Golfers would have awoken Tuesday morning, August 29, to light drizzle and grey skies, with the possibility of a wet day of golf. Early tee-off groups of the 106 players at Phoenix Gold, including 12 ladies, may have had to deal with some light rain for a few holes, but from 8:00am on perfect conditions were the order of the day.
With the overnight rain, it was decided to play ‘lift, clean & place’ on the closely mown surfaces, to avoid mud balls following good shots.
There were a host of exceptional performances, so difficult to single out a star player of the day with several nominees.
Top points score of the day came from the B Flight for handicaps 14-19, with John Sherriff (18) signing for a spectacular 47 points. A series of count-backs was required to separate 5 players on 41 points for the minor places. Mikael Andersson (19) beat Fred May (16) after both had 21 on the back 9, while John Pierrel, Tom Thompson & Steve Atkins were the unlucky players.
No count-backs required in A Flight for handicaps up to 13, as Bob Watson (7) made a return to form shooting par 72 to sign for 43 points, while Myles Knowlson (13) got 2nd spot with 41, and a point further back was Manny Defteros (13).
C Flight, for handicaps 20+ had Sami Sarajavi (21) as the winner with 43 points and he was well clear of his nearest rival, John Seton (23) who had 40, while the bronze position went to Roy Steinbach (25) with 39.
The ladies division was a hotly contested affair with 3 players on 44 points. With 25 points on the back 9, including an eagle & a birdie, Nat Rukkid (13) got the top spot ahead of Supranne Dokkhaoram (35) who had 24 on the back 9, to edge out the unlucky Yurie Murakami who had to be satisfied with the ladies long drive on 18.
Many outstanding performances of the day, including Todd Doss shooting 69 to win the Low Gross to go with his 2 technical prizes. Bob Watson, Myles Knowlson, Sami Sarajavi & Nat Rukkid getting a technical prize to go with their placing, while Hannu Simmonen & Keith (Kissy) Buchanan both had eagles on hole #8. Hannu & Peter Kesby each got the maximum of 2 technical prizes.
All in all, some outstanding golf over the day, followed by Dave & his crew doing a tip top job in the tucker department, well done & a big thanks to all.
The next tournament will be held on September 26. Contact Shane on 0863720084 for further details.
