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Game Index:
- Feb – A mild February day at Beaconhills.
- Jan – Churchill-Waverley Endeavour Hills course
- Dec – 2025 Championship presentations by Life Members
- Dec – Eastwood 4BBB and AGM
- Nov – Gardiners Run Stroke – Round 2 ESVGA Championship
- Oct – Presidents Challenge – ESVGA vs. VGCV
- Oct – Yering Stroke & Round 1 ESVGA Championship
- Sept – VVGA Teams Championship, Portland
Feb – A mild February day at Beaconhills, perfect for golf
Cardinia-Beaconhills 2nd February 2026
After a meandering winding drive through the lovely hills being dazzled often by the blinding sun rising in the east we arrived.
A greeting awaited on the side of the second tee and fairway. What was the greeting? A mob of about 50 or 60 kangaroos grazing and frolicking. Many of their mates, in smaller groups watched golfers throughout the morning. They disappeared into their bush retreats as the day warmed up. The early arrivals continued up to the clubhouse. Lots of muttering and concerned committee members began rearranging the day’s setup. The Golf Pro hadn’t arrived and nothing was open. Bryce the Golf Pro was under the pump. A bad start for undisclosed reasons set him back, but he recovered well. Operating on his own bringing out carts, turning on lights, opening rooms and in between making coffees. Back on track members filed in to pay. Not all cards had handicaps included and some had no holes, ratings etc. No worries, 80% of players used Mi-score.
All the players listed arrived. Excellent commitment gentlemen. Despite the hiccups at the beginning, the game commenced on time at 8am. Quite a few jumpers and a few coats were evident as 13 degrees was considered cold after Melbourne’s hot run. Tentative starts on the greens were the norm. The slopes made putting tricky. Uphill was slow with early damp and some light sand. Downhill putts picked up speed quickly and side hill decidedly treacherous. Acclimatising to the conditions, putting improved without being spectacular. The Beacon Hills fairways had grass, some of which had browned off. Many comments after the game were made about how a shot down the middle rolled off to the light rough. I know it’s “stiff cheese” but that’s playing hilly courses. The rough as expected had many bare patches, also a lot of leaf litter. Hitting from the dirt was not so much a problem as finding the balls in twigs and leaves. Eight eyes were often required to spot that ball in the rough.
Looking around the course throughout the day it seemed all groups were neatly separated. Good open fairways’ and no one waiting on tees. It was surprising at the finish to find the duration had been 4hrs 40 minutes. By the time all scores were entered and printed, everyone had their plate of sandwiches and a drink in hand. Lots of talking. Just what is needed to complete a good day.
At 1:15pm presentations got under way. Bob Smith received a certificate of recognition for his contribution over 25 years. Russell Manning received his trophy for A grade champion in 2025.
Craig Walden the CEO of the APS Benefits Group, who are ESVGA sponsors, was introduced and presented with a cap and Honorary membership. Craig spoke briefly of the services APS provides and thanked the ESVGA for the invitation to play. Two other guests, Allan Logan and Stephen Bailey were introduced. New and recently joined members were introduced and presented with their badges and caps. Terry Lobjoit, Harry Hopkins and Graham Hedrick and Tony Calder. Harry “hole in one” Hopkins was lightly roasted by his mate!!? John Matthews.
Raffles followed, Wushka and his consortium didn’t pull one this time. All the winners called by a colour blind dyslexic (how can he write this stuff) president are in the body of the website.
Captain Sam, who continues with his remarkable efforts ran through the daily winners which are also on the website and distributed Monday night by Neil Muller.
The last note. Good to see a high handicapper Ray Cross taking out the big win and low handicapper John Wicks also in the money. Bill Bernhardt at the bottom of the list after a few months lay off is STILL playing AND WALKING the course at 92 or 93. Leo Soulsby doing the same thing also 92 or 93. Age is not a barrier for these two. Hope you can do the same.
Play better next time. David Waters
Jan – Churchill-Waverley Endeavour Hills course
Well golfers the start to a New Year has gone exceptionally well. A great climatic beginning with clear sky and calm conditions. The ground staff at Churchill/Waverley have done and were still working out there preparing the course for our enjoyment. Enjoyment expressed with tongue in cheek or with cramping typing hands. Having fun while smashing a stationary white object satisfies one of the basic emotions. The adrenalin rush when executing correct contact is the redeeming emotion when we play this usually frustrating sport.
Looking at the field report sent to all members post-game, on our first hit out for the year there was an even distribution of exhilaration and dejection. The par 3, seventeenth hole had multiple attempts by each grade to get closer to the flag. That didn’t include the ones that missed completely or were just outside the best marks. The rough being cleared didn’t prevent balls being lost. A few foundlings were retrieved on Tuesday. When searching be aware of low branches and projections. Peter Christianson trying to find a ball for Neil Muller was almost concussed and knocked off his feet head butting a truncated branch.
As the day went on the temperature climbed and with no breeze multiple drinks were gulped down. Faces remained red through, heat or exertion. Several gaps and bottle necks were also evident showing. Evidence some groups weren’t keeping up with the group ahead. Many comments were made in the club room.
When all the scores were in of the 90 players 42 missed the cut by carding 30 or less. Of the remainder, the Churchill/Waverley players all had 32 or more, two (Ian Warton and Greg Allen) were in the top ten with Greg taking top place with 43. Greg also received a gold coaster for the win. All winners each game this year will receive one. Peter Garbellini, one of our guests also made the top ten. Geoff Chamings from Churchill/Waverley collected the A grade NTP but couldn’t snag a birdie. Peter Jones, B grade and Greg Kyriazis C grade were the other NTP winners. All results on the website.
The round completed, sandwiches were brought out by Sharon by one pm. The bar service with Liam and James was doing brisk trade. From our group 70 players used Miscore speeding up the readiness for presentations. Lost property displayed and recovered, a proposed joke howled down we were underway!! NOT. The lightning strike not really hit the microphone, replacement arrived start again. Raffles, Barry Smith (life member) drew Michael Whitehead for the game for 4. Try again, next winner Jeff Stevens guest and captain VGCV, Barry too tired passed the mantle and Greg Allen having a wonderful day wins a raffle prize. Next out of the barrel Horst Eberius. Who do you think should have the last prize after twice at Christmas? Wushka!! Congratulations to our guests from VGCV for top ten finishes raffle wins and being part of our day.
Nearly done. Sam Athans received accolades for his tireless work, setting fields, sending notices, arranging sponsors, his charity work and more. With his achievements recorded, on his eightieth birthday we acknowledge Sam with a rendition of HAPPY BIRTHDAY and a chocolate cake
Sam went on to thank everyone for the day run through scores and send us all home by 2pm.
Well done everyone.
2025 Championship presentations by Life Members
- ESVGA 2025 Champion – David Stevens 77, 83 – Total 160
- Runner up – Michael Whitehead 82, 84 – Total 166
——————————————————————- - A Grade Nett Joint winner – Greg Allen 77, 72 – Total 149
- A Grade Nett Joint winner – Russell Manning 77, 72 – Total 149
- A Grade Nett Joint winner – Dave Rogers 74, 75 – Total 149
- Note: David Stevens with 146 was ineligible to win 2 trophies
——————————————————————- - B Grade Nett Joint winner – Peter Christianson 70, 77 – Total 147
- B Grade Nett Joint winner – Stan Lee 83, 64 – Total 147
——————————————————————- - C Grade Nett winner – Peter Hopgood 71, 72 – Total 143
Eastwood 4BBB and AGMhttp://Eastwood_2025_4BBB
The final game for 2025 had us all anticipating warm conditions, good teamwork and high team scores. Of course, expectations were not met. The coldest first of December for years. Lower than expected team scores. Hot and cold team play with one partner making average scores, the other missing out. The high player numbers dropped to low 90’s, no reasons given and that gave Sam a headache reorganising the field. Fortunately, registration went smoothly with the TYRO machine behaving.
Misty rain, a heavy sprinkle and one ferrous storm of driving rain occurred throughout the morning. The flow of the games was interrupted by brollies going up, down and put away, and jackets, coats and jumpers taken off and put on. This weather book ended the year as the first game at Churchill/Waverley also had wetness by the bucket full.
The ground was soft, and well struck shots did not get full value, pulling up 20 to 30 meters shorter than desired. The greens in many cases had a braking effect on the putts, regardless of borrow. Those easy 5 for 2 points often finished 6 for1. Dull clothing and grey skies did not provide good photography options. Only outside shots when the sun appeared made it to the website. Presentation time was another story (later). Highlights were few if any. A notable steady approach by Colin Looker who putted with aplomb kept his team within reach of the winner’s circle. Henry Chen, Colin’s partner, couldn’t’ match him on the putting surface. They finished three points behind the winners, on 39.
Everyone had their Christmas drink and sandwiches by one pm. Announcements were delayed by hiccups in the score registration. Sam, Norm and later Bruce and Ken working with the assistant pro eventually had the day’s results. A triple dead heat. 42 points only. Geoff Johnson/Peter Mastertoun, Horst Eberius/David Finn, Noel Blythe/Greg Allen were the lucky pairs. Derek Wilson and Ken Batrouney took out the fourth place on count back with 41. A full list of results has been sent to members, and the winners list is on the website. Several times this year no C grade NTP has been won. It happened again at Eastwood. The prize goes back in the bank. Now for the raffle. This is not comprehensive, look to the web for the rest. “Wushka”, sporting his separately sourced 4XXX blue polo with ESVGA logo (see attached photo above), had his ticket drawn to win a prize. He was asked to do the next draw and promptly pulled his other ticket to win again. What a day for “Wushka”.
Daily winners and ball run complete, attending life members, Tom Tarrant (president 7-years), Rod Coling (treasurer 9 years), Barry Smith (vice president 9-years), Ron Hottes (president 9-years), Dave Rogers (secretary 9-years) Neil Muller (secretary 12-years) were introduced to present the Champions Trophies. The champions for 2025 are:
A grade Greg Allen, Russell Manning and Noel Blythe.
B grade Peter Christianson and Stan Lee.
C grade Peter Hopgood.
Ron Hottes finished presenting the trophy to Dave Rogers and was then inveigled and encouraged by the clamouring throng to tell a joke. He succumbed easily. Ron told a true??? story of his recent eye operation. Ron used many medical terms. Opthalmus, occulus, canulus, to describe the hole in his eye. A passer-by said the hole was in his flatulus.
A sting in Ron’s tale (tail).
There followed some interruptions a bit of heckling as the AGM commenced and then halted. Presidential faux pax. The best left till last.
The gross score CHAMPION for 2025 DAVID STEVENS was invited to accept his award and be photographed.
The presidents report for the year came in truncated form. The treasurers audited report was presented and the motion to accept it was passed by the membership. Almost finally the AGM was under-way, with Dave Rogers again at the rostrum as election controller this time after all committee positions were declared vacant.
Advertising successfully resulted Ian Parlby nominating for Secretary. He was duly installed by the members. David Waters (President), Sam Athans (Captain), Neil Muller (Membership Secretary), Ken Batrouney (Treasurer), Norm Kearns, Bruce Ferrall, Alan McMeekin, David Stevens, Danny Cappellani and returning member Derek Wilson were also elected to the committee. The AGM then concluded. The newly installed committee presented certificates for 25-year ESVGA membership to Leo Soulsby 29-years, Tom Tarrant 28-years, Dave Rogers 25-years. The absent Bob Smith 27-years and Keith Schofield 28-years will receive the memento later.
Happy and safe Christmas and New Year to you all and your families. See you golfers in 2026 and beyond.
David Waters
Gardiners Run Stroke – Round 2 ESVGA Championship
What were we expecting? Only the seventy qualifiers playing this game? No, at least ninety nine registered early on, by the weekend prior down to 96. As the hit off time arrived there were only 89 combatants. The adjustments constantly needed caused our captain a little heartburn and some loss of hair.
Early arrivals queued at the registration desk with open wallets and credit cards at the ready. The first half dozen (we flex between metric and imperial measures) customers completed their payments easily.
Then the excrement hit the fan!!!!! Expletives followed.
Electrons not doing their job and not talking to each other or the frustrated treasurer.
After some deep and heavy breathing, calm was restored and the tyro EFTPOS machine behaved. The credit cards were accepted along with cash preferred by some individuals.
Away players went to hit off right on time at 8am. The temperature was a little higher than expected but not enough when no warm-ups were done. Swings were stiff and rusty through the first few holes. The ground conditions were excellent. A few damp patches on the fairways but quite dry considering the amount of rainfall during the prior week. A well struck ball rolled well along the fairways always providing a chance for a good score. Unfortunately, many could not maintain accuracy and bunkers and trees snagged our balls. Those errors were compounded by inaccurate putting or alleviated somewhat if the putter was hot. Three putt stories were many, though the pin placements showed no borrow. The tall tales of really long putts or miraculous recovery shots were not evident or loud in the club rooms. Maybe there weren’t any.
All players had finished by four and a half hours. That was expected with a stroke round and cards in for scores to be tallied. The card readers were working but many results initially did not record. Scores not marked, added, tallied and player signature missing and operator error were the reasons. Scores printed and presentations started.
The results of the day as usual have been sent to everyone by our super-efficient secretary and will be in the web report. Two very worthy notes. The first, Stan Lee from Box Hill, playing off 20, turned in a remarkable nett 64 to win the day by six shots from Colin Eaton. The second is, Colin Eaton from Future Golf, playing off 10, bettered his age for the first time scoring 80 off the stick for nett 70. He was a clear second by two strokes from five players on nett 72.
Peter Mastertoun picked up a top ten plus a NTP and Gary (Wushka) Overton picked up a top ten plus a raffle prize.
The catering was terrific with the ladies bringing out fresh sandwiches, hungrily eaten, the bar staff pumping out drinks which we needed and the professionals helping with all manner of things. The condition of our former president Ron Hottes and player Graeme Fox has improved. They both have recently suffered strokes. They are rehabilitating and it will be some time before they are at full strength and able to play with us. A reminder to all members to have regular medical checks.
The day concluded with well wishes and the committee were last out before 2pm. David Waters.
Presidents Challenge – ESVGA versus VGCV
PRESIDENTS CHALLENGE 2025, Waterford Valley Golf Course 20th October
This year’s challenge was quite challenging for different reasons. Only half of last years ESVGA players registered again. Fortunately, new additions brought our numbers to 40. Additions and subtractions from both associations plus adjustments continued up to hit off time. Only 20 players from VGCV attended despite vigorous promotion by the Captain and President.
Stress levels high.
Captain Sam excelled in collating player handicaps for everyone, and Treasurer Ken kept the tyro under control taking payments.
Excitement was kept in check, primarily by the weather. The soaking misty rain meant umbrellas had a good airing and jackets were ‘de rigueur” for the start. As the day wore on the umbrellas were folded and jackets stowed. The ground stayed damp, not wet and the greens behaved well and got steadily faster. To the amazement of players, the holes apparently moved when the ball nearly reached the hole. Many a near miss was had. John Palone proved there were exceptions, his 20 metre down hill putt, going like a rocket, smashed the back of the cup and stayed down to par the third with a four.
Scores as usual are separately listed on the website. Best score 38, worst score 17. Just a little variation. The top 9 were 33 and above,32 rounding the 10 on count back. Only two from the ESVGA scored on every hole, one being Graeme Smith who came second with 36. Jeff Stevens the VGCV captain was third on count back with 36.
Celebrations began with the raffles. Everyone received a ball and raffle ticket at registration. No extra sales and no ball run needed.
Treasurer Ken Batrouney drew the tickets to avoid table mates bias (only Joking) seen with past raffles. Norm Kearns was the recipient of the major prize donated by Waterford Valley of games for 4 with carts. Ron Van Winkel, Jeff Stevens and Tom Buzza took the $50 envelopes. Six wines followed.
NTP’s went to Peter Garbellini, Dave Stevens, Ron Van Winkel and John Palone.
There will be some random photos of the day, many before prize giving on the website.
Prizes distributed and thanks given to participants. Well satisfied with freshly prepared and quite delicious sandwiches and just enough lubrication.
Everyone expressed their good wishes for health and safe driving until we next meet.
The proceedings were closed at two pm.
Well done to you all keep the ball in front of you and eyes on it.
Regards David Waters
Yering Meadows Stroke & Round 1 ESVGA Championship
First round of 2025 Championship
The preview of warm day, no rain was hoped for. The day started in the reverse with overcast and light mist. Well do you think the advice to use sunscreen and hats was adhered to, or was it to be spare clothing, brollies and wet weather gear. Hmm!! What a quandary. Most did start out with jackets and brollies at the ready, but quite soon various pieces of apparel were discarded or placed in golf bags. Starting with trepidation but finishing in fine weather we all had a pleasant day.
Golfing as usual beats any day in the office, even if the scores don’t reflect the effort put in.
A stroke day for the first round of the championship meant all shots were counted. Even aeries. A good gross score of mid-seventies won the day. A reasonable, low nineties, by a B grader did well for second. All the results as usual are separately listed. A gentleman’s ten, curtailed further misadventures by wayward players. So, 11 or 12 per hole were only marked 10. As suspected, the gross scores varied considerably from 77 to 125. No names or pack drill. A dozen players matched or bettered the course rating of 72 with another half dozen being one over at 73
There are plenty of participants vying for the honours in round two at Gardiners Run. Good luck and steady golfing to you all.
At last members of the committee, those who set things up for everyone, took the top two places for the day. David Stevens first continued his good run with 68 nett. Barry Lacy overcoming difficulty followed David with nett 69. No need for countbacks. WHEW!!
Club manager James Veitch made sure the ESVGA were well catered for with delicious sandwiches, plated and ready for hungry golfers. These were greedily consumed with only crumbs left.
Presentations flowed relatively smoothly, the microphone not doing as well as expected. Tinkling glasses drew attention to the raffle draw and later to the captain as he read the results and went through the ball run. To avoid table mates or buddies pulling THE BUDDY TICKET, assistant treasurer drew all raffles.
Barry Lacy had a good day having a raffle win after his second place. Ron Van Winckel had a raffle win and B grade NTP. Bill Bussau won A grade NTP and a ball for his one over 73. Peter Hopgood and Peter Christianson will be under investigation for insider knowledge. Former long time Yering members pulled third and 6th. Hmm!!! What next???
Continue playing well everyone. See you all at Gardiners Run for stroke round two.
David Waters
Report on the VVGA Teams Event held at Portland Golf Club
15th and 16th September 2025
Forty teams of veteran golfers from seventeen districts met at the Portland Golf Club to compete in the VVGA annual district teams championships. This year the ESVGA was allowed to enter 3 teams who are gathered in the clubhouse in the photo below. They are from left to right: Alan Young, Ed Farrell, Tony Meeuwsen, Ron Drain, Peter Johnson, Sam Athans, Barry Maltman, Norm Kearns and John Prossor.
After driving for nearly 5 hours on the Sunday our three teams, together with our president and mentor David Waters, all made it safely to the sleepy hamlet of Portland.
As everyone arrived at different times, we were scattered all over the town in different eating establishments where we enjoyed country hospitality.
A warm balmy sunny day greeted us on the first day of competition at the very picturesque Portland Golf Club. Although the weather was warm, we were met with challenging conditions where the wind played havoc on damp fairways; hence preferred lies being the order of the day. Not one player beat their handicap and of the 120 players that competed 36 points was the top score filtering down to the lowest score being 13. It was certainly a challenging day for most of the players involved.
Immediately after the game players were treated to a generous spread of sandwiches, party pies and cakes which was welcomed by all. In the evening the Portland Golf Club hosted a carvery dinner where in a packed social room players and partners mingled with groups from other associations in a very relaxed atmosphere over a few drinks.
Dinner at Portland Golf Club was a let down but the company was not as seen by the following photos.
Day Two, however, presented many problems. In addition to the gale force winds together with a bit of thunder, players also had to contend with numerous heavy showers making life difficult for many. So much so that some players from other associations didn’t even front up for the second day. It is interesting to note however, that even though the conditions were more difficult than the previous day, scores were surprisingly better all round. Two players, from other associations, happened to beat their handicap and despite the adverse weather conditions on the second day all our ESVGA representatives either matched or improved their previous days score; probably because they were aware of what dangers lay before them. All in all a pleasant few days was had by all.
Summary of the scores were:-
| Winning team: Runners-Up: | South Gippsland VGA North Eastern District | 189 points 187 points | |
| Best score Day 1: | Alan Kinnaird | Kooringal G.C. | 36 points |
| Best score Day 2: | Greg Gebhart | Lara G. C. | 38 points |
| 36 Hole Best Score | Greg Gebhart | Lara G. C. | 74 points |
ESVGA Scores:
| Team No. 1 – 7th Total | Peter Johnson Barry Maltman Ron Drain | 30 & 30 points 29 & 29 points 24 & 31 points | 60 points 58 points 55 points 173 points |
| Team No. 2 – 15th Total | Sam Athans Ed Farrell Norm Kearns | 26 & 30 points 27 & 28 points 24 & 28 points | 56 points 55 points 52 points 163 points |
| Team No. 3 – 30th Total | John Prosser Alan Young Tony Meeuwsen | 28 & 31 points 26 & 31 points 17 & 18 points | 59 points 57 points 35 points 151 points |
Sam Athans
Captain ESVGA
