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Topics Index:
* Nov – Fine weather for Championship Stroke at Yering Meadows
* Oct – Presidents Challenge – ESVGA versus VGCV
* Oct – Dreary weather golf at Eastwood this Spring
* Sept – VVGA Teams Championship – Bendigo Golf Club
* Sept – Warburton postponement well justified
* Aug – Well looked after at Rossdale
* July – Keysborough
* Jun – A misty start, with still & overcast conditions at Yering Meadows.
* May – A lovely sunny day for golf at Waterford Valley.
* Apr – A big field and fine weather at Eastwood.
* Mar – ESVGA winners at the VVGA 4BBB Championship.
* Mar – Another very pleasant day for golfing at C-W Endeavour Hills.
* Feb – A pleasant cool summer day for Cardinia Beaconhills.
* Jan – A stop start first round to commence 2024.
* Dec – Farewell Ron as President and Barry.
* Dec – A five way tie for first place at Yering Meadows.
Fine weather for Championship Stroke at Yering Meadows
The championship took a second adjustment from two rounds reduced by conditions to a one round shoot out. Furthermore, the predicted course was also changed from the Nursery course to the Homestead. All things were still taken in stride and the 2024 championship began.
There was the usual jumble at registration with people collecting wrong cards, getting the queue line mixed up. Payments made and raffle tickets purchased, and everyone was heading off by 7:45.
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Initially the anxious 97 participants were greeted by a light fog, a super gentle breeze and several hot air balloons hovering overhead. It was a beautiful site for non-players. |
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It didn’t take long for the fog to burn off and jackets became superfluous. The first few holes seemed to take a while, thereafter most groups increased speed. The gaps in the field seemed to come when players lost balls and didn’t follow the ESVGA rule to take 2 shots and play from the fairway. That resulted in slowing the groups following. Most groups finished in 4hrs 20 to 4hrs 40. Meaning results were in as were players by 1pm
What did we hear out there playing? Greens were too slow, too furry, too bumpy. Well, many times that putt pulled up way short, the extra curry on the next went rocketing by. One player on a par three for one approached to 3ft then looped out twice from six inches before finally holing out. (No name, no photo).
Two of the three on the 7th for the NTP holed their birdie putts. One player prepared for changing weather conditions left the shorts to change into on the chair at home.
Who can remember every shot? Ask Jack. He was reminded the five claimed was really six. Wonder how often it happens in stroke rounds? Anyone else guilty?
Everyone in, we began with a Remembrance Day dedication by Barry Lacy. We also noted the absence through illness of Barry Smith, Neville Evans, Dermot Magee. While everyone was tucking in to the delicious sandwiches, the raffle was drawn, NTP’s announced and then daily winners. All the results are on the website.
The 2024 champions will be announced between 7 and 8 on Saturday, on Eastern FM radio 98.1. They will also be in the December newsletter. Trophies will be presented prior to the AGM at Gardiners Run
Another terrific day completed, of great companionship, wonderful weather and with some golf thrown in.
See you for the 4BBB at Gardiners Run.
David Waters
Presidents Challenge – ESVGA versus VGCV
WATERFORD VALLEY PRESIDENT’S CHALLENGE – Monday 21st October 2024
As predicted a sunny day was experienced after the rain last week. What a surprise to have light fog over the course. Fortunately, the sun burnt through quickly and warmed old bones. Jackets and pullovers were removed early as muscles reacted to the heat.
The build up to the event had a few late inclusions to the field, unfortunately several mishaps resulting in restrictive injuries and the usual illnesses brought us back to 68 participants. One no show left one group with three.
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No local rules were advised, only normal R&A to be adhered to. Casual water but no preferred lies applied to the stableford event. The excellent conditions did not apply to scoring as only five players had 34 points or more. The best was VGCV’s Bruce Keenan with 37 points off a handicap of 22. His teammate Chris Thorne was runner up with 36 points off a handicap of 23. Unfortunately, these two great scores couldn’t carry the VGCV team to victory. A few more teammates might’ve made the difference.
The ESVGA defended last year’s title by the small margin of half a point on average. 27.89 to 27.25. The result was only a by-product with the the focus being an enjoyable game with different blokes, shooting the breeze and having a laugh.
Presentations began after the sandwiches were finished. Scores were available much faster than previous. The NTP’s were a problem with names recorded on the incorrect grade markers. One NTP is still to be confirmed.
The major raffle prize of a round of golf for four, with two carts, was donated by Waterford Valley. The winner drawn by Kaye Buttersworth was Barry Hammond. Kaye received a bottle of wine for being the only representative for women on the day. Barry collected his Voucher and was still glowing as he was one of the last to leave.
The three cash raffle prizes worth $50 were won by Andrew McMath, Kevin Wells and Peter Frost.
David Heraud, a VGCV sponsor and champion Jam Maker at this year’s Melbourne Royal Show, was asked to speak about his product. After making a generous donation of jam to the raffle prize pool, David took orders at discounted rates for veteran golfers.
The last items raffled were bottles of wine, a mixed bag admittedly. Unfortunately, the time rich presenter had balled the tickets TOO tightly. This caused issues with geriatric fingers unravelling them. Several helpers got to work getting them open and soon the last bottles were taken.
We began presentations by thanking Ken Batrouney, Peter Ross, Sam Athans (not present), Ray Desmond and Harold Hayes for their assistance in preparing the day.
THE MOST IMPORTANT THANKS IS TO YOU, THE MEMBERS, WHO MADE THIS SUCH AN ENJOYABLE DAY.
David Water, President ESVGA
Dreary weather golf at Eastwood this Spring
Seventy-eight players braved the elements at Eastwood last Monday and despite the inclement weather some very good scores were posted. However, despite the conditions we had six players break their handicap, one player played to his handicap and eight players were only one stroke below. So it wasn’t all that bad.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
Unfortunately due to a number of factors we had to cancel the first round of the Club Championships at Eastwood.
Firstly, the Eastwood Golf Club strongly insisted that we had to play a Stableford event. The course was not up to its usual standard and a stroke event would have taken well over five hours [according to Golf Professional Alex Pitty]. Given the recent weather conditions the rough could not be cut (making it difficult to find one’s ball) plus the cored greens had not recovered sufficiently making putting more luck than skill.
That being the case your executive committee decided not to include Eastwood in the Championship round. So for this year only we will have one round of stroke to be played at our next event at Yering Meadows on Monday 11th November.
Sam Athans, Captain
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GAME REPORT
” Dreary Eastwood!
Although the day WAS dreary, weather wise, the usual Eastwood hospitality shone through. A number of alterations to the daily program were forced upon us without choice, and due to the course conditions. Eastwood had clearly copped its fair share of precipitation in the previous 3 days, so those changes were both reasonable —and expected!
Overall, though, it must be noted that Club Pro, Alex-Petty, was more than helpful in accommodating a smooth run to our day. Thank you, Alex!
It also must be noted that the Committee was very pleased with the support from the members, in all aspects of the day. ( E.g. The change to the ESVGA Championships, the support, AGAIN, for the raffle, and staying back for a later-than-expected Presentation!)
And, so onto the golf itself. What a surprise, Gentlemen—Eastwood members figured prominently among the Top 10 finishers! ( Although it should be recorded that our illustrious Treasurer, himself a long-serving Eastwood member, did not crack the Top Ten!!)
Daryl-Dyer, recently dubbed D.D.D. took the top podium spot with a superb 42 points. ( Wow—-another Mr. Consistent.) The Flying-Ferret’s best mate, Jack-Kerin, was close up behind with a not-to-be-sneezed-at 40 points. Good work, Jack. And, coming in to the Bronze-medal position, earning his title of Mr. Consistent, was Horst-Eberius. Not surprisingly, the ball run down extended to 30 points!
A few points of interest:
- Thank you to the 2 Lynda’s for their patient service behind the bar—-both delightful Ladies!
- A sincere thank you to Warburton member, Barry-Maltman, for donating a brand new Mizuno golf bag, valued at $200+, for our raffle first prize. ( And guess who won it—-D.D.D., by picking out his own ticket!!)
- It was great to see Life-member, Rod-Coling attending. When announced, he was received very warmly by all-and-sundry!
- For those who didn’t hear the update on another much-loved Life member, Barry-Smith is recovering in rehab, after a nasty bout of Encephalitis! He hopes to make an appearance at our Yering game in November.
Finally, 2 important reminders, Gents. The ESVGA vs VGCV President’s-Cup, at Waterford is now less than 2 weeks away, and we have 40+ members representing us on the 21st October.
And, so “onwards & upwards”, Men, to Yering for our ONE-round Championships. Look forward to seeing you there on a bright, sunny, calm day!
Regards, Ron-Hottes ( standing in, ever so briefly for President Waters!)
Good results at the VVGA Teams Championship – Bendigo Golf Club
This year we were allowed to enter three teams into this event. That was unusual and it depends on future support for VVGA competitions if this continues. The committee ratified our representatives after considering qualifying games, form and availability. To defend our 2023 result several of our number saddled up for the defence.
Horst Eberius, Phillip Guscott and Ian Young made one team. Colin Eaton, Norm Kearns and David Waters another team. Noel Blythe, Rip Byrdy and Barry Lacy were the third team.
Our representation was one of half a dozen zones with three teams. Fifteen of the twenty-one zones sent 114 players to this team’s event. A few ladies were in the field, and they performed very well.
There was little traffic on our way up. The mild conditions greeted our arrival and most of the team had some practice to unwind from our travels. A few played 18 holes while the others were content to feel the greens and fairways. As the evening approached the breeze became chilly and so all adjourned to our accommodation. A quick change and we all headed for the Golden Square hotel for our evening get together and a sumptuous meal. The hotel was a sponsor of the team’s event, and we thought it appropriate to support the management.
During our meal and with drinks the team, minus Norm ad Ian but including Bev Eberius, we discussed golf strategy, ESVGA and VVGA decisions and solved the world’s problems. Stumps were called early and we all went back to rest.
Monday morning rising early for breakfast before registering for eleven o’clock hit off. An anxious phone call to Norm. Are you here yet? Ten minutes away was the reply. Norm drove up Monday. Coffee all round, partners met and time for photos before moving off.
Cool but sunny we all removed jumpers and jackets for a team picture. Brrr quickly we reclothed before we turned to ice cubes. Wishing each other good luck we struck out. As the day progressed the temperature rose to be very pleasant, and the breeze abated. After four hours thirty we all handed in our cards for processing.
Result for team two. Colin Eaton Phil Guscott and David Waters on top with 105 points
Monday night the VVGA booked for a hundred at the Golden Square Hotel. On arrival the harassed manager ushered the golfing fraternity past the celebrating footballers into the lounge. Another delicious meal was consumed by all of us and Bev who made sure we were well behaved. There was lots of banter around the table and tales of trips to far away places. Multiple excursions were compared. Exotic golf courses described too. As listeners to these travelogues, imaginations were stirred and prospective ventures planned. Barry provided plenty of witticisms and looked set for the night regaling us as he sipped another wine. Rip being the responsible partner looked out for him. Back to our Haciendas for some sleep, fairly early by many standards.
Day two started early, well eight for bacon and egg rolls, registration, and nine o’clock hit off. The day looked much brighter than expected and warmer. Not much breeze and no dew. Absolutely perfect.
An extra coffee and the roll and most went to the practice green again. A few more photos. Then the pep talk. Who listens to a coach anyway. Land short of the green and roll it up. Keep cool. Relax and enjoy the company. We mostly did.
Nine o’clock, away we went. As Bill, Ian, John and David left the tee, the bloke from the second group raced up, handed us his ball and asked for it to be placed in the middle of the fairway. We all broke up laughing and gave us the wobbles on our next shot. The kangaroos were up at that time and only were startled once. A very large crow called out ……ark as an out-of-control ball flew off the fourth tee. (Not the voice of the Prez”. this time) As the day warmed up, bodies fatigued. Scoring faltered and Noel Blythe succumbed with a back problem. He soldiered on to help the team. The greens were firm and fast and often the putts would slide past the hole to require a long putt back.
The fairways were in excellent condition as were the greens, pleasant weather and good company. All the participants with a few exceptions had varied scores over the two days. Teams also had varied results the ESVGA were first on day one with 105 points but fourteenth on day two with 90 points.
Our team positions were 8th on 195 points Eaton, Kearns & Waters. 21st on 178 points Blythe, Byrdy & Lacy & 27th on 173 points Eberius, Guscott & Young.
Colin Eaton had a NTP on the twelfth hole on day one with wine as a prize
The clear individual winner was Robert Rossiter with 39 and 44 total 83.
David Waters with 38 and 39 was fourth individually both days to take second overall with 77.
Barry Lacy had a 36, and Norm Kearns 35 on day one with all others 32 or less both days.
Full results on the VVGA website under events results.
A great venue, well hosted, enjoyable company before during and after the games. Excellent team spirit and sportsmanship shown by everyone.
Thanks for your participation, David Waters.
Warburton postponement well justified.
Email from Captain Sam Athans on Monday 2nd Sept. to members
I’ve just had a report from our life-member, Warburton local and ESVGA elder (Ron Hottes) who reported the weather in Warburton has definitely justified the committee’s decision to postpone. The wind overnight has caused havoc and there are numerous detours in the area. It would not have been a pleasant day. Below is a warning posted today on the VicRoads website.
A severe weather warning for damaging winds is current across most of Victoria. More than 90 intersections are without power across the state, while fallen trees, debris and other hazards are resulting significant impacts to the road network. Conditions can change quickly. Remain alert and follow the direction of emergency services.
From President David Waters 9/9/2024.
The start was a little chaotic. Well for instance the long and pleasantly winding road was hijacked by slow moving trucks. The cautious driving president was slowed in his approach to the club meaning late to the start table. A browbeating resulted from ALL members.
Ruffled feathers smoothed, everyone moved off to tees. Shambles on the 7th
one cart not in view as Sanjay, Daryl and David raffled driving duties to carry three bags. The cavalry arrived with Max in his own cart. Catastrophe averted.
Good shots followed bad from all groups in view, but no hold ups in play. We had warnings of fast greens, did anyone pay heed. NO. Straight putts slid past the hole AND KEPT rolling. Light taps turned sideways AND KEPT rolling. so lots of 3 putts.
At least half a dozen players tamed the slopes and figured in mid thirty scores Half the field scored 29 or better and they collected a ball in recognition. An unenviable few only managed scores in the teens.
We couldn’t blame the weather for our performance with a moderate breeze, overcast and no rain but like all true golfers we will find an excuse no matter how implausible.
We were well serviced in the clubrooms with sandwiches and cake. The staff have been acknowledged separately. Presentation was slowed with a lot of notices, many to be repeated in the newsletter and scores sent out and on the website.
Thanks to all attendees on this postponed game. Enjoy the first championship round at Eastwood and have fun even if hit 200 shots remember the exercise you gain swing that club.
Happy Golfing
David Waters
ESVGA Golf Ball sponsor Mitchell Ohlmus Golf – (PGA Pro at Churchill-Waverley G & B Club)
Well looked after at Rossdale.
Guys you did a fabulous job at Rossdale, despite being down on committee participants. We were finished by about 1.45. Stragglers yacked on and cleared up.
The round of about four hours thirty meant we started presentation at1.15 a few players took time in putting gear away, taking cards to the pro shop and sitting down. Let’s hurry those blokes up.
I hope to continue asking players from groups to pass out balls. Sharing knowledge and encouraging participation at events.
Well done.
Presidents Challenge ESVGA versus VGCV
The Presidents Challenge is on again this year between the ESVGA and our neighbours the VGCV.
The event is at Waterford Valley on 21 October. The cost is $60 card payment which includes many prizes on offer including NTP’s and raffles. David hopes for 40 players from each district.
If you are interested email our president David Waters. His email address is on your membership card or use the Contact Us page on the website.
David Waters
Keysborough wash-up.
What a day, arriving in the car park in darkness, couldn’t see the markings, chastised for crooked parking. A rough start for the president but he did arrive early.
Nick, our in-house host, had the rooms open and the fire going for registration. A smooth, comfortable and warm beginning. Raffle tickets went off like hotcakes due to very good advance notice about the major prize. A round for four with carts at Keysborough compliments of Keysborough Golf Club. The bonus sales help reduce the amount of subsidy needed for fees playing Keysborough. (Click on photos to show enlarged in new tab)
Hit off at 8 am was very chilly, and it remained cold all day despite brief spells of sunshine. (Webmaster: The president arrived wearing shorts with the temperature at 5 degrees might explain that remark) The frosty fingers and layers of jumpers and coats hampered most players or so it seemed. There were no stand-out scores. It was anticipated that 37 would win and a few would reach low 30’s. The prediction was nearly correct as 36 took the chocolates.
David Behan had a great day. His top ten finish, NTP prize and culminating the day with a raffle prize too. Mike Leeds also had a top ten finish and NTP prize. Horst Eberius won the major prize; he now needs to cull the “friends” who want to join him for his prize round.
Good to see all finished in 4 hours 20 minutes. Scores were presented to the pro, who efficiently processed the cards for us. The lunch and drinks were of excellent quality served by very polite staff. Despite the NTP pick up delay, (THANK YOU Bruce Ferrall for going out later to pick them up), and hiccups with the microphone, presentations moved on, and everyone was on their way by 1:40pm.
The experience encouraged the committee to look at this venue for 2025.
Your President David Waters
A misty start, with still & overcast conditions at Yering Meadows.
As the dust was settled early with misty conditions for our 8.30 hit off. A small bit of chaos with the cards printed for blue tees at slope 130. All fixed (and) we were away.
The cards were mostly striped for humour that backfired. Horst Eberius threatened to run the president out of town for the disruption caused at the card reader by this action.
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Everyone moved easily over the changed course. Not too many bunkers now, but plenty of GUR where some have been removed. Time to play, four hours thirty. All inside and eating freshly prepared and plated sandwiches by 1.30. Delicious. No side effects???
I hope none.
After the upheavals at the club we were well treated by the catering staff, new general manager and pro shop staff. All have been individually acknowledged and thanked.
As usual we introduced life members present, the new member and all guests.
Time was getting on and a prepared story/joke was told badly by the president. Members restrained themselves from booing or throwing eggs. A credit to you all.
So the raffle was drawn and prize winners announced. These are shown separately.
In today’s photos, Wayne Barlow features heavily. The par 3, 25th landing 1.2 m from the flag and completed a birdie putt. An unlucky landing on the 26th saw Wayne do a Seve Ballesteros to get away from more difficulty. Players on the next green were hoping for a falling Wayne photo. Didn’t happen.
New member Kuna aka Chris Krishnasamy offered sampling of NZ vodka after the presentation. Any one wanting to purchase should speak to Kuna.
A good day expressed by many. Golf a minor component. Get on the lucky table at the next game. Stay dry, warm and smiling.
Better golf next time.
David Waters
A lovely sunny day for Golf at Waterford Valley.
Another lovely day. Sunshine, no wind, fast greens, well cut fairways perfect for golf.
Such a pity so few of us can play good golf with those conditions. Only 23 players scored over 30. Only one played above handicap. No others even reached handicap. There is much needed improvement for the next game at Yering Meadows. There were the usual tales of miss reads of the greens but not for Barry Lacy who seemed to sink putts from everywhere. Unfortunately, Barry waited until the last hole to be played, rated easiest, to have four putts, miss points and finish with 35.
Most finished playing in about 4hr 40min, with the walk or drive to the clubhouse adding 20 min. the sandwiches were freshly made and were distributed from 1.30 and presentations began soon after. There were many favourable comments on the organisation of the day by guests and new members. Credit goes to the committee for that.
It was good to see Peter Noar return from injury after 12 months. Peter Hopgood played after surgery but wasn’t supposed to and collected his championship prize. Rod Coling arrived to have lunch with fellow life members. Stan Lee collected his hole in one trophy and framed card (his brother Chris Lee was going to claim it if Stan didn’t return).
A great day of friendship among pretend golfers.
Smile always and smell the roses, see you at Yering Meadows.
David Waters (President)
A big field and fine weather at Eastwood.
Well, what a day. Starting in sunlight at 8.30, well at least it was bright enough to see. Many were ready for registration at 7am. Unfortunately, the rooms weren’t open at 7.30 as requested and so a little messing around. Players picked up cards before we could pay. A quick rearrangement and registration proceeded outside. Catastrophe avoided as players were sent to alternative tees to cover for absentees.
Play moved reasonably for the large field of about 110. We still must address the issue of slow play. You must be ready to play when YOU reach your ball not when the last man reaches his. The other main rule is to keep up with the group ahead not just in front of the group behind.
The condition of the course and the weather conditions were favourable for golfing. The results indicated golfers don’t play to conditions. Only two players did better than their handicap and only four more equalled it. 60 percent of the field had less than 30 points.
I had the pleasure of playing with the winner of the day, Ian Young. Ian played steadily for his 38 points, even wiping one hole. Phil Guscott was runner-up with a creditable 37.
The shot of the day was by Stan Lee. As he recounted it was a majestic 5 wood. Strick sweetly off the second tee. Over the pond, between the bunker and the right-hand hazard, on to the green and IN THE HOLE. Stan Lee, you aced it.
It was good to have our life members attending lunch. Unfortunately, Ron Hottes had a flat battery and missed the game, so we had Peter Hopgood stand in for the photo. Neil can show the photoshopped version as well. Rod Coling, Barry Smith, Dave Rogers and Tom Tarrant came together for a show of AGE.
Two members were double winners, with Bill Bussau coming tenth and winning the raffle and Peter Benson recording eighth and NTP. Ray Cross is being swabbed for coming third with 36 off a handicap of 39. Just another bandit.
A good day with great people. Looking forward to seeing you all at Waterford Valley.
Stay safe and good golfing.
David Waters
ESVGA winners at the VVGA 4BBB Championship.
Another very pleasant day for golfing at C-W Endeavour Hills.
It was a very pleasant day for golfing. Not too hot and only a gentle breeze. The greens were smooth but as usual deceiving in the speed and variation in slope. Even home players have trouble putting. The fairways ran fast and long, unlike many of us who can barely walk. This gave short hitters encouragement. Long hitters were taking out shorter irons to compensate for the extra distance. The top scores were 37 and 10th place had a creditable 33.
The fallen branches were GUR but trees still standing from the storms were being struck, annoying the president who did that regularly. The rough was mowed seemingly too low as many balls slid off fairways and deep into wooded areas. A minor issue as at least the balls were found.
Local knowledge showed through with Al Robinson taking equal first and Geoff Chamings fourth and NTP for A grade. All results and some photo’s have been published and are also on the website.
Some good news. Bruce Ferrall and Dave Rogers appear well after heart scares and Derek Wilson has returned after his heart op.
During presentations Ray Keppie was congratulated on receiving Royal Mail for 60 years of marriage. Not noted on the day was Al Robinson and Bev celebrated the 50th wedding anniversary. Oh boy how different Al looked in photos of the day.
Congratulations to all our winners, participants and those celebrating special events.
Stay safe and enjoy your golf. Live it up.
David Waters
A pleasant cool February day for Cardinia Beaconhills.
Cardinia Beacon Hills run down by the president.
A few late withdrawals and one MIA brought the field to 84. We started in mild conditions on time. No messing up due to the diligent work of the absent captain. Peter Johnson stepped in and organised card distribution while Norm Kearns assisted by distributing marker tokens.
The peaceful location was commented on. Birds and kangaroos were everywhere, their dropping a smelly hazard. There was laughter as a ball flew 90 degrees off the tee and struck the large sign 3 metres away. He still made a 5. There was a small amount of muttering about missed putts and mumbles about bad shots and only one explosive reaction to a miss on the day.
The first 3 ½ hours followed forecast, but the last hour saw umbrellas out, jumpers and coats put on as a steady drizzle arrived. Try to spoil a day, what a change from Sunday’s 38oC
The card reader was out of action, but Bryce (the pro) did a great job in entering scores quickly. Last cards were in and presentations got moving. Results are on the website worth noting that past president, past vice president and current president were in the top ten. A VERY UNUSUAL FIRST.
New members and guests were introduced, and all said they enjoyed the experience. Peter Sinclair especially, as he had the C grade NTP.
Look forward to seeing you all at Churchill Waverley (Endeavour Hills or Churchill Park if you prefer) next month.
Keep practising to play your best.
David Waters
January – A stop start first round to commence 2024.
A severe weather storm saw our scheduled first event delayed a week. Thanks go to Churchill Waverley and new president David Waters for avoiding what could have been a significant cost to the ESVGA as sandwiches for up to 90 players had already been ordered. Our first event then kicked off on 15th January in much better weather.
Presidents Game Run Down
It Has been a stuttering start to 2024. Noah would have been prepared to build his ark on the days prior to the scheduled 8th of January. Consultation with the pro on site suggested it would continue raining on our parade making conditions unsuitable even for water polo or snorkelling. The professional advice to cancel was heeded and the ESVGA were offered the 15th. The offer was taken up and all players notified of the cancellation and the availability of play on the following week.
Thankfully everyone took notice, no one arrived on the 8th and 80% rebooked for the 15th.
We got off to a flying start. Prez on time but not first for registration, Sam with his new helper Peter Johnson organised cards in order, Ken took payments and Dave Stevens sold tickets. All out on course 15 minutes before 8. An Excellent beginning.
The day increased in temperatures quickly with not much breeze, very evident by the red faces and perspiring brows as players entered the club room. Play seemed to move well not many hold ups and space between most groups saw a steady pace maintained. All finished about 4hrs 10 min.
Ethan and Patrick had all sandwiches set out around the tables and were quite tasty having been freshly made. Unfortunately, the card reader was out of action and Steve our assistant entered all the figures. His keyboard skills (like mine) are not honed. Results were slow until Mitch came along to speed things up.
As usual the noise was about slopes on fairways, doglegs, unreadable greens, horrible bunkers. Then the stories of woe, I was stuck behind trees, lipped out, 3 putted, chunked a chip into bunker the list goes on. We hear it all at every venue.
The GREAT THING was the appreciation of playing on well-manicured greens even with difficult pins. Having well grassed fairways. Having a nice summer day to play and not playing the previous week in the slop.
Now you know the results also on the website, but did you realise only two guys scored 36 points? Half the field had 28 points or less. The top 10 went down to 30 points.
An APOLOGY is due to the Life members and new members who should have been acknowledged and were missed. Our sympathy is extended to Ian Warton who left before finishing to attend his mother taken to hospital in Wangaratta.
Announcement humour, or is it head shaking? Lost club anyone? 10 min later who came and asked if my club has been found, Robin. Lost phone, anyone? Going to ring home phone in bag, no, Leo name on back helps your number doesn’t. Who has ticket 72? Nearly lost your chance Nick by 3 secs.
A good day all up thanks for playing. See you all at Beaconhills.
David Waters (President)
Farewell Ron and Barry
Before Ron Hottes steps aside after 7 years as president of the ESVGA, he farewells Barry Smith for his 15 years on committee and as Vice President/Captain. Ron will remain on committee for one more year to assist new president David Waters.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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!