PSC golf from Tropical Bert’s
Tuesday, January 31, Green Valley – Stableford
This was the last day of the month and thus the conclusion of the January ‘MBMG Golfer of the Month’ that promised much as the Scribe was leading, closely followed by ‘The Browns’, Daryl Evans and most dangerous lurking in there was Mashi, who always seems to come through despite all the odds.
We had a full house for this visit to Green Valley and these days you are straight away onto the most difficult hole, and usually into a wind. This day was no different, although we did take the easier tee because some of our players have no chance of getting over the water.
The Scribe (left) receives the MBMG Golfer of The Month award from Dick Warberg.
The course proved to be in reasonable condition, despite what I can only assume has been heavy use of late. Some of the areas were a bit worn and used and there was evidence of someone using ‘metal spikes’, a thing we also noticed at Crystal Bay, and something which is banned on all the courses.
The pace of play was actually quite good considering the numbers on the course, and in my group two of the danger men were playing well – Mr. Brown and Mr. Mashi – much too well, as I was just hanging on. After finishing the first nine we stood to watch the group behind play the ninth hole, which happens to be a Par 3. Bang, one of the balls went straight into the hole, and we were watching. Then up came a beaming Mike Gaussa who told us it was only his second ‘hole in one’. Well done Mike!
As our group came to the last, both Mashi, Rob and I were still in contention, but it is amazing what a bit of pressure does. Rob didn’t play it well and I was just off the putting surface in two with a chip and a put to win all. Mashi was 18 inches from the hole in four for a putt and two points. For the first time in years I double hit my chip and failed miserably. Mashi, who as most know is just about the safest short putter in the game, had his putt now to win all – and it lipped out. Now it was all back in the melting pot and we had to rely on others. We would see.
Hole in one man Mike Gaussa.
Back at Bert’s it was late and we had much to do so into the presentation. In the A Flight, 0-18, the winner was Martin Henneberger with 36 points. In second was Mashi Kanata with 35 points ahead of Mike Gaussa on count back with Rob Brown in fourth with 34 points.
In the B Flight the winner was Bernie Cairns with 35 points ahead of Dick Warberg in second, on count back. In third was Les Charles with 34 points ahead of Rita Zoebelli in fourth with 33 points.
Now to the real hero: In the MBMG Golfer of the Month competition, with all the leaders failing, and Mashi missing an 18 inch putt, the winner by default and quite amused was your humble correspondent. Well done me! Incidentally this was not the end and the ‘hole in one’ man very kindly bought a few beers and Frank fell off his stool. T.T.F.N.
Near Pins: Rob Brown, Mike Gaussa, Derek Brook, Rita Zoebelli
Long Putts: Frank Pilkington, Kenny Chung
Tuesday’s winners with one of Bert’s finest.
