Although rain was threatening in the early hours of Tuesday last, Kempsey Veterans Golf Club members rallied to the fore late to make up a very sizeable field to contest an ordinary Individual Stableford competition.
At first it did appear that the qualifying 27-plus members would fail in total and 'twas the sudden improvement in the weather that drew the doubters outdoors. Or was it just a game of golf to brighten one's day?
When the last of the 39-strong lineup had teed off the scene was set for an enjoyable day and there were quite a few - more than most - who made full use of the favourable conditions.
A getting-stronger and mostly southerly wind had an affect on the scoring of points, however it was C-grade lesserlight Rod Maher tops of the pops (so to speak) with 34 to his name.
Rod revelled in the going and seemed to really appreciate the sort of holding conditions that favoured the bolder strokers; a soft five track in the Sport of Kings was our course rating one surmises.
With 33 points to boast about there was little doubt whatsoever that Trevor Bailey, a free-hitting "cacky" lefthander, had finally found top form and virtually streeted his A-grade rivals.
It's no secret that Trevor had anything but a good day just a week earlier when representing in the opening round of the Bill Medley Memorial Shield played at the Crescent Head seaside links.
We all do have bad days Trevor and it's good to see you recover ever so quickly and the selector, one thinks, will now keep you in the team for the second round on a larger Wauchope course come April 16.
In B-grade a countback was declared between Mark Townsend and Ron Ingall after the respective Euroka and Beranghi residents had returned 30-point rounds.
The fact that Mark did par the final three holes was in his favour and it was certainly not a sore loser and maybe Ronny, my boy, hapless is a much better a definition, eh.
A par at the third hole through a nearest the pin short iron shot that landed on past the flagstick proved worthwhile for Mark. So, too, was or were the single putts on the eighth and ninth holes.
Graeme Dyet and the Club's No. 1 agewise member rising 95, Milton Riggs, shared the respective A and C-grade honours at the third, whilst it was A-grader Ced Rudd going solo at the eighth hole.
In the ball competition Steve Cameron led with 33 points, with Robert Johnston joining Ingall on the 30 mark; Ian Rudd and Chris Hudson 29, then Wayne Simmons, John Daly and Steve Trott 28.
Chip-ins were performed by Peter Hatton, Brian Stringer, Peter Garty, Trott and Ingall.
During the presentation formalities our secretary, Chris Hudson, after telling of the Club's efforts at Crescent Head, made a call for interested players to submit their names on the special form on the notice board.
Members were also advised that the 2021 Club Championships will get underway on Tuesday, March 2, with the second and third rounds the following Tuesdays.
Tuesday's event is a 14-hole 2-person Ambrose and visitors are invited to take part. Tee-off is 9am.
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