Putt’s ‘n’ Pars, Ladies Chatter & Irrigation update from Grafton Golf

Putt’s ‘n’ Pars from Grafton Golf Club

Weekend Competition

Members were relieved to have an uninterrupted week of golf with no rain or major tournaments interfering with our golfing programme, with both weekend and mid-week competitions able to be completed. 

One golfer who was pleased to see the return to normality on Saturday was John Dahl (5) who achieved the shot of the week with a hole-in-one on the 10^th.  From reports received from other players the pin was in a impossible position, however that did not cause any stress for this popular  Division 1 golfer, who as a bonus was awarded the hole-in-one jackpot which had not been won for a while, which entitled him for the maximum dollar amount permitted under the rules.

The field in Saturday’s Clarence Valley Tyres Stableford competition was rather impressive for a holiday long weekend, with 115 starters.  Competition at the top of the leader board was intense with three players all completing their rounds with 40 points.  At the conclusion of the required countback process, Benny Burbidge (18) was awarded the overall win with Mathew Worthing (6) and Brendan Cleaver (2) awarded the win and runner-up positions in Division one respectively for their 40 efforts.  Division two was taken out by Shane Essex (15) with 38 from Geoff Howard (16) on 37.  Brady Scott (27) was the dominate player in Division three with 38, 5 points clear of his nearest rival Slip Heaslip (22) with 33.  In the nearest the pin component of the day’s competition, John Dahl almost had the double with the Pro pin award on the 1^st, that was until

Shane Pitt (17) came along and knocked him off, his tee shot finishing 64cm from the cup.  Brett Armfield (20) claimed the 6^th, with Matt McKee (2) the sharpshooter on the 17^th.  There were 30 pro balls on offer going down to 32 on a countback.

Mid-week Competitions

The Thursday competition was also well supported with 71 starters taking on the Challenge.  Two players topped the leader board with 37 points, Craig Haase (12) and Mick Carter (6) and following the countback that was the order they finished in.  They were followed by Steve Houlahan (10) with 36 for the 2^nd runner-up position.  Both Craig and Mick picked up a couple of bonus trophies with nearest the pin awards on the 1^st and 6^th holes respectively.  Norm Burt (15) picked up the 10^th with Nigel deVoogd (11) the 17^th.  Ro balls went down to 32 on a countback.

The Tuesday competition had almost 100 starters with 89 veterans making up the bulk of players in the field.  The results in both the members and veteran divisions were identical in which we find four players finishing on top with 38 points.  The countback process was obviously complicated, but in the end Mick Craw (1) was named as the winner, Peter Brennan (19) the 1^st runner-up with Barry Godwin (19) claiming the 2^nd runner-up position.  David Page (16) ws the remaining player on 38 with the countback procedure not all that positive for him, having to settle for a Pro ball for his effort.  The “all in” nearest the pin awards went to Andrew J. Fletcher (13) on the 6^th and David Morgan (12) the 10^th.  The Veteran nearest the pin awards went ot Mick Craw (1) on the 1^st, Mick Carter (7) on the 4^th and Brad Mostyn (9) the 14^th.  The pin prize on the 17^th was not won.  Pro balls went down to 32 on a countback in the members division and 29 in the veterans also on a countback.

Coming Events

This coming Saturday, the competition will be the Grafton Motor Group June Monthly Mug, with the overall winner not only wining the mug, but also qualifying for the Gold Mug playoff.  On the following Saturday (20^th June) the Grafton Legacy Day will be held and will take the form of a Stableford competition.  There will be competition for Members, Ex Servicemen and Reserves, for which nominations are now open.  For those golfers who enjoy Ambrose golf, the Johnno & Dianna Johnson Memorial Day is scheduled for Saturday 27^th June.  The competition being a 4 Man Ambrose and now would be an appropriate time to organise your 4-man team and submit your nominations.

Ray Hopwood

0408 431 343

Hi all,

The long weekend is usually fraught with bad weather and people scrambling out of wet campgrounds. Thankfully not this weekend. It has been so beautiful I've left the Newsletter till the last minute. Here's the weekly roundup from Grafton Womens Golf. Enjoy the sleep-ins!

1st -7th June 2026.pdf

Download PDF • 2.00MB

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Brenda Cooper

President

Grafton Women's Golf

Unfortunately, we’ve experienced another week of delays due to ongoing wet conditions. While the greens team and Ledonne are ready to begin trenching and installing the new irrigation lines, proceeding now would likely cause unnecessary damage to the course and result in costly rework. It’s important we remain patient and aligned, waiting for the drier conditions that typically arrive between June and August.

For context, April recorded approximately 28mm of rainfall alongside delays in the arrival of Polypipe, while May exceeded 180mm—significantly contributing to the setbacks we’re currently facing.

Looking ahead:

The new water pump is scheduled to arrive Thursday. To prepare, the existing pump will be decommissioned Wednesday to ensure a smooth transition.

Tree & Water Management: Excavator work around the Greens Keeper’s water hole is nearing completion. Next, we’ll move to the overgrown area between the 8th and 9th fairways. The team continues removing marked trees and cleaning up previously burnt areas between the 7th and 5th fairways.

Hazard Reduction: Pile burns will continue throughout the month, including areas on the 11th, near the Greens Keeper’s pond, and on the 9th. Members should expect fire and smoke on the course during this time.

It’s important we maintain a long-term perspective and stay positive. The improvements already underway are producing noticeable results, and it’s encouraging to hear positive feedback from members recognising the proactive steps being taken to enhance the course.

Thank you and onwards,

Michael