By Dennis Fuller
EMERALD GOLF
THE first round of the three-round championship was played at Emerald Golf Club with the ‘big shiny’ warming the cockles of the golfers’ hearts.
With his chipper singing beautiful music, it was Steve Town (13) who showed the way to those lagging behind with his 81 off the beater, which translated into a leading nett score of 68.
Unfortunately for his championship aspirations, he will be away basking in northern sun next week and will be unable to push for his first win.
Of those in his wake, it was left to Allan Ecclestone (24) to show the way for gross 93 and a nett 69.
This put him at the head of the B Grade crew and looking a whole lot like a winner.
In A Grade, Peter Glasscock (13) was next with a gross 84, while Ross Martin (13) ever the challenger with 85 and a swish of golfer on 87 including Ken Hill, Dean Shannon and Peter Clowes.
In B Grade, Ben Balfour and Philip Crossley both had a gross 98
Broc Reynolds, returning from a break, scored poorly but dominated the nearest the pins.
He was nearest on the 12th, 13th and the pro pin 18th.
Glasscock was nearest on the 4th and Balfour the 7th.
In the ladies’ events, it seems that Brodie Reynolds has the A Grade title under control while the ever consistent Brianna McCoy has the B Grade medal almost locked away.
On Wednesday, when the Old and Faded Golfers (OFG) staggered in for a stableford event, the leaders’ scoreboard become so crowded it nearly fell over.
A whole bunch of ‘crusties’ scored 37 points to create a joint winners’ mash.
Graeme Fergus, Bob Kennedy, John Keys, Neil Whiteside and Ian Scott all managed 37 points.
Moss Fuller was just outside this crush when he managed 36 points, while Geraldine Wright headed the ladies’ line-up.
Next week will sort out the championship a little with challenges to come and go in a whisper during the round.
