By David Waters
After a fantastic season, two heavyweights battled out the match play final. All other teams played aggregate stableford for the team trophy.
The day was mild, and conditions seemed very favourable for golf. The Endeavour Hills course was yet again hard to tame. Despite the fairways providing plenty of run, trees and bunkers caused anguish for many players. Balls were knocked down and off course by branches and bunkers often required several shots to escape. These frustrations were compounded when no points were scored.
Players of all abilities came in with tales of woe. The most common comment on returning to the clubhouse was “bloody terrible round”. That showed on the scoreboard. Two players had 33 points, one had 34 points and the top score by Dave Martin was 37 points. Only 20 of the 96 players scored over 30 points. Several scores in the teens were recorded with the NAGA going to an unnamed player with 13 points.
For the second year in a row Eastwood took out the team’s event. This year it was the green team with 227 combined points. Runner up was Eastern gold with 225 points.
The remaining teams finished in the following order. Eastwood gold 223 points, Eastern gold 216 points, Churchill/Waverley gold 211 points, Yering green 209 points, Churchill/Waverley green 207 points, Box Hill green 206 points, Box Hill gold 194 points, Yering gold 193 points, Gardiners Run gold 192 points, and last Gardiners Run 184 points.
In the match play, it was nip and tuck all day. The heritage men had to give their Eastern opponents between three and 10 shots advantage. There was only one blow out where the Heritage manager, Darryl Maher won 8/6. The result came down to who won the last hole. Surrounded by teammates but not knowing the standing, Gary Kearton stepped up to putt. It fell short by less than a metre. Ron Sankey took centre stage. A deliberate steady approach and the putt end in the bottom of the hole. Victory to Heritage gold 4 ½ over eastern green 3 ½.
Lunch was served, drinks were downed, chefs, servers, bar staff and management of the Churchill/Waverley golf club were thanked several times and applauded for their efforts in making this a terrific final.
Presentation of the trophies to the winning teams was followed by acknowledgement of team managers efforts through the season.
As we parted, everyone was wished a safe journey and Happy Easter.
Until we play, again happy golfing.
