Current News & Member Information

Topics Index:

* Dec – A five way tie for first place at Yering Meadows.
* Nov – Round 2 ESVGA Championship at Gardiners Run
* Oct – ESVGA versus VGCV Challenge
* Oct – Round 1 ESVGA Championship
* Sept – VVGA Teams Championship win for ESVGA
* Sept – Warburton bathed in Spring sunshine
* Aug – Positive comments for our new course, Rossdale.
* July – A wet track at Gardiners Run in July
* June – Winter? A Perfect June day at Keysborough
* May – Winter conditions at Waterford Valley in May
* April – Head for the hills, Cardinia Beaconhills
* Mar – Healesville Stableford
* Feb – South to Berwick Montuna
* Jan – Our 2023 year starts at Eastwood
* Jan – ESVGA 2022 Champions receive their trophies

 

Ron’s steps aside after 7 yrs & a farewell to Barry after 15 yrs.

Committee toasts Ron’s last meeting after a 7 year reign as President

Ron toasts Barry’s last meeting after a 15 year term on committee

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A five way tie for first place at Yering Meadows

Combined report by incoming and outgoing Presidents – Game photos available shortly

From new President David Waters
A terrific day unfolded bright and sunny, a complete contrast to the previous week. The good conditions translated to many good scores. Of the 101 players 40% scored over 33. Around 15 doing 37 or better. The highlight was the five-way tie for first each scoring 40.

Tee settings shortening holes, did not prevent balls landing wet or sandy.

Starting Table L-R, Barry Smith, David Stevens, Ken Batrouney & Ron Hottes

Above – Players gather on the first tee for their 8am tee off. L-R Bill Berhardt, Tom Tarrant, David Waters, Jerome Wong, Nick, Madden, Graeme Fox and Ken Batrouney.

Although the round finished in four hours 30, presentation began slowly. A change from usual order of procedures was needed as the sandwiches came out in stages. Drink vouchers were greatly appreciated during the wait for tucker.

Raffles began while scores were collated and printed. Checking scores continued and so president opened the AGM. Ron Hottes presented his yearly report. Treasurer Ken Batrouney followed up with the finance report for the year. The committee was then spilled by Ron and Dave Rogers assumed the role of election controller. Nominees for positions were accepted unopposed.

David Waters closely watches his fairway shot, Hole 8.

Life member Tom Tarrant fairway shot, Hole 8.

Bill Bernhardt putting on the 18th.

The freshly elected president David Waters acknowledged the support and the surreptitious lobbying undertaken for that position.

Ron Hottes was inducted unanimously to honorary life membership of the ESVGA.

After the presentations were hijacked by “El Presidente” everyone was sent on the way.

Last words are a great big apology. SORRY. Forgot to wish you all,

HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILIES

David Waters.

Bill Bissau tees off on the 8th	Phil Macreadie on the 8th tee.	David Finn putting on the 14th green
Horst Eberius putting on the 14th	Ray Masters putting on the 14th green	Neil Muller tees off on the 15th

From out going President and new Life Member Ron Hottes

This will be my final game day report to you, It may be a little longer than usual because the newly-installed Prez has contributed to parts of this, ( just to get his hand in on one of the many tasks that he will be expected to complete! )

But, Gentlemen, what a lovely way to finish my “stint” —at very welcoming Yering.
Ok, so it wasn’t perfect! It appears some of the dry bunkers were in pretty ordinary condition. And, we do apologise for the “staggered” sandwich distribution! ( Not under our control!!) But, we were looked after in the Clubhouse in all other ways as usual. Plus the course was clearly welcoming to most of us.

Resting after golf with Sandwiches and drinks, L-R Danny Cappellani, Wal McDonald, Phil Macreadie, Bill Bernhardt and Neil Muller.

Newly elected Captain Sam Athens with the retiring presidents special raffle prize

And, talking about results, a 5-way finish with a 40-point result was sensational. With plenty of high scores recorded, ( over 50% in the 30’s and above), this meant that plenty of our loyal members went home with a voucher or a ball to remember the 2023 ESVGA Christmas breakup. Also, I received plenty of positive thankyous for the free drink gesture from your Committee!! From my perspective, it was a great pleasure to present the ESVGA Club-Championship trophies, and cash. ( If you’re reading this, Peter-Hopgood and Russell-Manning, your trophies/cash will be available to you at the Churchill game if you are playing there! If I still have them after that game-day, I think I’ll just put them on my shelf!!)

The 2023 AGM went smoothly, thanks to Neil Muller’s superb preparation!!It was disappointing that we had NO nomination from the floor for the vacant Secretary’s job! Neil will continue in his dual role for the foreseeable future, but I desperately wish to see a permanent Secretary elected ASAP! Other aspects of the AGM occurred smoothly.

Election Controller & Life Member Dave Rogers

Ken Batrouney presenting his Treasurer’s report at the AGM.

Newly elected President David Waters

Finally, it was pleasing to see such a large field, (100+) play on the day, and—-most of them stayed on for the AGM, the trophy-giving and, as always ,the superb camaraderie!! On that note, can I, from my family, wish ALL of our loyal members, a festive and SAFE Christmas and a happy New Year—with plenty of pars & birdies interspersed among your scores! And, I look forward to seeing most of you at Churchill-Park, on Jan. 8th!

Regards, An “ordinary” Committee member now!

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Round 2 ESVGA Championship at Gardiners Run

” Well, our Club-Championships are now done and dusted! We have plenty of winners coming from the Open event, plus the Grade titles. But, let’s start with the daily comp. Undoubtedly, the course, at Gardiner’s-Run was in “tip-top condition”—-a far cry from our last game there in Winter.
It was a pleasure to play there, and clearly some of our members took great pleasure in beating the course on the day. In fact, a sure sign of this was that the ball rundown only reached Nett 75, whereas at our previous game,( @ Churchill), members collected balls even when their scores were in the Nett 80’s!!

As always, at G/Run, we were all looked after very well by the usual staff—Tas, Josh, Jarryd & Addy. And, I might add, the sangers were tasty, which included some unusual fillings!! As for the golf results, many of those were “tasty”, too!! Tony-Meeuwson’s Nett 67 was good enough to take home the top prize. Great result, Anthony! Russell-Manning was the R/up, on a countback, ( that won’t please the Flying- Ferrall), posting a Nett 68—-as did Peter-“Mr. Consistent” Hopgood . I might add, there were plenty of 69’s and scores in the low 70’s!! Good shooting by many of our members. Good shooting also by our 3 NTP winners, they being Wayne-Barlow, (C-Grade), Peter-Mastertoun, (b) and to Derek-Wilson, who played a lovely tee-shot to within a metre at the 16th, for the A-Grade prize—-and sunk his birdie putt!! All of us, except K.B. are really pleased to see you back with us, Derek!

Our ESVGA Captain Sam welcomes players to Gardiners Run	David Borg & Tony Moore watch Ian Young putt	David Borg tee shot to the Par 3 7th with Mt Dandenong in the background
Two new members Rama and Gopal on the tee	Barry Maltman looking pleased after a recovery shot over the trees.	Tex van der Kooi relaxes watching Barry Maltman, who made a recovery over tree’s

Now, Gentlemen, to the Championship winners. It is fairly obvious that Russell-Manning has won his 2nd Open Championship, with scores of 93 & 77 =170; a great effort because his first win was some years ago when he was just a new member! We had joint R/ups, they being David-Borg & Derek-Wilson, tying on 173!

Our Grade titleholders are as follows: Gents, due to a much-debated decision, that has since been referred to as The Ferrall -Rule, there are NO countbacks in the Grade events. (If there was a tie in the Open Championships, Russell and the tied member would have played off for the title at Yering—the next ESVGA gameday! ) Therefore, our TWO A-Grade winners are Ian-Young, (72 &75) & Peter-White, (75 &72), both on Nett 147 and both worthy winners—-as are Bruce-Ferrall, (80 & 71) plus Norm-Kearns, (77 & 74), finishing on Nett 151. But, in C-Grade, there was no such “tight finish”. Mr. Consistent, Peter-Hopgood, posted a 73 and a 68 to record easily, the best Nett score of any member, with a superb Nett total of 141. Genuine congratulations to all 6 winners. I guess I am purchasing 6 trophies this year, not the usual 4!!

Phil Pearson (right) and Barry Mitchell watching Jack Kerin (not in picture) teeing off on the 3rd hole.	Hunting for Jack Kerin’s ball on the 3rd	Alan D’Arcy approaching the 11th green while Kevin Moylan tries to escape the bunkers
David Borg putting from the fringe on first green watched by Tony Moore & Ian Young	Kevin Moylan plays from the bunker.	Tony Moore plays from the bunker adjacent the 9th green

And, as always, members, we look forward to our next get-together—at Yering, in December—the 4th, to be precise. It is our Christmas break-up game, where your Committee will “shout” you a drink, plus where our 2023 AGM will be held. ( You will receive the relevant paperwork on that in due course, from our superb, but retiring Secretary, Neil-Muller.)

Oh, yes, Gents, I nearly forgot—-WE NEED A NEW SECRETARY, please!

Also, at that game-day, trophy winners will be presented with their prizes from our Championships! And, a new raffle prize will be available to win, arranged by your retiring Prez! ( A voucher for 2 players and a cart to play at beautiful Warburton, somewhere in the next 12 months.)
So, why would you miss out on all that? If you haven’t already done so, book in ASAP, and we’ll see you there to share good times!! “

(Ron-H, President)

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ESVGA versus VGCV Challenge

ESVGA versus VGCV Challenge October 9th. Photos of the event below, more details to follow.

L to R Alan Teather, George Weaver, David Shutler	L to R David Stevens, Kevin Wells, Reg Davey, Alan Emery	Bruce Bower gracefully plays his 2nd on the par 5 8th hole
Alan Emery from the sand on 17 ball skidding through the green	David Waters conducting the after game raffle	David Waters conducting the after game raffle
Game co-organiser David Waters conducting the after game raffle		Presidents VGCV Harold Hayes and ESVGA Ron Hottes

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Round 1 ESVGA Championship

Well, the first round of the ESVGA Championships for 2023 is now “done & dusted.”
Churchill’s course was presented in great condition, although the greens were quick on some of them—-but fairly slow at other times. We had 88 front up to the starter, for an 8.30 am. tee-off. The weather was perfect, although a little windy at times. When we concluded our game we were well attended to by Assistant Pro, Ben, and his off-sider, Ethan.
As scores were being calculated, it was clear there would be no Nett 60-somethings!

What a bunch waiting for the 8.30 hit off.

John McAndrew getting out of trouble, watched by David Waters

Derek Wilson putting, good to see him back in action again.

At Presentation, after the usual Presidential housekeeping, the first step was to bring forward our VVGA State Champions—namely Colin-Eaton, Peter-Hopgood & Kevin-Moylan. These fine gentlemen will go down in ESVGA folklore, being the first team to “bring home the bacon”—-or more accurately, the State title. And, for good measure, Colin won individual honours with two fine 38’s next to his name. Well done, Colin, Peter and Kevin—you can now enjoy bragging rights, around ESVGA circles, for the next 12 months!!

Peter Hopgood, Kevin Moylan, Colin Eaton congratulated by Ron Hottes. First ever team to win at the VVGA Teams championship

Tex Van De Kooi putts while Gary Overton watches closely

Eivion Williams playing up the 9th fairway

And, so onto the gameday results. Being the first Round of the ESVGA Championships, it was a stroke round, so there were two comps running simultaneously.
Regarding the daily event, the following 3 players filled the dais, and the Herald/Sun results section the next day!! Peter-White came out on top with a fine Nett 72, followed by “Mr. Evergreen”, Peter-Hopgood, posting a Nett 73. He grabbed that spot, on a countback, from the F.F’s best mate—Jack-Huel, also with a 73! (Jack assures me that Bruce did NOT mark his card!!)
Without spending too much print-space on the Championship results, ( as it is, after all, a 2-Round event), suffice to report the following leadership details. The Open Championship is looking to be” a battle royal” between A-Graders Peter-White. Bruce-Bower, ( a past winner), David-Borg & Graeme-Fox—although that is a risky prediction, as a “smoky” can burst out of the pack at any time!!

Peter Webb finishes with 3 putt s on 14th

Robin Ladd makes his 2nd putt on the14th

Phil Guscott and Ray Cross after watching Peter Webb and Robin Ladd on the 14th green

The Grade comps are evenly poised to produce some tight results!
The A-Graders see only 5 Nett shots between 8 of them—so, it’s anyone’s title. In B-Grade, Wal-McDonald has a handy 2-stroke Nett “buffer” over, surprisingly, your wayward Prez!! ( How can that be, Gents?!? Well not getting into 1 bunker over the whole 18-hole journey certainly helped!!) But, as with all the Grades, a “smoky” can appear from nowhere. As is the case in C-Grade, where Mr. Consistent” Peter-Hopgood and Jack-Huel appear to have it all to themselves, but there is a chasing pack, upwards of 8, who could snatch the title from Peter and Jack. Good luck to all those in the running at beautiful Gardiner’s-Run on Oct. 30th!

One more point to mention, Gents. Our AGM is only 2 months away. With your Prez. AND V.P. ( G.B. Smith) both quietly slipping away, we need new blood to fill some vacancies. To be precise, we need a new Secretary, and one or two Ordinary committeemen. If you are interested in putting up your hand, contact Neil-Muller for the appropriate paperwork! ( As a point of order, we DO have a nomination for my position, from within the Committee, but you still may nominate for that role, should the desire take you there!!)

John McAndrew lines up for a close one

Dermot Magee lines up for a close one

So, Gents, it’s onwards and upwards, to Gardiner’s-Run, your President’s favourite “away venue”!
In the meantime, good shooting, members!!

President Ron Hottes

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VVGA Teams Championship win for ESVGA

 

Sunday was a good day for a quiet cruise up the Hume. The drab, deserted sites were first encountered where the train loop construction began on the way to the flatlands at Craigieburn. Once out of Melbourne the excitement mounted as we looked forward to golfing with new and old friends, some beers, banter and a jolly good time.

We all arrived at different times. Five representatives at the same motel. One sharer was directed to the Colonial Motel, by his partner, not finding this, the tourist information reverse looked up the phone number.” Viola “it is revealed THE COMFORT MOTEL.

Everyone was happy, enjoyed a dismount and dropped off supplies and off to practice.

Greg Allen and David Waters played an unhindered 18 holes in about three hours. The course was quite busy and although Colin Eaton and Horst Eberius played 9 holes and Kevin Moylan about 7 we only caught up with Peter Hopgood having his practice.

Back at the ranch “the Comfort Motel” golfers from all places gathered. We all had a quiet drink and a scrub, chatted while organising ourselves for dinner back at the golf club.

Greg was the very responsible driver both nights, shown on profile driving. A very enjoyable meal and a few drinks evidence in photographs attached. Catering and bar staff looked after us very well. After a tiring day travelling, playing, eating and drinking it was early as we smashed into the sack. ZZZZZ.

Monday- Day one. Pictures of the arrival of Horst and Bev Eberius. Dinner at the Bowls club last night for those two love birds. A nervous wait for Kevin Moylan who no one had yet spotted despite practising and eating at the golf club. Liz was persuaded to be photographed with Kevin before driving off to see the sites around Benalla.

Team photos were taken, more coffees, plus a few more as we awaited instructions from the Marshall.

AWAY WE GO !!!!!!!!!

Kevin and Peter started off 6A and 6B. Colin and Horst 1A and 1B. Greg and David 2A and 2B.

We were all close together but hardly sighted during the round. A few photos at hit off and one or two during the round. All attached with captions.

The course was in great condition having dried out well after rain earlier in the month. To our surprise there was plenty of run, and the frequent worm burners from all competitors did little harm. The tree lined fairways caused problems, but straight hitters were rewarded. There were plenty of clunks and balls returning from angry trees all around the course but not too many lost balls as the rough was well cleared. All the greens were built on mounds. They were quite fast as evidenced by the discussions after the game. Subtle borrow as the speed died, provided many sad tales of loop outs. Pitches and chips stopped dead at the green’s edge. Putting from the surrounds proved the best approach as even gentle chips on, run through and down the mound.

Picture Horst just off fairway 15 and Colin ready to putt a long one, finishing just short.

The lunch pack with water and a freshly prepared chicken wrap was very tasty and kept all players in good shape. Everyone proved golfers are multi taskers as we unwrapped, ate and walked while concentrating on where our ball was. Tell that to your wives, see where it gets you.

Day one resulted with Kevin Moylan 34, Peter Hopgood 34 and Colin Eaton 38 for a team total of 107 points. That was good enough to be in third position.

Our other team of Greg Allen 32, Horst Eberius 27 and David Waters 35 with a total of 92 points just ranked in the middle of the field.

A quick drink and back to the ranch for a scrub. Club land beckoned for a Bistro dinner. Not all blokes thankfully. Bev and Liz came to control us. The pictures tell the story. They were appreciated but clearly couldn’t hold six reigns. Other groups also had similar problems. We were one of the last to leave, DW was dragged away from the talk fest. We were all happy. Bed Beckoned and soon ZZZZZ’s were erupting.

Tuesday – Day two. Everyone knew the routine. Coffee, goodbyes and good luck from spouses as the head off to Benalla surrounds. No fire and brimstone motivation speech, just do what you can. A minute’s silence for a VVGA life member recently deceased. Marshall wished us good luck and set us off.

AWAY WE GO AGAIN ho hum. Same tees, same groups.

Not many pics today. A bit warmer. Sleeves on and sunscreen.

David Waters brings out a brand-new Callaway, declaring if it doesn’t work, I’ll return to my used Titleist.  Clean hit, through trees 40 meters, away out of bounds. Playing three, bad start. Oh well.

The playing group has not improved from day one only Brian our 14 handicapper continues having another 30 to total 60. Luke 33 and 25, Graham27 and 25 and David 35 and24. Round out the figures for the comp. The comradery continued throughout the event and the social atmosphere afterwards was rewarded with new friendships made or at least strong acquaintances.

The ESVGA representatives acquitted themselves well in all areas. Socially amenable and consistent in performance.

The result is the ESVGA have the team championship for 2023.

The credit goes to Colin Eaton, Peter Hopgood and Kevin Moylan who together totalled 215 points over the two-day event. Each received an individual trophy and a voucher for their efforts.

A very special mention to Colin Eaton who received a voucher for the best individual performance over two days with rounds of 38 and 38 (with misses) a very modest and quiet bloke.

Team 2 member, David Waters

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Warburton bathed in Spring sunshine

“Gentlemen,

 On a day where the weather gods were very kind to us and the Warburton course was presented in great condition, it was, not surprisingly, the local boys who dominated the prizes. But, firstly, a sincere appreciation to Superintendent, Paul-Mason, and his Apprentice, Andrew, for how the course was presented. Yes, of course there were some tricky pin placements, and some of the greens were faster than others, but none of your Committee appreciated the negative comment that came from one visiting member about “how crap these greens are!!” I’m prepared to let that one “slide” but I don’t see the need for negative comments, when everyone else offers encouraging comments towards a small, country Club!

 I also need to thank Braydon, Ray and Skye, ( yummy sangers, thanks Skye) for looking after us both before and afterwards at Presentation! I would also like to thank a couple of local members who loaned out a seat in their cart to a thankful, visiting member. 

Now, onto the golf! Firstly, a huge congratulations to Horst-Eberius, who followed up his Autumn title, by winning the Winter one. Good shooting, Mr. Consistent!! 

The winner on this day was Warburton’s Mick-Eldridge—no surprise that a “local” won. Also, that a “local” was the R/up . Andrew-McMath had 37points one shy of Mick! That talented Greg-Allan grabbed the bronze with 35 points! Balls got down to 29, but there was also a “dirty-dozen” giveaways, donated by Peter-Webb, for the bottom 12. ( Mr. Smith was very happy to walk away with something for his troubles, because a return trip from Kew is demanding, I believe!) Finally,  NTP’s were taken home by Bruce-Bower, ( both the A-Grade and for a delightful 2^nd shot on the 10th! ), Wayne-Pollock, (B) and to our own Captain-Sam, (C-Grade). 

Before I leave the Warburton gameday, I would just like to show my appreciation to all the members who offered to come and play, and to the many of you who made sure that I knew they had appreciated the course, the hospitality and most of all, the great camaraderie on display. THANK YOU, Gents. 

A reminder that we wish our 6 reps at the VVGA Teams Championship at Benalla, all the best next week. ( To Colin, Peter, Kevin, Horst, Greg & of course, David-Waters!) 

Finally, a reminder that the 1^st Round of our ESVGA Championships will be played at Churchill-Park on Oct. 2nd. Of course, it will be a stroke round. I have discovered they have 8 carts to hire, but 3 are booked already. Contact Churchill on 9700 4494 to make your booking. (We are hoping some of the 8 carts from C-W’s Rowville site will be made available if required)

 Happy golfing, Gentlemen, in the meantime! ”    

Ron Hottes (President ESVGA)

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Positive comments for our new course, Rossdale.

” So, fellow golfers, and ESVGA members, what did you think of Rossdale, where we held our August gameday?
Although a slightly disappointing field of 73 took part, I was pleasantly surprised that a number of positive comments came my way, ( and to others on Committee!) And this trend is also pleasing as the more feedback we receive, the better we can make informed decisions for YOU—the members!

For what it is worth, here is my “take” on the day’s events. Clearly, facilities are very satisfactory; both roomy and comfortable. Being the first time there for many of us, the early morning staff were welcoming and helpful to Sam, Barry, Ken and myself. The afternoon staff continued that trend. The course itself was flat, but interesting; also in good condition. My one negative was that it was not well sign-posted. My group got lost more than once—-but then, that may have been us—not the course!! My group was one of the last back in, and a 4 hours 45-minute round did not help the President’s demeanour! More about slow play later, Gentlemen! Registration, lunch and Presentation all went smoothly, although the Prez’s daily joke may have been “trumped” by the Captain showing a hidden side to him! Finally, it clearly appears that most of the field found Rossdale’s course to their liking.

Well that super-talented D.D. ( Daryl-Dyer) did. A superb 41 points beat the field by 4 clear shots! Great work, Daryl. My Committee was really to the fore at Presentation, with a second placing going to “Mr. Money-bags” Batrouney, another top-ten placing going to the Flying Ferrall AND—no less than two NTP’s claimed by Neil-Muller and K. B. again! Graham-Salter snuck in to grab the C-Grade NTP. If you want more proof it was a “Committee day”, Captain Sam grabbed a raffle prize, and ex-member, Alan-Teather was a two-time winner, by coming 3rd overall and grabbing one of the other raffle prizes!! I am usually praising the Committee members present on the day, for their usual fine efforts, but it appears that this gameday was “PAYBACK” for their fine efforts over the years!

Finally, Horst-Eberius , who was the Autumn ESVGA winner, has franked that with a win in the Winter event. Mr Consistent indeed! ( And he’s one of our reps at Benalla, in September, for the VVGA State Championships!!)

So, Gents, on to the thorny issue of SLOW-PLAY! Look, I and others on Committee have been “banging on” about this for some time, and to be fair, the last few gameday rounds have been more than acceptable timewise. So, most of you have got the message—but not all! Captain Sam intends to send out some literature in the form of helpful hints , to make gamedays more enjoyable for EVERYONE!

Now, I would like to conclude by making a few remarks about my beloved Warbie!! Because of the dryish Winter so far, Warburton is in excellent condition, with the quality of the greens being a standout!! Although we have only 60-odd booked in, I am hoping for that number to increase through late entries , plus a number of our members playing as guests. We need those “locals” playing because some of them have their own carts, and will gladly take on a passenger—-for the price of a drink afterwards!! ( As I prepare this Report, I can tell you that 11 of the 12 available carts are already booked!) I do provide some chocolate/carrot cake with the sangers, and there will be an EXTRA NTP prize available. ( More details in the next Newsletter!!) so please consider coming if you have not already booked-in!

Enjoy your golf between now and Sept. 4th, Gents.

Regards, An optimistic Prez!” (Ron Hottes)

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A wet track at Gardiners Run in July

“The July gameday for our ESVGA was held at Gardiner’s-Run on July 3rd. When their Management made the decision that it was just too wet for carts, the field was reduced markedly. Thus, a field of 70, the smallest ever for one of our most popular venues, played on a course that was wet in parts. There were certainly no issues with the greens or the bunkers, but many fairways were affected!
( Preferred lies did help to counter this challenge!)