Parkers on the second hole on Saturday: Bernie, Mark, Tommy and Jamie.
We have fought a valiant battle over 3 rounds this Summer in at times torturous conditions, to end up a fraction of a point behind Cootamundra in 2nd place out of the 6 Club format. Whilst we did not give it much hope heading into the final round as Cootamundra were 2.17 points ahead and heading into a huge number field on their home track, it would appear from the final count (specifics not totally to hand at time of writing) that the home team had a tough day out. Our hope levels were a little low heading to the hilly and at times difficult layout at Tumut also.
We fielded a huge travelling turn-out (Thanks Team) but our average seemed a little low at the end of the day. Cootamundra have finished with 140.15 points after 3 rounds completed, whilst Harden rounded out with 139.88, only 0.27 of a point behind. Mathematically that is just shorter than a gnat’s left whisker overall. One more travelling pair at either Temora or Tumut, or just 0.7 of a stableford point somewhere out of the 3 rounds was the difference. All other Club’s in the 2 pools were considerably behind the two leaders on the pointscore table.
Whilst the format is now different to the good old days and the final pointscore is the result, some would have relished a Shield Final play-off at a neutral Course to decide the winner. The shining light out of our escapades in this Summer’s Inter-District Competition is that we know we can do it. We won the Shield only 3 seasons ago and we continue to be a force having run second last year and this year. Soon, victory again will be ours.
The Club is very proud of all those competing this year and thanks all members who competed, resoundingly. All was not lost on the day. Winners for Harden at the Tumut day out, were Brian Tredinnick and Tam Kennedy who assure us that despite leaving 4 or 5 points on the course, their 48 point tally (best on course for the day) was like stealing blind wheat from chooks. Nice one boys, I trust you enjoy your trophies from the day. Harden’s runner ups were Ash Hall and Matt Minehan with 46 points, whilst 3rd saw Ian Bruce and Bernie Parker tie with Rick Preston and Michael Baldry with 44 points. Michael Baldry picked up the Club Raffle in the Club House and collected a self-propelling lawnmower, whilst the SWDGA loyalty gift cards ($50) for eligible players having played all 3 rounds of the Shield season, were collected by Kevin Hoppe and Brian Tredinnick.
A huge day out and no grass fires to report today. Our complements to Tumut Golf Club for their hospitality and the stunning presentation of their Golf Course. Larry Stephenson Claims February Mug The February Monthly Medals went on offer last Saturday and newer member Larry Stephenson has stepped up to the plate and knocked the field for a home run. Larry has taken the B Grade Medal, the day’s event, and the Guzzlers Mug with a spectacular 65 nett in B Grade. That will no doubt lead to a a serious belting from the handicapper as Larry played 6 shots better than his handicap on the day.
The A Grade Scratch and A Grade Medal were taken out by Kevin Hoppe who shot 3 over off the stick (74) for a 68 nett in a very nice round of golf I am assured. The B Grade Scratch went to Herb Manwaring with a very handy 84 of the whacker. Balls went to 3 under your handicap 68 on the day and winners included Herb Manwaring (Harden’s own Poet Laureate), Tam Kennedy and Kevin Hoppe who all had 68 netts. Not happy in winning the big daily events on offer, Larry and Kevin have also cashed in on the other 2 much sought after events on the day.
Larry has taken the nearest the pin on the Bendigo Bank Hole in One Hole with a shot at 4.5m, and Kevin is in close peril of being declared a professional and be ruled ineligible as he again won the Carton of Brown Sandwiches. McPake Claims Midweek The huge scores keep coming thick and fast from the midweek crew. This week 3 of the crew all had 32 points. Put in perspective that means 3 players played 8 better than their handicap …….. hooley dooooley that is hot scoring. Once all the countbacks were undertaken by our resident Mathematician, Mike McPake emerged victorious to claim the lollies. Our unfortunate pair dipping out this week were Grahame Taylor and Bob Martin who must feel a tad jilted. Mike, however has got the walk of shame with all 8 surplus shots deducted from his handicap to now resume on only 11.5 next week. Graham and Bob have half a smile as they played brilliantly but claim half a shot back on their handicaps. Next week could be anything!
Herby Manwaring was 4th for the week with a handy 29 points over the 24 point, 12 hole layout. Our ball sweeepstakes winner for the week was Ron Fuller Snr. Coming Up This Saturday sees the Summer Stableford Championships resume on Saturday for a Club Trophy, whilst a good deal of our crew make their annual pilgrimage to the Highlands Week of Golf in Mittagong. We are now just over a week to the HOLDEN SCRAMBLE on 18 February at the Harden Country Club Golf Course. The starting sheet is filling up fast with crews from Canberra, Binalong and Yass. Numbers are expected also from Young and Coota. Have all you locals got your teams secured in this event? There are prizes galore, cashback offers on new Holdens and a chance to make your way through to Regional Do not miss your chance, ring your team through to Karen at the Bar on 6386 2483.and National Finals.
