THE PRESIDENTS CUP

The sun had barely risen as a diminished but hardened crew of SOS golfers slowly assembled, all a little dazed and confused by the early tee time of 6.52. What dedication. The previous week Gerry had gone to great lengths to explain that he had nothing to do with the tee time - it is determined by the Gods!

Among the absentees was Pug Dog who had traveled to Sydney for the Mardi Gras, apparently!

The early start did prevent any loss of "dinner to the dog"  resulting from a late return home from golf.

Speaking of which does anyone have an Old Dog with this problem?

Andrea was desperately trying to find a spot in the sun to warm up 

and shortly thereafter Keith arrived from warming up on the range.

After much consternation the field accepted their lot and the first group teed off into the glaring light led by Shelly, Andrea and Mark W.

Mark W teeing up after first reciting the "Lords Prayer"

At this point mention must be made of miracles and the power of prayer - Stephanie was on time, for for the first time ever - no reshuffling of the field required by Andrea.  Halleluiah.

Because of the excessively early tee time and the Zombie like condition of most of the field there were quite a few "Spots of Bover".

Either Gardi, Hilly or Earle's ball? 

Whoever was playing with a yellow ball will know.

Again either Gardi, Hilly or Earle's ball? 

Earle heading into trouble, apparently

Hilly with a beastly lie on the edge of the bunker. 

(This goes some way to summing up Hilly's round and his fate that lay ahead)

Our guest Wayne, who miraculously played his second shot from out of these grass trees

on the 13th and managed to walk off with a bogey. 

Also on the 13th Popey had is buggy highjacked and was again ambushed on the ride between the 13th green and 14 tee. 

Does anyone recognise this bottom?

So we come to the results.

Novelties

Hole 1 - Longest Drive (all) - Stephanie 

Hole 3 - The Golden Hole - Club

Hole 10 - NTP - Paul B

Hole 11 - NTP in 3 - Karl

Hole 12 - NTP - Club

Hoe 18 - NTP - Earle

Birdies

Hole 18 - Gardi

Hole 14 - Andrea

Holes - 9, 15 & 18 - Paul B (Mr, Greedy)

Hole 18 - Earle

The Scores

The Winners

Karl (on a count back from)

Earle (who took the loss graciously but gave me a clip behind the ear as he departed for home)

Mark W (a valiant attempt to defend his Cup win from last year)

Mark had to leave earlier and couldn't join the podium

The Lollies

Hilly (commiserations but enjoy the fruits of your loss)

Birthdays

Happy Birthday Andrew

A few snapshots at the after's

Andrea reading the results

Shelly balancing the books

Gardi surprised by something Keith or Barry have said

Wildlife Threatened

There was a near tragedy on the course today when Carol's drive was a little wayward and hit a white cockatoo on the head, knocking it unconscious. Needless to say Carol was mortified. Initially everyone thought the bird was dead with one saying, at best it will never fly again. Meanwhile all the other birds in the flock had gathered around it to pay their last respects, when suddenly like Lazarus, it rose from the dead, and flew off much to the relief of all.

Next week it is a stableford format with a slightly more agreeable tee off time of 7.24 and this will be followed later in the day with the SOS Annual Dinner and Presentation Night at "Lot Six Zero". 

I'll leave you with this photograph supplied by Shelly showing that even Christmas is not exempt from severe commercialisation. Triple Brie will be off the Christmas menu this year.