Grafton District Golf Club Putt's 'n' Pars, 2026 Ledonne Pro Am & Girls Chatter
Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club
For the regular men’s Saturday golfers, last Saturday was the final opportunity for those golfers to tune their game up for the 2026 Club and Grade Championships, which are to commence this coming weekend.
The event last Saturday was the Clarence Valley Rural Supplies 4BBB Stableford, with a field of 104 starters taking part. With a score of 49 points the pairing of Dwayne Doyle (12) and Stephen Hall (19) claimed victory with Dwayne being the standout player of that combination contributing 32 to the team score, featuring on 12 of their 18 holes, Stephen’s contribution highlighted with 5, 3-point holes and a single 2- point hole, a strong effort by both players. Runners-up t the leaders was the pairing of Aiden Langford (6) and Graeme Smith (20) who accumulated a total score of 47 for their 18 holes. Aiden was on the car for 6 holes with Graeme contributing the score on the remaining 12 holes. The remaining trophy winners for the 2nd runners-up prize was awarded to the combination of Bill Dudgeon (14) and Clive Taylor (14) who put together a total score of 54 on a countback from Jason Casserly (11) and Brody Robertson (20). Long time member of Grafton Golf Club, Tony Daly (18) was the star on the 1st claiming the Pro pin, his effort finishing 177cm from the pin. The remaining nearest the pin awards went to Simon Loadsman on the 6th, Paul Harvison (6) the 10th and Peter Rouse (11) the 17th. Pro balls went down to those on 42.
Weekday Competitions
The field in Tuesday’s competition was down slightly with 86 starters. On top of the leader board was Dean Hayes (20) with 45 points from Billy Heath (24) with 42. The 2nd runner-up spot went to Derek Latimer (16) with 41. The nearest the pin prizes went to Brad Mostyn (8) on the 6th with Jack Hyland (37) claiming the 10th. There were 30 pro balls distributed going down to 33 on a countback.
On Thursday there were 54 starters from which Tony King (32) was the leader of the pack with 42 points 3 clear of his nearest rivals Dean Gray (24) from Maclean Golf Club and Athol Green (19) both with 39. The nearest the pin awards went to Nigel deVoogd (10) on the 1st, Paul Harvison (6) the 6th, Sebastian Cox (Scratch) the 10th and Michael Johnson (16) from Woolgoolga the 17th. Pro balls went down to 31 on a countback.
Club & Grade Championships
As mentioned earlier the 2026 72-hole Club and grade championships are to commence this coming weekend, with the first two rounds scheduled this Saturday and Sunday. Apart from the Club Champions the Grade Championships include “A” reserve, B & C grade. The various Championships will be decided on a gross basis and this year for the first time there will be a trophy for the handicap nett winner in all grades. The field for the Club Championships is possibly one of the strongest ever with several high-class players in with a chance. However, first they will have to get over the defending Champion, Tony Blackadder, who in the 2025 series was a dominate winner with a score of 292 for the 72 holes, 14 hots clear of his nearest rival Matt McKee on 306. However, it would be a brave person to bet against McKee succeeding in this years title hunt, having presently won the title multiple times. Anoth previous winner and runner-up on several occasions is Greg Harvison, a great tactician around any golf course and cannot be discounted. Of the younger brigade, Sebastian Cox is a serious contender who plays of scratch, and who displays great maturity whenever on the course and must be considered a strong chance. Should he be able to play all four rounds another very strong contender must include Jake Frame who regular players of a handicap of plus 3 and will be hard to beat on any day. Another scratch golfer who regularly appears on the to of club competition leader board is Mick Craw who cannot be discounted on the title chase, his consistency a real bonus on any day.
Defending the various Grade Champions include Mark Hackett in “A” Reserve, Andrew Sear in “b” Grade and Nigel deVoogd in “c” grade, should they remain in those grades. All players in the series are reminded that in the fourth and final rounds the top contenders in all grades will be subject to a seeded draw, which will be determined at the conclusion of round three. The opening round this Saturday is being sponsored by Craig Woods Plumbing with Sunday’s second round sponsored by the Golf Club. The third and fourth rounds sponsored by McKimms Real Estate and the Golf Club respectively. The overall series being support by Harvison Bu9ilding and Design together with Jacaranda City Coaches. Best of luck to all competitors in the Championship series, without doubt the highlight of our golfing calendar.
Ray Hopwood
0408431343
2026 Ledonne Grafton Pro-Am a Great Success
Grafton Golf Club was proud to host the 2026 Ledonne Grafton Pro-Am on Monday, with a strong field of 58 PGA Professionals and 62 Amateur golfers taking part in another outstanding event.
The professional event was won by NSW golfer Aaron Townsend, who produced a brilliant 7-under-par 65 to claim the major share of the $13,500 prize purse. Veteran professional Aiden Didone finished runner-up with a 6-under 66, while American professional Brock Healy also carded a 66. Rounding out the leading professionals were Jye Halls (67) and Queensland's Jack Wright (67). The exceptional scoring highlighted both the quality of the field and the excellent condition of the course.
The amateur field featured Grafton Golf Club members alongside many of the sponsors who generously supported the event. Competitors also had the opportunity to drive away in a new vehicle courtesy of Grafton Motor Group with a hole-in-one prize. While the car remained unclaimed, Max Forwell came agonisingly close, with his tee shot finishing just 44cm from the hole.
In the Amateur Stableford competition, Lukas Hull (22) claimed the honours with an outstanding 39 points.
Top 10 Amateur Stableford Results
Lukas Hull (22) – 39 pts
Eli Fahey (6) – 37 pts
Jake Lambeth (11) – 37 pts
Rod Brown (Wingham GC) (5) – 37 pts
Randall Dow (6) – 36 pts
Tim Rigg (29) – 35 pts
John Dahl (7) – 35 pts
Benjamin Holder (Yamba G&CC) (6) – 34 pts
Nate Tattis (6) – 34 pts
Sebastian Cox (1) – 33 pts
Following the completion of the main event, competitors contested the popular shootout on the 1st hole for a cash prize of $250. The nearest-the-pin challenge was won by Grafton golfer Rowan Butcher (9).
The positive feedback received from both professionals and amateurs was a testament to the outstanding presentation of the course. Special thanks go to our dedicated greens staff and volunteers whose efforts ensured the course was presented to the highest standard.
Grafton Golf Club also extends its sincere appreciation to Ledonne, our major sponsor, together with all associated sponsors whose continued support makes this premier event possible.
Congratulations to all winners and thank you to everyone who contributed to another successful Ledonne Grafton Pro-Am.
Ray Hopwood
Grafton Girls Chatter
Hi everyone,
Another picture perfect weekend has been bestowed upon us. I hope you enjoyed yours as much as I did. Here's another edition of Grafton Women's Golf goings-on.
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Brenda Cooper
President
Grafton Women's Golf
Remeber to book your tables at the best place for lunch and dinner in Grafton
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