The PGC’s handicap pennant side has started the season in a positive way with a hard fought 3/2 win over Millicent GC at Naracoorte Golf Club on Sunday. In hot conditions, the team was ken to get off to a good start. Any Mathys was first off tee, but that was the last time he had had the honour as we had a horror day to lose 9/7. With the other two games in pairs, the number 3 and 4 players, Paul Harmer and Brett Williams got off to contrasting starts. Williams shot out to be 4 up after 9 holes, whilst Harmer slipped to be 4 down after 7 holes. Fortunes changed after the break with Harmer on a roll getting back to square after 13 holes. A 10 foot putt for par on the 14th gave him an unlikely half to maintain the momentum. Two wins in the next two holes made him two up with two to play; a half on the 17th was enough to get the 2/1 win. Meanwhile, Williams settled after dropping a few holes to chalk up a comfortable 4/3 win.

 It came down to the matches played by Andrew Hutchesson and Tony Gleeson. Like the previous pair, the games were fairly contrasting with Hutchesson getting out to a 4 shot lead. Despite starting par – birdie and being two up after two, Gleeson had a poor patch and dropped down to three down. He worked hard to come back, but it became too difficult and he slipped to a 3/2 loss. It all came down to Hutchesson. Whilst comfortable early, he gave up his most of his lead into the back nine. Fortunately, he steadied and halved the 17th to win 2/1 and complete the win for the team.
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Penola was well represented in the prizes with Brett Williams and Greg Hutchesson taking home major prizes for their grades. Also congratulations to Penola resident, Richard Barnes, who was the overall Naracoorte Open Champion after shooting 72 off the stick on Sunday’s round.  

Penola Golf Club had its official Open Day last Saturday with 38 keen golfers taking to the course. Combined with a Sponsors’ Day, the relaxed atmosphere of the Ambrose format made for a great day for all.   Ten teams competed for the great array prizes provided by loyal sponsor, Majella wines.

The day opened with Ladies Club Champion, Mary Cram, hitting the first ball of the season straight down the middle. This inspired the rest of the field who played some great golf throughout the day.

Despite the warm conditions, every team completed the course and only 7 shots separated the whole field. The teams were well looked after with a gourmet BBQ and afternoon tea provided by the club.

Back to the golf, it was the Redman’s team who took home the prize by the smallest of margins with only 1/8 of a shot separated them from the next team. The team consisting of Mal and Deb Redman, Marg Ferguson and ring in, Lindsay Storer, finished with a nett score of 57 ½. Starting on the 11th, they had a birdie to get things rolling. They played steady par golf and scored their only bogey when Ferg came over to ‘coach’ for a few holes. Their game picked up once he left and they birdied their penultimate hole to get over the line.

Runner’s Up were the best dressed team from Alexander Cameron Motel, represented by Bill and Marg Murray, Rosemary Ey and last minute pick up, Scott Messenger. They finished with 57 ⅝ after a steady round filled mostly with pars.  A birdie on the 3rd along with a generous handicap was enough to help them get close enough for a prize.

In third place was the ATI/IGA combined team consisting of Blue Kuhl, Shane McPherson, David Marcus and Andrew Hutchesson who finished with 58 ⅞. Their front nine of 33 was the key to their good score and despite 37 on the back nine they did enough to finish in the prizes.

Finishing fourth was the team from Wynn’s lead by Tony Gleeson. They matched Redman’s 69 off the stick but with a lower handicap they had to settle for third with 59¼.  An eagle on the 17th was their highlight, although they gave the shot back quickly by bogeying the next hole.
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A good turnout meant that a large and vibrant group were on hand for the presentations. The season has now opened and new golfers are welcome to join the club with a number of membership options available. The club has arranged for PGA professional, Craig Davis, to be available for private lessons for players of every ability and experience, starting on Sunday 26th March and 9th. Lessons are $80 an hour but cheaper in pairs or small groups. Contact the club or Marg Ferguson for more details.       

An enthusiastic field took to the Penola Golf Course on Saturday for the Di Giorgio Family Wines Monthly Medal and despite nearly ideal conditions, scoring proved to be tough for the majority of the players.

Leading the field with an outstanding round was President Paul Harmer, shooting nett 64 to take out B-Grade. Beginning on the back nine, Harmer had a solid 42 off the stick with a double bogey on the 18th the main blemish. The half time hot dog didn’t slow him down as a front nine of 40 saw him home as a comfortable winner.

Runner-up in the B-Grade was Chris Holden with a nett 68. Club Patron Peter Walker finished with a nett 71 for 3rd while the Monthly Medal specialist Allan Meyer came 4th with a nett 75.

In A-Grade, Greg Hutchesson looked set for a low round before running into some troublesome snakes on the 6th, finishing with a nett 72 while David Murray came 2nd with a nett 74. Lindsay Storer, nett 75 and Grant Stephenson, nett 76 came 3rd and 4th respectively.

In C-Grade, Brett Williams took home some fine wines, winning with a nett 71. Peter Ey finished with a nett 73 while Mal Redman and “Blue” Kuhl rounded out the placings with a nett 76 and nett 78.

Long drives went to David Murray, Ant Mathys and John Gregory in the A, B and C Grade.
Stephenson won nearest the pin on the 7th and the best 2nd on the 12th, while Holden took the best shot into the 9th.
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Next Saturday will feature the club Opening Day with an Ambrose competition being held, a fantastic opportunity for those interested in having a hit while having some fun. Play will commence from 11:30am.