It was great Christmas spirit, lots of news, trophy presentations, laughs and dancing at Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club Resort’s Christmas 2019 Presentation Night last Sunday.
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The evening commenced sharing the day’s spoils in the Mixed Pinehurst event. “I didn’t get to hit many second shots!” Glenda Moraitis said in reference to her husband Nick’s ordinary tee shots.
“Do you know Jackie (wife of club president Gil Cunningham) that Gil didn’t reach the ladies tee stand on the 14th?” Irene Thompson asked.
“And he nearly didn’t make it to the ladies tee stand on the 16th!” The president responded: “I had to have one leg in the water to play one of your shots!”
The men’s captaincy is obviously agreeing with Peter Warner who, with birthday girl partner Ruth Mackie, won Sunday’s event with a brilliant score of 68 and a half, and shared a dance around the Christmas tree.
Trophy presentations for 2019 followed and Jay Ar Martin and Peter Warner featured strongly. Jay Ar won A Grade (see separate story), was also Cliff Vagg Champion and, with Ben Casley, won the Foursomes event.
The men’s captain won Veteran Handicap and Veteran Champion, and finished runner-up in both A Grade Handicap and Cliff Vagg title as well as being last Sunday’s winner.
Super player Bob Kruger was prominent, winning the Super Veteran Handicap and Champion titles for the year, in addition to being B Grade Club Champion and runner-up in B Grade Handicap.
Baxter Droop went back-to-back as Junior Champion, again claiming the Alex MacKenzie Plate. Baxter’s year was outstanding which saw his handicap reduce to one.
The 16-year-old finished runner-up to Jay Ar Martin in the A Grade Club Championship and, along with 13-time women’s A Grade Club Champion and nannie Karen Droop, won the Mixed Foursomes title.
Baxter will play pennant in 2020 for Royal Melbourne, probably in the Colts team.
In other exciting news, first year trainee professional Dale Crothers was the best of Victoria’s 60 trainees for 2019 (see separate story).
In his third and final year of his traineeship, Frazer Droop will tee off in the Australian Open in Sydney starting tomorrow (Thursday). He will then watch the President’s Cup at Royal Melbourne Golf Club and in January, will be at the Australian Tour School at Moonah Links on the Mornington Peninsula for four days.
Frazer will be based at YMGCR for 2020 and will compete in various tournaments including Pro Ams. Of his traineeship, he said: “It’s been a great experience in the shop and on the course. It’s a great team.”
Last Sunday night’s attendance of 85 was 40 down on last year. Apologies were received from some people unable to attend.
It is disappointing, however, when trophy winners for the year do not attend without any apology.
The people who did attend had a wonderful night of dining on a big plate of delicious three-meats and wide variety of vegetables, and tasty dessert, entertainment by Paul Lines and also enjoyed a great atmosphere.
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