Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club

Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club

With Christmas approaching, the number of starters for the various men’s golfing competitions conducted by Grafton Golf Club tend to reduce in numbers, however there were still almost 90 starters in last Saturdays 18-hole single Stableford. Continuing a remarkable week or so of golf, Deano Hayes (2) put together a great score of 43 points to easily win the day last Saturday and at th same time reduce his rather friendly handicap of 20 by two shots. Prior to Saturday’s effort, Deano had two Tuesday rounds of 44 points, however because both of those were on a course reduced to playing one 9 twice, was unable to suffer any handicap reduction. That situation was remedied on Saturday as the entire 18 holes was in play and because of his good play was rewarded with that two-shot reduction mentioned earlier. The Division 1 results had to be decided by the countback process with two players recording 39 points. They were Andrew Loy (6) and Justin Rainbow (10) with Andrew recognised as the winner. David Wilks (15) revealed his true form by taking out Division two with 40 followed by Craig Haase (16) on 38. David’s 40 was matched by Karl Studd (17) who was awarded the win in Division three for that effort, with Slip Heaslip (24) and again featuring in the results with 38 to claim the runner-up spot in that division. As a bonus for Karl, he also took out the nearest the pin award on the 6th, with two putts for the resulting par plus 3 points on the card. The remaining nearest the pin awards went to John Frame (13) on the 1st, Mick McKee (17) on the 10th and Dylan Cleaver (17) on the 17th. To earn a pro ball, you required a score of 34 or better.

Last Thursday the Mark Harvison sponsored Tallowood Challenge was held for which there were 43 starters. Played under the Stroke format, and with the course set up a little more difficult than normal, to win the event is a very real achievement. Just three shots separated the leaders with Jamie Brien (28) the outstanding player on the day with a score of 67 nett. Jamie commenced his round with 52 hits on the front 9 and followed that up with a excellent 43 hits around the back 9. With a gross score of 87, Gerry McMullan (19) finished in the first runner-up spot with 68 following the application of his 19 handicap. The second runner-up place was awarded to Mick McKee (17) who completed his round with 69. The nearest the pin awards went to Matt Dougherty (14) on the 1st, Mick Craw (2) on the 6th, Geoff Crispin (14) on the 10th with Mick Carter (6) the star on the 17th. There were 15 pro balls on offer and to earn one you required a score of nett 76 or better.

Between now and basically until the end of January all Saturday men’s events will be Stableford competitions, apart from Saturday 3rd January which will be the January Monthly Mug. Incorporated with those Saturday competitions will be the various rounds of the 8 round Bendigo Bank Summer Consistency Cup. The regular mid-week competitions will continue as normal. Visiting golfers are especially welcome to play in all hose events. Social golf is always available outside the regular competition days. Obviously, there will be no golf on Christmas Day.

Except for this coming Friday, the regular Friday night raffles will be held, and the Restaurant/Bistro will re-open on Friday 2nd January.

It is that time of year we should recognise those who help in no small way of producing this regular golf column. Firstly, the two “young” ladies who convert the original draft notes into a form acceptable for printing. They are Heather and her back-up Mary who without their assistance the column would be difficult to produce. We should also acknowledge the Independent Newspaper, who each week allow the Club the opportunity to publish this golf new column, without alteration and question. Also, Michael our Club Manager, who ensures the column finds its way onto the Club’s Facebook and web site accounts.

To all golfers of all Clubs in the Clarence Valley, Grafton Golf Club wishes you a Merry Christmas and Prosperous 2026.

Ray Hopwood

0408 431 343

Vets results 16/12/25

On Tuesday we had 73 vets play in good conditions with Dean Hayes taking out first place with 44 points.

In second place we had Ron Phillips 41 points and third place was MIck Carter 40 points on a count back .

NTP 17th Dean Hayes 183 cm

2nd shot 14th Paul Starr 243 cm

Balls went down to 33 points on count back

Regards

Glenn Gardner

Vets captain