Vin Slattery, who had NTP on the Lake Course second hole, partnered sister-in-law Mandy Alexander of Ballarat to win B-2 Mixed Pinehurst with a score of 71.25. Also pictured are sister-in-law Leila Stecher from Curlewis (right) and Vin’s favourite of the sisters, his wife Helen at left.
Yarrawonga Mulwala Golf Club’s 2023 May Tournament from Monday to Friday, May 8-12 attracted some 1,000 entries from golfers at 55 clubs, mainly from Victoria and NSW.
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At the mid-week dinner, club president Laurie Bridgeman’s first club task was to sadly inform diners of the passing away of Ben Nowell, aged 92 years.
Much praise was conveyed by YMGCR President Laurie Bridgeman (centre) to, from left, course superintendent Chris Burgess, CEO Peter Savy, men’s captain Mick Spring and pro shop chief Evan Droop for the smooth running and brilliant course presentation of the five-day May Tournament.
“I want to acknowledge Ben Nowell who passed away on Tuesday,” Mr Bridgeman said. “He was a Life Member of our club and held in the highest regard. Our thoughts go out to Myra.”
The president welcomed and thanked all tournament participants, and said many keep returning which is great. “For 71 tournaments now, Graham and Margaret Grant of Trafalgar have been playing here,” he said. Applause for the popular pair followed.
Particularly for the information of visitors, Mr Bridgeman mentioned construction of the $1.8 million two, three bedroom, three-bathroom accommodation project with magnificent views and which replaces the last of the original cabin accommodation. Site preparation began on May 1 and the project will be ready for golfing holidaymakers by March 2024. “We’re already ahead of target and it’s all positive,” he said.
The devastating wet weather last year was mentioned by the president. “From October 16 to December 17 our Murray Course was closed and 45 mature gum trees fell,” Mr Bridgeman said. “Our course superintendent Chris Burgess and his team of workers did a marvellous job. Our Mum and Dads Army cleaned up too – it was just great to see our course come back in a tremendous condition.
“I thank Evan Droop and his team of pro shop workers, keeping everything moving along very smoothly; thanks also to the club staff for their hospitality.”
In his first year as men’s captain, Mick Spring acknowledged predecessor “Peter Warner’s five years great tenure” and loved seeing such a big field for the May Tournament.
Locals Ken and Joyce White won Murray Course B Grade B-2 with a score of 75.125 which included a 10 on the Par 4, third hole!
“We had 88 players on the Lake and 76 on the Murray. Mixed Pinehurst is not an easy game to play but well done everyone and congratulations to our winners,” the captain said before handing out the prizes.
Hole in one! Rachel Figgins aced the Par 3 Lake Course 14th hole with a beautifully struck 6-iron during the May Tournament.
Lake Course winners were A Grade A-1 Wendy Hennessy and Ben Casley 69.625; A-2 Nola Crothers and Peter Crothers 69.75. B Grade B-1 John Ryan and Tania Zentveld 71.125; B-2 Vin Slattery and Mandy Alexander 71.25. Thirty placegetters received a ball with the ball comp going to 76.875.
The day’s best score was by the A-1 pair of Helen Archer and Warren Furlong with a 69.5 on the Murray Course. Christine Hughes and Greg Schinck won B-2 with 71.625.
Liz Foster, Glenys Ambrose, Narelle Woods, Marion Buckley, Donna Chalmers and Nicole Hanrahan from Murrumbidgee Country Club ACT loved the tournament and were up dancing after last Wednesday’s Mixed Pinehurst event. Partnering David Gregson, Donna was a place getter with a score of 70.375 on the Lake. And Narelle’s second pitching wedge shot on the 12th Par 3 went in the hole for a birdie.
Winning B-1 were Rachel Figgins and Danny Guest with 73.5; Joyce White and husband Ken triumphed in B-2 with 75.125 despite a double figure score on the Par 4, third hole.
Thirteen pairs received a ball for meeting the ball comp of 79.5 or better.
Singer Jade Camden from Barooga had a packed dance floor in the Willow Room.
It was a marvellous atmosphere last Wednesday night with speeches, a delicious three-course meal, plenty of chatting and plenty of dancing to the music of Jade Camden of Barooga.
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