Bullock charges to victory

New member, Pete Bullock, took advantage of his first Saturday outing with an official handicap to obliterate the course and the opposition for a stunning net 56 at Penola Golf Club on Saturday. With a jovial group of 23 players playing in the first competition in the new year, the atmosphere was pretty relaxed. Conditions were tricky with a strong westerly gusting throughout the day. The only good thing about playing in a strong breeze, was that it limited the fly population on each player to slightly less than 100.

Bullock was impressive from the outset parring the difficult first hole. He was consistent all day, with only one double bogey amongst two pars and two great birdies on the 5th and 17th holes. So impressive was his form, that he beat his previous handicap setting score by 16 shots! Bullock not only had round of the day, but took out the B-Grade prize as well.

In the A-Grade, Leo Price continued on his rich vein of form with nett 71. Starting with three pars, he continued to pepper the pin, notching up another seven in the rest of his round.

Hot on his heels were Schnitzel Williams and Grant Stephenson who had to be split on countback, with the former getting the nod. Williams was ensuring that he gets in as many good rounds as possible before Dustin Fletcher Jnr is born in a few weeks’ time. Shooting 37 on the back nine indicated that he is not far away from peak form.

Stephenson also did his best work on the back nine shooting 40 with three pars and a birdie.

The wily old veteran, Peter Walker, rounded out the placings with net 74.

The B-Grade was a one horse- or bullock rather – race with a runaway winner. Finishing runner up and rather despondent was Dean Moore, who’s score of net 68 would normally be enough to see the cash, but not today. This would have been devastating for Moore, who takes every opportunity to cash up. He played his normal steady round, somehow without ever losing shots on his handicap. He had 42 on the front nine – with four pars, a very good score for anyone in B-Grade.

In third place was Curt Evans with a steady nett 72. Evans played well despite using a second had putter after the head and handle of his own parted company sometime before Christmas.   

Mark Edwards also continued a good run of form with net 73 to finish fourth.

The Lone Ranger competition was won the consistent grouping of Schnitzel, Evans, Moore and Kuhl, who had a very impressive nett 64 ¾.

Other prizes were won by Nathan Williams on the 7th and 17th and Lindsay Storer on the 9th. The Redman’s December progressive nearest the pin was won by Bill Cheers, who hit a great shot to 59cm of the hole to take home the claret.

Greg Hutchesson had a day to forget as he took home the chocolates. His round included a 15 and a drive on the 17th that finished up behind the men’s tee block. Neither of which are easy to achieve.

The other special mention goes to George Kidman, who had 44 points on Thursday. For those not on social media or within listening distance to the POW Thursday night, probably hadn’t heard. Well played George.      

As the seaside holiday makers slowly meander back to the village and work, fields will continue to grow as players take advantage of the sun. Check the program or website for this week’s competition details.   

Full results to be found here.