MURRAY DOWNS MENS
CRUZ O’Sullivan has taken out the December monthly medal, which was held at Murray Downs last Saturday.
Sixteen-year-old O’Sullivan, only got his playing handicap of 41 in August and has claimed his first major win, with the much sort after monthly medal.
With a nett score of 68, he has qualified for the Medal of Medallists playoff, which will be held on Saturday July 5, 2025.
O’Sullivan only just got over the line, defeating Chris Knee (20), by way of the count-back system for the coveted medal.
Knee had to be settle for being the best in division three.
Runner-up in this division was Paul Raudino (20) and James Downing (21) both with nett 70s.
Division 2 was taken out by Brett Farlie (18) with nett 70, ahead of Ross Kenon (13) and Ross Hendy both at 73 nett and in division one, Gavan Taylor (10) was the best with nett 69, from Brenton Halligan (11) at nett 71 and Bobby Kelly with a nett 72.
Other players required at least a nett 74 to in the running for a ball, while with the nearest the pins, they went the way of Ben Smith on the second, Craig Mathieson on the fifth, Bob Burns on the 11th and Justin Thompson on the 15th.
Ross Hastings had a day out in last Thursday’s competition against par, by recording an excellent score of 6up, to be the best in division one, but only just by the skin of his teeth, from Mathew Quaife (5) and Luke Doolan (7) who both finished at 5 up.
Graham McLellan (14) got the nod in his favour for division two bragging rights with a score of 2 up, from Ian Read (17) with the same score and Michael May (17) from The National Golf Club at 1 up. Peter Roberts (24) came out on top in division3 with a score of 2 up, ahead of Greg Daniels (23) and Rick Austerberry (21) both at 1 up.
The ball run-down went to scores of 1 down and better, while with the NTPs, they went to Mathew Quaife, Darren Duckworth (Shepparton GC), Barry Lacey and Dale Smith on holes 2, 5, 11 & 15 respectively.
Sunday’s event competition was a 4BBB stableford event, with some brilliant scores being recorded.
The winners, Riley Daniels and Gene Brooks came in with an excellent score of 50 points, but they needed every one of them, to overcome the next two best pairs of Martyn Cooper and Beau Russell ( Barwon Valley GC) and Markus Pianura & Brad Cockfield who both finished with 49 points apiece.
Glenn Palmer on the fifth, Brad Cockfield on the 11th and John Pertzel on the 15th claimed the NTPs on offer.
Recently retired policeman, Andrew Downes (30) took out Tuesday’s stableford competition with 38 points, from Paul Raudino (18) with 37 points.
Other players required at least 33 points to get a ball, while with the NTPs, they went to Dale Smith on the second and Andrew Downes on the 11th.
On behalf of the Murray Downs Golf & Country Club, I wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Safe & Health 2025.
MURRAY DOWNS LADIES
FORTY seven women enjoyed benign conditions at MDG&CC on Wednesday and with both Christmas Day and New Year’s Day falling on Wednesdays, the next outing for the women will be the Monthly Medal on January 8.
Robyn Bett (25) posted the best score of the day with 3 up ahead of Rhonda Barrow (23) 1 up to win A grade. Robyn’s score included a four on the par 5 12th hole to empty the birdies nest.
B grade leaders were Jenice Krahnert (29) 2 up and Grange GC visitor Lynette Clunies-Ross (28) 1 up.
Maryann Mathiske (37) also scored 1 up to lead the ball pool ahead of Maralyn Morrison, Mandy Amezdroz and Carolyn Zambelli all square.
Paula Pickert, Lynne Bishop, Carol Wiseman and Sally Fearn were the recipients of the nearest the pin prizes.
Hot weather deterred a few players on Saturday. Tamika Hogan (27) 36 points won on a count back from Barb Clark (29)
Kristy Gordon and Dione Heppell won ntp prizes.
Joan Foster scored 19 points to win Friday’s Golden Girls.
MURRAY DOWNS DADS ARMY
On Monday, December 16, no golf was played owing to the course being closed due to the extreme heat.
On Wednesday, December 18, members played the Front Nine, with the best scores being recorded by two members with 19 points, Kevin Maddy & Barry Ingram, followed by Barry Bishop on 18 points, Gavin Scown on 17 points, Ian Dickson & Robert Smith on 16 points and Ross Cox on 15 points.
VETERANS GOLF
A GREAT day at Tooleybuc on Tuesday for the 46 veteran golfers who competed in the annual Xmas 4 ball event.
Thanks to John, Trakka and staff for your support and hospitality.
Thanks also to Andrew Peace Wines, Marg and Graeme, Ruth, Lorraine and Fred for your donations.
The ladies A Grade winner were Mandy Male and Jean Youl with 43 points while runners up were Ruth McAlister and Jenice Krahnert with 37 points.
Ladies B Grade winners were Nola Robinson and Geraldine Kennedy with 45 points and runners up were Marg Learmonth and Lorraine Bray ( better golfers than their husbands!) with 43 points.
Men’s A Grade winner were Ian Gammon and Ray Power with 43 points and runners up were Jack Hewitt and Graham Brearley with 42 points.
Men’s B Grade winners were Joe Higgins and Gordon Parsons with 40 points while runners up were Kevin Lane and Kevin Chase with 39 points.
Ball Pool: Lorna Stuchbree, Lorraine Howard 42, Rick Austerbury and Robert Male 41, Ian Dodd and Mark O’Shea 41, John Manser and Dennis Pretty 41.
NTPs: Mandy Male,Jean Youl, Marg Moore, Geraldine Kennedy, Rick Austerbury, Graham Wyte, Dennis Pretty and Joe Higgins.
The pen awards went to Eileen Willox and Di Atkin, Graham Bray and Graeme Learmonth.
The next veteran’s event is at Barham on February 11, 2025, 8.30am for 9am start.
Merry Xmas and Happy and safe New Year to all.
Remember we are here for a good time not a long time.
