Saturday 7 January marked the first competition day for Stanthorpe golfers for 2023 and it was a stroke round, the monthly medal and putting competition on the programme. In conjunction, the day was also the first of two rounds for the Foundation Cups. The day was sponsored by club member, Alex Vale.
The men’s event produced a close finish with a countback needed to sort out the places. Coming out on top was Ron Batterham with the best final nine holes to claim the monthly medal and qualify for the Medallists play off in November. Runner up went to Gary Kirby who also had a good round. Both players, along with Max Smith, returned a score of nett 70 on the day. Max settled for a spot in the run down.
The ladies event resulted in a win to Lorraine Evans with a nett 69. Lorraine’s accuracy and good putting were factors in her favour on the day. A pile up for runner up with nett 73 resulted in Linda Kelly taking the honours.
Scott Constable had the low round of the day for the men needing 75 for the round. Best putting honours went to Lyle Bryant, a modest 23 putts for the day. His front nine required only nine putts, one putting the first 9 holes. Lisa Stuart held the double for the ladies with best gross score of 91 and lowest putts, 31 for the round.
Pin shots were claimed by Matt Waterworth, Len Leigh, Brad Silver, Margie Locke and Lorraine Evans. Pro-pins went to Gary Kirby, Shawn Yates and Barry Jones. Birdies nest at 13 was populat with Barry Hughes, Hamish Adam and M. Bryson shating the honours.
Next Saturday is another stroke round, the second of two days for the Foundation Cups. With both rounds to count, history has shown that a good start in the first round is a definite advantage. With nine players within three shots in the men’s division, a matter of who can be consistent.
So, Saturday 14 January is the second round, a stroke event sponsored by club President, Len Leigh. Time sheet is on the board at the club.