And They Called the Wind Moriah!
If ever there was a day when golfers could appreciate the famous lyric, “And they called the wind Moriah,” this was it.
A howling winter westerly wind swept across Jamberoo Golf Club as 42 players lined up for the 45th annual Mixed Open, played in the Canadian Foursomes format. Gusts buffeted drives, tested approaches, and turned the exposed greens into a true examination of patience and touch. With difficult flag positions adding to the challenge, simply making par was an achievement.
When the final putt had dropped, it was familiar faces atop the leaderboard. Defending champions Elise and Ben Howchin from The Grange Golf Club once again mastered the conditions, returning the best gross score of 83 to claim the title for an impressive third consecutive year.
Jamberoo’s Pam Middlebrook and John Anthony fought hard all day and looked every chance of causing an upset before finishing just one shot behind the winners to collect the runners-up prize.
The Nett honours went to Kirsten and Joel McIntosh, whose excellent 68.5 nett proved the best score of the day. Julianne Lawton and Dane Edwards claimed second place with 72.5 nett.
As an added reward for battling the elements, every team returning a score of 80.5 nett or better received golf balls.
A sincere thank you goes to everyone who braved the conditions and helped make another successful Mixed Open. While the wind certainly had its say, it couldn’t deny Elise and Ben Howchin, whose outstanding performance earned them a memorable three-peat.
