The 2015 Mens Club Championship starts on Saturday the 5th September and proceeds for the next 4 Saturdays. Many of the best golfers in each grade seem to be in form at the right time and last year’s champions will need to be on their toes if they are to defend their titles.
In A grade (handicaps of 12 or less) champion Steve Rippon will be challenged by multiple former champion, Adrian Gehrmann, who presently, seems to win every time he plays. Adrian Bell, Paul Hazeltine, Tom Persson, Pat Paris and Jarrod Gehrmann should also put on good displays. John Paul, Andrew Craddock, Michael Jones and Ray Orr might also figure in calculations as well.
In B grade (handicaps 13-19) last year’s champion James Thompson has moved up a grade so a new champion will be crowned. The title aspirants seem to come from the group Bruce Byers, Lew Dare, Ron Chilby, Tom Zimmermann, Chris Leckey and Greg Rodgers. Bernie McGlinchey will be a factor as will Jamberoo Open nett winner Garry Harvey. It would not be a surprise to see talented junior Nathan Harrington challenge as well if he can devote the time from his busy sporting schedule.
In C Grade (handicaps 20-27) it is wide open with last year’s champion Paul Rodgers favourite to defend his title. Tim Condon, Warwick Drew, Phil Hahn, Phil Adams, John Ellsmore and Ron Hewson seem to be his greatest challengers at this stage with John Johnson, Jim Ryan and Doug Perry in with a show.
In the newly formed D Grade (handicaps 28-36) everybody has a chance. Best prospects might come from John Proctor, John Hinks and John Keeling.
Don’t forget that the 4th round will involve a seeded section in each grade where the top 8 go head-to-head to decide the winners. If you finish round 3 outside the top eight you can still win with a good round. In the event of a tie for a championship then a 4 hole playoff will be used to decide the champion.
The match committee wishes all competitors the best of luck in the championship and hope the ball bounces your way, and sincerely thank Drunmmond Golf at Shellharbour for their continued sponsorship of our main event.
Dave Ransom
Good preview Dave. I think there may be a sleeping giant in A grade, Peter Munro,nett runner up in 2014 in championships and 2014 gold medal winner and had a good start to championships this year. Keep up good work Peter (hope I haven’t put mocker on you. Good golf today mate.