Following on from the recent "Big Wet" that did play havoc with not only the golfing world, the fact that 42 avid veterans arrived for a game of the truly serious vogue sort of astounded all.

The large gathering set tongues wagging and those thoughts about a 14-hole Monthly Medal Stroke and Putting event were quickly quashed. Activity prior to the scheduled 9am tee-off was a good indication of the competence that followed.

And it was a C-grade player, albeit a rather new member, who stole the show and Grant Saveall, with a 7-under par 49 nett, certainly did deserve top billing.

Naturally the former upriver younger veteran (so to speak) will be in the handicapper's sights and Grant obviously was not concerned at all when receiving his $20 voucher reward.

Hat Head's golfing guru Graham Schasser - arguably the Club's most consistent player - continued on where he left off 2020 with a 63 off the stick for a 5-under 51 nett and be best of the A-grade contingent.

With a round of 67 for his 51 nett it was no surprise that John Wright was the best in B-grade and it will not be surprising whatsoever to see the A-grade list go up a notch for today's competition.

The state of the course defied expectations and the allowance of carts by the greenkeeper Graham Croad proved to be a valuable decision. Naturally there were several provisos and very little damage did emerge.

Did hear one complaint of the greens being a little slow, but that sob or catch of breath (so to speak) was definitely not belonging to Graeme Dyet; just 16 putts on the 14 greens is almost beyond belief.

But Graeme's round for a 52 nett did include one chip-in!

Following Graeme in the ball competition listings were: 52 Chris Gorman; 53 Paul Supple, Allan Heather; 55 Graheme Martin, Phil Pinney; 56 Wayne Simmons, Chris Hudson, Peter Johnston and Steve Cameron.

Just 22 strokes by Ray Moodie and 23 by Barry Pearson brought respective B and C-grade wins in the putting contest.

Nearest the pin at the Alan Macdonald Memorial $100 Hole-in-One at the short third were Simmons (A), Terry Hyland (B) and Pearson (C), while Supple (A) and Bruce Morris (B) were winners at the eighth hole.

Chip-ins by Paul McNamara, Trevor Bailey, Schasser and Dyet.

Three visitors were included in Tuesday's 42-strong field, two being former Smitht99own and now city slickers Paul and Andrew Supple, the brothers only full of praise for the opportunity given them.

The trio was made up by Peter Johnston, who just happens to be a brother-in-law of noted member from Beranghi, Ron Ingall.

With a round under his belt Paul said he would be back next week (today of course) and there is little doubt that he will be aiming for a par round or better. Off five at Cronulla for the full 18 holes he is!

Meanwhile, at the Annual General Meeting held prior to the Christmas Luncheon on December 22, the day was highlighted by the granting of Life Membership to John King.

From Hat Head, a true gentleman and noted sportsman, John was actually treated the honour for his 90th birthday celebrated on March 30 last year. Constitutionally the highest honour has to be made at the AGM.

Now I do know that there were photos taken at the time and I do hope that John King will be introduced to the widening world out there and right here in pages of The Macleay Argus.

Yes, I can say it..."they don't come any better than Johnny!"

Tuesday's event is a 14-hole Single Stableford with the back nine dominating and any visitors to Nature's Wonderland are invited to join in. Tee-off is 9am and a phone call to the Club on 65626291 would be appreciated.

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