Ladies quick off the mark in 2022

By Casey O'Connor

The Warwick Women’s Golf Club 2022 program got off to a great start with a big field contesting the first event of the year, the January Monthly Medal played on Saturday 8 January.

Trish Roberts had a shaky start to her round and was two over her handicap after only four holes however it was a minor hiccup. Things fell into place during her round and she finished, and she finished the last five holes, often considered some of the hardest on the course, four under her handicap for an unbeatable 65 nett. Runner up was Carole Brandon, who returned 71 nett. Unlike Roberts, she played the last five holes with double bogies and worse. Brandon has spent a stint in Tasmania, and many believe it won’t be long before she is back to her best.

The Division One medal went the way of Judy Lester who returned a steady 72 nett, helped along by a great 44 gross on the back nine. Danielle Seibel was the runner-up with a solid 73 nett. Sponsor of the Monthly Medal, the Condamine Club Hawker Road Function Centre, are back on board in 2022 and generously added to the value of the winners and runners-up vouchers. In addition, they have donated a voucher for the best first nine.

This month’s winner was Majella Kahler with 20 pts. The best putters were Gwen Mills and Dian Macdonald, with 28 putts apiece.

The return of graded approach shots was appreciated by the winners, Marg Adcock, Lyn McKillop and Maria Carey. The Pro Pin on 11 was shared by Gwen Mills, Lisa Weatherley, Marg Adcock and Joely Singleton.

The first mid-week game of the 2022 season also attracted a reasonable field.24 players took out cards for the single Stableford event sponsored by the Cherry Tree and Dining.

Carole Brandon picked up from where she left off in the medal competition taking advantage of those few extra handicap strokes gained in the heavy atmosphere of Tassie.

She made excellent use of the Par Threes to accumulate a very handy 17 pts and went on to score 39 pts, with a wash. She was also the first player to put a spot on the Gobbles chart in 2022.

Majella Kahler also scored 39 pts on the back of some good putting. There is no doubt you gain confidence after starting the round with four three pointers.

A good birdie on the 16th did no harm but it was not enough to catch Carole in the count-back. Balls in the run down went the way of Anne Lyons (37), Sharron Cooper (36), Judy Lester (35) and Gwen Mills (34). Anna won the front nine voucher with 19 pts and the Pro Pin on seventh was shared by Judy Lester, Mel McLennan, Wendy Rhea and Anna Cox.

In last Saturday’s field of 27 Trish Roberts backed up her performance in the opening round of 2022 and again broke the hundred mark to score 39 stab points and win the Cherry Tree and Dining voucher. Fortunately, Trish paid her Shoot-Out fees after her previous good round so this round will give her a good start on the board. Two great four pointers made up for two washes.

Maria Carey made up for a couple of ordinary starts when she returned 35 pts to win the runner-up voucher. Molly Seibel (20pts) took home the front nine voucher. Judy Lester, Sam Hinze, Joely Singleton and Anna Cox shared the pin on 16, all inside one metre.

It was good to see Vonnie Pinington giving her new heart its first run over 18 holes. Marlene Vincent also returned after a lengthy break. Justine Washbourne is another who was spotted having a hit on the weekend and rumour has it that she is keen to return to golf.

There are several events in coming weeks that Ladies should have noted in their golfing diaries. They include the Big W sponsored 4BBB Stableford this Saturday 22 Jan. This event was originally cancelled due to rain at the end of 2021, so players probably have partners organised. A reminder to your names on the timesheet.

The Medal of Medals is another significant event that was cancelled toward the end of 2021 due to conditions. For those who are eligible, it has been rescheduled to Saturday 29 January.

On Sunday 30 January, the Club celebrates a yearly tradition with Opening Day, a medley 4BBB Stableford to get the 2022 season underway.

Sam Eaves has once again agreed to sponsor the event and there are sure to be some fabulous prizes on offer.

Congratulation to Sam Eaves finished a very creditable 17th place in last weekend’s Australian PGA played at Royal Queensland. A fantastic result for a Club Pro and especially Warwick’s own club Pro. Eaves finished five under after rounds of 70, 70, 70 and 69 – for a total of 279.

I am told Women’s Golf Warwick is extremely proud of Sam’s achievement as are we all.