THE MEMORIAL CUP ROUND

 

This Saturday saw the playing for The Memorial Cup, one of the most significant events on the Club's fixture. 

The Memorial Cup is in recognition of members that have passed and is one of our oldest events. The original trophy was established in 1987 and called the "John Munt Memorial Trophy" in honour of a very popular member, and the first to be honoured in this way. Over time we lost a few more members and it was considered they also needed to be recognised and after due consideration John's name was deleted from the title (thanks to Greg for provided the historical content).

Conditions on the day were perfect and the forecasted rain held off until after the completion of play. The field was modest with just 15 players. However the results on the day proved very memorable and the round was played in good spirits as was the banter at the post match presentations.

Following are some pre -game photos.

A very contented Coops devouring yet another bacon and egg toasty, now that we are finally back to early tee offs.

Faye braced for a good days golf, hopefully.

The Two Lynne's deep in study of their mobiles.

Popey dealing with mobile issues.

The pre-match huddle

SPOTS OF BOVVER

We had a few this week featuring Faye, Coops, and Earle, all of who went on to post very respectable scores despite their rotten luck.

Faye on her knees extracting her ball from an unplayable position

Faye again on the same hole (11th?) with another awkward shot. Lightning does strike twice, well at least in golf.

Earle's attempt to take out a few cars travelling along Empire Ave on the 11th. Potential here for a new fine?

Earle again on the 9th in a spot of bovver.

Coops in an awkward position that resulted in a hefty fine when penalties were called out for swearing.

The exit shot!!!

THE RESULTS

What a crazy days golf. Firstly it seems we have a new member, Michael Giddings!!! Secondly

perhaps for the first time or a very long time we had players returning scores better or equal to their handicaps failing to take a place on the podium and lastly and most tragically, a not that shabby score of 28 taking out the lollies!!

THE WINNERS

First place with a great score of 40 point but even better than that a score off the stick that equaled his age ( a very rare occurrence in golf)  Dave Millar.

Second place also with a great score Shelley.

Third Place on count back Dave Williamson.

Where's Shelley?

The trophy is in two pieces already!!

THE LOLLIES

Yours truly took out the lollies and still managed a smile

BIRDIES

Lynley on the 17th

Popey on the 15th

Peter on the 12th

THE NOVELTIES

Golden Hole # 3 - Club

Longest Putt # 4 - Dave Millar

Nearest the first bunker Hole #10 - Keith, followed by Karl followed by Shelley

Nearest in two Hole # 12 - Dave W followed by Peter (in the hole for a birdie)

Nearest the stick (what a great prize) Hole # 14 - Faye followed by Karl

Nearest the pin Hole # 18 - Keith

THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE

Nothin because we had too small a field to warrant it.

FEATURED ARTICLE

This is a new segment in the blog.

This weekend the Western Australia Open was played at Secret Harbour GC and featured our very own Gary Burgess representing our club in the All Abilities section of the tournament. 

                               

Our captain, Roland was absent from our event because he was caddying for Gary and also acting as our on course reporting at the Open for the day. I think we have a budding new blogger here. Following is Roland's report of Gary's performance.

LIVE FROM SECRET HARBOUR — THE ROVING REPORTER’S CALL

“Roland on the Roving Mic”

Opening Call

“Good morning, good afternoon, good evening — wherever you’re tuning in from around Australia or across the globe! This is your roving sports reporter, Roland, coming to you live from Secret Harbour Golf Club in Western Australia.”

“And folks… what a weekend it’s been. I’ve had the absolute pleasure of caddying for one of SOS Golf Club’s most astute, most respected, and most popular players — a man who needs no introduction in the All Abilities golf community — Australian PGA member Gary Burgess. He’s played all over the country, represented Australia overseas, and yes, even walked the hallowed turf of St Andrews, the Home of Golf.”

DAY ONE — SATURDAY: THE EARLY STARTER

7:00am Tee Time

“Barely enough time to grab a coffee and a couple of supplies — and we were off! The weather? Brisk. A few drops of early rain. But nothing Gary hasn’t seen before.”

Opening Holes

“Drives were a touch cautious in the breeze, but the start was steady — just three over through the first four holes.”

“And then… the par‑3 fifth. Gary steps up, smooth swing, pure strike — and bang! A beauty off the tee, setting up the first birdie of the day.”

“Front nine wrapped up with a very tidy 41, just six over par. A strong start.”

THE BACK NINE — WHERE THINGS GOT INTERESTING

Holes 10 & 11

“Two solid pars — calm, controlled, professional.”

Holes 12, 13, 14 — The Bunker Trilogy

“And then… ladies and gentlemen… the wheels got a little wobbly.”

“A couple of wayward shots found those notorious Secret Harbour pot bunkers — the ones that look innocent until you’re standing in them. Across three holes, Gary dropped eight shots. Tough stretch. Character‑testing stuff.”

Hole 15

“But he steadied the ship beautifully — a well‑earned par.”

Hole 16

“More bunker trouble. A hard‑fought 8 on the par‑5.”

Finish

“Bogeys on the last two holes, closing the back nine with a 49.”

Day One Total

“90 shots, placing Gary 7th for the day. And honestly — without those bunker‑heavy holes — who knows what might’ve been? But that’s golf. And as we say… there’s always tomorrow.”

DAY TWO — SUNDAY: THE EARLY BIRD ROUND

6:39am Tee Time

“Even earlier today — but no hold‑ups on the freeway, thank goodness.”

“The wind? Swirling. The showers? Light but cheeky. But the vibe? Electric.”

Driver On Song

“Gary’s driver today was dialled in. Only missed a couple of fairways all day. The man was striping it.”

The Putting Story

“But the greens… oh the greens. Overnight rain and blustery gusts made putting a nightmare. Putts lipping out, stopping short, sliding past — and not just for Gary. It was a universal golfer’s tragedy.”

Par‑5 Masterclass

“Despite the putting woes, Gary absolutely dominated the par‑5s:

• Bogey
• Par
• Par
• Birdie — and that birdie was inches from an eagle!”

“On the 515‑metre 11th, he hit two magnificent shots, finishing just metres from the hole. The eagle putt came up just short — but what a moment.”

Front Nine

“Despite the great driving and iron play, the putter held him back — finishing with a 50.”

Back Nine Bounce‑Back

“And then the sun came out — literally and figuratively.”

“With improved conditions and renewed confidence, Gary delivered:

• 1 Birdie
• 4 Pars
• 2 bogeys
• 2 doubles For a very respectable 41 on the back nine.”

Day Two Total

“90 and 91 shots (181), finishing tied 7th for the tournament. A gritty, determined performance across two tough days.”

THE CADDY’S VIEW — ROLAND’S SIGN‑OFF

“Caddying for Gary was an absolute pleasure. You see the game differently when you’re carrying the bag — the strategy, the shot‑selection, the course management… and yes, the art of raking bunkers properly for tournament conditions!”

“Thank you, Gary. Looking forward to caddying again sometime.”

“This is Roland, your roving sports reporter, signing off from Secret Harbour Golf Club, Western Australia.”

ANNOUNCEMENT

Firstly and most importantly the highlight of our Club's social calendar, the Gala Dinner & Presentation Night is fast approaching on Saturday 28 November. Please refer to the magnificent flyer prepared by the social committee that provides all the details you need to know.

Please confirm your attendance no later than 30 October because we need confirm with our supplier.

A big thank you to Frances our social events manager, and should anyone have any special dietary requirement please let Frances know.

NEXT SATURDAY - ROUND 1 OF THE SOS CUP

Another early tee time of 7.40, so early to bed. Round 1 will be played on the Old and Round 2 on the Tuart. The current title holder is Frances.

My thanks to Frances, Gerry, Greg, Roland, Faye, Goochy, Glen and Keith for their contributions

SOS 2026 BENKERR CUP FINAL

The battle for the 2026 Benkerr Cup, fought over 3 and 10 October, proved to be a cliffhanger with the combined result a difference of just 0.62 points.

The weather forecast promised many showers! However, while rain fell both before and after the competition, blue skies and little wind prevailed during play! Spring at its best!

 The winners for the Best Represented Country went to Lynne & Lynley seen below in their impressively draped cart!

Lynley & Lynne's cart bedecked with all things Aussie Aussie Aussie !

Shelley, sandwitched between 'ROW's' Peter and Gerry

Greg Ben'kerr'nett and Faye Millar proudly
 representing the Aussie contingent!

Andrea, Roland & Barry recite Coops'
 pep talk message before commencement of battle!

 Gooch being sledged before the game
 by Birgit, Roland & Barry - on instructions by ROW's Captain, Coops!

A smart cart!
Guess the owner

There is no doubt which team Gerry and Birgit represent!

There is a lot of experience in this ROW group!

Greg with Shelley, showing
off her Aussie golf shirt!

Paul B, Dave M & Karl ready to roll.

Coops quietly recites his pep talk before striking the ball

 

SOS President's News

Anniversary celebrations to Earle who has marked his 74th birthday on Sunday, 11 October!

Next Week members will contest the Memorial Cup which will be played on the Tuart Course, commencing at 7.40am! It will be a stableford competition.

The SOS 2026 Gala Dinner is being held on Saturday, 28 November. The venue is being kindly provided by the Popes' at the Innaloo Lot Six Zero Eatery. If you (& partner / guest) wish to attend, please contact Paul Gardner or Shelley which will allow SOS to get an idea of numbers.  Further details will be provided later.

The Benkerr Cup Results

 And the winner is . . . . . . R O W . . . . . . by 0.62 strokes, the narrowest of margins!

The Australian team, after winning Round 1 by a margin of 1.62 strokes, were outclassed by a resurgent ROW team which scored a margin of 2.24 strokes in Round 2.

ROW's Captain Coops, supported by Roland & Gerry,
grasps the Benkerr Cup and celebrate the close win,
 while Greg and the Aussie team ponder a missed opportunity! 

While the winning margin of 0.62 strokes was narrow, the ROW teams was assisted by 3 factors:

(i) a mesmeric digital pep talk sent by ROW Captain Paul 'Coops' Cooper to his team on the eve of the final round,

(ii) the results of Round 2 included top scores to 3 ROW contestants who took out 1st, 2nd & 3rd places; with the top 11 places taken by 9 ROW'ers, and

(iii) the absence of Colin Kerr (the kerr in the Benkerr Cup) who is recovering from a dodgy knee injury. Colin's scores are usually high and may have made a difference had he been able to play! Get well soon Colin.

Individual Scores for 10 October

Eagles & Birdies

Despite the excellent conditions, there were no Eagles and only 4 birdies recorded:

Gim on hole 3

Barry on hole 7

Karl on hole 17, and

Faye on hole 18

Novelties

The Golden Hole was valued at a measley $40 and unclaimed.

Hole 6 - nearest to pin in 1  -  Lynne Malone

Hole 9 - Ladies longest drive  -  Birgit, outdriven by Faye, bettered by Maureen

Hole 11 - nearest to pin in 3  -  Paul B, bettered by Karl, beaten by Greg

Hole 15 - Men's longest drive  -  Paul B

Hole 18 - nearest to pin in 1  -  Karl , but Goochy closer and Maureen closest!

The Ash Tray Collection

The Australian team provided the fines caller and collectors and all players were back to an equal footing as a total of $25.60 was raised for falling foul of the SOS fines listing.

Glen collects Ash Tray donations from Gim for
 one of her several transgressions!

The Raffle Draw

Glen won the 1st prize in the raffle draw receiving a $10 Wembley Gift Card. 

A total of 69 numbered tokens were in the barrel.

1st prize in the raffle draw is won by Glen!

 . . . . . . . and a few thoughts to sharpen up your game . . . . . . 

A video from Karl that may or may not load 😆

Many thanks to several contributors, particularly Gerry for the 'Benkerr' picture at the top of the blog and all cartoons! Blog fodder also gratefully received from Karl, Andrea, Faye & Shelley.

And apologies for the late blog release caused by a combination of watching some of the Bathurst 1000 race on Sunday (during the last 3 laps the top 4 cars were only separated by 1.7 seconds after completing 154 of the 157 laps - with the leader running out of fuel on the last lap😝), technical issues transferring pics from my iPhone to my Gmail account; also making many attempts to drag Karl's video into the blog with uncertain results).😖 

End

💨

THE BENKERR CUP - ROUND 1 (THE OLD)

 

Last week we saw the playing of The Presidents Cup at Medinah CC at Illinois, USA and this week we commenced the main attraction, The Benkeer Cup named in honour of the Club's two longstanding members, Greg Bennett and Colin Kerr. The tournament is played over two weekends, round 1 on The Old and round 2 on The Tuart. Unfortunately Colin couldn't play because he has injured his knee.

Conditions could not have been better with a light breeze, maximum temperature of 21 degrees, not a cloud in the sky and a good field of 24 players - 13 representing the Rest of the World (ROW) and 11 representing Australia (Aus).

The lengths each player went to display their allegiance varied greatly with zero effort by some to extreme patriotic displays by others as illustrated in the following pre-match photos.

Excellent effort by Lynne, Lynley and Shelly representing Australia and Birgit representing the EU (specifically Germany)

Great cart work as usual by Lynne and Lynley

Lynne and Lynley went to great lengths to show their allegiance, right down to their socks 

Shelly had the perfect head gear for our extreme UV and her LIV Golf Ripper GC shirt, the same shirt she was wearing when she was hurling cups of beer at the players on the Watering 12th Hole at The Grange course last year.

Earle and Barry made no effort at all

Coops was colour coordinated in his Africa shirt and just happened to also be woofing off a bacon and egg toasty. - how unusual? 

Nice contrast in this photo, minimal to no effort in the left side pairing, Goochy went all out down to his Jesus sandals and Garry sporting a tartan cap.

SPOTS OF BOVVER

Faye and Roland (who had a shocking day out) seemed to come off worst than the rest of the field as illustrated in the following photos.

Faye with no backswing.

Faye again in an impossible position.

Roland gesticulating about something (possibly why me God). Thankfully we have no audio.

Steph & Birgit KO'd by a wayward drive from Thom 

Steph in the woods on the 12th with what appears top be a tent, or is that an umbrella or just an optical illusion?

Prior to the presentation Gerry announced members birthdays for which there was only one and that was Earle 

THE RESULTS

THE WINNERS

The individual Stapleford winners for the day were Coops (ROW) with a very impressive 40 points followed by Gary (ROW) in second  and on count back Greg (Aus) both on 36 points.

THE LOLLIES

The lollies went to out Captain Roland on 21 points

BIRDIES

Hole 16 - Coops and Goochy

Hole 11 - Gary

Hole1 - James

Hole 3 - James

THE OVERALL STANDING AT THE COMPLETION OF ROUND 1

The stableford score for each team is taken by adding up the sum of scores and dividing it by the number of players in each team leaving us with Australia on 30.54 and ROW on 28.92 points.

NOVELTIES

There was a lot of confusion involved in putting out the novelties so following is the best interpretation of what happened.

Silver Hole #2 - Club

Longest Putt #9 - Earle (his birthday present)

Nearest in 3, originally meant to be Hole #10 but ended up Hole #14 - Keith

Nearest the Bunker, originally meant to be Hole #14 but ended up being Hole #17 - Faye

Nearest the stick on Hole #15 - Popey followed by Lynley

Golden Hole #16 - Club

THE WHEEL OF FURTUNE

We had a great response with all numbers sold and demand for still more. Frst number out winning a $10 voucher was Lucky Dave Millar.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

The Clubs social highlight of the year "The Gala Dinner" will once again be held, through the generosity of the Popes, at Lot Six Zero on Saturday 28 November. Details to follow.

Next week its Round 2 of The Benkerr Cup to be played on the Tuart with a tee off time of 8.20. last years winners were ROW so lets see if Aus can retain their lead and take it out this year.