Early drizzle failed to dampen the enthusiasm of the capacity field in the Corryong Open tournament on Sunday and competition was fierce in all grades as the heat and humidity ramped up, none more so than the battle for the Open title which was decided by a playoff.
Corryong course record holder, Wayne Dubois, has been the player to beat on the Hills Zone circuit recently and maintained that form to post a 77 off the stick and looked the likely winner. However local hope, Shane Bannon, got it together on the last nine to match Wayne and force a playoff.
The pair returned to the par-four 18th tee for the decider and Wayne elected to go first after winning the honour but his drive found its way into the rough. Shane failed to take advantage and followed suit with a wayward drive of his own. Both chipped into the fairway and Wayne then sent a missile into the green but it rolled over the back lip. Shane again emulated his opponent’s shot to also run through the green.
The stage was set for a grandstand finish in front of the buzzing 50-strong crowd on the club deck and when Shane’s chip finished short the door was open. Wayne played a sweet shot to within 40cms and when Shane’s attempt slid past the the hole, he calmly potted the putt to claim the title.
Shane had some consolation by winning the A grade stableford with 41 points.
Other club members to perform well were Pat Kamba (B grade winner), Mark Collins (B grade runner-up), Zane Heinjus (C grade winner) and Tameeka Mulquiney (Women’s runner-up).
Results
- A Grade Scratch Champion: Wayne Dubios 77; runner-up Mitch Curry 81; 3rd Sean Bannon 85; A Grade stableford winner: Shane Bannon 41 points.
- B Grade Winner: Patrick Kamba 39 points; runner-up Mark Collins 34 points on c/b from Michael Smith.
- C Grade Winner: Zane Heinjus 35 points; runner-up: Jono Lebner 34 points.
- Ladies Champion: Sharon Burgess 31 points; runner-up Tameeka Mulquiney 29 points on c/b from Joy Bennetts.
- NTPs: Tony Castles, Mark Collins, Shane Bannon, Michael Smith, Richard Bennetts, Raewyn Milbank.
- Straightest Drives: Jade Rangi, Graham Pfeiffer, Jono Lebner, Sharon Burgess.
- Longest Drives: Grant Schultz, Michael Smith, Zane Heinjus, Joy Bennetts.
The club held its 2024 awards on Saturday night on the deck, accompanied by two special presentations.
Mark Collins was made a Life Member of the club after bringing up 30 years on the committee, for the most part as secretary.
He said he has seen the club go through many highs and troughs during that time and he regarded being involved in obtaining funding for course and sporting complex improvements in recent years as a proud achievement, most notably the installation of synthetic greens which has been a ‘game changer’.
A floral presentation and gift was also made to Ilma Clare in recognition of her dedicated service to the club, particularly in the role of president.
Coming up – March Sat 1st: Stableford – Front 9 Sun 2nd: Monthly Medal -18 Holes Stroke Tues 4th: Twilight Chicken Run 2P Ambrose 6pm Wed 5th – Stableford Front 9
Welaregang
The two most consistent golfers over the last three weeks were at it again last Saturday.
Jayden Land won the day on a countback from the unlucky Laurie Williams, both carding 24 points.
It was Laurie’s third 2nd placing in four weeks but his good form does have him one point clear at the top of the competition ladder.
Lance Noonan’s 20 points took third on another countback from Paul Land.
Six members represented the club in the Corryong tournament on Sunday with mixed results.
After having a shocker on Saturday when he couldn’t hit a fairway all day, Jono Lebner won the ‘nearest the string’ with his first tee shot of the day…oh, the irony of it all! His improved form earned him 2nd place in C grade.
Bill ‘Angles’ Bond’s form slump continued into Sunday as he tries to come to terms with a new set of clubs.
R18 of the summer comp tees off at 9am this Saturday and visitors are always welcome – names in by 8.30am.
See all the pictures in the issue
This article appeared in the Corryong Courier, 27 February 2025.
