For the second time in the current monthly mug series, we have a player who has won the mug more than on one occasion, which would have to be some kind of record. In the Grafton Ally Fabrication monthly mug contested last Saturday, Neil Hayward (14) backed up his November winning effort to take out the July Mug with a outstanding 68 nett. Neil now joins Kevin Vaughan as a multiple mug winner, who won both the December and June mugs, earlier.
Course conditions last Saturday proved to be a little more difficult than normal, which makes Neil’s victory even more commendable. The scoring overall highlighted that difficulty, with the ball run down going down to players with 76 nett, something we have not seen for a long time. Two shots in arrears to Neil’s effort were four players who finished on 70 nett. They include Jeff Hackett (6) and Jason Casserly (9) who featured in A Grade, claiming the grade win and runner-up spots respectively. Also with 70 was the C Grade winner, Alf Groves (17) from Danny Pachos (17) on 72. The unlucky 4th player with a 70 was Brendan Cleaver (8) who was beaten for honours in A Grade by the countback process. A visiting player from Tully Park Golf Club (Goulburn), Rodney Smith (14) cleaned up the local players in B Grade with 72 on a countback from Billy Bishop (10). Michael Corfe (22) was the best in the D Grade brigade with a 72 from Bob Chapman (32) on 73 nett.
The Mark Harvison sponsored Pro-pin went to another visitor, Mick Johnston (15) from Woolgoolga who put his tee shot just 50cm from the cup. As mentioned earlier pro-balls went down to those on 76 or better on a countback.
Next Saturday the competition will be a 18 hole 4BBB Stableford, which is the annual memorial event, honouring a past member and sponsor of Grafton Golf, Don Bellamy. Wendy, Jon and Mark Bellamy will provide the trophies. With the July racing season now upon us, it should remind all golfers of the importance of a couple events associated with the carnival. Firstly next Tuesday will be the Herron Stakes day which will be a 18 hole Stableford Sweepstakes competition. The normal walk-up start provisions will not be in effect, as nominations can only be accepted on line, either from home, the proshop or terminal located in the Club house. As a capacity field is expected it is advisable to get your names in early to avoid the possibility of missing out on a start. For this Tuesday only there will be no Veterans competition however they are more than welcome to take their place in the sweepstakes field. Coopers Brewery will be providing the sponsorship for the event. Following on from the Herron Stakes day will be the all important Herron Cup, the 36 hole event scheduled for Saturday and Sunday July 13-14. Apart from the Club Championships this event is one of our more prestigious competitions for the year. Once again nominations will be strong, therefore nominate sooner rather than later to secure your preferred time slot. Co-sponsors for the 36 holes will be Coca Cola and Tooheys who have been associated with the Herron Cup for many years.
Mid week golf continues to flourish with good fields for both the Tuesday and Thursday competitions. In the Thursday competition, David Morgan (7) once again featured, putting together a healthy 39 points to take the win from playing partner Michael Gane (10) on 38 on a countback from Tony Pidcock (21) and Yamba visitor Andrew Kelly (8). Pro balls went down to players on 32 following a countback. Tuesday’s competition was a win for Joe Manahan (33) who survived a countback over Derek Latimer (12) both players recording 38 points. Second runner-up, also on a countback, was Fraser Marsh (6) a visitor from Maclean Golf Club with 37. Pro balls went down to those with 33 on a countback.
It must be the season for demonstration days, with the next one scheduled for Monday July 22 at which time golf manufacturer, Taylormade, will have their range of golf equipment available for you to try out. To assist with the right selection of Clubs for you to try, will be Mark Harvison and representatives from Taylormade who will be available from 11am through to 2pm. No appointment is necessary, just turn up between those times and you will be given all the assistance you may require. For further details contact Mark Harvison in the Pro shop.
Ray Hopwood