March 11–14 (Monday/Thursday), 2024

With the promise of fine warm weather, and boasting the largest Mandurah Masters field to date, 7 aspirants and Pinky played a warm-up round at award winning Secret Harbour. For most, the warmth came from the sun but Mr Pink was running HOT, streaking the field with 42 points . . . and a long drive!! Thank goodness he wasn't one of the aspirants. Squancey and The Little Master were the only two of the aspirants to score over 30 points. But it was only a warmup . . . wasn't it?

Tom smacking it onto the green from a fair distance out	Walks charming it over the water	Chris was not impressed

Then it was off for the short sprint "home" . . . and an introduction to Ronzo's Musings . . .

The event lived up to its high expectations. Staying in the Nine Star Club Santavea, compliments of Les and Debbie Gray, to whom we are indebted for allowing the club to stage the 5th running of the Mandurah Masters … thank you Les and Debbie.

But wait, there’s more … Les , when asked on departure if he would entertain hosting the event again, said … “Ron, it’s a given” … WOW!!! The number of attendees … 12, surpassed the 2018 figure of 11.

THE SOCIAL

On reflection, the golf was secondary to everything else. There were many highlights, as can be seen below.

The weather - perfect.

The golf courses - in pretty good nick.

	The catering was top shelf . . .
	. . . particularly the Black Tie dinner and the well-dressed Les, Squancey and Robin … although feedback from the Platinum Sponsor was “Squancey and Bin, side by side, look very dodgy”!

The introduction of Crypto currency into the club by the Honourable Treasurer.

Quoits and cards (with cash, not chips) back on the agenda.

	"Cead mile failte" (a hundred thousand welcomes) for Scobes after Meadow Springs at Murphys Pub
		A warm welcome	Drunken Irish Ribs

Celebrating Robin’s 500th game … if you didn’t know … a first , and his inability to stop writing when asked three times!

Debbie watching Chris sleep late into the night … via remote camera positioned strategically in the lounge area.

The pizza bases (got to keep them coming).

The innovative team games on the golf course.

Chris’ inability to break into Club Santavea after a shopping spree.

	Ron’s VERY late night … close to midnight. But at least he stayed awake . . .
				A sign of the times

	And it's a land of Giants . . .
		FORE!	One of the Mandurah Giants . . . and the structure behind him has proved popular as well

THE GOLF

Meadow Springs

The course was in outstanding condition, especially green after our hot, dry summer. The undulating terrain was attractive and pleasing on the eye.

Some great recovery shots	Geronimo!	Made a difficult shot look easy

Day 1 winners . . . 1st Ron 42 points 2nd Squancey 41 points 3rd Tom 38 points

The Cut

As advised, the course had been sanded and cored, and we all played under the same conditions. It’s a tough course, but without the wind or rain previously experienced, it was enjoyable, especially the views high along the coast.

We're off . . .	. . . on a very scenic course

It is brutal once you stray from the fairways. Not surprisingly, we scored less Stableford points at The Cut than on the other two courses.
	Sand specialist	Sand bound

Ever so close	Under the watchful eye . . .	Cool hand Lindsay

Day 2 winners . . . 1st Tom 37 points 2nd Ron 36 points 3rd Chris 34 points

Mandurah

It's the easiest of the three courses played. Was in great condition and the undulations on the greens were really challenging.

500 reasons to be chauffeur driven	Les with gusto

Slammin' Sam	Whirlwind Macca	It's a goal!

Day 3 winners . . . 1st Scobes 39 points 2nd Tom 37 points 3rd Ron 36 points

The assembled group indicated Meadow Springs the favourite course.

The 2024 MANDURAH MASTERS WINNERS . . .

1st RONZO 81 points 2nd TOM 75 points 3rd CHRIS 69 points CONGRATULATIONS RONZO!
Competition: Nearest NTP: Ronzo, Hole 4, The Cut, 93cm; Longest Drive: Jacko, Hole 18, Meadow Springs, 220m.

All those who played have their own thoughts, but two of mine were:

            Highlight     -     Six birdies between us at The Cut.
            Lowlight      -     Mix up in start times.

QUOTABLE QUOTES
There were many, but Tom provided the two best:

         When comments were made about his yellow tees and pink balls, he said “well I am coloured”.

         “Macca, I gave you one job to do … and only one”.

AND FINALLY . . .