Due to the smaller committee, there will be times when women need help. Please if asked, roll up your sleeves and help out. It will no doubt help with the smooth running of the Ladies competitions, and Women’s Golf in general. As a club, we look forward to helping out where we can.

Sporters on the back nine

Stanthorpe Sporters golfers played the back nine on Sunday prior to a Xmas social breakup for all those who played.

Nick Casey returned the best score of the day (nett 24) to claim first prize. There is little doubt his Sporters handicap is about suitably ‘chopped’ for his efforts.

Nick is not a regular player and nett 24 was a great score. His steady round proved very productive.

On most days, Mick Irwin is somewhere around the best score and a nett 26 secured the runner up prize for him.

I doubt it will be long before we see Mick Irwin back in the winner’s circle.

Matt Burgess (nett 27) was again in the prize winner’s list, featuring in the run down. He also had the best gross score of the day. A par round for the nine holes, 36 on the card.

I understand that his score could have been better as there are confirmed reports, Burgess easily reached the par five 13th hole in three shots but doubled the score with three putts. He went from a possible birdie to a bogie. It also cost him a fine for three putting the hole.

With the back nine in play there were two pin shots on offer. Paul Armstrong had success on the 12th the shorter of the two holes. Mark Lynam produced a good tee shot at 17 to claim the balls on offer.

Nick Casey kindly donated the final prize of the day, the NAGA award.

John Rawlings was quite pleased to accept the prize and has added another item to his golfing wardrobe.

Hot and sticky on the range

It was quite an early start to the weekly shoot on Risdon Range however conditions at the 400 yard range were hot and sticky.

Kevin Birse put down another maximum score in the Open Class and finished one point ahead of runner up Richard McKillop.

In the standard class John Cook continued his good form with another winning score, Danny Aspinall in runner up spot.

First place in the Sporter / Hunter class went to Tanya Russell with a good score of 102.6. There was just one point between Tanya and the runner up Femy Cook.

Results

F Class 400 yards

F Open (max 126)

Kevin Birse (126.12); Richard McKillop (125.12; Greg Wilson (121.8; : Kevin Jones (120.8); Margaret Taylor (117.4)

F Std (max 126)

John Cook (119.6): Danny Aspinall 95)

Sporter/Hunter (max 105)

Tanya Russell (102.8); Femy Cook (101.7); Hayden Aspinall (100.7); Geoff Russell (99.4)

This Sunday (17/12) shooters will be at the 500 yard mound. Sign on for the day’s comepitition is 7.30am in preparation for an 8am start.

If you would like further details of Sunday’s shoot or upcoming events, please contact Margaret (07) 4666 1018 who will be happy to pass on any relevant information.

Single stableford competition popular

Aqua Rural Supplies sponsored the Single Stableford competition at the Stanthorpe golf club on Saturday. Close to 50 players teed off in the popular event and there were some very close results at the end of the round. Neta Thouard is working her way back into form after an injury kept her out of the game for a lengthy period. In Saturday’s competition not only did she win the event with a score of 37 points (just under par) but along the way won the ladies’ approach at the first hole and collected the NTP at the 12th hole.

Nikki Waterworth played her usual consistent game to finish in second place with 34 points. She also picked up the pin at the 17th hole. Also figuring in the presentation were Lisa Stuart (30points) and Linda Kelly (28 points).

David Burgess claimed family bragging rights again with a winning score of 38 points. Again showing his boys who is the best golfer in the family. It must be tough keeping those two sons of his in check, but Dave certainly had the better of them on Saturday.

Keith Jones was hot on the heels of Burgess (snr) finishing runner up with 37pointsnarrowly edging out Tod Beckett after a countback, Beckett settling for down the line honours. Also in the main group of finishers was Matt Burgess (36 points).

The Pro-pin winners included Hamish Adam (1/10), Mick O’Brien at (5/14) and Ivan Juriss at (9/18). NTP’s went to Dave Burgess at three, Alan Kerr at 12 and Michael Thompson at 17.

Undoubtedly, the highlight of the round was Nathan Stibbard’s eagle, (two under the par), on the par five 11th. Not sure if he was on for two and had a good putt or a chip in for the three, either way it was a great result.

This Saturday, (16/12) a single stroke event sponsored by members Fiona Kelly and Mark Baker has been scheduled. The time sheet is available on line.

An early shout out for Annual Boxing Day Classic. The three person Ambrose is one of the most popular events on the Stanthorpe golfing calendar and there are quite a few nominations are already on the sheet.

Anyone intending to play is urged to get their teams organised and nominate. Nominations must be made on the time sheet at the club. Online nominations are not available for this event.

Midweek shotgun start popular

The midday shotgun start at the Warwick Golf club proved popular with the midweek crew on Wednesday (6/12). A field of 69 players fronted the starter on a very hot day. Greg Carey and Trevor King shared the honours, each returning 38 points for the round. The countback going the way of Carey and relegating King to runner up.

Figuring in the run down were Danny Lyons and Barry McKinnon (37points); Jesse Ollerton and Wayne Watt (36 points) and all on those on 35 points – Mal Galloway, Fred Howard, Tim Pleming, Laurie King, Keith Farrell and Geordie Russell.

The Pro Pin 13th winners were Tim Pleming, Daffy Hynes and Jesse Ollerton. Mark Simmons was Nearest the Pin at the fifth; Steve Domjahn the seventh; Jesse Ollerton, the ninth; Charlie Morrison (11th) and Wayne Watt (16th).

The shotgun start seemed to work well and allowed for a presentation at the end of play.

Players feedback on the shotgun start would be is being sought. Please let Troy (Club Pro) your thoughts if this was put in play once a month or so to help create a better atmosphere in the Clubhouse after the game.