Penola Golf Club Season Open

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.       

Mary Cram drives one down the middle to open the season.

The Alexander Cameron Team of Bill Murray, Scott Messenger, Marg Murray and Rosemary Ey.

Captain Leo Price lines up for his drive on the 10th.

David Boyd nails one down the 10th.

The winning Redman’s team: Deb Redman, Marg Ferguson, Lindsay Storer and Mal Redman.