Portarlington Golf Club – February 8, 2018

THERE wouldn’t be many golfers in our region who didn’t make it to 13th Beach last weekend to see some unbelievable golf played at this year’s Oates Vic Open. To have players of the calibre of Minjee Lee, currently ranked number 20 in the world, former world No. 1 Laura Davies, and Australia’s own Robert Allenby and Richard Green was a fantastic opportunity for us club golfers to see how it can be done. However, to see the depth of players not so well known to us, such as Simon Hawkes, who won the Men’s event, and up-and-comer Karis Davidson, who finished just behind Minjee in the Ladies, was exciting for us all to see.

Tuesday January 30, Men’s Stableford
A field of 152 of us rolled up for our mid-week hit in good golfing conditions, and Stephen Rose did best of all with 42 points, to also top the C Graders by two points from Ray Linegar. Sean Arnott, visiting us from a neighboring club, won A Grade with 39 on a countback from Richard West, Josh Williams scored 39 to beat all B Graders with Wayne Pavletich one point behind, and Andrew Barti’s 42 was best in D Grade from a 38 by Geoff Strachan. The NTPs were collected by Charlie Sedgeman, Domenic Luca and Stephen Rose, and Rex Johnson scored the ProPin.

Wednesday January 31, Ladies’ Stroke
A field of 68 ladies turned out for their Opening Day and February Medal event, with Liz Culph beating allcomers with a nett 69, also taking out C Grade from Helen Newitt’s 73. A 71 by Nancy Hendy topped the A Graders with Marg Howell next best on 75, and Cathy Strachan collected the B Grade voucher with 73 by a shot from Diane Roede. The NTPs went to Beth Peterson (A) and Heather Spry (B), the ProPins to Jacky Rowe (0-25) and Jan Rain (26-45), and best putter was Helen Newitt with 29. Another 10 ladies played in a special Stableford event, and Kay Randall top scored with 38 points.

Saturday February 3, Men’s and Ladies’ Stroke
A little breezy but otherwise a perfect golf day for our Men’s February medal, and Col Isbel made the most of it with a great nett score of 67 to collect the medal from the 167 hopefuls, and A Grade from a 69 by Joel Launer. Stuart Barry was best B Grader with 70 by a shot from Peter Bauer, Mark Daisley topped C Grade with 68 from Mark Shone’s 70, and a 71 by Mark Gatehouse got him the D Grade chocolates from Chris Dodds 72. The pinshots were collected by Graham Vohmann, John Hill and Peter Steele, and the ProPin by Mick Bisinella. The Ladies event was won by Julie Milne continuing her hot streak with 72 by a shot from Christine Noble.

Coming events
Saturday February 10: Men’s and Ladies’ 4BBB Stableford
Tuesday February 13: Men’s Stroke
Wednesday February 14: Ladies’ Par, Grannies Trophy
Thursday February 15: Men’s and Ladies’ Stableford