2012
(15–18 November)

Off to the Southern clubhouse to contest the eighth Binningup Open. Weather fine, fridge full and a new innovation to start the weekend . . . .

Thursday Arvo
Beautiful weather, six excited golfers and Ronzo with the idea of a Thursday afternoon game. He wilted at the 11th hour, Tom insisted, Ron wilted (again) and we were all off for a practice 9 holes at Binningup. The Burswood Bandit devised a winners 'kitty' which was either 'virtual' money, or I owe kitty.

Macca burnt us off at the first. Walks then scored a brilliant birdie on the par 3, 2nd and
5 points. Thank goodness he was only practicing - or was this an omen?? After 2 holes, 8 wipes in
12 scoring attempts (some practice!). Steve looked promising after downing only one of his four stubbies but the drinker he got, the worser he swang. The greenkeeper had concerns about rust invading his course as Snout, Tom and Ron shed plenty of it while chalking up only 5, 8 and 9 points (respectively) for the round. Everywhere that Steve went, ice cubes were sure to go, his round equating to 3 points per stubbie while Walks was stuttering into form with 15 points. The virtual star and virtual money winner was Macca with 17 points from some fine all-round golf.

After Binningup's excellent fish and chips, Steve announced the courses to be played at MM IV. Taking everyone's previous voting into account and having everyone's ambitions at heart, the course master revealed one new course to be played (Devilbend) and one that was automatically in because the President didn't like it! He then proceeded to cash in at cards leaving Macca and Walks (after an initial golden run) wondering where the money went.

Friday – Busselton
Up early and off to play a course that a few hadn't seen before. Trees at the Busselton Golf Course were swaying in a gentle breeze – as was Macca. The course was a perfect green – and so was Macca. Suddenly, a Geographe Bay fisherman's delight – free burley – as Macca unburdened with a volley of technicolour yodels. The Little Master wasn't faring much better, the Ghost of the Glenfiddich doing a highland fling on the inside of his cranium. Walks poured Macca into his cart, Tom scoffed down something from the Pro shop and we were off.

Proof Macca was alive

"Hmmm . . . hope my chippings better"

Ron got excited and tore around the first nine with regulation 18 points before a couple of stumbles on the back. Steve started well each nine but faded toward the end of each nine. Thought he was in with a real chance and delayed his departure to Perth, but was soon roaring down Bussell Highway as more results came in. Took the tom-toms in Toms head to stop beating before he settled into his rhythm with two consistent nines. Meanwhile, all the action was behind this group. Macca unbelievably stood on the first tee without falling over and managed to propel the ball forward. No score on the first two holes, got into his stride, had another yodel and rest and soldiered on to finish the course only a couple of points behind most of the rest. Unbelievable. Walks had a day out, his long and mainly straight drives and some cracking long fairway irons a feature. Set up a strong title chance with a BIG 38 points. Dalbs even looked as though he knew what to do with a golf club and achieved a rare double for him – consistent scores of 16/16.

Back at the hut, Macca took one look at the chicken and salad and turned green (no, the chicken wasn't the same colour) and took off for the safety of the sack. Some alcoholic refreshments, more poker (Dalbs up, Tom down) and we all curled up after an eventful day.

Tom takes aim without the new driver

Saturday – Sanctuary
GL, G McL (revived) and TJ in the first group; RA, GW and RD in the second. It was carts for the first nine only due to a large corporate day booking, the round costing $55/head. There was some discussion about the ratings on the card because it showed 1 to 36 and some holes are rated slightly differently. This is not unusual and it was decided to go with ratings 1 to 18.

TJ lost on count-back to Ron for a simple reason: he had a huge 21 pts on the front nine (47 off the stick) but could manage only 12 on the second. GL and TJ bought new drivers during the week and, as it turns out, they were exactly the same driver both bought from Golf Box. GL used his from the first tee with some success. TJ wouldn’t try his because he was keen to score well. He waited until the 18th to use it and proceeded to hit a scorching drive down the fairway. There was some misunderstanding about whether or not the N2 was a N2 or a N3. Either way TJ won it.

Ready for take-off – and a Silver medal

RD had a terrible first nine with 9 pts only. It’s reported that on a couple of occasions he tried to prove that he could throw his club further than he had hit the ball. What’s more it was all in the same action. RA is using his 7 iron to good effect around the greens. GW didn’t have a standout round but his driving was a feature – consistently long all day. Watch out when he learns to hit out of bunkers!

Chicken and salad for late lunch followed by a “seniors siesta”. Cards and nibblies late in the afternoon before the now traditional Black Tie Dinner with the usual meat lovers bonanza accompanied by mash and peas. Plenty of wine flowed with good discussion. The evening finished with some hands of poker and lightsout at midnight.

A gold winning game (at the 18th)

Sunday – Binningup
Phantom headed into the final game with a 4 point lead and some 4 point form. Loved the long holes, snaring 3 points on the first hole while his challengers made zip, then two 4 pointers along the way all on par 5's. Had 14 points after 5 holes and then Binningup started to extract it's revenge. It took it's revenge earlier on Ronzo who struggled but without that familiar crow's cry which left Litts to take up the challenge. Did so with his renowned steady golf turning at the 9th having closed the gap to 2 points. But the course caught up with the Prez and all three stumbled to the finishing post, Walks with a couple of trick shots able to get back the two points lost and claim the Open for the second time.

Scobes' successor

Star of the round was The Little Master with an 18 point first nine and 31 all-up. The Karrinyup Kids tried hard but there was too much bush, sand and water (to be fair).

Brunch was an eclectic affair. "Jamie (Little) Oliver" knocked up a haute cuisine omelette mix (eggs with a dozen different sauces and cheeses) which, together with sausages and bacon and onions etc. was skillfully cooked by that famous Indian chef Kharman Ghettit. An unforgettable way to end another unforgettable weekend, courtesy of that inimitable Allardice hospitality.