End of Year Awards
Season 2011–12

The golf finished at 10.45 approx and it was straight off to the Walkers for presentations. We started with presentations for the day's event – a three ball better ball as we had three groups of three. Two generous donations were a pleasant surprise – Jacko donated a bottle of Bollinger for the individual winner while Tom also came bearing gifts, giving each attendee a golf ball from The Empire Hotel & Country Club, Brunei Darussalam. Thanks Chris and Tom.

After the game presentations we got into the food. The Walkers had prepared some sausages, onions, buns and sauces and they went down very well with the crew. There was also plenty to drink. The club thanked the Walkers with a round of applause and a carton of beer.

Season awards were presented after that and it turned out to be the Steve and Robin show as they picked up 8 of the 14 trophies on offer between them. It was unfortunate that Robin couldn't attend because he had three of the season awards awarded to him. Robin had provided the list of winners including his summary of some individual and notable efforts during the year. Only one hitch - presentations of the Burswood Trophy and the President's Trophy struck a snag (pardon the pun) when it was realised that the last winner of both, who has been unable to play much this year, had both. Ron will follow up.

After the presentations ended there was time for discussion. It started off with a Treasurers report even though it was pointed out that we didn't want one now, we wanted one at the AGM. The Hon Treas insisted and it's just as well he did. The report was that our funds had dwindled to approximately $350. There was quite a bit of discussion about the reasons for this but one thing was clear. The last Binningup affair appears to have been open slather with carts paid for by the club and a staggering number of club balls given away as prizes. What's more it appears that the excuse for this extravagance was that the President had approved it. This wasn't the case and so it was decided that in the future Presidential approval will only be given in writing and carrying the appropriate Presidential Seal.

There was some talk about an AGM and the favoured approach is to have it in July when we have the Binningup Winters Cup. Ron ran through two suggestions that are currently on the table. That is,  Life Membership and the Membership Numbers. He also outlined a bewildering array of suggestions for more awards. The Grand Master concept appears to be gathering momentum but Ron also talked about Grand Slams, Major Slams, Minor Slams and many others. The gathered crowd was so confused it asked Ron to type up a page of notes and present it to the AGM. His usual response came and that was that he couldn't type that much information. Assuming the AGM is in early July he has four months. Sounds about right to me.

Ron was asking about club caps. It appears that there is a need for a few extra caps. Ron will organise.

Major Trophies

Season Awards

Weekly reports: Season 2011–12

To fast track to the report for a particular fixture, just click on the fixture date below . . .

Monday, March 5, 2012 – Three Ball, Better Ball (Stableford)
HANDICAPPER'S TROPHY

Where do we start! A flying visit from the Northern Annex Commander (and pretender to the Presidential Seal), Tom, got the day off to a great start. The usual pre-game melee was conducted in the Pro Shop instead of on the tee where it is normally held, with much waving of plastic cards. Walks then conducted the extremely complex 9 ball toss to decide groups. It was done with only 2 players watching, thus avoiding the usual stampede to pick up balls and resultant confusion about who was to play with whom. It went as smooth as the proverbial Baby’s Bum from then on.

Highlights:

• The first group of Macca (in full pacecracker mode), Tom and Ron took off in a flurry of grass clippings, to be seen only briefly and from a distance thereafter – except when Tom sent Macca back to Group 2 to retrieve his misplaced sand wedge (not the first time this has happened from memory);
• Group 2 ambled off in various directions to the background moaning of Scobes  (Ooooh me back, me knee, me shoulder, etc, etc) and Group 3 just kept to themselves – except for a few smart remarks towards the end of the round when things slowed down a touch;
• Overall scoring was pretty abysmal, given the perfect conditions and the state of the track. A high score of 35 from Walks was enough to take the lesser award of the day. He contributed very significantly to his team’s winning better ball score of 48;
• Walks started 3, 3, 4 points to get his team off to a flying start. They faltered on the 10th with 1 being the best available and struggled to finish off the round with three 2’s to finish;
• The Little, Allardice (Jnr) and Squance group shared the lead at half way, but faltered on the back nine, including a costly group wipe on the testing 11th water hole;
• Joseph (aka “he who waits for the call – still”), Allardice (the elder) and Macca (the old) were three points off the pace at the turn and came home with the same score as the winning group on the back nine to ease into second place;
• The run of holes from 10 to 12 presented the most difficulty, with 11 wipes being recorded from 27 attempts;
• The action switched to the Walker residence after the game, with a warm welcome extended to the group by Walks and Max. Their hospitality was greatly appreciated. A few beers and sausage sizzle went down a treat.
• Trophies for the 2011-22 season were presented in the usual shambolic fashion by the President (he who hangs on by the skin of his teeth), except for those still in the possession of Pedro where we could only take a photo and pretend about the trophy. A highlight was the presentation of the 2 part Handicapper’s Trophy to the 3 winners (only in the GBWGC – that’s why we love it)! Chris kindly donated a bottle of bubbly to the individual winner on the day (Walks). Tom also came good with a free golf ball for everyone, monogrammed with logo, before heading off for the airport for the long trip back to his fiefdom in the north.

Results – 3 Ball, Better Ball:
Winner: Walks, Jacko, Scobes – 48 points (35, 33, 31)
2nd: Tom, Ron, Macca – 45 (34, 32, 29)
3rd (some would say last): GD Little, Graham Squance, Steve – 43
(33, 25, 25)
Results – Individual Stableford:
Winner: Walks (35)
2nd: Tom (34)
3rd: Scobes (33) on countback from Litts
NTP: Graham S
Long Drives: Tom, Scobes
NAGA: Graham S (25) from a very relieved Steve

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 – Stableford
MATCH PLAY FINAL

The see-saw opening-closing of front and back nines continued today – the front nine copping another overhaul this week with greens being heavily sanded. Looks like our season finished in the nick of time. The rush to stake first place was brilliantly handled by Ronnie . . . until one group of mature ladies gatecrashed, stepping up to the ladies tee and playing off!!??

We welcomed back Scobes, knee heavily bandaged and entertaining the mob with his incorrigible sense of humour and his need to reorganise the clubs . . . .

Highlights:

• THE FINAL: The big hitters bash took off with two booming drives – not wanting to disappoint the ladies gallery which lined up to watch – and it looked like being an interesting tussle. Ronzo was giving Phantom 6 strokes and needed a good start. The motor was obviously well and truly primed, the steely veteran rattling off one of his best six holes for 3 pars, 3 bogies and 3 up. His driving was fantastic and putting good, though went AWOL after sealing the deal for 7 over for the final 3 holes. We think Phantom slept well in the Skull Cave but, after dismounting from Hero, proceeded to spend too much lost time in the jungle where he made two ball donations (but none by either to the nursery!). Despite Mentor Macca's late appearance, Walks was unable to claw back, Ronzo prevailing 4 and 2 for his 4th Match Play title. CONGRATULATIONS MASTER BLASTER;
• Litts, as referee, also jumped out of the blocks with a solid par and was often seen wandering down the fairway while others trudged somewhere in the rough. Yet this apparent "good look" didn't translate on the score card with somewhat unfamiliar 3 doubles and a triple. Grateful to Scobes for avoiding the NAGA;
• Scobes made a much welcomed return after the knee had restricted him to only 3 games for the season. Battled psychological scars and difficulties finding the right club after his pre-round bag reorganisation. Much better for the outing, though, and one to watch next week;
• Also great to welcome Jacko back from the deep freeze. Coming out of the Soviet states, was leaning a little to the left today, particularly off the tees. Scrambled well early, his mojo returning after four holes to come home with a thawn wet sail and 11 points to clinch third;
• Dalbs spluttered early but managed to prime the motor by the 14th. Like (but unlike) Jacko, came home with a wet lettuce leaf, boosted by a birdie and 4 points on the 16th (another Birdie's Nest!) to just oust the Match Play champion for the round win.

Results:
Winner: Dalbs - 20 points
2nd: Ronnie (19)
3rd: Jacko (15) on countback from Walks
NTP: Scobes
Long Drive: Jacko
Apres Putting: Scobes from Jacko and Walks to win a fortune in accumulated donations!
Full Match Play results

Tuesday, February 21, 2012 – Stableford (as it turns out!)

The two Match Play finalists, feeling slightly jittery at the enormity of the event, were first into the car park on a cool morning that promised perfect golfing conditions. Then the referee arrived with camera and notebook in tow and then that was it! Ronnie smelled a rat – not one of Snout's snacks this time – his intuition yet again proving correct. The back 9 was closed and we were jostling for pole position on the 1st. Much debate followed about playing the final, it being noted that the 1st nine was not the traditional Match Play way. A postponement to next week was agreed, Walks favoured a Stableford comp and we were off.

Highlights:

• Walks made his intentions patently clear - put the wind up Ronnie and let him stew sloowwwwllllyyy until next week. With this in mind, he whacked off three of the best rocket-fuelled missiles you'll see launched from a golf tee, finished off the job, and had 9 points going to the 4th tee. A couple of splutters and an NTP (for another 4 points) and the man was home, 4 points clear of Ronnie. BUT, the handicap gap has closed (hee, hee);
• Ronnie had a somewhat wayward start and, as he headed off down the 3rd fairway, patted Walks on the back and thanked him for agreeing not to play the Final until next week. Settled better over the final 6 holes apart from a double figure and a few wrecked trees on the par 5 6th and that familiar cry when things weren't going so well;
• The referee started with a rush, until the 2nd hole appeared. Drove wide, couldn't get out of the bush, wiped and was later seen lining up down the 3rd fairway to pat Walks on the back and thank him for deciding to play Stableford. Played golf for half the holes and diffed and duffed the rest but still managed third spot;
• Macca appeared as Ronnie rounded off his 10 on the 6th. Damned if he could find any golfers on the back 9 so he tried the front and found at least 2. Unfortunately, Macca's elbow injury has resurfaced – a combination of swinging the glass and swinging the club – so he'll be sidelined for a few weeks. Has a good physiotherapist though.

Results:
Winner: Phantom - 20 points
2nd: Ronnie (16)
3rd and NAGA: Dalbs (14)
NTP: Walks
Long Drive: No takers (after attempts on at least two holes)
Long Walk: Macca
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, February 14, 2012 – Stableford

We knew it was going to be an unusual start to the day – Walks was first into the car park and wondering where the rest of us were! A number of other cars were scattered around with their occupants presumably jostling for position on the 1st. That is until we saw them jostling for position on the 10th. What the . . ? Unbeknowns, the first nine had been closed for maintenance so our privileged position had been gazumped by three groups, and almost a fourth as a ladies foursome appeared to be sneaking ahead. Though starting later, we finished the round at a reasonable time with 5 to contest the Stableford comp.

Highlights:

• Big hitting Walks and Steve were dispatched first to quell any thoughts of a ladies "steal" of pole position. They didn't disappoint with two cracking drives. Steve kept up the big hitting momentum for most of the round but the putting 'yips' cruelled a few birdie chances and a good score. Meanwhile Walks continued with a few mis-pummelled drives but was treated to some favourable Little bounces. While Steve languished on the greens, Walks "thrived", enough to chalk up sufficient points to keep up with Steve and contest a round win;
• Group 2 treated the gallery to a couple more smacking drives and a Snout snick into the trees. The Thin Man continued the wayward trend before settling down to score on the 12th. Saved on the score card by a one-bounce slam-dunk chip for birdie on the 14th after a scenic tour down the 13th fairway but generally struggled. Macca just didn't seem to be able to get great distance off the tee from those broad shoulders and struggled a bit on the fairways, never losing pace though and still kept the rest entertained despite his temporary lapse in golfing form. And then there was Ronzo . . . a blistering par on the 10th and his usual nursery donation on the 11th, going AWOL on 13 to 15 and regaining the rush of blood to Birdie's Nest the 17th for a resuscitating 5 points. It boosted his score to tie with Walks and snatch the win on countback. Someone should write a book!

Results:
Winner: Ronnie - 18 points on countback from . . .
2nd: Phantom (18)
3rd: Steve (17)
NTP: No takers
LD: Steve
NAGA: Macca
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, February 7, 2012 – Stroke
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Round 2

A slightly chippy morning but perfect for resumption of the battle to determine the Club Champ. In a clever tactical ploy, Steve attempted to upset the Master Blaster by pinching his parking spot (but forgetting who the Fines Master was!). The course was in two-gooder nick – the "rough" edges to the fairways were really fluffy making the task of finding a ball somewhat difficult and even more difficult trying to chop back out of it (at least for some of a thin physical disposition). Everyone seemed relaxed and were immediately into the fray.

Highlights:

• the lead group had some strokes to make up and they set about doing that with some willing first drives - Steve willing his to stay straight (and it did); Walks willing his not to go left (and it didn't) and Macca willing his to miss the trees (but without luck). Steve play looked better that the score would suggest, a hallmark of his round being his driving. Some of his iron play was also impressive, especially his chip-in for birdie (14th) and his slightly(?) wayward shot down the 18th that almost made it to the 16th green. Wild and Woolly Walks had a mixed bag, backing up an 11 last week with an 11 on the par 5 14th, his drive short of the ladies tee and his second not much further ahead and hard up against a native grass for a drop. Macca can't take a trick on the golf course at the moment and is confining such activity to the bridge table. Though not in his best form, he still does it at a cracking pace, getting his team home 20 minutes ahead of the second group. No one pulled off a miracle in this group and it came down to a shoot-out amongst group 2;

• THE ROAD TO VICTORY
  Wot? Putting from off the green?	A rare event - missing the fairway

  Only 3 shots separated those in the second group, Litts needing to make up this number on the leader. Mixed fortunes off the tee and some scrabbling to the green before the nerves settled. A familiar scenario then developed – Litts down the middle, Dalbs and Ronnie donating to the nursery. Master Blaster notched up a 10, Dalbs an 8 and the fox a five, the first two still obviously nervous. Dalbs went out in sympathy with Ronnie, amassing a 9 on the 13th and then suddenly remembering it was the Club Champs. There was some improvement from these two as time went by but they both thought they'd stroked themselves out of the game after watching the wily one puttering along with a par here and a bogey there. Not one of Litts' best rounds but it proved sufficient to make up the 3 strokes plus his opponent's handicap differences to force a three-way tie, all on 74 strokes. CONGRATULATIONS BIG FELLA on your second Club Championship title.

Top and Tail: Three Championship placegetters and a NAGA winner

Results:
Club Champion: Graham Little
Round winners:
1st: Steve - net 37 on countback from . . . .
2nd: Litts (37)
3rd: Ronnie (39)
NTP: Macca
LD: Litts
NAGA: Macca
Apres: An apresthought

Club Championship – Final results

Tuesday, January 31, 2012 – Stroke
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP - Round 1

Our major Major had finally arrived and the winds signalling the nearing of the end of another terrific GBW season were blowing. Ronnie had diligently arranged to be first at the 1st tee gate to ensure a hassle-free start and was subsequently gazumped by a couple of small groups who presumably had a mortgage on pole position each week (?). We were all in such good mood that no-one really complained, balls were tossed and we were away on another great morning for golf.

Highlights:

• the first group were out of the blocks and largely remained way out in front, so much so that their 35 minute wait at the cafe for group 2 saw both breakfast and coffees consumed (and a claimed Apres Golf round!) before they were joined by the rest. Group 2 were obviously playing for sheep stations;

• The "almost long drive" style

  Though slower, the second group were carefully grafting their way around the course, noting its nuances, testing the wind, measuring the grain of the greens, carefully selecting each club and fine tuning their swings before each shot. It worked for two of them. Snout (Mr Inconsistent) did a "Macca" after quadruple-bogeying the second – clearly stating his intention to do something and doing it, namely parring 4 holes to make up for the 2nd hole shemozzle and doing enough for a lead at the halfway mark. Ronnie remained quiet off the tee though misfiring a few big hits, memorably off the first when a viscious push off the toe fizzed over the heads of two charming ladies waiting in the next group. However recovered well to claim three pars and a second spot, one shot behind. Almost got the NTP/LD quinella before Phantom pipped him on the long drive. Speaking of Phantoms, this one streaked out of the blocks and then hit an almighty brick wall – a 9 and an 11 putting a big dent in his fortunes and a big number on the card;
• The first group met with less success on the score card but had a distinct win in the pacing stakes, each achieving an immaculate Little bounce on the way around. All eyes were on a Classic Macca as he had a piece of cruel luck off the first tee. From then on, it was a sequence of cruel luck or, as he puts it, crap golf! Iron Man was chaffing at the bit, eager to get going and slammed it down the middle first off. Had less luck after that, the bird-killing high drives way right replaced by worm-killers in the same direction, a round described by our secret reported as "pretty much crap". One of the group managed to come in with a competitive score - no guesses who. He plays very consistent golf, though reportedly a little disappointed with the effort today. Two pars (the two par 3's) and thereabouts (1 shot over) for 6 of the remaining holes. Waiting in the wings to pounce.

MILESTONE MAN
BIG CONGRATULATIONS to Macca on another golfing milestone – 200 games with the GBWGC.

Results:
Leader Board at halfway:
34 - The "How did that happen?" kid
35 - AAAAAGGGGGHHHHH that feels good
37 - Dainty but dangerous
41 - Platinum pinch-hitter
41 - Carnarvon Kid
44 - The Mighty one

Note: All Consistency and Masters points held over until after the Champs are complete

Results to be officially recorded:
NTP - Ronzo
LD - Walks
NAGA - Macca
Apres - Winner: jackpot cash

Thursday, January 26, 2012 – Stableford
JOONDALUP CLASSIC

It was a tropical heatwave on Australia Day – temperature predicted for the low 40's but thankfully a breeze and carts to ease the pain. Joondalup's offer of the $89 "Renovation Special" was appreciated, though the "Renovation" mostly took the form of copious cold drinks downed at the 19th hole. To think that there was a 70 degree temperature difference between us (40) and Jacko (-30)! Master Blaster, being the defending champion, had the luxury of his own personal cart and it was off to the 1st to commence battle.

Highlights:
Taking centre stage was, of course, the course and the picturesque and challenging nature of the holes, some of which were short enough to give the not-so-long hitters a good chance . . . . .

• Macca drove brilliantly from the start, getting me safely into the car park on time and then continued to drive consistently well on the course. His fairway play, short game and putting were on song, chalking up 11 points over the first 4 holes! A round to remember with 91 off the stick and a score to match the temperature – 45!! Bloody bewdy Macca;
• The old pro started slowly and his short game was slightly off – going par/double bogey/bogey/bogey over the first four holes. Swung easy and the short game fired for all pars to complete the Quarry nine and 22 points. Might've been the heat but only managed 19 points over the Lake course and a mere 82 off the stick!;
• The Squance thoroughly enjoyed his first outing on the Joondalup layout and his last game for a while as he heads East for work. Was making easy pickings from tee to green for the most part but found putting on those rolling greens a challenge as some birdies went wanting. Nevertheless a terrific 38 points;
• The Allardice boys were up to mischief (as usual). Ronnie left a big bag of scintillating shots back at Burswood though he conjured up one, a left handed 2-iron back-flip shot out of the rough. Not his most accurate day with the long sticks, losing 6 balls over the (pretty rough) journey. Steve hit some belters off the tee and way off into the scrub. After numerous self-admonishments ("Steven!"), a club chuck (another recipient of Snout's coaching), skip-dancing some putts into the hole, and a confrontation with a bull kangaroo, he still managed some good golf and a respectable 35 points;
• Walks and Dalbs were the Bookend Brothers. Walks started without a rush - drives flying hither and thither, a lost ball and three wipes over the first four followed by 17 points to complete a 22 point first 9. Dalbs? Started with a rush before wiping 5 of the last 6 holes for 8 superb points. The Lake nine and Walks seemed to shrivel up in the heat as did his general play managing only 10 points while Dalbs found a semblance of form to score consistently for 17 points but not enough to undo his mastery of the Joondalup NAGA prize.

Results:
Winner: Macca - 45 points
2nd: Litts (41)
3rd: GS (38)
NTP: Ronzo, Steve
LD: Walks, Steve
NAGA: Dalbs
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 – Stableford
BURSWOOD TROPHY

Another perfect morning for golf and a visit to a golfing venue that may soon pass into the annals of history together with the Burswood Trophy (as if this wouldn't give us the opportunity to conjure up yet another venue and another trophy). Clear blue sky and a moderate breeze gave no clue to the maelstrom that was about to hit the course. Seven to contest the event with the 2010-11 winner, Pete Baldrey, unable to defend his title.

Highlights:
Try as I might, finding highlights from last week were somewhat hard to come by. Today, the round was thick with them . . .

• the Master Blaster was a dark horse – all over the shop off the tee in past rounds, mishitting fairway shots and not quite his old self with the putter. What a difference a week makes – and a coaching tip (what have I done!). Started reasonably well – 6 shots over after 4 (and 9 points). After that (apart from wiping the par 3 9th with 6 shots), sipped regularly on the big blue drink container and played the remaining 13 holes only 6 shots over the card, knocking up a record winning 47 Stableford points and his maiden Burswood Trophy win! In his acceptance speech, he reckoned it was "The best round since he's been in the state". Not sure if he meant a state of inebriation – what was in the big blue Johnnie Walker drink container? CONGRATULATIONS BIG FELLA, the handicapper loves you.;
• Macca swung from rags last week to riches this week, playing really well within himself. Most drives made good distance, apart from his Dambusters attempt on the 4th which sank before reaching land but he still made 5 after potting a putt from off the green, one of several long putts to find the hole. Well deserved second placing;
• Steve let it be known early that he was throwing out the anchor for Joondalup. Must've got over-excited over the 2nd nine (after 16 pts on the 1st), chalking up 21 points. Featured some big hitting including driving the green playing the 13th - unfortunately it was the 12th green he landed on - and almost driving the correct green on the 17th;
• Dalbs leapt out of the blocks with 22 points and some consistent golf. The old engine spluttered a bit after that going 3/wipe/3/wipe/3/wipe/3 but striking the ball better. Knocked off Master Blaster for an LD and an NTP and felt bad but only until the final results were announced;
• Walks was the model of consistency over the first nine but found it tough going in parts after that. Hit some monster drives as is his wont;
• The Squance found his recent great form deserting him over the first nine – only 12 points – but featuring a monster 30m downhill putt into the hole (else it might have been heading for a watery grave). Recovered his touch with 19 points over the back nine;
• Jacko took out the NAGA in style and almost took out Macca and Dalbs in the process. Miscued a fairway shot on the 5th, the ball slewing right, smacking into the side of the roof just missing Macca's scone and ricocheting onto themiddle of the fairway - a perfect Little bounce. Insisted on mishitting several balls into the swamp on the 12th, the benevolent Dalbs springing to his aid, risking life and limb in snake- infested waters and finding two balls only to be told that they weren't Jacko's! Being sent back to Siberia for his NAGA winning effort.

Results:
Winner: Ronzo -
2nd: Macca (38)
3rd: Steve (37) on countback from Dalbs
NTP: Steve, Dalbs
LD: Dalbs, Steve
NAGA: Jacko (his maiden)
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, January 10, 2012 – Stableford

Pity you can't bottle mornings like todays - cool, pleasant breeze – Squancy and MB sporting jackets to keep warm! Great to see the Prez on the tee, leading off, and giving the back a workout. Five for Stableford and the conditions were right for some good scores, but all (to a tee) forgot to read the script . . . .

Highlights:
Try as they might, highlights from good golf were somewhat hard to come by, the round being topped and tailed by 15 and 9 points respectively. No one really warmed to the occasion with . . .

• the Squance the only one to score on every hole – five were 1-pointers;
• Dalbs going par/wipe/par/wipe and challenging for another NAGA before 4 points on the 18th saved the bacon;
• "Rockin" Ronnie uttering a few modest call signs as drives flew everywhere off the tee before the "coach" mentioned the "Rockin" of the legs. Some mighty blows followed but the damage on the score card was done;
• Litts seemed initially out of sorts (and his usual solid shots), starting tentatively and slowly gaining confidence, mostly in the back department. Wiped two but came in only six over on the other seven;
• Macca got some good clouts off the tee, trundled in some good putts but got stuck somewhere in-between for a solid NAGA win.

Results:
Winner: GS - 15 points
2nd: Dalbs (14)
3rd: Ronnie (13) on countback from Litts
NTP: Dalbs
LD: Dalbs
NAGA: Macca
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, January 3, 2012 – Par Bisque

A brand new year – the year of the Black Water Dragon. It was also the morning of the wet water greens as we were to find out over the initial holes. No one looked too much the worst for wear after New Year celebrations with all 7 early into the car park and ready to hit off a successful golfing 2012. Hoping to see The Prez and Scobes (injuries) and Pedro back on the tee soon. The course was in great nick, particularly the fairways which are lush after their top sanding although the grass in the "rough" on the edge of some holes (particularly the 18th) was like a jungle. Needed to pack a leaf blower to clear some of the greens.

Highlights:

• After a rough ride for several weeks, Iron Man hit his straps today with some pretty consistent and hard hitting golf to record a great win. Used the $100 TaylorMade stiff-shafted driver (one of many drivers in the bag) to great effect - even hitting past the "go-slow" group in front on the 15th and muscling the Long Drive. Used both his putters to telling effect as well. Is there no limit to this man's abilities and number of clubs in his bag?
• Jacko remained a model of swinging slowly, almost matching Iron Man on some drives with his not-so-stiff-shafted driver. Didn't quite have the touch of his first nine the previous week with a frustrating number of double bogies but remained positive on the course and on the card;
• The Squance was at it again, staying mainly on the green stuff with some no-fuss lusty blows and better fortune with the putter. A bit up-and-down at the start but came home with a wet sail for the second successive week (and four pluses) to notch +4 and his fourth podium spot over the last five rounds;
• Walks christened his 2012 golfing year with his usual pulled drive to the left (and donated on the "nursery" hole), not bothering to trouble the card for the first two holes. Still ring-barked a few trees off the tee after that and miscued some putts but used the massed handicap points to great effect and a third spot;
• Macca took time to warm up today. Almost froze on the 11th (a 10 stroke special) and was -2 after 5 holes. The sun came up and Macca responded, finishing the last four in +3 with a stylish long putt on the 18th to seal the deal;
• Ronnie started reasonably well and wished he'd arranged to play the Match Play final after watching Walks floundering at the start. A few errant drives and distinctly audible AAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHHHHHs later, he knew Match Play would've been a bad idea, struggling in four of the last five holes and thinking of NAGA territory. But that went to . . . .;
• . . . Dalbs, the thin man finding thin pickings amongst a few golf shots to win consecutive NAGAs.

A hard ACT to follow:
A much welcomed visitor to today's fixture was another club ambassador – our ACT Attache Jeff Carlton on a short Perth stopover.

Jeff had planned to play but a mishap with his glasses (overboard on a recent boat trip to Rotto) meant his distance vision suffered. It didn't stop him driving to the course even though he couldn't read the street signs or properly see some of the traffic. It did show up during the Apres Golf, his putting barely out of short sight range particularly on the long putts! Currently working three part-time days a week in the Canberra Stats Office and saving up for the next Mornington Masters.

Milestone marker:
A win and a 100-game Certificate. It rounded off a memorable morning for Steve, 100 games taking much longer to achieve when balancing golf with his business commitments.

Results:
Winner: Steve (+6 points)
2nd: GS (+4)
3rd: Walks (+2)
NTP: Dalbs
LD: Steve
NAGA: Dalbs
Apres Putting: Mighty Macca

Thursday, December 27, 2011 – Stableford
VISITORS DAY

Almost two groups for the traditional Visitors Day fixture. Litts was unfortunately a last minute withdrawal, unbackable and facing further visits to the chiro to get the problem fixed. The course was in good shape and a cool start to a warm day was appreciated. Steve, looking for all the world like a casual golfer, and Macca shared a "Comfort Car" and all was set for the first of our Perth-based 18 hole events.

Highlights:

• Phantom set a club first, leaping out of the blocks with two four-pointers. Proved it was no fluke with another on the 7th, sinking a couple of excellent long putts and notching 24 points for the first nine. Scratched around a bit after that, apart from ANOTHER four-pointer for a potentially winning total of 41 points, only to be beaten on countback by . . . .;
• Squancy. Played some very consistent golf. With a bit more putting luck, it could have been even better. Notched 21 points going out and persisted on the card to come home strongly with 20 to win the ball and the day;
• The Little Master took time to shake off the Christmas cheer. At 6's and 7's and 15 points for the first nine - not happy Jan. The head cleared and the clubs seared, celebrating 20 points on the homeward trot with a non-alcoholic drink;
• Jacko played the reverse, swinging low and slow and showing his class with 42 off the stick and 20 points on the outward. Coming home was more of a challenge, particularly for the ageing knees, coming up short with 14 points and pipped on the podium;
• Macca excelled as copilot and navigator on the Comfort Car, though was seen to be hanging on grimly at the hands of the 2011 Direct Image Daytona champion. Didn't put him off his golf though, playing consistently the whole way – back-to-back 17's. Flirted with the ladies tee on one occasion but managed to avoid the "double" jug. With all the golf he's played in recent days, showed great stamina;
• Iron Man has been "confined to barracks" this year, family commitments delaying his annual exodus to Binningup enabling him to play Peninsula for the first time(?). Still struggling to lead from the front rather than being hampered by the back(side), his form has been eluding him recently coming in with a modest 32 points. Excelled behind the wheel;
• By contrast, Dalbs needed a rocket up his backside. Started off like a rocket, though, then meandered around like a deflating balloon. Getting to know every inch of the bush. An impressive NAGA after a win the week before.

Results:
Winner: GS (41 points) on countback from . . .
2nd: Walks (41)
3rd: Little Master (35)
NTP's: Iron Man, TLM
LD's: Macca, GS
NAGA: Dalbs
Apres Putting: Not contested

Thursday, December 22, 2011 – Stableford
CHRISTMAS CUP

The Prez with his own stand-out caddie	Overseas and interstate journeymen

GBW golf on a Thursday! But who could wish for better weather and better company. There were fly-ins – The Little Master and Jacko; and stand-outs – a very gracious Macca who assumed the role of mentor and master caddie to allow Steve a spot in the eight and the opportunity to take out the NAGA (but more of this later). The Allardices were up to their usual tricks and treats, starting with the Christmas golf cap, balls were tossed and the Master blasted away down the middle (as did most others) as the race was on for the 2011 Christmas Cup crown.

Highlights:

• The Allardice boys were highly mobile in their not-so-padded-seat buggy and stayed close on the scoreboard over the first two holes. For Steve, the sleigh ride got a bit bum-py after that as scores were hard to come by despite a few arsey shots. The Blaster excelled with a 4-pointer on the 12th but not too many presents handed out after that;
• Phantom looked like he was going to Blitzen the field despite a few lost balls – 17 points and two holes to play. Still 17 points after the 9th!;
• GS did a Dasher before hitting turbulance mid-flight. Came home with a rush to again play to handicap;
• Litts again showed his prowess as a Dancer, swinging gracefully around in measured steps except for a trip on the 14th where he waltzed in and out of the woods. A solid third place;
• Jacko was firing straight arrows as you would expect from this international Cupid. Didn't stray too often with mostly pars and a few birdies to notch up a handicap lowering 20 points;
• TLM earned a reputation as the Vixen of Binningup and showed some of the form that earned him that kudos. Couldn't quite cut the same mustard today but hit some great shots along the way;
• Dalbs seemed to have a rocket up his backside, or at least a Commet. He was showered with presents, including 5 pars, in a rare display of golfing consistency. A handicap-murdering 23 points and a Christmas Cup to drink from.

Bouquets:

• To Macca for his unbounded generosity in agreeing to have the Club pay subs for the golfers and brekky for himself – and, of course, standing aside for Steve which also allowed the Pres a podium spot;
• To the Allardice boys for arranging "away" club shirts for Graham and Jacko AND for the Xmas caps and bon-bons (TLM had the cutest lips!);
• To the Prez for his stirring and entertaining Christmas message and Half-Yearly Report!
• To the cutest photographer.

Results:
Winner: Dalbs (23 points)
2nd: Jacko (20)
3rd: Litts (19)
NTP: Jacko
LD: Dalbs
NAGA: Iron Man
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, December 13, 2011 – Par

A magnificent morning for golf – cool, no wind and no signs on the pro shop window. After howling winds and heavy rain as we headed off to bed, it was a pleasant surprise to wake up to such benign conditions. It was the start of a smoke-free round (no Scobes, no Pedro), but these two veterans were missed. Course is moving toward pristine condition, the fairways still "spongy" after the heavy top dressing but looking to be lush in a couple of weeks time once the weather really warms up. There was tension in the air as Ronnie, apprehensive at scoring Par golf, strode to the tee, belted it a mile and scored par like a veteran.

Highlights:

• Only kidding

  Ronnie proved to be a star pupil when it came to scoring Par, the wiping of holes by himself and his scoring partner (Snout) a considerable help. Had a few AAAAAAAAAAAAGGGGGHHH moments off the tee, the most memorable being a drive on the par 3 16th that landed on the adjacent par 4 15th green where he shaped up to hit his next shot (the big kidster). Despite his bush roamings, came in with a respectable score but still not sure how;
• As predicted by your soothsayer last week, things were about to change. The Squance started shakily with a 7 on the 10th and, two holes later, rattled in a birdie. That perked him up a bit and, other than wobblies on the 14th and 17th, played his best 6 holes only 3 shots over par. CONGRATULATIONS GS on a first up win!;
• Macca had been showing promising things with consecutive third placings before a NAGA last week. However, he settled into a nice rhythm today, economising on both energy and scores – only 6's and 4's apart from his par 5 on the 11th. Just pipped at the post for his first season win but looking the goods;
• Litts started steadily and looked like he'd out-consistently-play the field. A cunning plan to put him off his game (some inadvertant chatter as he teed off) was then hatched and on occasions during the round appeared to work. While Ronnie and Dalbs thought they were fighting for the NAGA prize, Prez slipped under the radar to take the title;
• Dalbs continued his inconsistent form and his fascination with the chip shot. Slow to start again this week as errant drives and fumbles around and on the green took their toll. Last seen chipping golf balls with a cricket stump against the curved brick base of the family water tank. Expect great things!

Results:
Winner: GS (+2) on countback from . . .
2nd: Macca (+2)
3rd: Ronnie (-1)
NTP: GS
LD: Dalbs
NAGA: Litts
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, December 6, 2011 – Stroke
MATCH PLAY, Semi-Finals

It was a wild night with thunder, lightening and rain - and similar weather expected for the Match Play Semi-finals. The "slosh" thru' puddles to the 10th tee was more the work of course sprinklers but the overcast sky looked threatening. With a light sprinkle and more continuous rain toward the end of the round, we were fortunate to avoid the thunder, lightening and heavy rain that swept Perth later in the morning/afternoon. Great to see the President back after a work/injury layoff. He withdrew from the Match Play, being unable to guarantee future attendances, and Walks took on Dalbs while Ronnie faced up to a chirpy Macca.

Highlights:

• Match Play 1: Walks v Dalbs. What a start – Walks driving far left and a lost ball (as is becoming his usual want) and Dalbs a stones throw past the ladies tee. It was a perilous omen of things to come with Walks wild and wooly with some good luck off the trees and Dalbs wilder and woolier (12 shots over, 3 down and only four holes played) and stuck behind some trees. The thin one got his game together after that despite some tee trouble and clawed the 3 hole deficit back to square on the 18th while Walks struggled off the tee and out of the rough particularly over the closing holes. For Snout, the damage was done early when it came to countback countdown (the teddy bear copped it again);
• Match Play 2: Ronnie v Macca. Meanwhile back at the 10th, Macca was about to suffer the same fate as Snout. Both boys struggled a bit but Ronnie struggled a bit less than Macca, racing to a 3 hole lead in as many holes. They toughed it out over the next two, squaring them, until Ronnie hit his straps on the difficult 13th to take the hole and a 4/3 win. It was all too much for Macca, bereaved by the merciless treatment being handed out and carding an 8 on the par 3 16th;
• Graham S (G4) was obviously affected by the wayward antics of Walks and Snout, zig-zagging his way along the course with a fair share of the rough and the missed putts. Not quite on his game but you get the feeling things are about to change. At least he's been consistently playing to his handicap but being
  garrotted by the countback process;

• No official photo due to equipment failure: RD's brain – it forgot to take one

  Litts just knows how to protect his back and stay mainly out of trouble. Puttered along in his usual consistent style, his score blowing out on the 18th with an unforgivable 2 over par! Cool Hand Luke did enough, though,
  to take out the win on countback from G4.

Results:
Winner: Litts (Net 37) on countback from . . .
2nd: GS (37)
3rd: Ronnie (38)
NTP: No takers
LD: Dalbs
NAGA: Macca
Apres Putting: Not contested
Match Play results

Tuesday, November 29, 2011 – Stableford
PRESIDENTS TROPHY

Another cool brisk morning heralded the start of the 2011 Presidents Trophy. Five starters became 6 on the deathknell (that's 4.48 a.m. tee-off Snout, not 4.58) but no President? And no signs indicating the back 9 was closed were visible. What could possibly go wrong? As it turns out, a man on the 17th fairway in a plastic Darth Vader suit and temperament to match who leaned out of his tractor towing lethal spray, told us the nine was closed (really?) and warned us about the toxic waste being sprayed on the greens. After Walks and Master Blaster fended him off, we proceeded to risk life and limb and finished the round without any visible signs of mutation.

Highlights:

• Another one up the adjacent fairway!

  Walks had a wobbly start immediately continuing his recent trend of attempting to play up the wrong fairway. Drives were flying left and right and very little was being achieved on the score card. Found some form after stepping to the 5th tee with only 4 points, showing great attitude to bounce back with 11 points over the next five;
• Ronnie was still euphoric after his outstanding round last week. Started well and then started to feel the pressure – either of his handicap or another more basic pressure which he managed to relieve after a sprint to the conveniences. Not his best day;
• Graham S was steady, both on his feet and on the scorecard. Always about the place until the "nemesis" 17th. A score on this and he would have played to handicap;
• Iron Man was back to his usual tricks, scoring consistently well including two 4-pointers to amass 20 points – and that included a wipe! A great victory Steve after having had your share of being "pipped on the post";
• Macca zoomed out of the blocks with a 20ft putt for par on the 10th. Lost his rhythm on a couple of holes but mainly played really well within himself, coming home with a wet sail. Strode to the 16th (par 3) declaring "Nearest the pin would be to put it in". . . . and he almost did!! Just missed the birdie putt;
• Snout found some form with two pars in the first three holes. Didn't repeated the effort after that but didn't three-putt either (blessed relief). A gallant, brave, respectful, humble, even tempered, appreciative, relaxed runner-up on countback (before returning home to lock himself in his room and tear his teddy bear to bits).

Post-match

• A surprise visitor in work clobber and looking suspiciously like the President greeted all at the 18th. Went to don the golfing duds and the old back complained. Lets hope a bit of massage at Langtrees does the trick;
• The Pro (Glen) had just chatted with the greenkeeper and they've agreed a "course closure" sign in the window should avoid the recent debacles. Why not a sign near the 10th tee? It's an OHAS issue – someone might trip on it in the dark! (We collectively give up).

Tuesday, November 22, 2011 – Modified Stableford

Into the very early starts now and six hopefuls fronted up for the novelty Modified Stableford – as if scoring for normal Stableford wasn't already a challenge!! An extra scoring complication was thrown in - two Match Plays were also to be played. A cool morning with gusting wind didn't stop some of the big hitters, with most on or close to the green strip which was less heavy and sandy after our two week absence. We wondered why the greens hadn't been mowed, their furry texture making putts a bit difficult to judge. When the greenkeeper roared up to the 13th tee and explained that the back nine was closed (no one saw a sign on the 10th to that effect (!?) for fertilising, the penny dropped. This guy must've been different to the one that accosted our President some time age – he allowed us to keep playing, warning that we might get wet when the sprinklers came on before roraing off again in a spray of fertiliser. No sprinklers came on and the rest of the round went off without incident.

Highlights:

• Match Play 1: Macca v Steve. Iron Man was quickly out of the blocks, going 1 up after two holes. After Macca fought back to square after the 3rd, the game looked set for a titanic battle. Suddenly, it turned into a contest of survival with Steve's game going AWOL and Macca having his share of "whiffs" until the home straight when he scorched home with 2 "birdies". His frustrated opponent could only manage one;
• Match Play 2: Ron v Graham S. Graham was into his first Match Play contest and must have wondered what he'd done wrong. Walked under a ladder? Crossed a black cat? Let the milk boil over? Whatever it was, he couldn't take a trick as Master Blaster took the opportunity to play one of the rounds of the year. Very few drives went astray, his fairway shots were long and mostly straight, he pitched/chipped brilliantly and putted consistently well on those furry greens to hit a 41 off the stick and score 12 Mod S'ford points. Graham was very gallant in defeat, never giving up despite the withering onslaught;
• Referee for the first match, Phantom, had mixed success. Was 10 shots over on his worst three holes and only 10 over for the rest, those bad three easing him into negative scoring for the round;
• Referee for the second match had an excuse for his abominable performance - explaining the scoring system to the Master Blaster! This cost him his concentration and resulted in the ball sailing into trees, bush and everywhere else except the direct route home. Saved at the NAGA 11th hour by Steve.

Results:
Winner: Ron (+12)
2nd: Walks (-3)
3rd: Macca (-5) on countback from . . . Graham S
NTP: Dalbs
LD: Steve
NAGA: Steve
Apres Putting: Not contested
Match Play results

Tuesday, November 8, 2011 – Stableford
MATCH PLAY, Round 1

Back to Hamersley and to the threat of showers (again?). Fortunately they failed to materialise, the difficulty they present replaced with a strong and flukey breeze and sand, sand, sand! Sanded fairways (laid on thick) and recently sanded greens made it feel more like the City Beach Open than the first round of Match Play. Fortunately, the MP draw was so skillfully done that, for everyone present, their opponent was absent (or in kneed of repair) - possibly a club first of no match play on the opening round! A fortuitous outcome since the course conditions weren't really suited for a Major event. Nevertheless, controversy was narrowly avoided when, after everyone present had teed off, Phantom thought he saw his opponent's (Presidential) car pulling into the car park and was about to declare a forfeit as the round was already underway. Stableford replaced Stroke by popular demand.

Highlights:

• Walks seems to have been working on a theory - if the fairways are too sandy, proceed via the rough. When that proved ineffective, his aiming device kept finding the rough and plenty of trees. It was not a memorable day for the Phantom who took out the NAGA in almost record fashion (8 points). If he gets mad at Binningup and hits form, watch out for him in the winners circle;
• Graham S played persistent, consistent golf under the trying course conditions, turning at the 16th with 16 points (snap!) The"blues" set in over the last two holes, only teasing out 2 points on two of the three hardest holes;.
• Jacko was always thereabouts after a four week absence, saving his best 'til last with a long drive worthy of the best, given the slow soft fairways, and finishing with 3 points to knock off Macca in a tie for third;
• Speaking of whom, those fairways didn't do Macca any favours – he hit quite a few down the green/yellow strip but there was no run. A couple of extra efforts with some added power wreaked havoc on the back so he settled into playing along consistently within (and beside) himself for a very creditable 16 points;
• Dalbs had a few troubles off the tee until a wise Tundra Tutor suggested "rolling the wrists". It worked - apart from a wipe on the 17th, but did the trick for 3 points on the 18th to snare a countback win from an unlucky Graham S;
• After a round he'd rather forget, Walks didn't find one tree on the practice putting green and proceeded to win the Apres Putting as consolation prize.

Results:
Winner: Dalbs (Net 18) on countback from . . .
2nd: GS (18)
3rd: Jacko (16) on countback from . . . Macca
NTP: Macca
LD: Jacko
NAGA: Walks
Apres Putting: Walks (in a full field)

Tuesday, November 1, 2011 – Stableford
WEMBLEY SPRING CLASSIC

After two wet weeks, a change of course did the trick, Wembley greeting us with bright warm sun and variable cool breeze. The Allardices were missed, after their encounter with the QANTAS debacle, but we managed to make up for their misfortune by welcoming our newest member, Graham Squance, and celebrating the return of the Italian stallion (or so he'd have us believe), Macca PC. Coins were tossed, completely ignored, and three of our five teed of and tore off to be joined as a fivesome (away from the glare of the proshop) for the other eight holes.

Highlights:

• Litts stamped his authority on the game with a fine 41 off the stick. After wiping one hole (his attempts to get out of the trees sounded like a tree fellers convention), he chalked up 4 pars and a birdie and threw in the Long Drive for good measure to record his maiden Spring Classic win. Well done young fella;
• Graham started with a rush, sinking a long putt from just off the green for par and 4 points. Could he win his maiden trophy on his maiden game? As time went by, the ball took a stand and refused to go where it was intended, making it difficult over the final four holes to maintain the "rage".
• Walks continues to have trouble keeping those rocket-fuelled drives on the fairway. Couldn't get the game together today but when he does . . . .
• Dalbs took two holes to warm up, went like a golfer for the next six, then took a hole off to warm down. A creditable 15 points to just pip the mighty Macca who also registered 15 and did it in similar style to Dalbs, although he took the last two holes off to warm down (or was it jet lag?)

Results:
Winner: Litts (22)
2nd: Dalbs (15) on countback from . . .
3rd: Macca (15)
NTP: No one was good enough
LD: Litts
NAGA: Walks
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, October 25, 2011 – Stroke
GOLDEN PUTTER – Round 2

Lovely weather for duck

And we thought the rain gods had got over it after last week's arse-wetting round. It was wetter and gloomier but at least we were back to the familiar back nine. Five players to contest the second Golden Putter round as drives went all sides of the fairway and we all went slip-sliding away with wet weather gear and umbrella's up.

Highlights:

• We thought last week that Ron had worked his way back into some form. A couple of "wash-outs" including a 9 on the par 4 15th) made the morning seem even damper;
• Walks had trouble making out the direction of the fairways in the misting rain - finding it once the whole round and struggling to avoid a string of triple bogies;
• Steve appeared subdued, either by the difficult conditions or the mounting pressure as putts slid just past the hole. Did enough at the finishing post to head off a wily old nag to convert a first round GP lead into a great win. Well done Steve!;
• Dalbs finally figured out why his form (and game) has been so hit and miss over the past couple fo seasons – he's a wet weather golfer playing in a drying climate! Knocked up a gross 44 in the poor conditions for a win today. Even took out the third Birdie's Nest (12th);
• Litts showed signs that he's getting his Mojo back. Played steadily and took out all the long drives, including the one that really counted after a stunning "Little Bounce" while every else took to the bush.

Results:
Winner: Dalbs (33 net)
2nd: Litts (36)
3rd: Steve (41)
NTP: Dalbs
LD: Litts
NAGA: Ronnie
Apres Putting: Washed out
Golden Putter results

Tuesday, October 18, 2011 – Stroke
GOLDEN PUTTER – Round 1

The lady on the ABC News on Monday night said that we have had the driest 1st half of October on record. I hope she is satisfied, having dared the rain gods to get busy; which they did, giving the boys collective wet arses. Hopefully there is no mention of below average wind conditions next Monday night. Yes, it was wet and also very gloomy as we set off on the unfamiliar front nine, but the enthusiasm was palpable (we may have to do something about that kind of thing before it gets out of hand). There is no report available on the direction, length or quality of opening tee shots, as no one really saw any of them.

Highlights:

• Steve and Walks continued their superb early season form; the latter prevailing on countback (the reverse of last week). The Phantom is clearly showing the benefit of additional secret rounds being played at a south of the river course on a Wednesday.
• Ron looks to have struck some form also, finishing a close third, but well below his handicap.
• Good signs from Dalbs, also under handicap.
• The handicapper is loving all of the above of course. After week 4, there is only a spread of 5 between highest and lowest handicap (9 to 14). The atrocious efforts of Litts and Scobes have been a factor in helping to narrow the spread (9 on the par five 3rd; 10 on the par five 6th respectively!!).
• Steve putted like the proverbial demon to record just 13 putts for the 9 holes. Others in form with the short stick were Ron and Scobes, both with 14 putts.
• With just 14 putts, the LD and NTP, what the hell was Scobes doing the rest of the time?
• Litts was comprehensive in his acquisition of the NAGA tag for the day – when did we last see him score 50 off the bat for 9 holes?
• Possibly the greatest highlight of the day was to see the beaming face of Steve “I Love a Trophy” Allardice when he was presented with the 7 balls he picked up the previous week from his string of birdies.

Results:
Winner: Walks (33 net) on countback from . . .
2nd: Steve (33)
3rd: Ron (34)
NTP: Scobes
LD: Scobes
NAGA: Litts
Apres Putting: Washed out

Tuesday, October 11, 2011 – Par Bisque

It was a classic spring morning, but GBWers were thin on the ground with only 6 takers. What’s going on this year after only 4 last week?  Anyway, those who were there were glad to be so and took off into the rising sun with great gusto, oblivious to the wonderous deeds about to unfold (in group 2 only).

Highlights:

• It all started with the drive of the century by Walks from the 10th tee. Those waiting to play their chips to the green were surprised to see his ball come scuttling past to within 30m of the green. The conversion was not great though, with a 5 being registered
• Steve gave a glimpse of things to come by birdying the 10th
• Not satisfied with 1 birdie, Steve achieved the monumental task of a birdie 3 on the 14th, the only hole with multiple balls carried over from last year (would you believe 6!!)
• Dad had to get into the act also. Being  – 3 after 5 holes, Ron stormed home with 4 plusses on the trot. Not only that, he had a very cool birdie 3 on the 18th, thus avoiding the NAGA on a countback!
• Walks was in fine form with 7 plusses and 2 minuses for the round. This came as a surprise to the other group who kept crossing paths with him as he played shots from almost 2 fairways away from his own on more than one occasion.
• Robin was steady, with a nice par on the difficult 14th (OK Steve, difficult for most)
• Pedro was up and down, having 3 pars mixed in with a few non-pars
• Scobes was showing signs of stress on the 10th tee in the Par Bisque format, declaring "I've only got 8 strokes left" then proceeded to protect his NAGA holder’s status by mixing some ordinary stroke play with even more ordinary putting.

Results:
Winner: Steve (+8)
2nd: Walks (+5)
3rd: Robin (+3)
NTP: No one was good enough (again!)
LD: Raunchy Robin
NAGA: Scobes (+1) on countback from Ron.  Scobes now 2 for 2 this season!
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, October 4, 2011 – Stroke

It was down to four this morning as the rest of the lads took off for rest and relaxation, fell ill or let family or work interfere with their golfing commitments. It was overcast but surprisingly warm on the course. It was stroke and in the end it came down to who could stay out of trouble. Chris was steady all day particularly off the tee. He missed one fairway with his drive and that ended one up in the first cut. Steve had a very up and down day but still managed a commendable 33 points. Well played to both Chris and Steve. The winners circle was extended to four for obvious reasons.

Highlights:

• The biggest let-off was before tee-off. Our resident hoon Steve was picked up by the cops doing 80k over the speed limit. Fortunately for Steve they didn’t record it. He was let off with a lecture. He’s actually on leave and wanted to retrieve his sunglasses from work before the game.
• Chris is off to work in Kazakhstan for four weeks. We should see him back at golf in early November.
• There was no Little Bounce Award today. There were no nominations and in any case there was growing support to shelve this award
• The Pres took off both the Long Drive and the NTP. The Long Drive award was easy to decide but not so for the NTP. Three of the four made it onto the green and were pretty evenly spaced from the hole. The Pres got the nod but it was close.
• There was a ghost out there today All four were convinced they could hear Macca’s voice drifting across the fairways saying “we’re at least two holes ahead already!”
• Steve was happy. The 10th has been a problem hole for him in the past and he’s parred it for two weeks in a row
• The 11th green was back in use again this morning

Results:
Winner: Jacko (Net 33) on countback from . . .
2nd: Steve (33)
3rd: Litts (37)
4th: Ronny (39)
NTP: Litts
LD: Litts
Little Bounce: See comment above
NAGA: Ronny (39)
Apres Putting: Not contested

Tuesday, September 27, 2011 – Season Opener

Our Prez and the traditional first drive. And it went straight down the middle

Under leaden skies and the threat of tempest, nine determined GBWGC types faced the tee for the start of the 2011-12 season. The group consisted of a flock of forlorn Eagles, a couple of crestfallen Hawks  and the odd long since resigned to their fate Docker . Greetings were exchanged (along with $15), balls were tossed and it was on. No quarter given nor expected for the next 22 weeks!

Highlights:

• We have clearly been playing the same course for too long. At least 3 players failed to notice the temporary green on the 11th, blazing away with their 2nd shots out of long years of habit. Pedro was fortunate enough to hit a tree by the temp green and drop down pin high.
• The last group, on the other hand, appeared not to have played the course before. This could be the only logical explanation for the gap which developed between them and the group in front. Nonetheless, they managed to fill the first 3 placings.
• Scores were quite pleasing for day 1 of the season, with a range of only 5 points over the 9 players (20-16).
• Steve started like he was still at Mornington – 3 pars followed by 2 bogeys for 16 points after 5 holes. Unfortunately his lack of conditioning told in the run home and he ended up midfield with 18 points.
• It was great to see Ron rise from the operating table and tee off with the field. What a man! He beat a couple home, even on 1 leg.
• Two players had the temerity to claim birdies nest for the 11th hole which is par 5 on the card, but was playing about 313m with the temporary green! There will be no BN claims accepted for this hole until it returns to its full distance. This hole will be played as a Par 4 (as per the course card) until it is reopened as a Par 5.

Results:
Winner: Robin (20 points) on countback from . . .
2nd: Walks (20)
3rd: Jacko (19)
NTP: No one was good enough (lack of practice)
LD: Macca
Little Bounce: No takers or even real interest. It was suggested that this novelty “award” may have outlived its usefulness (after all, there isn’t even a trophy to be had)
NAGA: Scobes (16)
Apres Putting: Scobes