A fine fortnight of winter sunshine provided the perfect backdrop for two weeks of competitive golf at C.ex Urunga Golf Club, with members and visitors turning out in strong numbers across a variety of individual and team events.
The first week began with Monday’s Veterans Stableford, marking the final round on the modified course. John Anselmi produced the top score of 37 points, narrowly edging out Selwyn Newby on 36. Three players—Bob Archibald, Arthur Hassett, and Colin Haworth—finished on 35 points, with placings decided by countback.
Newby continued his good form on the par threes, collecting Nearest to the Pin on both the 3rd and 9th holes, while Archibald claimed the 18th. Alan Titley holed the Longest Putt on the 8th/17th, and Pete Brotherton walked away with the Bradman’s Prize.
The Wednesday Ladies Monthly Stableford Bonanza saw a small but spirited field compete. Donna Navin and Lyn Bastick both finished with 30 points, with Navin declared the winner on countback. Helen Trist followed with 27 points.
On Thursday, 19 players contested the Medley Stableford, with Peter Wood recording the top score of 33 points. Geoff Rackham and Bruce Parker both posted 30 points, Rackham taking second on countback. Kevin Sanford, John Leahy, and Anthony Shields all claimed NTP honours.
Fifteen ladies took part in Friday’s delayed April Monthly Medal, played as a stroke event. Dianne O’Leary carded a superb nett 71 to take the medal, ahead of Faye Jones and Lyn Bastick, who both finished on 79, Jones claiming second on countback.
The week concluded with Saturday’s 2-Player Ambrose, which attracted a strong field of both members and visitors. Urunga’s Kim Michelsen teamed with Stephen Hayes from Coffs Harbour to return the lowest score of the day—66.25. John Leahy and Garry Swain followed closely with 66.5, and Anthony and Jude Campbell were third with 66.75. Several other teams, including Lisa and Jeffery Guest, Dale Tierney and John Lindsay, and David Tully and Adam Crotty, finished within a single stroke of the leaders. Nearest the pin honours went to Stephen Hayes, Matthew O’Brien, John Leahy, Dennis Lyon, and Steve Bell.
The following week continued under sunny skies, with the course drying out significantly and producing excellent playing conditions.
In Monday’s Veterans Stableford, Grant Cardow delivered a commanding performance, carding 42 points to win by five from Anthony Shields (37). David McBaron claimed third on countback from Malcolm Eades, both finishing with 36 points. The ball competition extended to tenth place, reflecting a strong overall field.
Cardow added to his success with Nearest the Pin on the 3rd hole, while McBaron and Hassett collected NTPs on the 9th and 18th respectively. Dennis Holmstrom holed the Longest Putt on the 8th/17th, and Pete Brotherton again claimed the Bradman’s Prize.
Wednesday’s Ladies Stableford was closely contested, with Lois Milham returning to form to win with 34 points. Jenny Tierney was runner-up on 32, with Karen Kennedy third on 29.
Thursday’s Medley Stableford again attracted 19 players. Geoff Rackham posted 37 points to claim victory on countback from David Baldock, with Bruce Moore just behind on 36. NTPs went to Glenn Petersen, Colin Haworth, and Col Osland.
In Friday’s April Ladies Monthly Medal, Lyn Bastick led the field with a nett 78, ahead of Maria Swain (79). Rose Wiblin and Dianne O’Leary tied on 80, with Wiblin awarded third place on countback.
The fortnight wrapped up with a well-attended Saturday Medley Vs Par, featuring 52 players. Lucas Van Haren, Tim Rodgers, and Andrew Petitt all finished at +3, with Van Haren taking the win on countback. Peter Jenson and Glenn Petersen followed at +1, while nearly a dozen players finished within just a couple of strokes of par. NTP winners were Petersen (3rd), Haworth (9th), Osland (12th), Lyndee Thomas (16th), and Tierney (18th), each earning a $5 prize.
The club thanks all players for their continued support. Upcoming events and bookings can be made through the club or via the club’s website.