CHRISTMAS CUP 2025

 

Unbelievably another year has passed in quick time and a strong field of 27 players registered to play in this year's Christmas Cup, possibly enticed by the promise of some delicious Christmas fare.

Again, this year Kerry & Wally Edwards generously offered to host the post-match presentations and festivities in the magnificent gardens of their home. Unlike the previous two years the golfing Gods had been kind to us and the temperature was a very mild, albeit a windy 27 degrees.

Everyone got into the spirit of the festive season, and some went all out in their effort to not only dress for the occasion but also go to great lengths to get their carts and buggies kitted out as well.

Roland optimistically had two Christmas sacks hanging from his cart and it was sad to report at the end of the day they remained empty. Roland is now questioning if Santa actually exists?

Outstanding efforts above.

Coops striking a classic pose eating a bacon and egg toasty went all out with some tinsel on his hat.

It was great to see Peter back after getting the all clear from his GP on Tuesday.

Also fantastic to see Vickie back to contest the Christmas Cup

SPOTS OF BOVVER

Only one reported by Gardy in relation to Goochy's round where he was travelling reasonably well with 18 points at the completion of 11 holes when something went horribly wrong and he notched up 4 wipes in a row. Why do we do this to ourselves, what a cruel game golf is at times.

Our Christmas lunch at the "Edwards Botanical Gardens" post match was spectacular and our thanks go out to all those that played a part in catering for the day. Shelly for the cheese and dips platters, Frances for the brioche rolls, sausage rolls, party pies and quiches, Kerry for the cakes, Keith and Carols grandson for the fruit platters, Earle for attending to the champagne and wine and Wally for our ice requirements and setting up. Personally, I woke up this morning 3 kilos heavier, although I did go on to another Christmas dinner later in the evening and overindulged there as well.

Yet another highlight of the afternoon was Wally's juke box, a birthday gift from Kerry, and  filled with his collection of 45's that got a few up dancing, while others simply enjoyed the nostalgia of listening to some classic hits.

It's a beautiful thing to behold.

Doris joined us as well as the day is fast approaching where she must return to the much cooler climate of Germany. Hopefully we will see her return in the not too distant future, and possibly swinging a golf club?

After we had all enjoyed our Christmas feast and Gerry's speech the novelties were read out with the following results.

NOVELTIES

Nearest in One on Hole 2 - Coops followed by Fran and won by Stephanie

Ladies longest drive on Hole 5 - Frances followed by Lynne

Nearest the hole in three on Hole 9 - Coops, followed by Keith and won by Mark H (in the hole for a bird)

Men's longest drive on Hole 12 - Gerry, followed by Karl, followed by Paul B and won by Gardy

The Golden Hole - Club

Longest putt on Hole 18 - Keith followed by Barry

THE RESULTS

First place with a great score of 39 points playing off a very low handicap - Popey

Second place with 37 points - Lynne

Third place with 36 points - Dave M

THE LOLLIES

As Andrea pointed out golf is a fickle game with great form one day and a shocker awaiting you the next, we've all been there. Albeit there was 365 days separating Gim's spectacular victory with 41 points last year, this year's result was rather disappointing, and with just 25 points Gim took home the lollies.

BIRDIES

Popey - Holes 13 & 15

Dave Millar - Hole 13

Frances - Hole 2

Paul B - Hole 11

Garry  - Holes 4, 10 & 17

Goochy - Hole 7

Mark H - Hole 9

Something went horribly wrong and Barry and Mark Hill neglected to register their rounds.

BEST DRESSED AWARD

It was a tough contest between Mr. Sartorial Elegance Roland and Lynne's. However, in the end the combined talents of Lynne and Lynley swayed the judge to award them the prize, what a great display.

THE SECRET SANTA

Always an integral part of the Christmas wind up and renowned for creating some controversy the Secret Santa gift giving did not disappoint again this year.  Carol was overjoyed to have selected the Monkey head cover and fondly cuddled it as she read out the draw for the gift getting.

However, lurking in the shadows of an umbrella a fella had his eyes on it, and when his number came up he was quick to swoop on it, prying it from Carol's firm grasp. There he sat with a sheepish grin desperately trying to hide it from the view of others yet to select their gift in the hope that no one would notice it or may had forgotten about it when it was just as quickly torn from his grasp by another gift getter keen for a new headcover. Someone quite famous once said "Such is Life" 

There was however one very happy and satisfied gift getter in Moon who was delighted to get a box full of fairy lights to add to her now expending collection.

As the day progressed the music got a little louder as Wally found he was out of range for Bluetooth on his mobile app for the Juke box and therefore not able to reject selections that were becoming a bit tiresome having been played repeatably. As many dispersed the usual suspects sort shelter from the sun and the chilly breeze that had swept in as English wicket continued to fall in the Third Ashes Test at Adelaide Oval.

Christmas in Australia, how good is that!!!

NEXT WEEK

It's the 4  Ball Best Ball round on the Old with a first group teeing off at 7.56. This will be our last round on the Old before returning to the Tuart for the New Years Cup and falling back into the routine of 2 on the Tuart followed by 2 on the Old going forward.

The format for next Saturday's round is teams of two where both players play their own ball and the best stableford score for the hole gets put on the team card (use a generic course card for the team

results). Everyone gets their own score card from the machine so they will also lodge a personal stableford round for their handicap purposes. 

Our Thanks again to the Edwards and all the volunteers that made yesterday memorable.

WISHING YOU ALL A MERRY CHRISTMAS 

I'll leave you with these to contemplate and look forward to a big field participating next Saturday.