2024 NSW Veterans Matchplay Championships
Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club was once again the host of the 2024 Vets Matchplay Championships. This year we had 72 players with 48 men in 3 divisions of 16 players and 24 Ladies also in 3 divisions but with only 8 in each division. We did this for the Ladies as the handicaps were so spread out and if we played in a division of 16 players would have been giving large amounts of shots to their opponent

Players were once again treated to a course in superb condition and we must once again thank course superintendent Will Ockenden and his team for their efforts. The weather for 3 days was absolutely perfect until the final day which threw cold and wet conditions to dampen the event. Unfortunately we cant control the weather and most players battled on.

These events do not go ahead without sponsors and with last year’s sponsors Ingenia and Our Council withdrawing their support quite close to the event we were left a little stranded. Thankfully the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club came onboard as the joint major sponsor of the event with EZGO golf carts. Both of these sponsors were only too happy to help and on short notice we were extremely grateful. We also look forward to their continued support for next year’s event

Along with Sponsors these events don’t happen without many helpers behind the scenes. To Greg and Lorraine Montgomery along with Brian and Lorraine Rowe you help was greatly appreciated. To Phil Lyons, Rob Russell and Phil Behan from our club as well thank you to a job well done. The mastermind behind this event is Peter Guy from NSWVGA, the work he does for us behind the scenes using a very complex spreadsheet makes our job so much easier. Thanks Peter. Last but not least to Brett Lawson from our club, Brett took care of all entries and was my data entry manager to make Peter’s spreadsheets work, along with many other duties including providing some background music at the dinner. Brett, you made my job a lot easier and I really do thank you for your efforts

Onto the golf and the highlight of the first day was a hole in one on the 11th hole to Kiama’s John Hetherington. Well done to John.

In Division 3 ladies Fran Yates from Beverley Park played against Lorraine Curtis from Yass with Fran running out the winner by 3 and 2.

In Division 2 Ladies last year’s winner Irene Swyer from Shoalhaven Heads took on Britta Lambourn from Wakehurst with Britta being successful on the day winning by 3 and 2 as well.

In Division 1 Ladies Julie Alcock from Mona Vale was up against Shoalhaven Head’s Loretta Green. Unfortunately, Julie was struck down with illness and had to concede the match on the 7th hole. This meant Loretta was successful in winning the Ladies trophy.

In Division 3 Mens Worrigee’s Stu Dossetor was able to win 4 and 3 against Jim Barnett from Beverley Park.

Division 2 Mens saw last year’s winner Barney Kingdom form Shoalhaven Heads taking on Wodonga’s Peter McFarlane. In a close match which went all the way to the 19th hole Barney ran out the winner to retain the Division 2 title.

In Division 1 Mens playing for the Bob Coulson Shield we had Kiama’s Chris Matthews taking on Richmond’s Chris Dunne. The first few holes were very tight but when the cold winds and rain become heavier Chris Dunne conceded the match due to recent health issues. This was an unfortunate finish to the event and Chris Matthews was our victor.

At the Presentation Dinner held at the Shoalhaven Heads Bowling Club, guests were treated to a great meal, we had a few speeches from the NSWVGA delegate Charlie Swyer, Shoalhaven Heads Golf Club Vice President Rob Russell and myself. Bob and Helen Coulson were in attendance and Bob was able to present his own shield to Chris Matthews which was fantastic. Overall, the night was a great success and we look forward to the 2025 staging of the event.

On to the 2025 event and Shoalhaven Heads will once again host the event pending final approval from the board. I am confident this will happen and 2025 will be our 3rd and final NSWVGA match play championships. Players from this year will receive notification of dates in the not too distant future with a possible date change. In order to try and attract more players we will attempt to schedule the event closer to other events in the area. A meeting with the VGA will happen very soon to discuss this so basically watch this space

Other than that, folks this is Greg and my team signing out and we look forward to next year. Thanks again to everyone who attended this year.
Happy Golfing
Greg Collins
Tournament Director
NSWVGA MATCHPLAY CHAMPIONSHIPS 2024

 

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