Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club 30/06/2025

Firstly, we should acknowledge the efforts of the organisers of last Sundays Clarence Valley Relay for Life Golf Fundraiser in aid of the Cancer Council hosted by Grafton District Golf Club.  In almost perfect weather conditions, just under 100 starters supported the event.  As a result of that support and other fund-raising efforts, an amount in excess of $7,000.00 was raised on the day, which will go directly to the NSW Cancer Council, which will no doubt assist that organisation in their research efforts to help those impacted by cancer.  With the assistance and guidance of our Club Professional Mark Harvison, organisers had no trouble in getting this huge field of golfers and non-golfers around the course, ensuring all those participants had a stress free and enjoyable day.  Clarnece Valley Imagine also got into the spirit of the day by sponsoring a shootout competition for a chance to win $500.  Despite many players attempting to win the cash, only one player was successful.  Congratulations to the event organisers and all the participants for ensuring the day was a outstanding success that support is really appreciated.

Our regular weekly men’s competition got under way last Tuesday with the members competition in conjunction with the Veterans medley event.  A total field of 85 starters contested competition.  The results in both competitions were identical with Jim Packwood (22) being awarded the major prize in both components of the days competition with a very healthy score of 37 points.  Jim had to win the hard way by surviving a countback as Mick Carter (7) also recorded 37, however had to settle for the 1st runner-up as a result of finishing on the negative side of the countback process.  Good golf by both of those players due to the prevailing difficult course condition.  The 2nd runner-up spot went to Craig Haase (15) who could have been excused if he considered his score of 36 was good enough to win, but unfortunately for Craig that was not to be.  In the ball run down 29 was good enough in the members competition and 28 in the Vets, both rundowns decided on a countback.

In the Thursday competition following there were 45 starters with scores very tight at the top of the leader board.  In the end it was Andrew Sear (13) who was announced as the winner with a score of 36 points.  Next in line was Brett McConnell (10) with 35 followed by Matt Katon (13) with 34.  There were 12 pro balls issued to those with 30 on a countback.

The Grafton Glass 2-man Ambrose event on Saturday resulted in 140 starters, with the first two teams qualifying for the State Keno competition with the top 8 teams to qualify for the Grafton Glass 2-man Ambrose Knockout series.  The draw for that series will be determined early this week and posted on the notice board.  Winners of the Saturday competition were Jake Lambeth (15) and Jim Ford (32) with a nett score of 60.25 from a gross score of 72.  They were followed by the combination of Gary Pym (22) and David Green (6) who put together a gross score of 69, resulting in a nett result of 52.  Three teams followed that pairing with nett scores of 63, which required a countback to sort out the third-place position.  In the end the competition of Sebastian Cox (5) and Willow Harris (+1) claimed that spot with a outstanding gross score of 64, their handicap of one was just enough to give them the result.  There was 30 balls distributed in the ball run down going to teams with a score of 66.25 or better.  Sane Essex (14) was the winner of the Pro pin on the 1st 139cm from the pin.

Members and visitors who regularly attend the Club on Friday nights are reminded that the Club house will be closed this coming Friday (4th July) at 4pm.  The Club closure is because a private function has been organised catering for almost 250 patrons.  To compensate the normal Friday night raffles and Bistro hours will be held on Thursday night prior (3rd July) so those who enjoy the Friday night activities, have the opportunity to maintain their regular weekly outing, it will be just one night earlier than normal. 

Motorised cart owners who store their carts at the Club are also reminded that you storage fees are now overdue and should be paid without delay.

Ray Hopwood

0408 431 343