2020 News & Events
Topics Index:
* Dec. – A very healthy field at Waterford Valley
* Vale Jack Melki
* Nov – Golf returns at Gardiners Run after COVID-19 shutdown
* July – A big winter field & a wet track at Ringwood
* June – Golf is back following COVID-19 Shutdown
* Mar. – Sunshine greets players at Berwick-Montuna
* Feb. – Wet weather gear for Eastwood
* Jan. – A damp start to 2020 at Yering Meadows
A very healthy field at Waterford Valley – Dec 7th
**A very healthy field of 102 “fronted the starter” at Waterford-Valley on December 7th, for a Christmas breakup—COVID-style! The weather-gods were kinder to us than predicted, as we endured only two serious brief downpours!
 Peter White watched on by Trevor Watts |
 Derek Wilson plays a fine shot to within 2 metres to the pin from the bunker |
The course itself was probably in the best condition we have seen in the 4 years we have played there. Daryl-Dyer conquered the course, as his best score on the day, of 37, was testament to its difficulty. Another plus was that we all got round in less than four & a half hours—the quickest by a long stretch!
 A tap in for Derek Wilson watched on by Trevor Watts. |
 Trevor Watts plays over the water to the Par 3 13th Hole |
Finally, we were given great hospitality by Manager Wes and his staff—as always. A pleasing day overall for the big field!
 Derek Wilson playing to the green |
 Wayne Barlow and Ken Steele conversing before Ken tees-off. |
Who is that wearing a non-ESVGA cap
And so, it’s “onwards & upwards” to Eastwood in January, where the AGM for 2020 will be held—finally. It’s also back to full presentations, a raffle—the works, as we slowly ease back to “normal resumption” of the ESVGA!
See you there. There looks to be a “bumper field” booked-in already!!**
Ron Hottes
Vale Jack Melki – Life Member
The Committee of the ESVGA is sad to announce the passing of member Jack Melki. Jack joined the ESVGA in 1987, so was basically a foundation member. He served on the committee from 1994 to 2003, the last five years of his tenure being as President. Current life-members Dave Rogers and Tom Tarrant worked on the committee when Jack was in charge.
 Life member & ex-President Jack Melki |
 Jack Melki at Yering Meadows in April 2019 |
Jack had suffered from ill-health for quite a while but it culminated in a stroke that occurred just over a year ago. He moved to an aged-care home during this year, where he received excellent treatment but being Covid 19, could sadly receive no visitors. He suffered several falls in the past few months and his health deteriorated. Jack died peacefully in his sleep last weekend.
His wife indicated how much pleasure Jack enjoyed in his time with the ESVGA. A sympathy card was forwarded to his family on behalf of all members. A notice was placed in the daily paper.
Barry Smith for ESVGA Committee
Golf returns at Gardiners Run – Nov 9th after COVID-19 Shutdown
Derek Wilson watched on by PK Kennedy Par 4 Hole 6
Paul Kennedy at the Par 3 7th Tee
Ron Hottes
for ESVGA Committee
A big winter field but a wet track at Ringwood – July 6th
A very healthy field of 94 played at Ringwood G.C. under cloudy skies, and with drizzling rain hanging around until late morning.
John Wicks, Ray Cross, Steuart Hawke and Neil Smith head down the 16th fairway
These inclement conditions, coupled with very heavy conditions underfoot, saw a moderate score of 34 wins the day. This surprised no-one, as the duel challenge of soggy fairways but lightning-fast greens, saw the bulk of the field struggle to get anywhere near 30+ points! Barry-Mitchell, off a golfer’s handicap of 9, clearly overcame these conditions to accumulate those 34 points. Great work, Barry!
Ron Hottes and Derek Wilson contemplate putting on the 11th green
As there were no carts available, some of our regular cart-players who attempted to walk the 18 holes faded on the last few, as heavy feet and sore bodies “kicked-in”. Your President was very much, one of these.
Jack Huel, Bruce Ferrall & John O’Dwyer dodge the water at Ringwood
All-in-all, it was “a tough day at the office”
All-in-all, it was “a tough day at the office”, but we look forward to our next game-day, @ Churchill-Park, with great expectations!!
Late Update: Churchill-Waverley game cancelled due to Stage 3 COVID-19 lockdown.
Ron Hottes
for ESVGA Committee
Golf returns, Ivanhoe restarts our season – June 1st.
Ron Hottes climbs into Cart Number 1!
How different a return to golf was at Ivanhoe! Using a timesheet start seemed to work well. (Shotgun starts still not allowed) The forty-nine members played on a challenging morning with preferred lies in operation. Overnight showers did not help the final numbers but players adapted well.
Leo Van Neuren and Derek Wilson prepare to tee off at the 10th.
Ron Hottes and Dermot Magee enjoy a sandwich with social distancing in mind.
Sandwiches were very tasty and one could purchase coffee/wine/beer at the canteen naturally remembering to follow the correct social distancing. Players had all left the course before the really heavy rain arrived.
Barry Smith
for ESVGA Committee
Sunshine greets players at Berwick-Montuna – Mar. 2nd.
Despite the wet trip down, 83 brave souls battled their way through workday traffic and darkness for them to hit-off in the sunshine and what turned out to be a lovely day. Some were to rethink four hours later how difficult the course turned out to be.
Click on images to enlarge.
John Hall watches his drive on the uphill par 3 at the 18th tee
Preparing to hit off on the 7th are Barry McDiarmid and Ken Steele
Rod Coling waits while Andrew McMath putts out. Par 3 18th Hole
For many, enjoying the beautiful weather was to be their only win for the day. As the song goes “ I fought the course and the course won”. Leg muscles and lungs were well tested by the local topography but all ultimately survived to enjoy a great experience with their fellow members. Two that did really enjoy their golf were Kevin Moylan and David Bowles with 35 and 33 points to lead the field.
Ray Cross heads uphill towards the 18th green
Interesting stats included the following: 11 players scored 10-19, 61 scored 20-29 and only 10 achieved scores in the thirties! The highest 23 to 36 handicap score was 26. These scores endorse the thoughts of many that the slope rating of 110 was about 10 lower than what it should have been. How might Healesville be a contrast with its shorter course including 7 par threes!
Sanjay Misra putting watched by Peter Barnes, Alan Teather and Daryl Dyer
Tom Tarrant tees off watched by David Waters & John McAndrew
Barry Smith for ESVGA Committee
Wet weather gear for Eastwood in February – Feb 3rd.
110 players braved Melbourne’s slightly variable weather at Eastwood…rain, strong winds, sunshine etc. 39 was an excellent score considering the conditions. A few members chose to finish after the heavy rain arrived with a group waiting in the clubhouse, perhaps wondering if their decision had been correct when the sun appeared soon after 10 am.
 Keith Roberts indicates a definite dislike of the weather |
 Contrast in golf wear…Roy Turner (Left) and Charles Watt |
Some players felt several bunkers and “long-grassed” greens added to the difficulties on the day, but when one thinks of the amount of rain the eastern suburbs of Melbourne suffered on the days before our game, it is understandable.
It was noted that Eastwood uses outside caterers and the “eco style” sandwich packaging seemed to be met with approval. Winner of the $100 voucher for a meal at Bucatini Restaurant & Bar at Mitcham was Stan Walker. Most players had left the course by 2.00 pm to head home and dry off.
 Ivan Milicevich marking his ball, C P Lee at the flag while Rod Coling watches on. |
 Barry Phillips (Left) and John Campbell relax in a cart |
Terry Waterbeek (Left)and Graeme Luxford finish packing up their golf gear
Bruce Ferrall & Barry Smith
for ESVGA Committee
A damp start to 2020 at Yering Meadows
Stableford 6th January
Following a week of very hot and gusty weather and with Victoria and NSW in the grip of disastrous bush fires, our first game found a damp course from soaking overnight rain. The game was played in a constant light drizzle but compared to a few days earlier I don’t think too many of our members would have complained.
 Michael Mulcahy and Malcolm Lansdown watch Rod Coling tee shot on the 1st. |
 Andy Lockey (guest) chipping on the 18th green |
L-R Andy Lockey (guest) & Jack Kerin on the 18th green watch Phil Pearson preparing to putt.
After the very warm weather, it was a little unusual to have a cooler day and some showers. The smoke haze did have some visual effect with the hills in the background being almost impossible to see.
Members studying their VVGA Parmaker handbooks
Bunkers were out of play which helped some members to register very good scores, (44 Wayne Barlow being the best).
The course was in very good order and our members who hired carts appreciated the price being kept at members’ rates.
