A PAIR of travelling golfers from Albury’s Commercial Golf Club claimed Ladies Golden Putter honours at Murray Downs Golf & Country Club last week in a competitive tournament.
Vicki Kirby and Stephanie Stephenson were crowned victorious last Thursday afternoon, on their second attempt at the tournament after attending last year’s event.
The duo pipped local pair Carolyn Zambelli and Jan Butcher by two points, the winners on 11 points and the runners-up on nine.
More than 120 players took to the greens for both the golden and silver putter competitions.
The winning pair expressed their enjoyment in the tournament, describing it as “a real privilege” to take part in.
“We’re both really grateful to have the opportunity to come back out to Murray Downs,” Ms Kirby said.
“It’s such a beautiful course, and we had great playing partners.
“The staff here are always fantastic, the meals are incredible and the food we have been provided was very nice.
“It’s a good all-round destination for us to come up, especially for this event.”
Ms Stephenson said her and her playing partner had made the most of their trip to the Swan Hill region.
“There’s actually a big advertising campaign back in Albury at the moment that’s showing off the Swan Hill region,” she said.
“But we were already planning on coming up for the tournament, it’s such a lovely area.
“It’s good to be around all the other women who are playing, especially with it being over the two days.
“We get a chance to check out the area and have fun, check out some of the shops around town.”
Murray Downs ladies golf captain Pam Austerberry said both the golden and silver putters drew a lot of travelling competitors to town.
“We do see a lot of travelling golfers take part,” she said.
“Last year we had a pair from Gisborne who won both the silver and the golden putter, which was fantastic.
“Some of these people have been travelling up to the tournament for years now, and they always say they absolutely love the tournament.
“Everyone seems to have a lovely time when they come here – they truly rave about the area, and they absolutely love our golf course.”
Austberry said while she and her team organise some of the tournament’s features, the club’s pro shop should be commended for their efforts.
“The pro shop are wonderful, they take all the bookings for us,” she said.
“We arrange the meals, we make sure all the numbers are correct and have all those extra things are all in place.”
In the silver putter, local pair Robyn Bett and Julie Overall took home the victory with 49 points, over runners-up and sisters-in-law Melita Sartori and Belinda Gardner, who scored 45.
