INCLEMENT weather couldn’t deter the NSW Veterans Women’s Golf Association sponsored two-day tournament staged recently at Nelson Bay Golf Course.
The tournament proved a resounding success despite the torrential rain that lashed the course leading up to the prestigious event as well as on the first day.
Oatlands Golf Club duo Yvonne Hall-Watson and Rhonda Furini were crowned winners of the 4-ball best ball (4BBB) Diamond Jubilee Trophy for country tournaments with 47 points.
Due to the big wet, the main event was switched to the Friday with the individual stableford held the first day.
Michelle Watts (Monash Country Club) and Kiama’s Hannah Thorley finished runners up in the 4BBB with 41 points on countback from the pairing of Michele Brown (Nelson Bay) and Robyn Lunn (Belmont) on 41.
Following the top two were Toronto’s Julie Bizant and Leonie McKibbon (41), Beverley Park’s Donna Mortimor and Juanita Mullane (41) and North Ryde’s Katherine Clark and Lyn Wells (40 points).
Nelson Bay’s Tina Jeggo won the Nearest to the Pin in A Grade (800cms).
Ladies Stableford winners were Roseville Golf Club’s Andrea Austin (Grade A 37 points), North Ryde’s Linda Cordner (Grade B 33 points countback) and Long Reef’s Virginia Murphy (Grade C 36 points countback).
Tamworth’s Narelle Dunst finished runner up in Grade A with 33 points with Helen Toovey of Ocean Shores third 32 points and Elaine Holden of Everglades fourth on 30 points.
Runner up in Grade B was Long Reef’s Christine Perry with 33 points from Roseville’s Sue Hordern third (31 points) and Long Reef’s Elizabeth Morton fourth (30 points countback).
Pymble Golf Club’s Sharon Smith was runner up in Grade C with 36 points from Roseville’s Jill McArthur third (34 points) and Michelle Watts from Monash Country Club fourth on 31 points countback.
Longest Drive winner in B Grade was Nelson Bay’s Meg Flack with Long Reef’s Jennifer Brown taking honours in A Grade and Michelle Watts (Monash Country Club) in C Grade.
Nelson Bay golfer and Veterans Delegate Pam Townsend told News Of The Area that the tournament was a “huge success”.
“With no carts allowed on the first day due to the slippery conditions we appealed to members to loan out their electric buggies which allowed half the field (71 players) to venture out and face the challenge of visibility as well as wet grips and ball control,” revealed Pam.
“On the Friday carts were permitted and 135 ladies played on a course that was obviously still soggy but playable.
“The golfers enjoyed a sumptuous dinner with great music and entertainment from Elaine Holden with VWGA president Virginia Hewitt presenting the Diamond Jubilee Trophy along with sponsors Emu Residential,” Pam exclaimed.
Nelson Bay Golf Club staff along with the tournament organising committee deserve praise for their tireless work behind the scenes.
“The contribution by the many volunteers was immense with a group going out as spotters on both days with some bunker rakers to ensure the smooth running of the event,” she added.
By Chris KARAS
