PRESIDENT OUT AND ABOUT ……… OVER AND OUT!! Well, I think the heading says it all, there aint no more after this page 23. What a journey it has been from a tiny suggestion from the webmaster that perhaps the new President may like to write a diary about the goings on and let the district into the inner sanctum of a day in the life, blah blah blah. I was pretty sure it would be a boring few lines! As if, thanks to you lot out there, I have enjoyed writing the stories, and heaven forbid if I was a few days late with an installment, an email quickly flipped to me with a reminder! Thanks for that! Let me explain the boring few lines, not one to gab on unnecessarily (er) it was like verbal diarrhea after the first couple of pages, sorry, I just couldn’t stop it was like a disease taking over. Anyway, over the 2 years I have shared with you the farm, Mr President, Myf the wonder dog, my awful golf, the awful handicap system, then the OK handicap system. My woes my highs, my mishaps and joys, my friends and now my house. Update: MAYBE BY XMAS – excited or what. At the moment, the cupboards are all in and you will never believe it, my kitchen cupboards are all orange – I know, who’da thought it. I may be a bit biased but they look sensational. All of you who have built know that as it nears completion, it seems it will be never come; well I am there, hoping to be far away from the farm before the creatures stir fully. I remember when we first moved into Barwon Heads, brand new house with brand new tarantulas, big. Now that this is the final page, I can fess up, we don’t really have tarantulas in Australia, are you surprised? I was just kidding for sensationalism. So, now to some golf news – Ocean Grove Bowl, returning to my first club to play for my now club. Port was looking for a replacement player to join Ports bowl team. Up shot my arm, I had a free day so why not. What a mistake, not going back, but going back on that day. Possibly the worst weather forecast that proved true. Awful awful awful. Call me a sookie la la but I managed 6 holes before the knees refused to go any further. So difficult were the conditions, Salpal made a great decision to shorten the event to 12 holes to the relief of the players. Lunch was great, as usual so not a complete waste! Talking of the weather, I was also looking forward playing the Colac open, again a shocking forecast. Woke up early on the morning of the event and torrential rain in Port. I rang my mate and said what’dya think. This same mate was with me at OG and she absolutely did not want to play in the rain again, so I reluctantly rang and canceled us out. Here’s the thing, it’s a long way from Colac to Port and apparently it turned into a beautiful day. Bugger it. Before I forget, you will remember my not so perfect spelling with Margot’s coxic, coccyx, well apparently I made another faux pas, frenetic English is not quite right according to Sue Gregory Elcho Captain. Perhaps I meant phonetic. Honestly, if the red line does not come under any words I type on this computer, surely I cannot be held responsible – surely? Anyway, back to golf. Must tell you about Barwon Valley. Joye and I were invited to the guest day and they had just finished their 3 new holes. Wow, how good are they, congratulations BV a pleasure to play and be among the first to play them. I played with Brenda, Captain and our playing partners were Alvie Long and Elcho Park guest Helen Coggle. We thoroughly enjoyed each others company and the whole course is in fantastic condition. The following Sunday was the official opening of the holes and once again Joye and I were invited to attend. After playing the holes we sat down to a superb lunch sitting amongst the regions dignitaries, Councilor Katos and Bob Shearer who had the honour of hitting the first ball. Congratulations Barwon Valley and to all who made it happen, it is a credit to your club. A bit of juggling going on that day as also the Juniors played the final round of the Vicky Uwland (Vicky Thomas) Bracelet. One thing I will miss is those girls, I love every one of them, however, we sadly said goodbye to a Junior no more – Katharine Bunting is a young woman now at the grand age of 18. Kat is a rare soul with an endearing quality who has been a fantastic role model for all the girls following in her footsteps. I think Dad Alan has had a hand in her qualities and he should be very proud of the person she has become. I wish her every success for her future, in the sport she loves and her life. I was pretty pleased that a club mate of mine was the overall winner of the Bracelet, Meredith Plummer, congrats Meredith. We are very grateful that Vicky presented her with the bracelet. It is always such a thrill to have Vicky there, so thanks Vic. It was also great to see Hannah Caithness come for the day. Hannah has been ill for a big part of this year with glandular fever. Good luck in your recovery Hannah, you are sorely missed by the girls. I have to mention the parents of our Juniors who are the transporters of the girls. No parents = no Juniors so I give you my sincere thanks for giving your girls to us. Perhaps they will support you in your old age when they are on the Pro circuit. Have you been to the St.Leonards golf club lately? Port played their annual Port/St.Leonards challenge and it was a great surprise to visit the brand new clubrooms. Quite honestly, they are absolutely beautiful with all the latest gadgets and I must tell you, in the ladies loo, the light turns on by itself! What will they think of next, I was impressed. The St.Leonards members are so typical of the smaller clubs. The hospitality is unbelievable, I urge all players to do yourself a favour and enter one of the events at St Leonards next year. The course is the best yet and just returning to the house is worth everything. Good luck St. Leonards, be very proud of yourselves. While on the so called smaller clubs, the work they do to stage an event is so much harder when the members do it all themselves. They rely on entry to events they hold, so please help them to make the event successful by being there, you won’t be sorry. Also, if I may have another whinge, the participation at club events and SWD events has been disappointing this year. When Captains have to beg for players, it is shameful, I believe. We have such a big member list in this District that it should not be difficult for a couple of girls from each club to play an open or a bowl. If you think about it, if your members visit a club, 9 times out of 10, they will visit you. It’s not hard to understand. Re District Events, that also has been a problem. District relies heavily on Club Captains to promote District and club events to maximize participation, so please captains, help us to help your members by actively getting your club members to other club’s events, there just may be some silverware coming to your trophy cabinet. Besides, entry fees are usually dirt cheap, what a good way to get a game of golf and perhaps take home a winners trophy. Please captains, it’s up to you. S.T.O.P. P.R.E.S.S. We interrupt this broadcast with a news flash…….Mr Presidents back – out again! Sunday, ambulance to the farm and away he goes with enough morphine to stun a rhino, but not Mr President. Back home Sunday night, much more free in the back feeling very sorry for himself and with many scripts for more morphine. Booked in to the doctors Monday and the osteopath Tuesday. Thanks for asking. S.T.O.P. S.T.O.P. P.R.E.S.S Monday the foursomes at Lonnie, Kat Bunting a house guest Sunday night so up we get, Kat slept in of course, then off we rush down the highway to the course. Arrive in plenty of time, and we were traveling in the red shocker (the old ford that tows my cart). I flung open the drivers door and fair dinkum, these tarantulas are now hitching a ride in the car. In the door jamb, an enormous hairy ugly scary looking tarantula. Kat and I were now nowhere near the car, I called my new best friend Barb Croaker and asked how she felt about spiders. I don’t mind them, just between you and me, the women is cracked – who doesn’t hate spiders. However, I am thrilled that she didn’t mind them because – brace yourselves this is unbelievable…..she arrived at the car with 1 flimsy tissue, gathers the beast and walks it to the grass. Sorry Barb, even tho Kat and I were extremely grateful, the beast must die, so with screams of kill it, stand on it, Barb obliged under duress. Thank you Barb Croaker, we are forever in your debt. Footnote: as soon as I arrived home after the foursomes – I asked Bri – when his back is better of course – if he would inspect the red shocker and use some of the weapons of mass destruction on the car. Just a thought, if he soops himself up on the morph, he could do it tomorrow, or am I asking too much? So the foursomes, my lovely partner and I, Ros SW Treasurer peaked far to early in the day, like the first couple of holes, and then fell into that big golf hole and then just enjoyed the company of our playing partners, Tayna, Wheeler, (Bev to you) Heather and Silvana. Great girls to spend the time with, thanks. Weather great, course superb, golf ordinary, same old same old. But my mates at Port were the winners, Jen and Ange – well done, very happy to deliver the Salver to you. Nett winners were late entrants Maxine Noske and Ann Collis – were they ever thrilled. Full results on the web. As usual, the committee of SW ran a super event under the guidance of Tournament Sec, Marg with help from the match. Lots of the committee helped out today, so thanks for making the day the success it was. It was a sad day today as it was my last event as President. Happy but sad really. This has just been the best 4 years, 2 as VP and 2 as President. I have really enjoyed working with such a great bunch of girls who care so much about women’s golf. I know incoming President Lyn will also love being the SW President and I am thrilled to hand on to her. While Kat was down at the farm, we went for a quick drive over to the new house, actually to show Kat the ORANGE kitchen. She was gobsmacked – in a nice way. I also sent Mandy this snap to impress her. Sadly she was not, so I asked Kat to talk it up to Mandy with whom she was playing the foursomes. She was still unimpressed, so I am showing you all my magnificent new kitchen – you love too it don’t you? Sorry the photo is a bit dull; it really is much brighter than this.
Well, dear readers, the time has come to sign off for the last time. I hope you have enjoyed our journey together. If I have bagged you, you must have deserved it. If I forgot you (Dotski) I am sorry. I hope I made you laugh with me and that it was read in the manner it was meant - mostly a bit of lighthearted prose and lampooning. My thanks to everybody for their company during the time on course, or in meetings or at lunch or wherever. I am truly in your debt for allowing me to be President of the most fantastic District that is South Western District Ladies Golf Association Inc. 78 years and going strong – for many years to come. Bye bye, sayonara, au revoire, see ya, last one out turn the lights off please!
Luv suehxxxx Yes, the biggest Ooppss of the century. Page 21 of the President out and about is all wrong……..that is according to one of my closest golfing buddies. What is this all about I hear you saying. Well, let me take you back to the Portarlington Ladies Open in the Carnival of Golf. I raved about my playing partners. At least 2 of them, when in fact there were 3 – we were a group of 4. Dotski, Dotski, Dotski……….Gayle Connor, Shauna Gray, myself and……. D O T B I L L M A N !!!!!!!! How could I forget my friend Dot. Probably because I am so used to playing with her at many events, I took it as just that, another round. Or maybe, because I enjoy playing with her, it didn’t warrant a mention. Or maybe I didn’t want to embarrass her. Or maybe she is media shy. Or maybe I am a *^$#head.I have now run out of excuses why you left my mind mate. So, as an addendum to page 21, I would like you all to know that my day at Port, that would be the day with DOT, Gayle, Shauna was an absolutely delightful day and I would play with those three any day. Please forgive me Dot J Firstly an apology. I have had many readers asking why the delay, where is the next page! The truth is as Bill Lawry would say, “its all happening here” and it has been. Where to start……the farm………still here but finally light at the end of the tunnel. Building about to commence in Indented Head on our new home. I had forgotten after all these years what must happen before the first sod is turned. Anyway, picked the colours, and before you ask, of course there is some orange, and some more orange! Who’da thought it? Unfortunately what that means is a summer at the farm when every creepy crawly known to man is likely to invade all this space we have around us. More weapons of mass destruction are ordered and will be ferociously sprayed in every nook and cranny in an effort to last the next 5 months. Then of course we need to address the mice and rats that are bound to wake up any minute and freak me out again. I hear you ask has Myf been behaving herself, well almost. Had a couple of runs with the sheep, but now comes straight back, happy as all get out. Mr President’s back is still good, thanks for asking but now is complaining of a spur in his foot, gee they are not soldiers these men are they? That’s enough catching up, now to golf, and there has been a heap of that since we last spoke. I should start with the day that Chair of Match tried to mortally wound me with my own cart. On the opening day of the Portarlington Carnival, Mr President asked if I would like to play with Margot and Alan in the mixed 4ball, of course the answer was yes. Knowing what I do now, I am not so sure. It all started when nature called and Margot and I jumped in my cart to visit the little girls room, so far so good, Margot first, then me. While I was visiting, being a good girl Margot decided to turn the bus around and face the way we were returning to the next tee, problem was that as I was hopping in, Margot decided to accelerate instead of brake. Are you having a visual right now???? Half in, half out, hanging on for dear life and seeing my life pass before me (that is for effect only). Finally realising that she was on the wrong pedal Margot eventually did find the brake. The look on her face took away any pain I may have been feeling, then we started to giggle which turned into great laughter. Yeh funny as all get out Margot! Bruised bum and all. Apparently I drove the best all day on the tee, probably still in shock! That was the Sunday before we ventured to Melbourne for Country Teams on Monday. More dramas………my roomie Marcia was going to Melbourne earlier in the day so I was picking up her case and dozens of bottles of red wine from her house, on my way to Melb. So far so good. As Northern GC and Kooringal GC do not have carts for hire, I was bravely towing mine down to keep up with the play and deliver whatever our fabulous team desired. Still, all good until I got to Marcias house. A Dead End Street. No probs, I am getting a little better at reversing a trailor, easy……ya think. No place to do a u turn, so my razor sharp brain decided to back up a driveway and then calmly drive out and be on my way. What happens next, well I should say that on behalf of all women who CAN back a trailor, I am sorry. What happened, I can now look back at and laugh, at the time, not so funny. There I was car and trailor blocking the road crossways, with the trailor dislodged from the car and me stuck. What to do???? I know, knock on a door, look for a strong man and be on my way. That was plan A – complete failure, nobody lives in Marcia’s street. Plan B – I am in the RACV, simple. The lovely lady on the other end calmly stated that as the trailor was in trouble and not the car, she could not help me. At this stage, I think my voice gave me away, as she asked me to hold on, back she came and said that as we had been members since the invention of cars, she would get a service man to take a look, in about 50 minutes! Plan C – Marcia lives right along side C/Springs GC – ah ha ring Danny in the Proshop and beg him to ask some of the ground staff to perhaps help a damsel in distress. Problem was, he could not locate the boys but would keep trying. Waiting waiting, then the yellow ute of the RACV turned into the street, just at the same time as 2 of the C/S groundstaff were walking towards me. Picture this dear readers, the look of amusement and reading their minds was indeed painful and embarrassing. The upshot is that they calmly lifted up the trailor, hooked me back up and waved me good day. Sniggering all the way. I am truly grateful for their help and Muzza is expecting half a D stubbies from Marcia, after all it had to be her fault, don’t you agree?????? Stressed as all get out, off I go down the highway to the Quest Apartments in Flemington. Ooppss encountered another problem with the backing thingy of the trailor. Car parking spaces are made for buzz boxes. The manager of the apartments was a man born to reverse all things trailor. Unbelievable, no forward and back just straight back around all the cars and parked. I was really impressed. It must be a boy thing that they get naturally when they are born. Unpacked, then we went off to dinner. Now let me just explain a few things. Wendy and Vicki suggested we walk to the Doutta, its only about 300 metres. Memo to anybody interested, if these two ever offer you some land, take it because their idea of distance is appalling. It was cold, we were in Flemington and walking was not an option. The pub was the Doutta Gala, and I could not believe that we were going there. As a kid, my dad worked there part time and every Saturday I would jump on a tram from our house in Maidstone, meet him there and we would catch a tram to go to Princess Park to watch the Mighty Blues. It was a real nostalgia trip for me. Trust me the team were mighty happy that I pointed out that it was not walking distance. Then, up early to make our way to Northern GC to do battle in the a.m. match. What a great day that first day was, 36 holes and our team were sensational, I was so proud; we were on top of the draw with a showdown the following day with our arch enemies, North Eastern. Unfortunately it was not to be at Kooringal, however I was still very proud to be associated with this team, they showed complete sportsmanship and were gracious in defeat. They were all bitterly disappointed, understandably but they did all the district could ask of them and we can ask no more, we should all thank them for their magnificent effort, they were fantastic, players, caddies and selectors. While not wanting to single anybody out, Katharine Bunting won all her matches and Kathy Bell won 2 and squared 1. Such a good effort against quality opposition. As usual the SWD bus arrived shortly before the team arrived at the 9th hole. I cannot say what a thrill the team feel knowing that the supporters are waiting for them. Thanks to Rhonda and Louie, and the supporters who made the trip. Smaller numbers this year because of the day being a club day for so many, but still the team appreciated having you there. We all headed home weary after the couple of days away glad to get into our own beds. Only for a short time tho as Joye and I have made a bit of a ritual of playing the 4B in the Port Carnival. For some reason, the girls have the onerous time slot of 7.30am on Thursdays. So there we were tired and edgy at the early time slot. Joye as tired as me because her and John must be the greatest supporters of Country Teams as they always follow the team, staying away from home as well, some commitment from them. How did we go, fairly average but it is always a pleasure to play with Joye, win or lose, thanks mate. I also played the next day in the Ladies Open at Port with Gayle Connor, Queens Park and Port member Shauna Gray. We had just the best day, all enjoyed each others company greatly. Gayle coulda woulda shoulda, bar a mongrel hole she played, but still took a trophy home, more than Shauna and I, thanks for the day girls, would love to play with you both again. The next week was the Ocean Grove tournament and Salpal and I decided to have a go at the 4B. We were not disgraced, but nowhere near the winners, must comment on the new hole for the ladies. Top move Salpal to lengthen your course. No dramas, got over the water no worries! Not so the Friday when I returned to play the Ladies Open, howling gale and straight in the water. Der, in the Open we were playing off the back marks, did I think of that – no. Had the pleasure of playing that game with Micki Knevitt and Wendy Tottenham…….in a howling gale. Still enjoyed the game and Wendy in a playoff with my club mate Ange Foott managed to take the A Grade Gross trophy, congratulations. Adele Huggard, returning to her happy hunting ground of her youth claimed the Open, good job Adele. Back to Wendy, after the full on past couple of weeks, I was not walking very freely and was commenting that I must be walking like……I was going to say a women with wooden legs, but oh no, Wendy finished the sentence for me…she said walking like a duck!! Does that mean I waddle Wendy? Yeh, I probably do when I think about it, thanks anyway. So, what’s next, all the Club Opens, hope to see you, I hope to get to at least one event at them all, and Colac have their ladies open in November, can’t wait to get back there, after the wet winter, they should be in sensational condition. We play our club Champs at the end of this month, if you too are nearing your championships, good luck to everybody, although I know that many have been already played, congratulations to all winners. I know that this is a golf page, but, can’t help but get excited about the footy. The mighty blues have passed all my expectations for 2011 so any advance from here will be fantastic. Don’t know about traveling to Perth and playing the Eagles over there. Oh well, in front of the telly tomorrow night. Go Blues!!!!!!!!!! Well, sorry Joye, this one surely is the biggest one by far. Just so much happening that I cannot help myself. Word count on this one is close to 2000! Must be time to stop and see how the footy is going, Mandy will be sweating on this game tonight even from across the oceans, she is in Italy and I will bet they have no idea who the Hawks are, less care, she is probably logging on to live scores. See ya on page 22, Luv suehxx PAGE 20 ------ ANNIVERSARY PERHAPS? WOW, 20 pages of gossip and goings on, on a whim of Joye Burton 18 months ago, when she suggested I might like to write a monthly column of my out and abouts. I must admit, I thought it would be the hardest things to keep up, however, once I sit down to write an installment, the words just appear before me, and those regular readers will agree, sometimes the page does go on and on and on. And me a very timid shy thing, usually barely a word to say, as if! Anyway, here goes page 20 ………….. Ditditditdit…..news flash, life at the farm finally has an ending in sight. We have purchased land, picked the house and now we just have to wait for it to be finished. (it hasn’t started yet, but already I can’t wait) Speaking of life at the farm, all quite on the home front. Its been so b&%#*y wet and cold that nothing is alive down here. So no tarantulas, no mice, still have the sheep and still have Myf harassing them. Golf, phew its been a busy month, hence the lateness of this issue, sorry. *************************************************** Before we get too light hearted, I need to have whinge. Maybe it’s the weather but it has been really disappointing to see our so called smaller clubs really struggle to fill their fields. Can I please impress on all the members of our district to try and get out to these clubs and pump up their entries. The hospitality shown by these clubs is second to none and the work that goes into producing an open event, bowl or charity day is no less work for them than the bigger clubs, in fact probably more because these clubs are for the most part volunteer clubs. VP Lyn and I played in East’s amenities day with very few players. As usual the lunch was exceptional, the trophies were wonderful and a whole lot of work went into the day. Same at the Open at St. Leonards. 15 ladies played the Ladies Open, very disappointing for them. Jeanette Barclay won the event and was awarded a golf bag as well as a personal trophy, generously, prizes went down to 4th and the 3 course lunch was unbelievable. They are awaiting the opening of their new and beautiful clubhouse which looks just fantastic. They hope it will be ready for their Invitation Bowl on September 12th. What a terrific opening event it would be in their new rooms to have a capacity field. I know that Bannockburn would have loved some more players in their open and the Inverleigh Open this week is also very short on. Please ladies, think past the gates of your own courses and visit these clubs, we need to support ALL the clubs in our district, you will not regret it and the clubs I speak of would be thrilled to have you. ******************************************************** OK where to start? Probably out at Winchelsea for the 2nd Round of the Vicky Uwland Junior Bracelet. Those poor girls, it could not have been worse weather. As with most courses around the end of July, they had received such an amount of rain that it made the course so heavy. Did you ever think we would be complaining about toooooooo much rain? Well I think Winch was thinking just that. So wet was it that J.O. Glenda decided to make it a 9 hole comp, and the girls and their caddies were delighted to get that news on the 4th hole I can tell you. The Winchelsea ladies were very accommodating and rallied to the clubhouse to prepare some warming soup and sausage rolls earlier than was expected. Reshae Armstrong from Bannockburn had a sensational 36 considering the conditions. Captain Robyn Vesey was a great help as usual, thanks Rob. We held the District final for the RWH 4 Ball at Clifton Springs on a sunny but cool day. Must say, the new holes around the water on the front nine are absolutely stunning, a really spectacular area of 3 holes. Winners and runners – up qualified to go to Goonawarra in Sunbury for the final. Congratulations to Janice Chapman and Lorraine McFarlane, 39 and Trish Danaher and Jenny Lyness, 38. congrats girls and good luck. I was invited to Elcho for their President and Captains day last month and I always have a great time there. I took VP Lyn as my partner and I know she also enjoyed the day. I mentioned before that she and I played in East’s amenities day, or I should say she played. I did all the usual things when one is not playing as well as expected. The wind, the lie of the ball, the tricky greens…..I tried every trick except the bleeding obvious. I played a shocker. If not for Lyn playing well under duress, she was at the start of a shocking bout of the bug, we perhaps would have had to pack up our bats and balls and slowly sneak out of the carpark never to be seen again. So bad was my game, I hit a ball towards the concrete canal running along 6th/15th which went out of bounds but not down in to the water. So disgusted was I, I threw the ball into the canal. Damn thing bounced on the concrete and came straight back at me, so I couldn’t even do that properly! At least our playing partners thought it was hilarious. I also wangled another guest invitation to my beloved Ocean Grove from Salpal, this time an Irish probably because she didn’t have to carry me alone this time. Well, we had a win, and our 2 partners played great games. Salpal was a no show but fill in was another old friend Ces. She and I were fair to say the least, but our mates Jill and Cynthia were sensational and got Ces and I home, thanks girls. During the time since my last note, we have had our annual member clinic, this year at 13th Beach. What a terrific day it turned out to be. Margot Parton organised a terrific day with some fantastic Pro’s to give all the ladies present a wonderful coaching clinic. Some great photos and tips are on the website plus some thank you letters from grateful participants. Have a look, even if you weren’t there, have a look at the tips, always useful. We returned a week later for the very exciting Country Teams day. The golf is a close second to the main event of the day, that being the announcement of the team and uniform issue. Faye Wheatley and Kathy Bell blew the field away with a great 79 to take the Salver. Both of these girls are in the team, so they were obviously good choices. I had the pleasure of playing with Joye and her partner Wendy Johnson who managed a win in the nett section. They played very good game in very ordinary conditions. Back to the main reason for the day, the Team to represent us in Melbourne at the end of the month. Team Captain Jenny Edmanson and selectors Margot Parton and Maree Murnane may have got the selection just right because it is a very talented group of women with the task of winning the Alice Coltman Cup. The bus is smaller this year due to the 36 hole day being a club day for so many. However, the group that are venturing down will be a welcome sight to the team, thanks so much to Rhonda Fatone (my dear sister) for all her work at getting it all together. The team is on the website. Two new players entered the team, Faye Wheatley/Pennant secretary and 13th Beach member and Jeanette Barclay, Portarlington are thrilled to have been selected and we wish them both well. JB and I are mates and I know she is absolutely delighted to be in the team, she has caddied in the past, but this is just the greatest news, well done JB. Speaking of caddies, they were also mentioned and these girls are equally as important as the players and we are so grateful that they have accepted those positions. All that is left now is to get down to Melbourne, Northern on Tuesday 30th and Kooringal on September 1st and wish our girls the best of luck. Go South Western! Surely I must be caught up by now. If I have forgotten to mention you or you, forgive me. Its been a busy time as I said. Next letter will be after Country teams so until then stay warm and dry, play some good golf – hopefully at and away from your course. Please say it will stop raining soon and our courses which are lush and slush in places will have a chance to soak it all in and be in terrific condition. If your Open is drawing near, good luck and hope to see you out there. suehxxx PAGE 19 Hello everybody after a hectic month in South Western. More on the golf part later as we now have some new Champions, District, June Gillivour and Margaret Smith. Farm Update including the escapologist known as Myf (yes she has done it again!) Open Fire – unblocked and exceedingly warm Myf – well she is a naughty bad girl! After her first episode of venturing past the gate, we did all we could to make the yard Myf-proof. Well that worked – not! One sunny day I decided to put Myf in the yard while I vacuumed floors. Big house, big floors, long time. Called Myf, called again – no answer. %^#*&%&^ Panic once again I STARTED RUNNING then the pain hit. I don’t think these knees have felt the pain of running for a long time. Then I starting limping instead, but pain already there. Got to the front of the house and straight under the sheep paddock fence comes Myf running a mile a minute pleased as punch with herself because she has been in ‘playing’ with the sheep. Thank goodness she is OK. Or at least I thought she was OK. The closer she got the stench hit me. I have since learned from a friend who has dogs and sheep that dogs just lurve to roll in sheep poop! And that it would take about 3 or 4 washes to get rid of it, she was very correct there! So now, Myf is an indoor girl, and this time of year, that does not bother her too much. Which brings me to the bleeding obvious – how cold is this winter? Am I getting older and more whingy or does everybody feel that this has/is really cold. OK, I will get it over with early for this installment……. I hate the cold I hate the cold I hate the cold I hate the cold I hate the cold There, I’ve said it! Golf news What a month it has been. June is always huge with the Jean Russell, the District Championship and the grade Championships. Before we laud the winners, I need to congratulate the committee of South Western. This committee is stretched during this period but from the outside it probably looks like a well oiled machine, which of course it is. However, we ask the committee to spread themselves over all these events and they do and I so appreciate those girls who just get on with it and allow the players to compete in some great events. Now the winners, starting with the Jean Russell Salver. My partner and I were fortunate to play with the winners from Barwon Heads for the second year, Dana Austin and Cynthia Thomas. Along with Cathy Parkin and Julie Pavletich we were treated to a golf lesson as was the way Dana and Cynthia played. Nothing spectacular, just measured consistent golf on the beautiful Anglesea course. I congratulate the division winners in this difficult format and hope everybody enjoyed the day as much as we did. We are now counting down to Pennant season 2012, it will be here before we know it. Championships, and our 2011 District Champion is Adele Huggard after a great tussle on the last 9 holes between her and Katharine Bunting. I believe we are very fortunate to have these two young girls in the District and their golf speaks for itself. Katharine is runner-up to Adele by one solitary stroke, so it was anybody’s to win, well done girls. Another winner which makes me very proud is my clubmate JB. Jeanette Barclay is the proud recipient of the Audrey McKenzie Salver for the best nett 27 holes, and there was no one more thrilled than Jeanette. Runner – up to JB was Wendy Tottenham by .5 of a stroke, such was the closeness of the competition. Best 18’s were gross, Mandy Buckley, always a consistent competitor and Anglesea’s Vida Brenner taking the nett. Memo to Vida: don’t forget my Orange watches when you are overseas in September! During the last month, I have really been out and about. I was finally able to repay mate Salpal Schaller from OG for the many games she has invited me to by having her as my guest at Port a couple of Saturdays ago. Well, you will never guess, Salpal who is hot to trot at the moment, displaying 2 Pennant badges, OG club Champion as well as claiming the June Gillivour trophy the day before coming to Port, partnered yours truly in I might add an almost perfect partners game. We scored 46 points and wasted maybe 3 or 4 points more. Thanks Salpal, always great to play and spend time with mates, you especially. Last week, Mandy and Joye invited Lyn and I to defend our winning score from the same event at Torquay last year. Well almost, we were not in the mix by 1 lousy point. I must tell you, Torquay for all its work at the moment is still a delight to play. Apart from the shortness of the course, it is still very playable. On the long Par 3 7th, we hit off to all parts of the globe, one was rough, one was bunkered, 2 were pretty good. The format was a best ball – 1 score to count. Pay attention folks this is hilarious. Mandy with no shot on the hole – in for 3/2, Joye, 1 shot on the hole – in for 3/3. Me with 2 shots on the hole (yes I know I can hear you now 2 SHOTS???????) in for 3/4. Lyn who was just past all that awful spiky shrubby stuff on the left thought that she may just have a go, why not? 2/5 can you believe it? Once again the 4 of Mandy Joye Sue and Lyn were the loudest on the course, understandably. Margot Parton later admonished us because she was on the other nine the furthest distance from us and said to her playing partners……….THAT AWFUL NOISE IS OUR PRESIDENT SUE HAZELL! Sorry Margot, it was just tooooo funny. As an aside, one of our 4 needed to visit the loo soon after as we all know what too much laughter can do the ladies!!!!!! Well as usual Joye, far too much information for Page 19, but I need to tell the whole story don’t I. Coming up very soon is the Country Teams and the day to raise some needed funds to send our team to Melbourne to compete and bring home the Alice Coltman cup. Played at 13th beach this year, make sure you get your entry in early and be there when the South Western Team is announced. That is always a great thrill to be a part of. Look our for entry forms on your club info board. Well friends, throw another woolly on, chuck another log on the fire, put on some warm socks, pull on the ugg boots and do whatever you can to keep warm because ITS BL%$*Y COLD DOWN HERE ON THE FARM and probably where you are as well. Luv suehxxxx I just typed the number 18, and thought, couldn’t be! Have I enlightened/bored/thrilled/made you laugh/inspired you 18 times? Guess so, so here’s another one, prepare to be enlightened/bored/thrilled/laugh and be inspired once again. Stop Press……….The Farm update. Spiders – asleep The Mice – dwindling in numbers, although I am running out Of traps Rats – all quiet at the moment – they are planning something I just know it! The Sheep – still tormenting my little girl Myf, or is that the Other way round, she is tormenting them Myf, the staffy – has given up her dream of escaping again Mr President – back spasms disappeared, thanks for Asking. <><><><><><><><><> Flags on my handicap – half mast Sueh – freezing, get ready for the c (cold) word That should about do it for Page 18………….as if I could stop there! Cold – I mentioned that didn’t I, and of course there is a story there. At the farm we have an open fire in the lounge – lovely, you would think. Ordered some wood to be delivered, it arrived just in time for the first cold snap. Let’s light the fire darl, no worries darl, lets. The farm has 3 smoke alarms that are in great working order. One by one they went off and one by one the rooms filled with smoke. We had an inkling that something might not be right. Good guess, the people before us blocked the chimney to keep……yes mice and rats and birds and flies from entering down the chimney. Great idea, pity we didn’t know about it. I blamed Mr President, the wood, the chimney anything but the bleeding obvious. Well, all is well, as I write this, the lovely glow and warmth is emanating from the lounge room where I have just had the Sunday night soup watching the mighty blues win yet another game. Ahhhhh life’s good on the farm, for the moment. Speaking about today, we congratulated the Sunday Pennant girls on completion of another successful season. We visited lovely Ocean Grove who we asked to host the day, and it was just terrific. Lunch was wonderful, course was wonderful wind was gale force! But those intrepid Sunday girls, on they went and returned strangely enough all wearing their hair sticking straight up, something about the biggest blow dryer they had ever encountered. It was a great thrill to present the winning team from Anglesea with their Shield and small Pennant flag. More photos, more speeches, more accolades. Well done Ango. Winners of the Joye Burton Salver were Barwon Valley girls, Melinda Almond and Di Adams with 45 on a c/b from Barb Inglis and Jo Carden, Barwon Heads. Full results of the day are on the website. On the final round day of Sunday Pennant there was a small presentation to Paddy Hutchinson, the longest serving Sunday girl on her retirement not only from employment, but the Sunday competition has no work means no play in our conditions. Anyway it was an emotional affair, Paddy is a very popular figure on Sundays. Well, you will never guess who won the fantastic raffle at the Joye Burton Salver put together beautifully by our committee person Marg Hedger, yes Paddy, how grouse is that. Good luck Paddy in your retirement, hope it is all you hope for and the down side to that is that now she will play Friday Pennant ……..be very afraid!!!!!! Joye Burton, what can be said about my friend Joye. This event in her name speaks volumes, events are named in honour because it is a recognition of a dedicated contribution to District. And Joye is still contributing, day in day out. As Secretary on the committee, as webmaster she is still giving back so that this district can continue to provide quality golf to its members. Website – if you do not know, it is 10 years old. Unbelievable 10 years we have been able to log on, look up, download, upload, and do whatever else we can do in cyberspace, all because we are fortunate to have Joye Burton. Congratulations Joye, and thanks on behalf of all us computer tragics. We are now entering an extremely busy time on the courses. Congratulations to all clubs proudly flying a pennant flag, or two, or three! With the conclusion of this season, we look forward to the Jean Russell Salver, this year played at Anglesea on June 17th. Hurry and be a part of the celebrations. It is a very proud day where victorious clubs collect their shields and small flags to take back to their clubs. If you have not entered yet, get your entry away now to avoid disappointment. All the more exciting if you are from the club/s collecting the spoils. Must be there to support your clubmates. Plus there are great trophies to collect in the Canadian Foursomes. How was your Pennant night dinner? Port as usual put on some fantastic entertainment, (may need to find another word for fantastic) as each Division performed. As usual, that damn Div 1 team cannot be outdone and win every year. It’s a bit like what happens on tour stays on tour, well the same must be said of Pennant dinner. What I can say is that we were very close to taking the Country Teams Captaincy off Jenny Ed. She was close to losing the gig. How could we possibly give such a prestigious job to………………no cannot say anymore. I suggest you ask her how she enjoyed Egypt.? Following soon after that is the Championships, District Championship at my beautiful Portarlington on June 27th, June Gillivour B Grade at sensational Colac and the Margaret Smith C Grade at the wonderful East Geelong, both on Friday June 24th. All great courses, all great trophies and there is an event for every handicap range. I urge all players to enter these events now, as the time is fast approaching. Soon after all that will be the Country Teams day. Jenny Edmanson, Captain and selectors Margot Parton and Maree Murnane are working very hard to get this squad in tip top condition and it will be a serious contender to bring the Alice Coltman cup home to South Western. Which brings me to the Bus. Rhonda (my sister with the orange hair) is fronting the crew again and heading on down the highway to Northern on Tuesday 30th August. We play 36 holes that day, so keep an eye out for the flyer at your club and on the SW website, get on board and let your team know that you are right behind them. Whoopps, word count to here is 1,100. I think that’s my biggest yet Joye. OK, that will do until after the tons of golf we are about to play, so until then stay warm because it is about to be COLD out there, I have not overused the cold word in this episode, but just wait until next we meet, mid winter! suehxxx This is maybe page- or is that year 10....web
What were you doing 10 years ago?? I doubt I could remember, but one thing did happen 10 years ago…… South Western District Ladies Golf Association began its own Website. Yeh? So what 10 years on, perhaps we are a bit blasé about our website. We log on, check the Pennant results, see what tournaments are available, and see who has had a hole in one, eagle or some great feat. One person is responsible for this website. One person spends a great deal of time improving, tarting up, loading information, sharing information with us all in the District and drags us all kicking and screaming with her in her endeavour to keep SW at the forefront of District Websites.
10 years, it’s a top effort. Make yourself a cup of coffee, or pour yourself a red and log on and really have a look at the volume of information that is on there at this very moment. Congratulations Joye Burton, happy birthday SWDLGA website. We are an informed district because of you and this website.
In appreciation, Members – South Western District Ladies Golf Association
PS……If these little congratulations do not make it on the web, I know we have been edited. She wouldn’t dare!!! shxx Sorry, its been a while. At a monthly meeting yesterday, the Chair of Match admonished me for leaving her waiting for the next page in the saga that is my 2 years as President. Sorry Margot. So, here we go with an update. Firstly life goes on at the farm. We used weapons of mass destruction getting a hold on the tarantulas overtaking and it seems we may have slowed them down, BUT it could also mean that they have decided it is too cold and they have gone away to make babies and increase their numbers for a full scale attack after winter. Oh woe is me. The mice, well they still frustrate little Myf, (more about Myf later) and she certainly lets us know they are still in the garden and about. With the sheep in the paddocks, all the neighbours comment nonchalantly about the rats, they don’t particularly care. I could never be a farmers wife, not in a million years. The sooner we start building the better. Other than that, life at Port is terrific; being so close to the course is terrific. One thing I really love is the courtesy bus that comes to pick you up and brings you home again – right up to the door. Have enjoyed some dinners with friends, had a red and strolled out to thumb a lift home – its all good. Myf, oh Myf. The main part of this story is that Mr President woke one morning with back spasms. After fainting from the pain twice, I thought a call to the Ambo’s might be in order. Down they came, morphed him up and took him away. The rest of the story here is that we arrived home that night, expecting the usual licks from our girl – no Myf. Deciding that she was in playing with the sheep we would call her, give her a telling off and that would be the end of it. Ya think! After 10 minutes of calling and no response, we then started to get into panic mode. Hopped in the car and drove along all the country roads, remember, Mr President is in his jamies still high as a kite on morph, its dark and cold, calling out her name, knocked on neighbours doors to no avail, then I got a little weepy. Anyway, about to give up for the night and hope that a call to the Ranger in the morning would solve things. Then a car drove up the drive – are we looking for a brindle staffy? Seems that this very kind and thoughtful neighbour saw Myf dodging cars out the front, put her in the car and took her home. Relief firstly then pure gratitude that there really are people who care, a nice gift coming her way, I didn’t even grab her name, I was so relieved. Needless to say Myf has not left our sides today. Well ….. what about Mr. President I hear you say, he needs to rest and his bulging disc and apparently it will improve. Thanks for asking. (My big concern at the moment is who is going to put the bins out on Sunday night?) Now I guess you are interested in the golf side of things. Well since my last instalment, I have been everywhere, almost. Mandy took the clinics to Apollo Bay a couple of Saturdays ago. Now, almost an hour away from her, every trip takes a little longer, but off we went at 9am, picked up Marilyn Clifford and met Margot Parton there. I popped in some sweets incase the inevitable motion sickness struck us, but wouldn’t you know it, we talked so much, yes I know hard to believe, we were there before we knew it. By the by, I have decided I have to have a NavGirl. Maz popped hers in and what a great machine that is, tells you everything, what‘s ahead, what to look out for, amazing. Any way the full story and photos is on the website. I must say, these clinics have been a resounding success. Again, if you have not taken us up on the offer, I would urge you to contact Mandy and book a day. Pennant began in earnest in April, and I was looking so forward (?) to playing my first round at QP. My knee gave way and I had to pull out of that round. Played since, not particularly happy personally but the season is not over yet. I do hope your season is going how you had envisaged. We are near that time when all the Pennant dinners occur. The Port girls love a good Pennant dinner, I am guessing this year will be no different. Visited some more Sunday games and I really enjoy meeting up with girls I rarely see. Was a guest of Salpal at OG and what a beautiful day it was. There was a spare player and the poor soul (luckily I call her a friend – Ces) got me to share with Sal. We weren’t disgraced but the phone a friend Sal asked me to get, Judy Dietrich, just happened to be the winner, wouldn’t you know it. Di Coombes, OG girl partnered Judy and they had a great score. Jude played so well, she shaved her handicap. I love returning to Ocean Grove, they have a special place in my heart. This year the Joye Burton Salver is at Ocean Grove. Looking forward to their hospitality once again. Later this month the Juniors of the District and beyond come along this year to Portarlington to contest the South Western Champion as well as Open Champion. We are also running a Minkes comp following the field for girls without a handicap as yet. It is great to see these girls and their parents, who are an important part of this junior initiative, wanting to play in this. Entries are on the website. Also coming up is the Jean Russell Salver, for Division 1-7 players. Entries open May 20th, so be ready to enter early to avoid disappointment. Following close after that is the District Championship, (Portarlington) June Gillivour B grade (Colac) and Margaret Smith C Grade (East Geelong) Championships. These events are major tournaments on our calendar and I would urge all players to enter their appropriate grade and contest these Championships. All top courses and who knows, you may be a SW champion. Played at beautiful downtown Colac in their Plate last week, course was magnificent, as usual, however, my playing partners and I had a great day together but one might say that the course came out on top. Current Bowl Queens, Steffi and Tess playing with Helen Stewart (Anglesea) were the winners of the Plate, and deservedly so. Helen referred to herself as the “queen mother” playing with these two youngsters. Those readers who followed these pages last year will remember that I often mentioned the cold. Well get ready dear readers, I think that I may be using that word all over again. Not only is it cold at the moment, it is raining, again and still. Have you had a look at the new page on the website specifically reserved for club news. Terrific to read that St.Leonards has begun work on their new clubhouse and that Beeac are grass greening up. And QP mentioning the snake, don’t get me thinking back to the farm, I am already expecting the odd slither when the warmer weather arrives! As we asked at the Captains seminar early this year, please organise somebody at your club to be responsible for feeding stories to the website of happenings around your club. We all love to read snippets of interest, after all, most of us love a good golf story. Where will I be soon, well next Monday my mates and I are entered in the Elcho Park Bowl. The draw is on the web and it looks like a bumper field, well done Elcho. Again a reminder to clubs to try and fill bowl and plate teams. The simple truth is that if you send a team away, chances are that clubs will reciprocate and fill your events. It is tough on Captains to have to ring around and find teams from clubs. The upside of playing away in these events is that you may qualify for points in the annual Merit Award. This is a fab trophy to win with plenty still available for this year. Check at your club where these events are and put your name forward for a team, it is great fun and great for improving your golf. Well I don’t think even Margot expected this newsletter to be this long, and Joye, well she just expects me to waffle on regardless. Good luck to all Pennant teams for the rest of the season, enjoy the friendship and play the best you can for your club. Keep warm and dry and hope that the next two weeks of the season are not a repeat of today, what a shocker. Suehxxx PAGE 16 ……..AND A BIT (5/4/2011) Yesterday was a very sad day for South Western. Peg Moran was farewelled in front of a very large loving audience of her family and friends. P.A.Peg joined the committee at the 2009 AGM and anyone who knows Peg will acknowledge her wonderful attitude to life, her wicked, wicked sense of humour and her love for her friends which was immense. I first met Peg at golf at Winchelsea where she and the lovely Monica began their golfing careers. Both Mon and Peg embraced life at Winch and didn’t they love them right back. They later joined Torquay where the same scenario occurred; the Torquay ladies loved these two special women. At the memorial, there were some very touching messages of support. The words repeated often were, caring, loving, all embracing, supportive, hilarious, entertaining, thoughtful…..the list goes on but overwhelmingly, the love for Peg and Mon was so obvious. We will miss P.A.Peg every day. But I will remember Peg everyday also. I mentioned her wicked sense of humour and will tell you something to prove that. One day at a committee meeting, Lyn the Sec was going to be absent so we organised Peg to take the minutes. Peg nervously agreed. Arriving in the car park this day, there is Peg - in a sling! On her right arm of course, such a good actor was Peg, I fell for it, she slipped and sprained her wrist and of course could not write. It was not long before she fessed up, haha. But we decided to see how many we could catch….that would be the rest of the committee. Oh Peg, go home you poor thing……I’ll take the minutes for you……can I make you a coffee…..here sit with me and I will help you blah blah blah. Then she removed her sling to great hilarity. Yeh good joke, now take these minutes you ^$&@#% P.A.Peg aka Presidents Assistant Peg, as we loved to call her, was always there to help where she could. She grew to love the committee and even though she refused to take the position of Vice-President, she took on all the tasks with great aplomb. Women all around the world have lost a friend, an advocate and someone who stood up to be counted and made a difference. Whenever I lodged a President out and about page, sure enough there was an email very soon after saying…”the best one yet – you crack us up – when is the next one due” well Peg and Mon, here is the next one and it will be “the best one yet” Relax dear friend, colleague and wonderful lady. Monica is in good hands, miss you. XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
Page 16 – THE BEST ONE YET! My apologies for the “overdue” page 16. To say the word busy is an understatement, there must be a more meaningful word to mean more than busy! First things first, moving – stay where you are – its much safer and will not affect your sanity and reason! Mr President and I moved 3 weeks ago over to Port, renting while we build a new home. Mr President is really Mr Portarlington Captain, so being close to the course is a must for him. We found this house, reasonable rent, if paying rent is reasonable; we share the farm yes I did say farm with the sheep and the tarantulas! Count so far is 30 sheep 2 tarantulas. I am OK with the sheep, they keep my Myf entertained, she barks, they run, they return, she barks and off they go again. This is all day, she is happy. The tarantulas are an entirely another story. Big, we are talking ginormous. We have purchased industrial chemicals close to nuclear strength to spray the house, but Mr President says we are now rural, get used to it! NEVER. We check everywhere before lights out, they are cunning buggers, they know when the light go out, then its party time in the tarantula world. Anyway we are here, 5 minutes from the course and I still manage to be just on time for the tee, what’s that all about. Lets go back to early in March, Match Chair Margot and I returned to beautiful downtown Colac for the Presidents and Captains invitation day to defend our title from last year. Lets call that a failure, damn Margot, she has damaged her handicap while I did my part and went out. But the good news is our playing partners, VP Lyn and her partner Mae Hill from East won the day. We had a lovely day but most times we were the loudest group with plenty of laughs, none more so than on the 3rd par 3 where a drive needs to pierce what looks like 6 inches of air space. Lovely Lyn drove her ball straight into a tree, not sure where it ended but sure we would find it. Well we did find it, about 15 feet up stuck in the fork of the tree on the left of the green, you know the one! Photo is on the website, it was hilarious. The SW goes bush clinics are proving to be a great success, since my last page we have been to Bannockburn, returned to Inverleigh, and Elcho Park. These clubs worked so hard to get newbies to come and try and some showed great promise. Remember, no pro at your club? Who ya gunna call – golf buster aka Mandy. We watched some sensational golf over 4 days at the 2011 Betty Kernot Scratch Foursomes. Great courses, great players and the finalists came from Torquay and Portarlington. Bugger the Torquay girls, because until that last 20th hole, it was such a seesawing match. I don’t really mean that, Torquay congratulations Mandy and Joye. I said in the presentation speech, that nobody should have had to lose because all who watched were in awe of the golf that was played and I am so proud of my clubmates from Port, Bec and Shaz. They were magnificent. Visited a few Sunday Pennant matches when time permitted away from the farm! The competition is wide open and I will try to get to a few more before the season finishes. Speaking of Pennant, congratulations to my old club Ocean Grove taking the Otway Pennant out, well done girls, see you at Colac where it will be my pleasure to present you with the spoils of the season. Off to Winchelsea this Thursday for the final round of Leigh. Again doing what this job allows me to do, present good things to good players. We also played the Dorothy Smith Veterans event on April 4th at glorious Barwon Heads. Such a huge field on a beautiful day. As the sun began to go down because of the end of daylight saving last weekend, we were worried that we may just need to line our cars up on the 18th to show them the way home. But they all managed to make it into the clubhouse before dark. The presentation to the massive throng (that’s a lie) was in the dark however. Our Veterans Champion for 2011 is Marion Lucas from Apollo Bay and the Senior Veteran is Dot (Dotski) Billman from East Geelong. Bragging rights to Dot because runner – up was clubmate Sylvia Foster and that was on a countback. I should perhaps also mention that Mandy and I are STILL TOOOOO YOUNG to play. Now we look forward to the opening round of 1-7 Pennant this Friday and Interclub Matchplay later in the month. Wouldn’t you just know it, where is my first round of the season……..yes Queens Park! If you are a betting person, those odds would be very attractive, but hang on, new season, new game…….bring it on, I hope. Good luck to everybody for the season and good luck to all clubs. It is such a thrill to play for your club, and no matter the outcome, I am sure that your club will be proud of you. So, that’s it, the best one yet Peg and Mon. suehxxx Page 15- 9 March 2011 Wow is it really early March, I guess its time I brought you all up to date with the goings on around and out and about. My guess is you are all waiting for the news re how I slaughtered Queens Park in the Open, well, keep waiting dear readers, again I lost and am ashamed to say the score is now 3/0 in QP’s favour. However, I did manage to play ever so slightly better golf. I had the best playing partners tho, Sue Gregory, Elcho and Jenny Noble, QP made the day more enjoyable than it could have been, love playing with both those girls and hope to catch up again soon. Wait till you see the renovations about to transform the clubhouse into a swish new deal, although the paint is not my colour (!) I love it, cannot wait to see the finished product. Mandy has taken the member clinics to more clubs since my last installment and this initiative is proving to be very successful. We are very fortunate that the low markers of the district are ready willing and able to give some time to their district and assist at these clinics. Committee members Glenda Deans, Margot Parton and Marg Hedger have all helped out, but what is really pleasing is that Micha Evans, Ange Foott, Marilyn Clifford, Jo Cordnor and Tayna McGann, girls not on committee put their hands up to make a difference at these beginner clinics. We thank you sincerely for your time as do I am sure the girls that attended the days. Well done to the clubs for getting so many newbies to turn up and enjoy the game we love and want the whole world to play! But I am preaching to the converted aren’t I. Just around the corner now is the prestigious Betty Kernot Scratch Foursomes. This year we are playing at The Sands, East Geelong and Curlewis with the final course to be decided. This is such a showcase for our district and the calibre of golf amazing. These courses mentioned above are great venues with good vantage points for viewing the matches. Everybody is welcome whether to support their own clubs or just appreciate the golf on offer. Come along and enjoy the 4 round event. Soon after that is completed, we entertain the Veterans of the District at the Dorothy Smith Veterans Championship at Barwon Heads. Looking forward to that event also, and the really good news is that Mandy and I are STILL too young!!! The Captains seminar last month was a terrific and informative day with many Captains and handicappers around the district commenting to me that the day was so helpful and they gleaned an insight into how other clubs deal with the administration of golf away from their own committees. That is the real meaning of the day, to not only hear from our savvy match committee, but to network with others trying to do the same work as themselves. One thing we suggested at the Seminar was to ask clubs to be responsible for reporting happenings at their clubs to Joye to place on the website. She can only report on club happenings if she is informed about them. If one of your members has for example a Hole in One (er, I know someone who has just had one!) how do you think Joye would know unless somebody told her. Same goes for many things, a really great score, eagle, clubs in the dam, etc. the items are endless but again, somebody has to report them. Check out the fun “Honour Boards” now on the website. We have a Hole in one and an Eagles Nest Board. Has anybody at your club had one recently? If so, why haven’t you let Joye know. Next week, Margot Parton and I are off the beautiful downtown Colac to defend our title from this event last year. Hope to see as many Captains and Presidents accept the invitation to play at a premier course in SW. I am such a fan of Colac and every time I come home from there, I rave about how good it was. Poor Mr. President had never played there, so when I received a mixed Ambrose invitation a couple of Sundays ago, off we went with a couple of friends. We played well as a team, or we thought we had – but we had a great day and now Mr. President knows what I was talking about as Colac now has another fan in my man. I suppose all of you are well into your season, your courses lush after the unseasonal rain. Until next months news, play well and gather those good flags. suehxxx I know, I know, it’s the middle of the month and here is an out and about page. Joye is holidaying for the next 3 weeks, so I thought an update was needed. Joye may never get to the boat on time to sail to Tassie unless she packs her bags TONIGHT! Okay, what’s happened, where have I been? Today Joye and I were guests at the Torquay Presidents day as representatives of SW, but before I talk about that, as usual, there is a story to go with it. Woke up last night in the middle of the night and had one of those OMG moments. You will remember that Santa was very good to me – he brought me my very own green (it’s a temporary colour of course) cart. And don’t I love it. Its easy to just leave everything packed on it, no unloading clubs after every game! Ooppss are you thinking, that can’t be good when you play away. Yes, dummy forgot to bring her clubs home in order to play today at Torquay in the opposite direction from home, so no calling in to pick them up. All right, think………I’ll take Brians, he is not playing, easy! Wrong, he is a strong iron player, not many woods. OK then, plan B, like all of us, our garage holds enough unused clubs to fit out a couple of golf bags, easy. You think? We all know that golf is 50% a head game – and my head stayed at home today. I am a creature of habit, and I missed my clubs sooooooo much. Good players would adjust, I just sooked. And what the hell is a putter with a bend in the shaft, is that off-set or something. Well that doesn’t seem right. Brian said take my Ping darl, you’ll love it! That was a top move – not! Anyway I played with the pair of Pams although Pink President is a Pamela. They both played beautiful golf, with their own clubs of course. I always enjoy playing at Torquay no matter what the score. Great things about to start there, there is a huge construction hole, that claimed my ball on the 18th, not over the fence, through the fence, and almost caused a walk off by the workers – just missed taking a couple out. So, this Friday is the Captain and Handicappers Seminar at East, if you are attending, it is such an informative day, one not to be missed. Then the Junior Championship at beautiful downtown Ocean Grove on Sunday and then up early for the Irish Fourball over at lovely Curlewis, a huge day. We are also holding another Member Clinic at Winchelsea Wednesday 8th. I can’t wait to catch up with friends there and see how the rain has helped out them. So, that’s the news to date, next Friday is the long awaited return match between Queens Park and me, and I will remember to take my clubs – I hope! Have a great holiday Joye, the clubs are going with her so she can tell us all about golf in Tassie, try and not think about us too much but if you see a call on the mobile from sueh pick it up, I may be missing you. I will have all the goss at the usual end of month, so till then, play well and don’t forget to take YOUR clubs when you play. Suehxxxx PAGE 13 AND ½ (19/1/2011) More photos of the flooding at Queens Park ....here Hi all, just got back from Queens Park Opening day, an event I enjoyed last year and was looking forward to again. Consider this scenario, 5.30pm last night the phone rings, it’s the lovely Rita – President QP. Oh Sue, I hate to tell you, you are uninvited! No she didn’t say that at all, but because of all the water the course has taken, the bottom holes are pretty well sodden and carts are not allowed on the course – well that’s me done, however the lovely Rita pleaded with me to come for lunch. Of course I agreed. During lunch Anne Collis and Sonia Lappin were showing some photos of the course they had taken during the flood. It is amazing and if you are familiar with the layout of QP and recognise the holes, you will be astounded. Anyway, they emailed me the photos and here they are for all to look at. Apparently two kayakers were seen paddling down the fourth, there’s a new way to play around those trees! During the luncheon Rita was being the absolute President and seeing to the ladies needs which gave me an opportunity to chat with two of the elder stateswomen of QP. Firstly, I could listen to Nellie Climpson QP life member, all day and never tire of her stories and then Sylvia Warren another life member, joined our table and added to the stories as well. It was a pleasure to speak with women who have done it all before us, our clubs owe those groundbreaking ladies a big thankyou. We play today because of them. Presentations came and the Club President, Michael Lo addressed the ladies with the current situation and what is ahead for QP in the foreseeable future and things sound like its all happening at QP. And wouldn’t you know it, who had the best score of the day, lovely Rita. 42 points, not bad mate. Of course had I been allowed to play, who knows – unfortunately I know because even tho I didn’t play, one might say that once again the course beat me, one way or another. Pictured here is Trophy donor Marion Watt with Captain Deb, President Rita and some other bird. (she shouldn't be so modest)
So now all that is left to do is front up for the Ladies Open on Feb 18th, and this year I am determined not to shame myself. Hope to see you all there. Over and out from Queens Park Opening Day 2011, and thanks for making me feel so welcome, and special thanks to Anne and Sonia for the “happy” snaps! suehxxx And here’s me thinking that nobody would be interested in any goss during the off season, big mistake, so here is just a small newsletter to tide all you avid readers of this column over! Christmas lunch – ate too much, drank too much (I made this sensational champagne fruit punch! – tastes like a soft drink, so that is my excuse) We are still playing comps through the break at Port and we had the pleasure of Joye and John Burton joining Bri and I for a 4B. Great times spent with the Burtons, golf was OK, but neither team figured high enough. You may remember my shame at playing poorly at Queens Park twice at the beginning of 2010, well its that time again and I am a guest there in a couple of weeks, as well as intending to play the Open in February, always a good day at QP, pop it in your diary as the start of your golf season. Looking forward to playing once again with my mate Rita – Pres. Our Irish 4B again filled extremely fast, so sorry if you have missed out, it is one of those events that speed in entering is vital. Also on the horizon is the Dorothy Smith Vets in April at Barwon Heads, sure to fill quickly, so check your notice boards. We are also running a Captains/Handicappers seminar on Feb 11. Having attended one of these some years ago, I thought I was pretty cluey, but believe me, there is always, always something more to learn from our very competent Chair of Match and the committee about running a successful year of golf at your club. This is definitely a day not to miss. As you can see, SW is well under way at delivering another fabulous year of golf to it’s members, and the SW committee wish you all good luck for your golfing year. See you out there, Suehxxx So this is Xmas, and what have you done………sounds like a song! Well what have we done, it has been a big, big year, as the pages preceding this one have told you. 2010 has been a wonderful year that has just gone way too quickly, we have seen some wonderful events played and won and congratulated the victors. Have shared some fun days, sad days and everything in between. ********************************************************************* We have seen changes to our governing body with the State Amalgamation, and we have been triumphant in retaining the South Western District Ladies Golf Association as a strong, professional, independent and envied entity. During the Amalgamation process, this committee was in constant contact with its sister Country District Ladies Associations, and we have emerged as stronger groups knowing that all other District Associations shared our concern over our immediate futures. We, as a committee are extremely proud of the outcome, and that we can now go forward as a Ladies Association settled in the knowledge that we can continue to administer an excellent golf program to our members. ******************************************************************** Now, November happenings……all club Opens were completed and there were not many that can boast great weather on some or all days. We did have a lovely day for the “SWD” challenge at the Clifton Springs 3 person Ambrose. We entered 2 teams, no names mentioned, and the sledging was fairly prolific to say the least. Clifton Springs while undergoing some course changes was is in great condition, and a pleasure to trade a Par day at home to play with some mates. Anyway, neither team was good enough to take the main trophy, but the side bet was won not by my team, the others got us by a small margin. Here are the hints……L.A, M.Y, M.B / J.B, M.E (was to be M.P, who was saving herself to win the Ango Champs, which she did, well done Margot) and S.H. A good day was had by all, thanks Clifton Springs. During November, the hard workers of the district committee spent a lovely Friday stuck inside compiling, completing, checking, double checking, filing, copying, and then checking again, all the paperwork ready for the 2011 year events. What a mammoth task, one that most people would not give a thought to. Well I am one of those people, and watching who I now lovingly call the “the triple M’s” was absolutely amazing. Our syllabus works year after year because these triple M’s and people like them care to put the time in so that we can enjoy a healthy golfing calendar. If you see them in your travels, just say thanks, because they really do deserve it. That can be said not only of the district committee, but your club committee as well. Sometimes a thankless task, non-committee ladies perhaps have no concept that office-bearers are willing to work to make their club run smoothly. Perhaps you could also say thanks to the ladies on your club committee sometime. Speaking of club executives, District hold an annual event, The President, Captain and Secretary’s day expressly to say thank you for working with us to make golf great in South Western. This year on December 10th at Queenscliff, we will be hosting the club committee execs for 2010 to a 4Ball game and lunch to follow. This year we are trying it at the later time, with a Xmas themed day. If you are attending, make sure to dress up like Santa, or a helper. There are great prizes to be won, and a day that we can slap each other on the back, and say well done. We played the last event on the calendar, the District Foursomes championship at Barwon Heads, on a wonderfully warm day. Everybody enjoyed the day and course, ably delivered by Tournament secretary Marg Hedger along with the match committee. It was a thrill to present the trophy to Mandy Buckley and Katharine Bunting, two people I am very fond of and who are great ambassadors of the District. I was also pleased to see my friend Margot Parton, our hard working Chair of Match, and her partner Vida, take the best nett trophy. Well done girls and all players. Just around the corner is the Annual General Meeting, where we sadly farewell committee members and welcome new ones. This year we thank Sue Barnes our outgoing Treasurer who has served the District well, good luck Sue for all your free time ahead. We welcome Ros Thornton, Barwon Heads member to take on the Treasurers position. We also welcome Joye Burton returning to her beloved District as our new Secretary. Personally, I am thrilled to at last have Joye sitting beside me in the committee room. This is after waiting 5 years to work with Joye, I couldn’t be happier and the district should also be thankful that she agreed to take on the position. That leaves the lovely Lyn, current Secretary who accepted the challenge to step up and take the Vice-President role. Again, this is a move that also pleases me. Working with Lyn the last year has been an absolute pleasure. I can only see more good things coming from her. That is when she forgives the man she loves and adores for thinking her laptop needed watering! The webmaster has put a very helpful link on the website about driving directions. Too late for some Joye, I know a certain 3 people who left Geelong with 3 hours to spare for arriving at Southern Golf Club. A leisurely drive planning to kick back with a latte and cake before a meeting only to possibly breaking land speed records, using a tank of gas, and seeking assistance from the constabulary before pulling into the carpark after 3hours and 4 minutes on the trip. Luckily the meeting started late, so no drama, but………………. SOME people are lousy navigators; the driver cannot be expected to do it all! Lets say no more about it! Handy tip, if your husband suggests taking a Melways with you, listen to him. Well dear readers, the next time I write will be after we have gorged on Xmas Pudding, so enjoy all that this time of year has to offer. Stay safe and well, hope Santa is good to you, he better be good to me or there will be serious ramifications at my house. Merry Xmas and happy new year friends, Luv suehxxxxx PAGE 11 (27 October) Well hello again, and I really must share something spooky with you. The past week or so, I have been waking up to this strange sensation, I hear birds, I do not hear wind blowing, and there is this huge yellow thing up in the sky. Scared the life out of me at first but then it all came crashing back to me…….ITS SPRING, which will be followed by summer ,yippee. Forgive my humour, but I didn’t think it was ever going to arrive. October, right into the Opens now and we started with a bang at Torquay. You may remember, I warned you that we were playing the Ambrose and, yes, well, we won the nett. Those pesky gross winners were back again to beat us by 2 strokes. But, as I said, did they have as much fun as us, I doubt it. Lyn, Honorary and Honorable Sec played another super game, thanks and the other 2 dragged me kicking and screaming to the win, thanks again. The African queen won the Ladies Open, but she wasn’t alone. Glenda our Junior Org, won A grade and Sueb, Treasurer also put her hand out and received a trophy. Not only do we run the District, SOME of them can also play well. Sadly, East Geelong had to cancel one of the prestigious events on their calendar through lack of entries. Come on girls, and I am talking about all club’s events that we get invited to. Let’s make a concerted effort to attend each others events. Remember, if you visit them, they will invariably repay in kind. Its simple math I would have thought. Same thing at the recent Ocean grove Bowl, but for the endeavour of Salpal, they also may have had to cancel. And besides, if OG had cancelled Sylvia Foster would not have had her hole in one there! Well done Sylv. Inverleigh won the bowl and it’s interesting to note that only a couple of weeks ago, Inverleigh was treated to one of SW’s member clinics, so they must be working! Have you booked your club in yet? (only clubs without Professionals please) Anglesea was next to host Opens, and good weather prevailed there as well. Glenda again was in the winners circle with a win in the Stableford, and our Match Chair was third. Margot again figured in the 4Ball with her partner Sue Britnell scoring 7 up to run second. Anyone would think Margot and Glenda know the course because on Ladies day, Glenda took A grade and Margot was runner-up. Greedy or what? On October 24th the Juniors came out to play at Torquay in the 3rd Rd Vicki Uwland. Great day, and again that big yellow thingy was around. It is a hotly contested event at the moment with the final rd at Portarlington on November 7th. Should be a great day, come out and have a look at the future of golf in South West. Glenda is indeed popular with these young girls and we are extremely lucky to have her on board and taking care of the girls. I must relate a story that happened at Port one Saturday last month. My usual group and I were one short so a lady put her name down with us. We were thrilled as you will understand later. The extra player in our group was one Jenny Edmanson, past District Champion, current Port Champion, long serving Country Teams member blah blah. Anyway, Jen really is a delight to play with, but she may think twice about ever putting her name down with us. Picture this if you will, the 9th at Portarlington, narrow driving hole blind over the hill. Us mere mortals usually drive with a fade, straight into the trees…….or a draw straight into the trees…on the other side. Usual playing partner, Marilyn (ex Junior Co-ord) drove beautifully down the middle, a cracking shot. Then Jen loaded up and struck a fantastic drive dead straight over the hill and far far away…….or so we thought! As we are leaving the tee, chatting as usual, (are you very surprised?) we approach two balls on the fairway. Marilyn walks to her ball, looks down looks up, looks across and, please remember Marilyn is just recovering after 6 weeks off with a back/leg/knee problem, but did a jig, jumped up, hooted, kicked both heels together and said…..that ‘s your ball Jenny, mine is way down, grinning from ear to ear. Well done Maz, but then, your drives are always pretty good anyway. After that display we were pretty well shot for the rest of the round! If you are looking for an event to play now that the year starts to slow down, pick up a partner and head down St.Leonards way for their Amenities day. Always a pleasure to play there and be entertained by the lovely Saint girls. Guaranteed to provide a lovely lunch and enjoy a friendly foursomes……..best part……no handicapping……my flag still down by the way. Next Open is Lorne, a beautiful course which will be in top nick, worth a visit. Then onto Clifton Springs. I should warn you again. Some of the SW committee is playing the 3 person Ambrose on the Wednesday. There are 2 teams entering that event and there is a substantial side bet on, should be fun with a fair amount of sledging, stand clear! Well, I’ve not let the webmaster down, this is another novel, sorry. Just in case you haven’t noticed……59 days, 8.3 weeks, 2 visa payments, and its Xmas dinner. Are you ready? Don’t forget the amended President, Captain and Secretary’s day has been re-scheduled to December 10th. Xmas theme, ho ho ho. Till next time, Good golfing in 2010 Suehxxxxxxx (965 words) Page 10, that means that September is all but over, October round the corner, then OMG Xmas dinner! This year has gone so quickly, and it seems I say that every year, must be an age thing! What’s happened in September……..it rained, and it was cold just for a change. BUT, do I see a few sunny days occurring, is the wind not quite so brutal, do my drives now hit the ground and keep running………? Early September and if you haven’t read the story of Country teams on the web, let me just say, it was fantastic to be with the team, when I grow up I am going to be as great a player as these girls. It was terrific to see them represent this District with pride and dedication, and we thank you all and a big thank you to Captain Gael and the selectors, Maree and Marilyn. Can’t wait for next year, bigger and better, so the team tells me. Came home just in time to wake early the next day and drag Webmaster Joye Burton along to play the 4B in Port’s Carnival. We weren’t bad, but nowhere near good enough. As usual, there were a ton of laughs and spending time with Joye is always a joye. (No pun intended) Did intend to play the last weekend of Carnival of golf at Port, but surprise surprise, it was so wet that carts were banned from the course, so I stayed home, warm and dry. Was also intending to play at Beeac, but again a soggy course so the event was cancelled, the good news is that they have rescheduled October 1st, wish me luck and why not come and join me. Also cancelled was Colac’s Open on the 24th Sept. have I mentioned that we have had quite enough rain before, TURN IT OFF. Ocean grove Cap, Salpal, asked me to play the 4B with her in their Open and stupidly I said yes. I doubt she will ever ask me to play again, although we do have that 10 year date penciled in. Spending time at O/G and with Sal is always great fun, and if I ever get invited again, of course I am there. Match Chair Margot and I were invited guests at East’s President and Captains day on the 13th, a friendly 4 Ball. We played with Pres Helen and Cap Gina along with Torquay Cap, Sari and committee member Hazel from Torquay. We had a very enjoyable day, lunch was grouse, and we were pipped out of 2nd place by the 18th green, putting was tough and Margot got us a point, and I was on the green for 3, two shots left for a 2 pointer and choked. Greg Norman and I will go down in history as chokers. Margot might have some good news for us, she is away at the moment and has played a few rounds at Yarrawonga (or maybe Tocumwal) on her way to Sydney to play golf with her daughter. Bet her daughter won’t choke boohoo. How are you all going with those dreaded flags now attached to our handicaps. I think my flags should all be at half mast, it shows that I am not the golfer I hoped I was. I am told it is a true reflection of your level of talent. That just makes me feel more shattered to hear. What’s coming up, Torquay Open beginning of October and if you are entered in the Ladies Ambrose you had better look out. My group is myself, Lyn Anne, SW Sec extraordinaire, Intrepid Webmaster Joye, and the African Queen, Mandy. We may not play well, but we are guaranteed to have the most fun of any group. The 27 holes the next day followed by the Torquay Ladies Dinner where……..sorry I cannot reveal what happens but if it’s anything like last year, enough to say that those girls know how to party. This year SW are entertaining our member club’s Presidents, Captains and Secretaries at Queenscliff GC on Hope to see this year’s club committee’s there. Well better close, and here’s me thinking that I would have nothing to say for September. Me and nothing to say, bit of a contradiction in terms isn’t it? Joye will be very proud of me, I have just found out that I can count my words that I write, not like I used to, 1,2,3,4,……….now I can just highlight tools on my computer and it tells me that I have written too much. 823 words to here, now 828, 829. Never give me something to marvel at like word count, I do it all the time now. (848) Enough, that’s it, see you in October. Good golfing in 2010 Suehxxx PAGE 9 (25/8/2010) As I write this edition, I am thinking of all the things I need to pack for the trip down to Country Teams on Sunday, excited am I or what! I have been waiting two years to go with the stars to this event, and I can’t believe its here already. We played the windy Country Teams day fundraiser last Friday and unbelievably the rain stopped, but not the wind. It was a terrific day and the weather behaved itself until we were all safely in the clubhouse, that is most of us anyway. A countback, are you serious! The selectors must have picked the right people to be in our team because 4 of them battled it out for the Salver. Vickie and Wendy against Jenny and Marilyn, 82 off the stick each. And wouldn’t you know it, unpacking their gear to resume playing and down came the rain, was I going out to watch, not on your life, if you 4 want to go and play games in the rain, good luck to you. As an aside, the day was a complete success due to the forward planning of the Tournament Secretary, Marilyn Young. Again, top job from the SWDLGA Match Committee and general committee. Eventual victors were Vickie and Wendy, congratulations. Captain Gael was most impressed that the girls wanted more match play practice before Melbourne, dedication or what? Then the announcement of Team for 2010. How good is this team, good luck girls, your district is extremely proud and our best wishes go with you. But before all that excitement at the end of the month, tons of other good things happened. Some of our ladies ventured to the border, just for the drive it seems because they were washed out, the only playable day the 36 hole 4somes on the Monday. Margot Parton, the sook, played 1 hole on the 2nd day stroke event, saw some lightening, actually a lot of lightening, and walked back, no better correct that sprinted back to the clubhouse. Woke up the next day and the Ango girls one by one, I’m not playing, I’m not playing, neither am I. Steffi and Tess were the only two to brave the weather and finish the last rounds, good on you girls (are you mad?). One who did make the trip and came away happy, or should be happy is Mandy. Qualified 5th and played the eventual winner in Matchplay. Well done. Marcia Williams, WGV delegate capably conducted the District final of WGV/RWH event at East Geelong and again rain dampened the day, with one almighty drenching and then it was fine with sunshine, weird. Congratulations Barb Cook and Ann stokes from Anglesea and Vicki Hannah and Kerryn Wagstaff, Apollo Bay. Both teams qualified to go to Melbourne to compete in the final, good luck girls, Go South Western. Another month, another guest day at Torquay, this time as the guest of Joye Burton. Our playing partners, Mandy and Glenda ensured another fun filled day at Torq. Anyway neck and neck hole after hole, on and on we went. Picture the 4th, a beautiful par 5, and Mandy drives a screamer and was heard to say under her breath, “that’s better Mand,” her drives had been good but not up to standard! so up I get and let one rip, I swear, never again would I ever hit that well, it bounced and rolled and bounced and rolled and bounced and rolled a bit more, and guess what…..150 metres past HER drive, no maybe I am lying, but at least all of 145 metres! Glenda paced it out, so she was impressed. But Another good thing to come out of the day was that being a foursomes I was very nervous about my orange monogrammed ball going in the water on the first as has been the case of late, but of course, Joye was my partner and I am happy to say that she duly respected my ball and it made it into the You may remember last month I mentioned that I was to be the guest of President Rita at Queens Park. Well, that happened, but alas poor readers, my prediction failed miserably. I must say that we played better golf, winning a ball in the ball run, and Had the pleasure of playing at St. Leonards in their open. Their course is in spectacular condition at How’s your course at the moment? I think all the courses are up to pussies bow at the moment and need the tap turned off I must make mention of the fabulous day the Juniors had at Ocean grove for the 2nd Round of the Vicki Uwland Bracelet and the birth of the “Minkes” Ocean Grove’s hospitality is fantastic and Captain Salpal, (that would be Sally) was such a help to Glenda, Junior Organiser. Glenda, who joined the committee early this year, is proving to be a great addition to the committee in one of the hardest Well dear readers, I had best throw another tree in the Coonara, because its still cold and ….just had a look outside……….raining! When I return from Country Teams, I will send Joye a short (as if) story of all the news from the event. Understand, not all Good golfing in 2010 Here is the latest…….its still cold…….and wet. Now for the real news of SW. After the hive of activity that was Page 7, I am going to try to cover the month of July concisely and informatively. But how much fun would that be? Ok here we go. Round 1 of the Vicky Uwland was finally played at Inverleigh, and yes it was freezing cold and at times wet, but our Junior girls were gallant. Rd one was won by Reshae Armstrong, being the benchmark and the one to chase in the following 3 rounds. Good luck to all the girls for Rd 2 at Ocean Grove August 15th. On that day we are beginning a terrific initiative for girls without handicaps to play a 6 hole event and be a part of the Vicky Uwland Bracelet day, Rd 2. Glenda has been working tirelessly to get things up and running for the girls, and we are very proud of this new idea, it should be wonderful. Look out for the South Western “Minkes” (bubby whales I am told, cute eh?) Good on you Glenda. We held the SW clinic at Anglesea on 26th and what a great day that was. The story of everything about the day is on the website, but just in case you missed it, scroll back and just look at the happy faces in the happy snaps. This year it was the chance for the 30-45 handicap range to participate, and by all accounts, some handicaps are about to nosedive. The intuition given by the Pros and our own girls, Mandy, Marilyn, Micha, Glenda and Ange and Putting Princess Joye was unbelievable. Our committee was employed as usherettes to ferry the groups from 1 point to the next and I believe all clinic-ees were present and accounted for at the end, so not losing a customer is always a bonus. To have the gift of time from Micha, Marilyn and Ange, who are not on SW committee is something we are all most grateful for, such is their passion for the game and South Western District, thanks on behalf of us all. And how about the end, I have heard so many people say that Valda’s inspirational delivery at day’s end was fantastic, which it was. All coaches say that golf is very much inside your head, and Valda got right in there. Thank you Valda, it was a pleasure to hear you speak, even though you had risen from your sickie bed to attend, we are hoping that you didn’t infect us all, but of course they would be good karma germs coming from you. The following day, Marcia and I attended as SW reps, the Elcho Park Guest/Day /President and Captains day. We had a super day playing with my mate Heather Rivett and a fellow friend from Port, Carmel Scarff. (Carmel attended the clinic the day before and you could see she had her listening ears on at the clinic, because she played a ton of beautiful shots – so its working Carmel). Heather and Carmel played together and came out of the blocks firing on all cylinders, 26 on the way out, and Marcia and I were in their wake, Marcia played a great game as well, but it looked all over red rover, BUT are you thinking what I am about to say….the golf tide turned and all of a sudden we are looking pretty good, point for point or I should say 3 pointer for 3 pointer, up to the last hole and guess what, 45 points each, and we beat them on a countback, we thought alls well with the world. Well it may have been had we been in the same category, Marc and I were guest/guest, Heather and Carmel, member/guest. We were rolled in our section but they won theirs. Not feeling so cocky now, something about chickens and hatching………. Then the next day, and yes it was a big week, we ventured down the highway to Beeac in the inaugural SW clinic for clubs without a Professional. AND IT WAS FREEZING and foggy, but the Beeac ladies are an absolute delight, loving every moment and very grateful for our attendance. This is a brand new idea of Mandy’s, as is her tunnel vision to make every woman and child love this game of ours and improve as many players as she can. Barely able to see the road ahead to drive to her house, then to pick up Glenda still not seeing too far ahead and rock on down the highway getting foggier, getting colder, wondering if anybody would bother to come out in this fog and cold (did I mention the fog and the cold). Micha met us at Beeac looking like she was leaving for the Antarctic and one by one the girls arrived, eager to learn and happy to stand on the wet grass and in the cold (there’s that word again) and suck up as much as they could in the numbing cold. (is there another word for cold, I seem to be overusing it) (memo) it is now 9.37pm the same night and my toes have not resumed normal transmission yet. Micha, gave her time Monday and again today, that’s some effort Mich, you are so much appreciated. Then, out again, no visitors please this week, the house is a disaster zone, Bri is lucky to be fed, because I have eaten great lunches every day this week, so evening meal not so important to me, but being the good wife that I am (?) he did not starve. Thursday, Ocean Grove guest day. Playing with old mate Salpal, O/G Captain. I love Sal, we always spend a lot of time laughing. Last year, Sal and I played the same event with Serena Chirnside and Deb Sharrock and decided that same time same place, we would do it all again. Well we did. Some might say we should never do it again, we were probably the noisiest 4 on the course. Unfortunately, we have a date for the next 8 years, Deb wants a 10 year anniversary! I am claiming a relationship to the winners, well one of them. Faye Wheatley, Pennant Secretary was another invited guest. Alana Grimaud and Faye managed a whopping 48 points, a great score, one that Faye admitted she had never been part of a 4B that scored that well. First and foremost, picture this 9am on the 2nd at the Grove, the fog was so thick we just assumed that our drives were good because we certainly hit them out of sight, and they could have gone 50 metres only, but how would we know. We moved on and found the balls pretty good actually. What a great day it turned out to be, Deb (aka Sergio Garcia, grip and change, grip and change, grip and change) and Serena, hits a big big ball, just your regular size of course, but BIG, and Sal, never played a shocker shot all day, much to my pleasure (read embarrassment) she will do handicap on our score! If you have ever had the pleasure of eating lunch on bring a plate day…..well…..enough to say that Bri may struggle for a decent meal again tonight. It was such a good day, it is always special to return to O.G. it is with fond memories that us ex’s go back and be welcomed so graciously. You will always be special O/G ladies. Well, August in a couple of days, and we heat up again, golf wise, not the cold and wet weather, I may have mentioned that once or twice. You may like to know that I am invited to the Queens Park guest day to play again with lovely Rita, President. This time it’s a fourball, sorry Rita, so anything can happen. No, I may just take Valda Connelly with me and she can impart only good thoughts into this head, yeh, that’ll work. I might make a prediction, pop this in your diary……Rita and I are going to blitz the field! Tune in next month for the result. The WGV/Royal Womens Hospital District Final is on at East on the 16th, good luck if you were the best players at your club , see you there. Then, on the 20th at Curlewis, the Country Teams day fund raiser to send our great players down to Melbourne to compete against the states best in a 3 day matchplay event. We have drawn the short straw this year playing 2 x 36 hole days and the third day a bye. If you haven’t entered the event, come on, this is where you can repay these girls by helping them to represent us in this fantastic tournament. Curlewis is in top nick at the moment I believe, so get your entry forms in to Marilyn Young, Tournament Secretary, $20 per person ($40 pr) with a light lunch included and fantastic trophies. Plus have the privilege of seeing the team announced, that is always thrilling. Be there. Speaking of Country Teams, the bus……….that fantastic reliable bus (maybe). Contact Rhonda Fatone who is the organiser this year and reserve your spot. And lovable Lou the bus driver will be up front again, what a sweetie! Great raffle prizes again and loads of fun here and back. News of this is on the website, check it out. Well girls, best get this off to Joye for printing. Maybe by next month’s issue, the sun might have put it’s head out, oh I so hope so! Good golfing in 2010 suehxxx PAGE SEVEN (29/6/2010) Hi everybody, have just this moment taken breath and sat down to tell you all about the fabulous month of June. It has been a huge time in the South Western District. All those things I mentioned on page 6 have happened and they were all screaming successes, starting with the Joye Burton Salver at 13th Beach with the Sunday girls coming out to play. It was a beautiful day and the first day our “Bali” flags fluttered saying, it seemed, that the SW girls were in attendance and loving it. For a full report, check the story already printed, but once again, well done girls, especially the 13th crew winning their first Sunday flag and also Susan Gorfine and Judy Fry from Lonsdale taking the Joye Burton Salver. Speaking of Lonsdale, that was the venue for the 1-7 break-up and pennant players vying for the Jean Russell Salver. It was a lovely day, although windy, and while I am talking about the wind, what is going on with that? It seems like it has been blowing all year, give it a rest puleese! Anyway, I digress, a near capacity field turned out and the winners of the salver were Dana Austin and Cynthia Thomas, Barwon Heads. How well did they play, what a great score, they must know what they are doing, congratulations. But the highlight of this day is of course the presentation of the Shields and small Pennant flags. 13th and Anglesea were the greedy gut’s of this years season taking 4 between them, Curlewis 1 and Clifton Springs 1, and let me think…….who won Division 1, I”ll get back to you with that later. Just kidding, it was us! Ange and her wonderful crew from Portarlington. I cannot say very much about Pennant dinner at Port, but I might just add that the ladies field the next day was fairly ordinary. And then mad Monday, well you have all heard about that. Next we geared up for the Championships, B & C first, and not only did it blow just for a change, it absolutely bucketed, and if I hear another person say, oh but we need the rain, I just may have to hurt them. Yes we need the rain, but lets be fair, middle of the night, I’m OK with that, late afternoons during the week, another acceptable time, but not when we are trying to get through 18 holes. And another thing, who’s idea was it to hold off on the rain until we are teeing up on the 18th, it’s just so wonderful to return to the clubhouse, having been dry for 17 holes and then have to turn the golf bag upside down to pour out the rain that managed to run down to the bottom of your bag. Problem is, this is the first time in about 5 years we have had a real winter. And cold, don’t start me on that either. Sorry, I digress once again. The Championships. The June Gillivour at Portarlington looked like being a great day, BUT the precipitation (that means rain) prevailed and made it a miserable day. For all those thinking I am a sook, I had an urgent call from my doctor that morning saying I could not play that day, Mandy, the certificate is in the mail! The girls that decided to play, and there were still many, and we thank you for that, either started in the wet and finished kind of dry, or started in very light rain and got saturated, it was a win win all round! It wasn’t miserable for a few talented golfers, trophies were still awarded and I could not be more pleased to have my friend Di Wallace of Colac GC take the June Gillivour Perpetual Trophy, well done Di, it was a great score in the wet and it was also a great dry day score. Di’s photo is on the web and the blue jacket she is wearing was wringing wet when I patted her on the back, she is probably reading this from her bed where she is perhaps recovering from pneumonia. Get well soon Di, and enjoy your holiday. Big heaps of thanks to Tournament Sec, Mandy. It was a nightmare in the beginning when ladies were registering and their pleading eyes were saying please don’t make me go out there, but out she sent them with the comforting words, its only a bit of rain, it will pass. And it did….by Sunday. Same day the Margaret Smith Trophy was taking place at Colac. And surprise surprise it was raining there too. Congratulations Kathy Simson Torquay, the start of something big for you. I could not be at Colac so had to appoint a pretend Pres to cover for me, and I think I am in trouble. P.A.Peg from all accounts is going to do a Julia Gillard on me and make a run for my job! Thanks big heaps P.A. if anybody can do it, you are the one, as I keep telling you. I also heard that the raffle girl had a credit card machine, such is her power of removing cash from the girls there to purchase raffle tickets. I also heard that the raffle prize went to the raffle ticket seller, is nobody asking for a royal commission. Margot once again showed why she is Match Chair. She just does it and always does it well, she has promised to stay on and on and on and on committee, and we thank you! Both tournaments had committee members and 1 life member (Joye) pitching in to ensure the events ran without hitches. We also had some assistance from club girls, thanks to all who worked on the two events. Once again, I was very proud of this committee for its commitment to this District, which is why SWDLGA are the envy of all. Then the big girls. It was freezing at the Sands at 8am on Monday 28th, the wind was gale force, and the frost was on the ground, another great day for golf, not. But no rain. 27 holes with the last nine in worst wind than the morning, but out they went, some happy, some not so happy. It was a pure delight to be there and feel the intensity but more than that, the friendship between these better golfers of the district. It was a close affair at the top of the leader board after 18 holes. In for a quick feed and water before the next 2 hours of battle. One by one they returned with their scores, and for the conditions terrific scores. I must mention Katharine Bunting, and oh to be young, she arrived at my house at 11.45pm Sunday night, and I had her up on Monday morning 6.30am, no complaints and she played a terrific first 18 to be equal leader with Mandy and Adele 1 stroke behind them. For anybody who knows Kat, you will agree she is a delightful young woman, plays great golf on a handicap of 8, and welcome to stay in our spare room anytime, my dog loves her, and so do I. So, Kat first in, and clubhouse leader with 81 / 41 fantastic golf, but sitting waiting, knowing that Mandy and Adele are capable of running her over. And the rest is history, taking her 6th Championship, Mandy Buckley. You cannot help but be in awe of Mandy, and to know her is to like her. Such an ambassador for golf and South Western. Her acceptance speech was so from the heart, moving and inspiring. Congratulations Mandy. Adele was runner – up in the 27 holes gross and the lovely Kat accepting the Audrey McKenzie Salver, presented by Audrey, for her 27 holes nett of 110. Congratulations Kat, and Dad Alan, who is her greatest supporter. Also played on Monday was the Rene Austin Brooch. Anitra Franklin of Clifton Springs was the winner there. Have had the opportunity to talk to Anitra a few times lately and got to know her a little more and it was a pleasure to pin the badge on her, and present her with the Shield to take back to Clifton Springs. Well done Anitra. I am in trouble with the editor again, my computer has just told me I am now starting on the fourth page of this episode, and I have so much more to add. Sorry Joye, just a few more items. Secretary Lyn and I were lucky enough to be invited to play with Joye and Mandy in Torquay’s charity day. (she probably wished she hadn’t as it was the day after the Championship, and resting would have been preferable) and guess what ……it was raining and absolutely arctic. We had a super day though, sooky Mandy rode in the cart with me, and we two should not be that close, we laugh way too much to be serious, but she was a touch tired, anybody would think she had just done something good the day before. But the good news is that she didn’t put my orange monogrammed ball in the water on the first, such a relief (memo to self-move on) and we won! Joye played a blinder and Lyn not too far away, Mandy and I, well as I said we just laughed. Nearly there Joye. School holidays are here and we have the usual Junior clinic at Barwon Heads par 3, a terrific day for our youngies. Bring your daughters or granddaughters along for some fun and games. Information is on the website. Also coming soon is the 1st Rd Vicky Uwland Bracelet, check out the Junior page on the web. Coming up is the Country Teams day at Curlewis on Aug 20th. The announcement of the team to contest in Melbourne on Aug 30, 31st and 1st Sep is eagerly anticipated, and good luck to all the squad. The magic bus once again is taking the supporters to the Monday game at Sanctuary Lakes, get on board, information is on the website. Well my lovelies, I am done, its 10.15pm, its raining, AGAIN/STILL its cold, my dog is asleep in front of the fire and I am about to send this to Joye to put on the web. Jolly June is over, congratulations to all the winners and if I am allowed, will be back with page 8, at the end of July. Stay warm and dry. Good Golfing in 2010 Suehxxxxxxx JOYE BURTON SALVER AND PRESENTATION OF SUNDAY PENNANT SHIELD TO 13TH BEACH The players from the Sunday Business Ladies and Junior Pennant can finally sleep in on Sundays until 2011 when they resume combat again. The winners of the flag, 13th Beach were there in numbers to accept their spoils of victory, but could not continue their winning ways with the 4B competition to take the much sought after Joye Burton Salver. That trophy went to Judy Fry and Susan Gorfine from Lonsdale with a sensational score of 46 points. Runners – up were Amanda Derham and Barb Inglis from Barwon Heads with a very nice 44 points. Also on 44 points were last years Salver winners, Lyndsey Smith and Cathy Parkin losing on a cb. Having witnessed some of the rounds during the season, I got a real sense of friendship amongst these ladies, some having been in the competition many years. This is surely what playing our game is all about. The Sunday Pennant has been in existence since 1987, an innovation back then for any District and we are still at the forefront of Women's golf anywhere. 13th Beach is a magnificent course and we at District thank them for their hospitality and to all the clubs during the season who allowed our players on their courses on busy Sunday mornings. Sleep in on Sunday mornings while you can over the next 8 months girls, until your clubs call on you once again to rise and shine and do battle for the flag in 2011. AT LAST…….PAGE 6! Sorry to all those followers of fun and frivolity……….er um make that all those interested in what’s been happening, that sounds better. Pennant, over, done, dusted except for the upcoming Joye Burton Salver for Sunday Pennant and the Jean Russell for the Div 1-7. I’m sure some of us so thrilled with the season just gone, and some of us not so. There is always next year, I hate that saying but I am believing it at the moment, because I am one of the not so thrilled genre. BUT I just have to say how pleased I am for the Div 1 girls at Port, I cannot be unbiased here, hooly dooly how great is it to have the Division 1 flag flying at your club. This is indeed a wonderful achievement. Other clubs who have had the flag at their club will agree, it is something special. That is not to take anything away from other Division winners. All Divisions should be very proud of themselves. Had a call from Frankie McGowan the other day and I could see her beaming over the phone, she said “I felt like a mother hen to all my chicks”. They scooped the pool this year with Sunday, Div 5 & 6 plus the Interclub shield. Best build another room at 13th for all the trophies! Close behind were the Anglesea teams taking 3 & 4. I had the pleasure of watching the Div 3 Ango team all year, and I couldn’t have been more pleased to present them on final day. Wait a minute…..I could have been much happier…..giving myself the badge and flag. You understand I’m not bitter! To those girls lucky enough to receive our new badges, aren’t they beautiful. SWD once again with a new innovation. Welcome to Division 1, Curlewis, well done. Congratulations to all clubs and teams no matter where you finished, playing and representing your club is the most important thing. We have something new and exciting to display at all our events now. Wonderful “bali” type flags proudly swaying in the breeze. Look out for them and tell someone who cares how great they look. Portarlington held their guest day recently and it seemed to be wall to wall SW committee members, present and past. It was a very friendly Ambrose drop out. My team did OK but SOMEONE didn’t bring enough handicap to the table, so we came third. Susie Austin was a phone a friend for a friend, and her group came 2nd, and wasn’t she pleased when giving a thankyou speech. Guest days are just the greatest fun aren’t they, especially if your partner doesn’t put your ball in the water on the first at Torquay,……….ooopppsss I thought I was over it, clearly I’m not. Have a game, have some laughs, maybe tooooooo many laughs, have some lunch and not having to worry about the handicap. PS Given up worrying about that, I have decided I am a very inconsistent ordinary golfer. Being on Committee obviously is good for your golf. My lovely sec Lyn has just won the Singles Knockout at East, back to back, well done and of course 18 and counting Club Champs for MB. And P.A.Peg, first game ever in Pennant for Winch, pop me down for a win thanks. And Pennant Sec Faye proudly wearing a Pennant badge. Come on to Committee, its all good. What's coming up……heaps. Of course this Sunday at 13th is the Joye Burton Salver. It’s terrific that this event is named in Joye’s honour. A more passionate SW person you will not find, and I admire Joye immensely. When I grow up I want to be just like her. Then the Jean Russell, at Lonsdale where I get to present the Club Captains with their shields and flags, something I am looking forward to, as well as the Jean Russell Salver to the winning pair. Later in the month is the District Championships, firstly on June 25 - B, June Gillivour and C, Margaret Smith trophies. B this year is at beautiful Portarlington, at only $10, why wouldn’t everybody eligible enter. Then down at the picturesque Colac, we hold the C Grade. I have said it before, Colac is in first class condition and if you qualify for this division, do yourself a favour, get a car load together and travel down to play this superb course. They offer pretty good yummys too. Then on June 28th, the big girls come out to play at the magnificent Sands, Torquay. 27 holes for the championship and the Rene Austin Brooch of 18 holes should showcase our best golfers on a fab course. Entries for all events are open so what are you waiting for? Well I’ve done it again, too big a page that is now 3 pages and counting. I’ve got so much more, but my editor will chop me so, play good golf, happy holidays for those about to fly away, and if not, see you at the Champs. Attention Robin Irwin, if you are reading this at 7P, you are missing your favourite show! Good golfing in 2010 suehxxxx 13th Beach Wins the Flag. Sunday Business Ladies and Juniors Pennant BUT, Barwon Valley win the culinary flag! Picture this, crossing the bridge to the Island home of golf, fog on the water, and the heater on full. Then the reality of stepping out of the warmth of your car and an icy blast hits you! Welcome to the final round of Sunday Pennant. Waiting to warm the players up were the fab caterers from Barwon Valley, as this was a transferred game from their home while repairs are done to their course. Hot coffee and scones, jam and cream, wonderful. As the first groups began to tee off, the sun started to thaw out the players and then, we saw a lovely course on a beautiful morning. Only needing a half a point to take the flag in convincing manner, the team from 13th Beach fairly strode the fairways once knowing that the flag was theirs, one of the girls even asked do I need to finish? Her opponents quick reply, absolutely, you need to earn the win! And quite right too, good on ya Paddy, make ‘em earn it. And they did, congratulations to all Sunday girls (and their caddies) and hearty congratulations to 13th. Pennant Secretary, Faye Wheatley was beaming while presenting her clubmates with the coveted flag, full of modesty, but unashamed pride. Those Barwon Valley girls surely fed and watered the players well, with a choice of soup and lovely salad sandwiches, and to see their display of cakes and slices, well they must belong to the CWA! They even fed the President and Pennant Sec, mmm, can’t wait till next year! Many thanks to the Queenscliff Golf Club for generously allowing us to use their course. Great to see a fellow club, who don’t even field a Sunday team, letting us have the tee on short notice, it is appreciated. Now we look forward to meeting up again at 13th Beach for the Joye Burton Salver on June 6th, see you there. Suehxx Page 5 April 30 Where do I start? The first of the Pennant flags, that being Otway has been won by the Clifton Springs team, who followed it up with a terrific win on the Otway Shield day. I was fortunate enough to be invited to participate along with Faye, Pennant Sec and P.A. Peg (that’s Presidents Assistant!). How clever are the C/S crew. They were made aware that they would have no electricity to prepare lunches, so we enjoyed a fab BBQ cooked by their men members and a host of Salads supplied by the ladies. It was truly an exercise in adjusting to a situation beautifully, well done Clifton Springs, a great day enjoyed by all. The next Pennant to be decided was Leigh, won once again by the Inverleigh Golf Club, making it back to back. I was previously booked so in my place went Lyn, District Secretary and Mandy Buckley. They reported that the day was very enjoyable and anyone who has played there will attest that their hospitality is second to none. Chair of Match, Margot invited me to be her guest at the Anglesea Guest day, and I am sure she will rethink asking me again. How in the hell can you continually hit when the ball is above/below your feet? When I grow up I’m gunna master that, the Ango girls play those shots beautifully. We played a very friendly Irish 4B with Vida Brenner and her guest Sylvia Foster, East Geelong. We finished mid field, but I was a real winner, as Vida presented me with a lovely gift. Apparently her husband brought this back with him from overseas, and Vida wasn’t too thrilled with the colour, are you thinking what I am about to say………why wouldn’t anyone just adore an orange watch! Thanks Vida, I love it! We held another Junior Clinic at the very generous Par 3 course at Barwon Heads. It has become a ritual now, no matter when we hold these popular clinics, the weather is always against us, we haven’t had one perfect day, maybe next school holidays we may be surprised, here’s hoping. The young girls attending these clinics run by the District are so enthusiastic and we are hoping to add another dimension for the young girls who keep attending and reward them. More on that when we fine tune the ideas, stay tuned for more later. The helpers that Glenda, Junior Organiser, obtained, I think enjoy the day just as much as the girls. And when the Ambrose happens at the end of the day, I think that there is some competitive personalities creeping into the teams by SOME of the helpers! Talking about Pennant, 2nd Round Div 1-7, my Division 3 was at beautiful downtown Colac. It is now beautiful downpour Colac. Wet, let me tell you, only those who played there can attest to just how much water fell. When I spoke to other Divisions, they reported little if any rain that Friday. As I have always said, that’s why the course is so lush, if it rains anywhere, it will rain at Colac. Cheeky Ben, the Manager out there put me back on my heels. It was so wet when we finished, my driver cover was too wet to keep putting on the club, so I just left it off, in the back of the cart. I left it there when I packed up and emailed Ben to keep it for me to collect the next Friday. It just happened to be the next day that the Mighty Blues trounced the Cats, and my beloved wood cover was a beautiful CFC one. Ben suggested that nobody would want it anyway and he would be pleased to be rid of it! Damn cheek I reckon! GO BLUES!!!! (How cute is Juddy?) Taking you back to last month’s page, there was a cryptic reference to the television series, Neighbours. I can now reveal, that there is a Ladies President who just will not miss an episode, and I have since learned that there is a certain lovely member at Torquay who will not miss an episode of another soapie! More later. This new handicap system is interesting, until you start dropping those precious flags. Now more than ever, I find myself checking on golflink as my handicap goes out and comes in and then goes back out again. Something to be said for consistent golf. What’s that? It seems like overnight that, winter and colder nights are upon us. It is a great time of year, indoors and snuggly warm drinking hot soup, ooppss am I dreaming, there’s lots of golf to play, so get out there and do it and I will catch up with you all doing battle. Stay warm and play well, Good golfing in 2010 Page 4 How about that for a magnificent March. Perfect conditions every day for the coveted Betty Kernot Scratch Foursomes greeted the tapering field round after round, and there was some super golf in between. But all of a sudden there were 2 and it was a showdown at the magnificent Sands, Torquay on March 26th. The finalists, Barwon Heads 1 and Torquay 2 fought out a great battle but unfortunately there can be only 1 victor and the spoils of victory went to the Barwon Heads team of Susie Austin and Lyn Fraser, congratulations girls, and commiserations to Ainsley and Ros, who are in no way losers. Simply to appear in the final pairing is a great achievement. This event was played at Clifton Springs, Colac, 13th and finally the Sands and I must say we have got some excellent courses in our region and they are all presented beautifully and on behalf of the committee, we thank you all sincerely for making the courses available and for all the assistance we receive. There was a terrific gallery following on most days and while mainly competing club supporters on the last round, it was heartening to see ladies who just love this event and its standard of competition. If you missed this event in 2010, mark it in your diary for next year, these are the cream of the district and worth watching. It’s amazing what you learn about your NEIGHBOURS. During the act of spectating, you can learn a lot about your NEIGHBOURS. One such NEIGHBOURS is a BUDdy of mine who was a NEIGHBOURS but has become good friends. This probably is very confusing, but like I said, getting to know some NEIGHBOURS, is all about their likes and dislikes. My NEIGHBOURS Bud probably lives in Ramsay Street! (If this little ditty confuses, tune in next month and all will be revealed, if I am not sued in the meantime!) Also this month, the Pres out and about was out and about at the Colac President and Captains day with the District “Captain” Margot Parton. Margot and I enjoyed a lovely day and were fortunate enough to take the gross trophy for the day. I cannot say how beautiful it was to play at Colac. I have mentioned it before, but the course is an absolute pleasure to play on and a credit to their 1 ½ groundsmen. Also this month I was a guest at the Torquay guest day, again in superb condition. My partner and I were not so clever but had the pleasure of watching our playing partners, Margot (again) and Joye Burton (intrepid webmaster) play a near perfect game losing top spot by 3/8th’s. I almost played the Pinehurst solo as on the first hole at Torquay my partner assured me she could retrieve my errant ball when she found the water with my newly oranged monogrammed Bridgestone, but I warned her, slip in the mud and you stay there. But in she went, slipped and slid and decided that it was only a ball after all, I had others. Even tho it was a newly oranged monogrammed Bridgestone, I wasn;t bothered!!!!!Yeh right! But it was new, and shiny and had an orange S on it, but I wasn’t bothered, but…….new…..its….. OK I’m over it now…….. Dropped in on another couple of Sunday Pennant venues and again witnessed some top golf, and enjoyed a lovely scone jam and cream at Barwon Heads, yummo! Congratulations to Clifton Springs, Otway Pennant Champions for 2010. Good luck in Division 1-7. Best of luck to all clubs for the coming Pennant season and I am looking forward to playing in the Otway Shield day. We closed the month with the Dorothy Smith Veterans Championship at the lovely 13th Beach golf links. The field was packed and it was a pleasure to welcome the ladies and super (senior) ladies in full flight. Past Match Chair of SW, Judy Emerson was a worthy Senior Veterans champion while 2nd time winner Jenny Clayton of Barwon Valley accepted the Veterans trophy. A full list of results and minor winners is on the web. The good news is that Mandy and I will STILL be too young next year. At the other end of the spectrum, the Juniors are representing SW at the annual Kay Mahlook Shield in Bendigo and surrounding clubs. After the first round we have a 2 ½ to ½ win which is terrific. Katharine Bunting and first timers Chloe Pukk and Alice Caddy will be having a hoot with our Junior Organiser Glenda Deans and assistant Ange Foott. As an aside, Chloe has never played matchplay before and had a 6/5 win! Go South Western, we are very proud of you. By the time the next episode is submitted, we will be full on into the Pennant season. Good luck to everybody playing and may your season be successful. Don’t forget that the prize at the end is sweetened this year by the very special SWDLGA Pennant Badges. (I want one of them!) Ooppss methinks I had better stop right there, I could go on for pages and pages, don’t mind a chat me, but the Webmaster will be shaking her head at this lot, so that will have to do. Good golfing in 2010, suehxxxxxxxxxxx CONGRATULATIONS BARWON HEADS GOLF CLUB What a wonderful event we have just experienced The District committee congratulates all the competitors and applaud the finalists from Barwon Heads Susie Austin and Lyn Fraser and from Torquay Ainsley McCallum and Ros Lewis Our 2010 Betty Kernot Scratch Foursomes winners are Barwon Heads 1 after a seesawing, entertaining match at The Sands
(3 March 2010) Before we start……Queens Park 2…President nil. Wish I had better news but I think we will leave it there thanks. Welcome back to the country our intrepid travellers, and pretty sure we will leave that there as well. We may not see Joye for many many weeks, apparently she has an inbox to rival Bill Gates, and will be busy loading up our wonderful website, we are pleased you had a great trip, but we certainly did miss you. Now for some real news. Our brand new Junior Champion is Katharine Bunting from Elcho who also is the Open Junior Champ. Kat had a day out on Feb 14th and we are thrilled for her. Katharine is a delightful young lady who is a pleasure to be around. Well done Kat. Following the next day was the fabulous Irish Fourball at Anglesea, where we had wall to wall golfers, such was the capacity field. What a great format the Irish is. Home ground advantage was evident as 1st 2nd 3rd and 4th places went to Ango teams, and fair enough too. When the tournament Secretary/Chair of Match was announced in the winning team I thought of calling for a royal commission, but after all her hard work in making the day a roaring success, I was very pleased to present her and her team the spoils of victory. As you can see here, Margot and I presented to a capacity crowd! |
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