St Leonards Golf

Round 20 saw us return to North Ryde Golf Club. A number of our players are members at Nth Ryde, so it’s a bit of a home ground for them. We got back to our usual 8.30 hit off. It was a shock for all when Mr Handicapper showed up before 8am! His dependence on a good sleep prior to play was starkly revealed as he found himself awarded the Bradman. Well done, Pete, for at least showing up early!

The weather was sparkling. A typical spring morning, a little cool and pleasant in the sunshine (not at all like the stinker we were subject to on Wednesday). It did start to get a bit hotter towards the end of the game. Fairways were ideal, but the greens were still recovering from coring a few weeks back and caused the ball occasionally to jump strangely (well, that’s my excuse, as I putted very badly). The breeze was a bit stronger on the back 9, I suspect not too much impact though, as Mr Handicapper advised half the players did better than their handicap.

We had one of our biggest turnouts this year. We had 18 starters with one late withdrawal giving us 17 teeing off. Play was well-paced with no delays. The scores were on the high side for our usual results. Of particular mention is Wil Lazar with a sensational 50 points! Wil made par on 9 holes and recorded the second highest score in the 25-year history of our club. I feel sorry for Peter Robertson and Steve Greene who had good rounds, all to no avail. There was an error on Peter Robertson's card. On the 2nd, Peter scored 5/3, not the 5/2 recorded, giving him 43 points. Even so, Peter still came in second. Steve Greene was also flying with 10 pars and two birdies, 3 over off the stick, but had to settle for 3rd place with 40 points. Mark Messenger did not get a spot with 39 points but with wipes he lost two shots!

In the doubles it is little surprise that Wil and Rey won with 52 points. Might be one for the Honour Roll. Peter Robertson's extra point came into play with our score (ie Peter's score combined with that of your present correspondent) going up to 47. Phil Liddell with Dave Plowes and Phil with Les Pitman also had 47 points but Peter and I got second place on a count back.

Phil and Les also had a matchplay, won by Phil 6&4. It was always going to be tough for Les coming back from injury.

It was a good day had by all. North Ryde has a nice clubhouse with an excellent choice of meals. A good finish to a very pleasant round of golf. Thanks to all who were there.

The fairway is your canvas; swing boldly and create your masterpiece Unattributed

Indeed, in recent days Wil has truly been creating a masterpiece. Just two days before playing this round with us, Wil scored his second hole-in-one of the year at this, his home course, in club competition, playing the 3rd. Congratulations on some excellent play, Wil!

 

 



 

 

Handicaps