Smith Triumphs Again at Autumn Tournament

Penola Golf Club has staged a successful Bendigo Community Bank Autumn Tournament weekend with 115 players taking part over the two days. The weather was perfect with little to no wind and plenty of sunshine highlighting the picturesque course. The most prestigious trophy, the Men’s Open Champion was won by Trevor Smith from Naracoorte. Smith won his first title back in 2015 and added to his trophy cabinet despite a late charge from James Norcock.

Smith posted a 3-over 75 to take the title by two shots. Smith got to 1 under after 4 holes before three bogeys in the next 6 holes slowed his charge somewhat. He continued to play solid par golf with only a bogey on the 14th blotting his copybook. His consistent golf was good enough and he deserved his victory.

Norcock on the other hand was all over the shot with bogeys on two of the Par 5’s costing him vital shots, especially the Merrett’s logging forest he hit into on the third. His score of 77 was still a handy effort for a player not happy with his form.

Lindsay Storer was the best of the locals with 81 off the stick for a nett 73 to finish runner up in the Nett competition. He was pipped by John Boneham who also had a nett 73.

In the B-Grade, John Wilkinson reversed his form from the previous day to card an 86 to win the event by one shot from his playing partner, David Murray. Wilkinson was helped substantially by holing out from 138 metres in the rough for an eagle. Murray collected the Digiorgio wines prize as Runner up.

The B-Grade Nett was won by the course superintendent himself, Mr Peter Walker who is a bit partial to a drop of Digiorgio red himself. His nett 71 was 3 shots clear of his closest rival, Jamie Boneham.   

The C-Grade was won by Sam Hill who is in ominous form approaching his annual golf trip. He was pretty consistent with a bonus birdie on the 9th in his winning score 91 off the stick. He was two shots ahead of club captain, Shane Anderson.

Lee Bateman won the nett division with nett 73. This was a welcome return for Bateman who has only just returned from three months in the states.

Along with the tournament field, 50 pennant players from across the South East played the 5th round of the Pennant season, with Mt Gambier saluting in the A1 division over Blue Lake.

Penola’s Pennant teams resume next week at Millicent with both teams looking to continue their winning ways. 

Mossop and Evans Claim Title

The Saturday competition on the Bendigo Community Bank Tournament weekend was a four ball, better ball stableford competition. Played in pairs, players need to combine well to score as many points as they can.

The duo of John Mossop and Curt Evans took home the DiGiorgio package after combining to score 46 points. This was mainly due to John Mossop’s outstanding form. Mossop parred the front nine for 23 points, as the team had 24.

They finished one point clear of the team of Peter Ey and Mal Redman. Despite wiping the first hole, the team improved immensely to score 45 points in the next 17 holes. Ey’s score of 43 on his own was a major contributor to the team. He had 4 pars and a birdie on the front nine in a dominating display.

This was a great effort form Peter Ey, particularly after the passing of his mother, and Penola Golf club regular and much respected member, Bobbie Ey.  Our thoughts go out to the Ey family.

Lucindale visitor, Peter Justin and local Grant Stephenson were unlucky to miss out also scoring 45 points and losing on a countback.

In the ladies competition, Karen Cahir broke through for her maiden tournament win, combining with Judith Georgeson for 37 points. Her three pointers were very handy for their total.

The two days were well attended and the full clubhouse for presentations on both days demonstrated the popularity of events held at Penola Golf Club. 

Ladies Winners - Judith Georgeson and Karen Cahir

Men's Winners - Curt Evans and John Mossop with sponsor Mark Edwards

Men's Runner-Up - Mal Redman and Peter Ey

Greg Hutchesson Drives off the 10th