Hutchesson wins in the wet

The predicted forecast of constant showers and wind was enough to scare many golfers from taking on the course at the Penola Golf Club on Saturday. The forecast lived up to its word early, as constant rain ensured only 16 golfers started and only 12 finished the first round of the Captain’s trophy stableford competition.  Conditions did improve as the day went on, and only the first few holes were played in wet conditions.

The captain himself, Greg Hutchesson, was keen to not have to buy any prizes for anyone else, as he blitzed the field by four points. His 37 points was a good tally in trying conditions. Hutchesson hit eight pars and a birdie on the 11th, where he also collected a prize for the best 2nd.  He also added to his tally when he won the nearest the pin on the 9th. The only surprise was that he didn’t win the raffle at the end of the day.

Runner up was George Kidman, who was back from his overseas training camp in Spain. He was still on El Spaniola time at the start as he only had 1 point after three holes. He came home with a late flurry as he had three pars and two birdies in the last six holes to collect 16 points in this burst.

Kidman defeated David Murray on a countback, after Stump faded on the back nine following a promising start. Apparently on the back nine he just ‘forgot how to hit it.’ He did win the nearest the pin on the 16th after hitting the green two rounds in a row.

Curt Evans finished fourth after a steady round of 32 points. With regular game time, Evans will be even more prominent at trophy time until his handicap comes down.

Shane McPherson won the toffee and treats award after not having the best of days.

This week is a stroke event with a Lone Ranger competition for the best group.