MATCH PLAY FINALS

Match Play finals! and Stableford for the ‘also rans’. 

Bear in mind, they weren’t just playing for the trophy today - their backers were calculating their potential winnings on the front runners.

Those fanciful bids on the Gala Auction night back in July now turn into serious stakes on numbers one, two and three.

Interestingly, our two finalists were purchased relatively cheaply, with Shelley acquired for only $120 by Birgit, and Colin an absolute bargain by a consortium of Steph and Bernie.

Whose shoes? Looking much better after a spell in the washing machine

By now, the bids paid out on those who’ve already been eliminated have been consolidated into today’s very significant sums.

The whole family parked on the 18th tee

But all that later. What about the golf?

Coops contemplates what was probably the worst shot of his entire career

 

Not the greatest day from a weather point of view. Gusty winds, which made it a bit tricky off the tee and on the greens, and the odd shower of spring rain, followed by spells of bright sunshine. The sweaters were yo-yoing on and off most of the day, and the umbrellas blowing in and out, as they do.

As a result, there were some pretty poor Stableford scores, although one player managed to overcome all the limitations of the weather and post an excellent 38 points.

Kristian admiring his tee shot from #5 that reached the white tees of #6

There were the usual, and some less usual novelties:

The Golden Hole remains unclaimed for another week.

Nearest on the 18^th had only one name - the ever-present Coops.

Nearest in 3 on the 7^th went to Roland, without any challenges.

Don't worry - I can par it from there (he didn't!)

The longest putt on the 12^th was securely in Linley’s grip, until Brownie in the last group sunk a monster from the edge of the green.

In lieu of a photo competition this week - here's a caption challenge. Funniest, wittiest or downright outrageous. Entries to Derek by Friday. 

Now, back to the novelties.

Nearest to the 100m mark on the 16^th saw Roland in contention, but Lynne ended up almost on the marker itself.

And nearest the stick on the 1^st, a novelty that really seems to be within anyone and everyone’s reach, goes this week to Greg (who’s now won it twice in the last three weeks!)

The fourth iteration of the March Play decider, from a distance

After the game, Brownie was severely excoriated for having hit up on Birgit multiple times. He claims that it was purely accidental - she just kept getting in the way.

Fines were also levied, in absentia, to Steph and Birnie for failing to turn up to support their nag in the Match Play final. Colin said he felt singularly unloved as a result.

Another distant peek at the eighteenth

The final was tightly fought, going to 22 holes with four attempts on the 18^th to finally determine the winner - congratulations to Shelley, and commiserations to Colin - who fought bravely to the end.

Competitive to the end

In the match to determine third place, Keith prevailed, I up, against Gary - another tightly fought contest.

The raffle was won by Birgit, who not only picked up an extra minor prize, but also cashed in on Shelley’s win - a big day out is envisaged for Birgit and Gerry pretty soon (I assume the winnings will be shared?)

That's my girl!

The Stableford competition featured a slightly interesting result, with the table bookended by the Longhursts - two exceptional scores, one excellent, one less so.

 

 

Next week, there won’t be a Saturday game - on Sunday we’ll be playing for the Country Cup at Pinjarra. Be there by 10:30, and wear your club shirts.