By Ron Hottes
Wednesday 11 January, Stableford:
And so, welcome to a brand-new year of golf. I sincerely hope, for all of you, it is “laden” with birdies and, then in turn, vouchers! Although golf at Warburton has continued throughout the Christmas/New Year period, it is only now that close to full-size fields are returning to the competitions. This mid-week day was no exception, with nearly 40 members, and a couple of visitors, contesting for the 2 vouchers available! Those involved would want me to tell all of you what great condition the course is in, especially for this time of year ( Well done Paul and Andrew!) And someone who really benefitted from those superb conditions was none other than that old “evergreen”, Ossie McClay, who posted the best round of the day—a sparkling 39 points. This meant that Ossie took home the B-Grade voucher. One point less, 38, was still enough for Shane Campbell to snare the A-Grade prize. ( Good work, Bomber!) Ron Wilson was the official runner-up with 38 points too—another fair effort! Balls extended to 34, with Your Loyal Scribe being the last one listed to get a ball—whew! NTP winners on the day were Happy Gilmore (3rd), Jon Peitch ( 5th AND 9th!), Kevin Conway (12th) and to Andy Lockey (15th).
TWILIGHT:
Twilight never really ceased during the festive season, but the most recent result sheet showed a stunning win to Junior Spenceley, with 23 points, if you don’t mind! Seth is right up there with a crack at the Top-Ten shootout in a couple of months! The runner-up was Richard Sullivan, who posted a solid 22 points, meaning on many other Twilights, he would be declared the outright winner! Balls reached 18 only. NTP’s went to Kenno (1st), Seth (3rd) and to Peter Fox (9th).
Saturday 14 January, Stableford:
On a day of high temperatures and uncomfortable conditions, which tested both young and old alike, the member who dealt the best with that adversity was Neil Leckenby, recording a very impressive 41 points, to grab the A-Grade voucher. This would have pleased Mr. Scotland, as it clearly proved to any “doubters” that he can play good golf in conditions far removed from the mists of his homeland! The B-Grade prize was taken home by Stephen Noonan, with 40 solid points! Noons played with me at Thursday Twilight, and was showing definite signs of an excellent round “just around the corner!” The daily runner-up was Jimmy Stewart, with 41 points. ( It’s a shame you posted that in A-Grade, James, as you got “pipped” by Neil on a countback!) Balls got down to 35 only. And, there was a full list of NTP winners, they being— Peter Fox (3rd), Simon Spenceley (5th), Michael Batten (9th), James Stewart (12th) and to Raymond “Happy” Gilmore (15th).
