By David Ransom (in Oahu)
Aloha,
Even in Hawaii the news that Stephen Rippon has won the Jamberoo Club Championship for the third time is headline news.
Considering all the rain the course was in damp but comparatively very good condition for what was the third and final round of the championship, which was cut to 54 holes when play was cancelled the previous Saturday when a number of greens became unplayable.
Defending champion Rippon had been languishing but appreciated the late sunshine and came home with a gross 72 for a total 227 to beat Paul Hazeltine (71) by a single stroke.
First round leader Peter Munro failed to capitalise on his opening rounds of 73-76 but his final 82 still saw him finish a very creditable third.
In B Grade Tom Zimmermann went into the final round holding a one stroke lead over Con Kiayias and pulled away with a hard fought 82 to win by six strokes on a total of 245.
Con (87) was runner up with a former B grade champion in Bruce Byers (78) a fast finishing third.
In C Grade Bob Small shot nine strokes under his handicap with a round of 82 (263 total) overtaking second round leader and runner up Chris Goodwin (90) and winning by three strokes. Alvin Ray was third with a 272 total.
The inaugural D Grade champion is Les Farkas whose 315 total was 10 better than runner up John Keeling. Vince Byrnes was third on 329.
Congratulations to all those who took part.
Congratulations Steve and Paul for your fine achievements in the championships also Tom, Con, Bob,Chris, Les and John, well done gents. Also a pleasure to have played during the championships with a great group. (Ray Orr nett winner in A grade, Peter Munro a very close third and Paul Rodgers, who got a few tickets off me on the way around). A very competitive group and we all had fun and taught each other a few things on the way around……everything from a few golf lessons to a bit of good old Jamberoo Culture. Thanks boys