On October 19 and 20, 11 eager golfers headed south for the end-of-year getaway, ready to tackle the picturesque Peninsula courses of Nelson Bay and Horizons.
With clubs polished, bags packed and confidence running dangerously high, the boys were looking forward to two days of golfing brilliance.
As it turned out, there was plenty of brilliance, just not always on the fairways.
On day one, the boys teed off at Nelson Bay under glorious sunny skies, with barely a breath of wind.
Perfect golfing conditions meant there were absolutely no excuses for wayward drives, missed putts or disappearing golf balls.
The day’s format was a Single Stableford event, and when the dust settled, it was Paul Potts who produced a magnificent 33 points to claim the win. But with four other players all tied on 32 points, it was Ray Hardy securing second place on a count-back.
As the sun went down, the golfing stories grew taller and the drinks flowed a little more freely,
An overnight stay, a delicious dinner at Wests Diggers Club and plenty of refreshments provided the perfect setting for tales of spectacular shots, heartbreaking putts and the occasional golfing disaster.
The banter was relentless, the laughter plentiful, and by the end of the evening, a few of the boys were probably wishing their drinking handicaps were as generous as their golfing ones.
The following morning, day two greeted the lads with more glorious sunshine and a cool breeze as they headed to the marquee Horizons Golf Resort.
This time the format was the much anticipated Monthly Medal stroke event, where every shot counted, including those better forgotten.
The course was beautifully presented, but there was one small problem. Bunkers. And plenty of them.
In fact, there appeared to be more bunkers than the Normandy landings. For some of the lads, getting from tee to green felt less like a round of golf and more like an amphibious military operation.
Despite the sandy obstacles,some outstanding golf was played.
Des McMillan rose to the occasion, claiming the day’s honours with a superb nett 70 from a gross score of 89. A fantastic effort that proved precision and patience can overcome even the most heavily fortified greens.
Hot on his heels was the ever-competitive Ray Hardy, who carded a nett 71 to take second place. Well played, gentleman.
Des McMillan and Kim Johnston both managed to claim NTP on the par 3 ,4th and 17th hole respectively.
But perhaps the shot of the trip belonged to Vince Hale on the par 3-17th hole, chipped out of one of the four bunkers that surrounded the hole, for a birdie!
It’s a story he’ll undoubtedly be telling for years to come.
Two great courses, sensational weather, plenty of laughs and the sort of camaraderie that makes these trips so special.
A big thank you to everyone who made the trip such an enjoyable occasion.
Until the next adventure,k eep your drives straight, your putts true and your excuses believable.
And remember, gentlemen … what happens on the golf trip stays on the golf trip, unless it’s a good story, in which case everyone gets to hear it.
Monday 26 October
Seven golfers, one course and a Lazarus moment.
Seven of Bonny Hills’ finest golfing warriors rolled into Wauchope Golf Course for another eagerly anticipated Single Stableford showdown.
The weather gods were looking decidedly grumpy, with heavy cloud cover and rain threatening to spoil proceedings later in the day. But as every dedicated golfer knows, a little rain is nothing compared to the heartbreak of a three-putt.
Before a ball was even struck, the day’s entertainment was already under way.
A special mention must go to Dave Ritchie, who made a remarkable appearance after recently being knocked over by a dreadful bout of the dreaded flu.
For a while there,the boys weren’t sure whether Dave would make it back onto the fairways at all. But like a true champion, he rose from his sickbed and returned to the golfing fraternity, prompting the boys to christen him with a brand new nickname: “Lazarus!”
We’re pleased to report that Lazarus was back amongst the living,although whether his golf game had made a similar recovery remains open to debate.
With the threat of rain hanging overhead, the boys got down to business, determined to finish their rounds before Mother Nature decided to turn the course into a water hazard.
Despite the gloomy skies,some excellent golf was played.
Taking out the day’s honours was Richard McMinnon, who produced a superb round of 36 points to claim a well deserved victory. Hot on his heels was the ever consistent Kim Johnston, who carded an impressive 35 points, finishing just one shot behind.
While Richard and Kim were busy collecting the points, Paul Potts was producing the day’s most spectacular piece of golfing drama. At the par3-4th hole, Paul using a Lobb Wedge as his 2nd approach shot guided the ball onto the green to see it roll all the way into the cup for a great birdie.
As the final putts dropped, the boys headed back to the clubhouse for the traditional post-round debrief, where good shots were celebrated, bad shots were conveniently forgotten and every golfer’s score somehow improved with each retelling.
With the weather holding off long enough to complete the round, another enjoyable day of golf and camaraderie was safely in the books.
Next week, the boys will once again descend upon Wauchope Golf Course, with a few more familiar faces to return from injury and holidays.
Until then, gentlemen – Keep your drives straight, your putts short and your excuses ready!
And remember: Golf is a game where you shout “FORE”, score six, and write down five.
By Mark FRANKIN
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