News from the Course – January 27

The 2018 Pennant Season Preview

After a marvellous 2017 season where Jamberoo qualified for the final in each of the three divisions it entered, hopes are high for another good showing from our teams. We have entered the B Pennant (handicaps greater than 5.5), C Pennant handicaps greater than 12.5) and two teams in the White Horse Cup (handicap matchplay pennant).

Division 2 of the Golf Illawarra B pennant opens commences tomorrow at Jamberoo. In this division we have been drawn with Russell Vale, Shoalhaven Heads, Nowra, Gerringong, Moss Vale and the Links Shell Cove Golf clubs. The top two teams after the preliminary rounds will progress to the semi-finals. It is a very strong division with two teams entering after pulling out of the A Pennants. Our chances are very good with the majority of last year’s team representing the club again.

We have also been drawn in division 2 of the C Pennant where we play a series of home and away matches against St George’s Basin, Russell Vale and Port Kembla Golf clubs. With many of last year’s team re-representing and the return of several other experienced players our prospects look excellent and it would not surprise if we could finally take that ultimate step and win the pennant. Their first match is due to be played at home on February 4 against St George’s Basin.

The two White Horse Cup teams, known affectionately as the ‘cowpats’ and the ‘flies’, have been drawn in Divisions 1 and 3 and could well meet in the semi-finals again. The ‘Flies’ have introduced several fresh faces and are bristling with talent ready to pit their skills against players from Russell Vale, Bowral, Worrigee, and Highlands Golf clubs. Their first match is against Worrigee on February 4 at Bowral.

The ‘Cowpats’ have lost a few players from previous successful seasons and have called on some old heads to replace them. They play matches against St George’s Basin, Bowral, Moss Vale and Sussex Inlet Golf clubs in a very strong division. Their first match is against Bowral at St George’s Basin on February 4.

The club acclaims all representative players knowing that they will enjoy the season in the company of their team-mates and will represent the club with pride and in the spirit of fair play and respect for your opponent.

2018 Programme Booklet

The 2018 Programme booklet is now available for members. It can be collected from the golf shop at your convenience.

Members should be aware of two changes in the programme booklet. The first is the previously notified White Duck Day that has been rescheduled to March 16 due to a clash with another charity day at a nearby club. The second is a due to a misprint. On Tuesday June 26 the Ladies will be playing a stableford competition and not the Par Classic which is due to be played the previous week as notified in the programme.

Please make these adjustments in your book.

Course Maintenance

Martin, the head greenkeeper, informs me that a programme of maintenance spraying has been started with the intention of removing the Couch and Kikuyu grasses that are in some of our greens. This process will take several weeks to complete. In the meantime he has asked members to continue to repair pitch marks on greens and to take and use sand buckets to repair divot holes on the course.

Position Vacant

One of our starters has been called back into full time employment and will be unable to work in the shop any more.

The Board of Directors are requesting any interested member to apply for this position. It is an interesting, multi -dimensional position and will involve 0ne or two 6 hour shifts in the shop per week. The work is not too taxing and you will get the chance to meet and talk to many of our members and patrons. You will be compensated with a tax free allowance for your out of pocket expenses.

If you are interested please contact one of the starters directly or phone the club on 4236 0404 or 4236 0291.

This Week’s Results

Perfect weather for golf over the Australia Day weekend certainly bought the members out to play. After Jim Henry’s mammoth 47 individual points last week I thought it couldn’t be surpassed. Well Alex Bruce put paid to that suggestion on Wednesday with a 48 point round. Wow! Saturday saw a par round with Greg Seymour again featuring in the leading scores with +4 in A Grade beating Scott Hainsworth on a countback, David White managed the same result in B grade beating Geoff Wilson on a countback with Bernie McGlinchey not only beating his arch nemesis Ron but also taking third place with +3. Bob Weir was in the winner’s circle again with +7 in C grade, while John Proctor won D grade with +4. Liz Armstrong used her new driver to good effect to win the ladies.

Bruce Byers returned to form with a solid win in A grade on Wednesday, while Pete Francis proved just too strong for playing partner Mick Burton winning B grade on a countback. Luke Oborn took out C grade with 45 points and Alex Bruce fired his birthday round with the amazing 48 points [birthday round – only happen once a year-lol]. On the Australia Day comp Charlie Struck won the comp with 40 points beating Matt Tedeschi by 1. On Tuesday the Ladies played a countdown and the winners were Marlene Trethowan, Marie Rodgers and Lorraine Cram.

Hope to see you on the course again next week.

Winner Charlie Struck   40 Pts