Harden Trial WOG – Dates. 7 – 9 November 2023

Tournament Director – Don Maling

Course. Harden Country Club

Weather and Course. Good golfing weather, except for the later part of day 3 when the rain set in convincing some players to head back to the Club for a change of clothes and ‘socializing’. The course had been well prepared with Greens and surroundings causing ‘some’ challenges. The lack of water both natural and otherwise meant that the fairways had plenty of run with preferred lines being in place. TD Don indicated that a new fairway watering system implementation will commence prior to the end of the year and next year will see a big improvement.

The Week. The week being a trial was well planned and conducted by Don and his team with massive support from partner Jayne and good friend Julie Berrick who lobbed in for a few weeks leading up to the event. For a number of reasons it was only able to be held over over three days. However, that did not detract from its success. The Meet and Greet was a great starter allowing all to relax and review the massive developments, new club house, motel accommodation and parking areas. The free BBQ was welcome with plenty of food to ensure dinner became unnecessary. TD Don explained the format for the week, 4BBB on Tuesday and single stableford Wednesday and Thursday. The shotgun starts allowed for a leisurely start and ensured that all were back to watch the Melbourne Cup. There was a morning brief each day which ensured all headed to their correct holes. Free Morning coffee was available and lunch could be ordered from the Club at fair prices. The presentation lunch, a choice of mains and desert, was included in the week’s cost. The presentation went well. It was a lot of fun particularly the ball run downs which seemed to go for ever. The NSWVGA Executive Council was well represented by John Daly, Aileen Williams, Penny Hudson and myself. John and Aileen provided considerable assistance to Don in getting the Week up and running. The week was well supported by local sponsors with the major ones being present for the presentation of prizes.

Clubs and Players. Their were 27 ladies and 47 men from 38 Clubs represented with two Divisions for each of Ladies and Men. As the week was a trial there were no Shields to be presented. Prizes were presented by TD and major sponsors Graymont – Galong. There was a good spread of winners and generally in line with Policy 2. The addition of the 4th day next year will make it harder. 

36 Hole Stableford Winners. Ladies. Sue Gilchrist with Shirley Mawhinney and Carmel Downtown runners up.

36 Hole Winners Men. Herbie Manwarrong 72 points from Bill Brothers 66 points and Chris Rose on 65 points. Note Herbie is a local legend and 89 years young.

I have no reservations in recommending the acceptance of Harden into the NSWVGA WOG program for 2024. I have only heard good reports on the week and no issues were raised by other Council members present.

Photos

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