24 May 2008
Grafton Wintergolf Festival May 2008
Brilliant weather, good fields and a real team effort contributed to the undoubted success of the inaugural Grafton Wintergolf Festival..
The course condition was magnificent, starters, spotters, bunker rakers and a great team of Lady Veterans scorers and results people led by Fran Forman made the week go off without a hitch.
Past NSWVGA Treasurer Bob Coulson and his wife Helen attended for the presentations, a night that also went off well with fine food and slick presentations by Captain Trevor Gleeson.
Starting from the last day, the 4BBB medley was taken out by the Jamberoo team of Norbert and Lynette Beringer, with 51 points, followed by Joan and Barry Woods (Sawtell) with 49 points, John and Kath Guyer (Taree) with 48 points, and then Bruce and Penny Barry from Manly with 46 points.
The NSWVGA trophies were won by Athol Green from Grafton, Bob Gorman from Urunga, and Peter Whitty from Grafton. Peter had a score of 47, and had his handicap reduced accordingly. Ladies VGA bags were won by Mary Mork from Cromer, and Jill Reynolds from the Gold Coast.
Peter O’Loughlin from Wantima won the visitors 54 hole event, with Patricia Lumley from Coffs taking out the ladies side.
Many locals won division prizes, but course knowledge helped at lot. Visitors from 46 clubs attended, a total of 193 registering, top day being 178 players.
Overall the committee were very happy, we had good sponsors, and club backing, and now we look to next year, and putting what we have learned into Wintergolf 2009.
Graham Forman
Winter Golf in Grafton
For a first time event this was a resounding success with about one hundred and ninety players enjoying fine sunny weather on a well presented course.
What impressed me most was the professional manner in which all aspects for enjoying a" veteran friendly tournament" were organised.
The organising committee covered many details missing at other tournaments, the professional calling tee times well in advance, starters at both first and tenth tees, ball spotters on difficult holes reducing the number of lost balls and helping to maintain the pace of play. A large scoreboard, cards being quickly checked and recorded, special snacks and meals in the clubhouse encouraged players to "linger longer" in the clubhouse and was appreciated by it's management.
When one has a dedicated group of helpers each with a specific area of responsibility things run smoothly and was the basis of it's success, a special thanks to all the ladies who voluteered in their support of the mens committee and other volunteers. Oh that some organisers would attend tournaments other than their own, recognising new ideas and improving their own.
It was 'disappointing that support from other nearby clubs was feeble ,with less than ten attending from Yamba, Maclean, Casino and Coffs Harbour, whereas over half the players came from as far afield as Redland Bay in Queensland and Heidelberg in Victoria.
For the non golfing ladies a special sightseeing trip was organised, well supported and appreciated by the ladies. The presentation dinner was well attended by one hundred and forty four people with presentations conducted in a quick and well organised manner.
Well done grafton
Bob Coulson
Ps. Entry forms for their two day event on 23rd and 24th October are now available. Get your entry in quickly or you could miss out on a great event.
Graham Forman
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