2024 GBWGC Winter Trophy
and AGM
(From the pens of Tom - Golf and selected Scuttlebutt; Dalbs - The rest of the Scuttlebutt)

Sunday 11 August
7 combatants made it to Secret Harbour for the practice round -  5 hoping to get some practice in before the Winter Trophy as well as Pinky and Scobes. There was no requirement to toss balls for the groupings as they fell into place naturally - the 4 Vienna Sandwichers versus the 3 Steak Sandwichers.

The Sandman	Fishing for Koi at the 8th

Pinky was the winner on countback scoring 18 on the back nine with Jacko scoring 17. Scobes came third on 30 despite losing 4 balls in succession - he was presented with a special gift for his efforts.

Pinky	32 points
Jacko	32
Scobes	30
Squancey	26
Tom	25
Robin	23
Macca	21
LDs	GM/CJ
NTPs	TJ/No takers

As the athletes got to the village they noted that the flag was at full mast denoting the President was in residence. As the cars pulled up they were greeted by Juan Samaranch and his assistant who proceeded to undertake all the valet activities – the athletes were absolutely speechless and thought could this be the best ever Winter Trophy!

The Presidential opening ceremony lived up to all the expectations of a “spectacle”. . . .

Presentation of the Louis Vuitton show bags (thanks Ga and Dawn) and the Event Booklet. Tom's Executive Assistant had a broken leg but still made it into the office on crutches to do the Booklet printing!

Reading of the rules	Unveiling of the OTT trophies	A surprise presentation of a Claret Jug golf ball for the Claret Jug instigator
Showcasing the Winter Trophy Scoreboard (thanks again to Steve for your continued support)
Event handicaps were decreed

And of course, the piece de resistance - Scobe's Form Guide was posted.

The program promised Lasagne and Salad and it was absolutely SUPERB with Tiramisu and Strawberries to follow, marking the start of more gastronomic delights to come.

Ronzo is never out of the limelight, this time carrying on a tradition of bringing back goodies for the boys from overseas trips. The playing cards - "Greek Lovers" from Litts's favourite place, Athens - were definitely not for public exhibition!!

And so it was off to (surprise, surprise) cards.

Bunbury 12 August
They bounced out of bed to a sumptuous Jacko breakfast of 5-star pancakes with blueberries, strawberries and yoghurt. And the first of the later starts were very welcome. The bloated athletes then made their way to Bunbury to exercise off the calories. Not a hint of rain and the course was in MUCH better condition than our previous outing!

The beginning of a Trophy win	Squancey found	trouble	hitting the fairways
Everyone but Macca found the first nine tough going. Macca wiped only one hole and scored four 2 pointers and four 3 pointers for his 20 points. Next best was Dalbs who scored on every hole for his 17 points. Tom hit his straps in the second nine with a score of 21 points with four 3 pointers and four two pointers. He managed to stay away from the bunkers which definitely helped his score. Jacko had a marginally better second nine with 17 points to go with his first nine of 16 points. Jacko, Dalbs and Squancey were the only ones to par the signature Par 3 10th hole. We were blessed with the dry conditions and much improved greens.
			Master of the sand

Spreadsheets rule and, under the Pres's watchful eye, Jacko slaved away tinkling the keys to spot a couple of errors (it's that strange Bunbury index system!). It was all too much for some . . . After everyone was hopefully awake, Walks was warmly welcomed and the days winners announced . . .

Bunbury First 9 1st Macca 20 pts 2nd Dalbs 17 pts 3rd Jacko 16 pts

Bunbury Second 9 1st Tom 18 pts 2nd Jacko 14 pts 3rd Ronzo 13 pts

After the frivolities, we all attempted to get serious and contentious at the AGM but failed miserably in a lack lustre affair –
AGM Minutes.

Enthusiasm returned at the drooling sight of Roast Pork and Crackling (another GBWGC first), Brussel Sprouts, Pumpkin, Potato, Carrots with Apple Sauce and Gravy. Blackberry and Apple Crumble with Icecream and Custard to follow had the waistlines stretching.
Ronzo then took centre stage, firstly with an enthralling resume of Australian successes in past and present Olympic Games (as you do), the house also decorated with it's own Olympic theme. But wait, there was more under the red cloth! One by one the Great Man unveiled pictures that told a personal tale for each of the attendees . . .

Exhausted, most retired to the shed, the betting chips, the cards and the robust exchange of money. And it would appear Squancey was not impressed with the hand . . .

Sanctuary 13 August
Chef powered up the team with a crunchy breakfast of ham and cheese toasties and it was off to our go to course, Sanctuary. It was moving day – with some threat of rain whch thankfully didn't materialise.

All eyes (or at least Jacko’s) were on Tom – will he do the Norman thing and choke! Well he certainly did not in the first nine scoring 20 points with five 3 pointers and paring both the par 5s. Next best was Ron on 17 points, with six 2 pointers and one 3 pointer, scoring on every hole. Jacko wiped the first hole but managed to score 16 points including two 3 pointers and one par – on the 6th par 4.

Both low and left . . . and trouble?	Terrific shot through tree canopy to distant fairway leaving an open shot to the green

Jacko did his quick maths before the start of the second nine and quipped to Tom and Dalbs “I think Tom has it in the bag”. Little did he know about Tom’s pressure game! And choke he did – wiping two of the first three holes and ending with 13 points. Jacko on the other hand played a blinder, scoring five 2 pointers and two three pointers with a score of 18 points. Next best was Dalbs on 14 points with Ron and the "Choker" each on 13 points. In an ironic twist, Squancey, who featured in the majority of NAGA wins, scored two birdies over the 18 holes, the only birdies scored over the two rounds!.

Really? . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . but a fantastic shot out of trouble	Didn't fall in but the shot fell out (of contention)

And after all the beating around the bush, splashing in water and spraying in bunkers, the days winners were announced . . .

Sanctuary First 9 1st Tom 20 pts 2nd Ronzo 17 pts 3rd Jacko 16 pts

Sanctuary Second 9 1st Jacko 18 pts 2nd Dalbs 14 pts 3rd Ronzo 13 pts

It was crunch time and the Away Captain was cleverly nonchalant as he posted the final results of our collective course bashing. What became clear was the dominance of the course over the players, with just 4 of the 24 rounds played to handicap or better and just 2 birdies posted – both by the eventual NAGA winner Squancey at Sanctuary.

Before announcing the winners, some excerpts from Dapper Den's Form Guide might prove prophetic . . .

	Dapper Den's Form Guide
Tom	No difficult decisions required here. Just get as much cash together as you can and plonk it on.
Chris	“Can I maintain my high golf standards under this kind of pressure?” We think he can overcome this challenge . . .
Dalbs	There is some concern however, that an outbreak of unforeseen appointments could cruel his chances. There is an expectation that his muscular driving and unfailing self confidence will carry him at least to the steps of the podium.
Ronzo	You have to actually be able to dominate on the course and that seems to be less likely this time. Maybe a sentimental dollar investment for old times sake.
Macca	If enthusiasm, optimism, poker smarts and self belief could get you across the line then KK would nearly be favourite. But it can’t and he’s not. Every event has to have its share of also-rans.
Squancey	Looks to be good value in the early market, but don’t delay your investment as he is almost certain to shorten right up. Which would make him very short indeed.
Litts	SCRATCHED. Retired to the shooting range.

And the winners were . . .

1st TOM 54 points 2nd JACKO 51 points 3rd DALBS 46 points CONGRATULATIONS TOM Two wins in the last three Trophies played!

The Little Master, now with a permanent smile, had a few surprises of his own including a present for each of the non-playing attendees Litts and Walks as well as . . .

NAGA winner – a Lip Stamp! Squancey was nonplussed: "It's not my colour!"	Classic! (Ronnie Lost Me)	Macca down Memory Lane – A superb photo of the ABS class of 2001

The Black Tie dinner was yet another superb feast, plates groaning under the perfectly prepared and tasty delights of our Master Chef . . .

. . . as cards 'til late concluded another golfing extravaganza.

14th August
A full, hearty breakfast preceded the Closing Ceremony by Mr President. After recognising and thanking Ronzo (setting up); Jacko and assistant Squancey (fantastic food); Macca (somehow arriving at the final figures) and Tom (those trophies and golfing admin), the president declared this the best ever Winter games . . .

And so say all of us