The 2026 SOS Opening Day commenced with a group photo and newly re-elected President, Gerry Tessier, firing the first ball down the Tuart's first fairway. It was a stableford competition with the Easter Cup as the prize.
The conditions were perfect! It started warm, around 27°, and then scattered cloud cover cooled it down a bit!
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| And, the best dressed award goes to ~ ~ ~ Lynley & Lynne ! |
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| Slip, slop, slap ! |
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| Gary, Dave & Andrea |
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| Gary in his chariot & Dave |
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| Peter re-purposed his X-mas reindeer antlers to create creditable rabbit ears! Shelley perched an Easter Bunny on her hat! |
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| In a masterful display of distance control, Derek's 2nd shot on the par 4 hole 7 pulled up just short of the bunker. A 'chip and a putt putt' yeilded 3 points! |
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| Roland's tee shot on the 18th landed just past the pin and spun back 2 metres in line with the hole! It must have been very close to a 'hole in 1'. |
President's Address
Another group had commondeered the SOS indoor tables, so the post game meeting was held outdoors - and very pleasant it was!
As Easter Eggs were distributed to all in attendance, Gerry congratulated those with recent birthdays, including Lynley and Kerry on March 21 and 30 respectively, as well as Don and Colin on April 3rd and Paul B.
Gerry thanked all of those who attended the SOS 2026 Annual General Meeting held at Perry Lakes on 21 March, with special thanks to Frances, Birgit, Shelley and Keith for organising the food and drinks.
The President confirmed that, at the AGM, Shelley Yeo was awarded the title of Honorary Member for her significant contributions to SOS over many years. Congratulations Shelley.
Gerry confirmed that the fixture on 28 March was offficially cancelled due to the impending cyclonic conditions and Shelley and Roland did an excellent job in having the Pro Shop refund our money! There are now many in credit - see Shelley's list circulated in the last few days.
The AGM approved the appointment of the following committee nominees:
President : Gerry Tessier [R]
Captain : Roland Petrie
Vice Captain : Paul Gardner
Communications Officer : Derek Longhurst [R]
Treasurer : Peter Baird [R]
Bookings Officer : Shelley Yeo [R]
['R' : re-elected]
The essential duties of the entertainment committee was entrusted to Frances, assisted by Birgit and Keith.
Outgoing Captain, Andrea Williams, was praised by Gerry for providing 2 years of strong leadership in the position.
Gerry mentioned that today's guest, Tom Munson, is a potential new member.
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| President Gerry Tessier addresses members |
Results
There was 19 points separating first from last!
Congratulations to Gary Burgess who claimed the Easter Cup for 2026 with a very respectable score of 40 points!
Paul Cooper claimed 2nd place, 3 points back, with 37 points.
Andrea Williams was 3rd with 35 points.
Greg Bennett admitted to a woeful round and managed to win the bag of lollies with 21 points.
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| Gary Burgess accepts the Easter Cup from SOS Captain Roland Petrie. |
Eagles & Birdies
No Eagles !
Birdies scored by:
- Gary on 1st, 2nd & 11th
- Coops on 5th & 17th
- Roland on 18th
Gary Burgess off to the DP World Tour
On 24 April Gary will be travelling to Scotland to play in the Ping Scottish Open at St Andrews. After tackling the skittish links course on the Scottish east coast, Gary travels to London to play in the London Invitational Disabilities Open at the London Golf Club. Finally, its off to Wales for the DP World Tour G4D Open at the Celtic Manor course.
Gary's budget for this mission has been adversely impacted by the gulf war and he would be very grateful for any donations, including Wembley gift cards, to buy balls, gloves, caps etc.
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Novelties
Paul Gardner, newly elected Vice-Captain, announced the results of the Easter novelty holes:
Nearest to the Presidents coloured ball on the 1st fairway: Lynne then Peter, but won by Frances.
Golden Hole on hole 3 : worth $150 but not won since 18 October 2025 !
Ladies longest drive on hole 7 : Lynne
NTP on hole 18 : Roland
Mens longest drive on hole 10 : Gary
Golden Hole on hole 18 : pot was only $21 but Roland's near hole in one won the day!
Ash Tray Collection
Greg led the appeal for donations to the SOS Ash Tray fund, ably assisted by Boris and Shelley.
A total of $35.45 (and 10 euro cents) was raised for uncouth behaviour on the course, hitting trees, multiple strokes in a bunker and many other misdeeds!
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| Boris collects as Greg reads out the list of fines. |
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| Shellley collects from the other side of the tables. |
Raffle
Congratulations to whoever it was that won the raffle fist prize, a $10 Wembley gift card!
After the completion of the raffle draws, the remaining easter eggs were raffled off, much to the delight of those that won an extra egg or two!
Next Weeks Game
The competition is a Ambrose Paired teams.
This is a stroke game on the Old Course commencing at 8.44 am.
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| Why do we continue to do this? |
