It has been a busy week at the Millicent Golf Club.
The Finals of the Women’s Championships concluded on Wednesday, then on Thursday 21 Men played a Stableford Competition.
The Nine hole Competition was on the front nine and it was Jamie Allen with 20 points, the winner over Phil Hunter and Graham Sunderland both with 19 points, Phil winning the countback for second place.
After 18 holes, Mick Pedler was the outright winner, compiling a magnificent 40 points. Andy Varcoe and Phil Hunter were one point behind Mick, and after the countback, Andy was declared the Runner up.
Nearest to the Pin on the 5th Hole was Vyv Bennison.
Saturday
On Saturday, Millicent welcomed visitors from Blackwood and Loxton Golf Clubs, who joined the Stableford Competition, as a ‘warm up’ for the Tri Challenge the next day.
The AFL Grand Final certainly had an affect on numbers, however some good scores were returned. In the A Grade, all the locals featured in the winners circle, with Phil Hunter continuing his good form from Thursday to take the honours with 36 points, one better than Terry Chant on 35 points and Andy Varcoe coming in third with 33 points.
Jim Hyland returned the best score for the B Grade with 35 points, followed by David Seymour and Blackwood visitor, Graham Lough both on 34 points, David winning the countback for second place.
Only visitors competed in the Ladies Competition, with Blackwood’s Carolyn Bradbrook having the best score of the day with 37 points to win over Loxton’s Jenny Patching with 34 points.
Nearest to Pin – 3rd – Bruce Anderson – Blackwood
Nearest to Pin – 5th – Phil Thrussell – Millicent
Nearest to Pin – 13th – Phil Hunter – Millicent
Nearest to Pin – 17th – Terry Chant – Millicent
Nearest to Pin – 2nd Shot to 18th – A Grade – Pat Contin, visiting his home town
Nearest to Pin – 2nd Shot to 9th – B Grade – Trevor Atkinson – Millicent
Sunday
62 players, visitors from Blackwood and Loxton and the local members converged on the Millicent Golf Course to compete for the third and final round of the Tri Challenge.
After scores were tallied after the first two rounds at Blackwood and Loxton Golf Clubs respectively, Loxton took the lead over Blackwood, with Millicent in third place, so it was a big ask for Millicent to make up the deficit on their home course going in to the third and final round.
Millicent’s team of 7 men and 3 ladies finished the day with a combined score of 342 points, Blackwood came in second with 302 points and Loxton were third with 295 points, however, after all three rounds were tallied, Loxton were declared winners of the Tri Challenge for 2018 with a total of 983 points, nine points better than Blackwood and Millicent a further 40 points behind. This was the first time Loxton had won the event under the current format.
Millicent’s team leader was Brian Thomson, who had the best score of the day with a magnificent 42 points. Other Team members were Vyv Bennison who scored 38, Ron Hateley 37, Martin Cameron 36, Chris Bailey, Michael McRostie and Greg Cook all on 35, Mary Winser 33, Mardi Sunderland 27 and Kirsty Bailey 24.
Best Scores from each Club for the Men were Graham Lough, Blackwood, Steve Patching Loxton and Brian Thomson of Millicent, who was awarded the Derek Clifford Tray
Best Scores from each Club for the Ladies were Val Lough, Blackwood, Di Harman Loxton and Mary Winser of Millicent, who was awarded the Doug and Gwenda Wade Tray.
The Mount Lawley Bowl which is competed for by Blackwood and Millicent Men, taking the best seven scores was won by Millicent with 258 points to Blackwood’s 215 points.
The Millicent Salver which is competed for by Blackwood and Millicent Ladies, taking the best 5 scores was won by Millicent with 124 points to Blackwood’s 117 points.
The Kevin and Margaret Young Salver which is competed for by Loxton and Millicent, taking the best 4 men and 3 ladies scores was won by Millicent with 237 points to Loxton’s 216 points.
Nearest to Pin for the Men was Ian Greenwood on the 5th and Greg Cook on the 17th.
Mardi Sunderland won the Nearest to Pin on the 3rd hole for the Ladies. The 13th Green was not hit, so a draw was done and this was won by Di Harman of Loxton.
Birdies were achieved by Ian Greenwood, Greg Cook, Trevor Atkinson, Brian Thomson and Naracoorte visitor Trevor Smith.
After the completion of play, a delicious three course meal was prepared and served by Wendy Thomson, Kristy Ryan, Glenis Skeer and Tracie Duldig and assisted by Mick Pedler who carved the meat with precision.
Prior to the presentation of Trophies, the Presidents of both Blackwood and Loxton Golf Clubs addressed those in attendance and complimented the magnificent work done by the Millicent Golf Club volunteers to present the course in such excellent condition.
It was 50 Years this year since Blackwood and Millicent first commenced the competition between the two clubs. To commemorate this, and to acknowledge those members who all started this 50 years ago, a Birthday Cake was cut by Colin Wade from Blackwood, whose parents,the late Doug and Gwenda Wade were among the original participants, along with fellow Blackwood golfers Dale and Margo Wilson, Graeme and Joy Ding and the Late Millicent Members, Jim and Lois Watts and Tom and Jean Ward. It has been an amazing concept and it was a pleasure to welcome Loxton to the event 27 years ago.
Next Saturday, the Men will play a Stroke round for the Monthly Medal, while there will be a Stableford Competition for the Ladies.
On Sunday 14th October, the OP Williams Mixed Pinehurst Foursomes will be conducted. To make this a great social event, we ask a that all members participate. You can arrange your own partner, or if you would like to be paired up with someone, please place your name on the sheet at the Clubhouse or phone the Club to be included. It should be a great day and Afternoon Tea will be served at the conclusion of play.
L-R Tri Challenge – Best Score Men – Graham Lough (Blackwood), Brian Thomson (Millicent), Steve Patching (Loxton)
L-R – Tri Challenge – Best Score Ladies – Val Lough (Blackwood), Mary Winser (Millicent), Di Harman (Loxton)
