The 2024 Lakes Entrance Golf Club Annual Spring Tournament was held in differing conditions over five days last week, but with the course in magnificent condition not even the weather could deter visitors from all over Australia taking part.
Calm, pleasant conditions prevailed for the first two days while rain welcomed players for Friday’s ambrose with the day ending with a massive downpour. Luckily all players had finished their rounds and were tucked up in the clubhouse celebrating or lamenting their round.
Wednesday’s 4BBB event saw Ashley Chester and Neil Howell successful in “A” grade and Ian Stephens and Darryl Brassil winners in “B” grade, while in the women’s Olivia Chester and Emily Derham were victorious in “A” grade, with Di Gray and Jenny Dowie taking “B” grade.
Thursday was sportsman’s day, with the “A” grade event going to Korumburra’s Greg Wilson. Minor grade winners were Frank McNamara and Tony Fedat. Di Dickson won the “A” grade ladies event on countback from Julie Rowe, with Olivia Chester taking “B” grade.
Friday’s ambrose day saw Sam Anderson, Andrew Douglas, Ben Johnson and Daniel Roberts winners in the men’s event.
Olivia Chester, Emily Derham, Bette Severs and Heather Pert took out the ladies’ event, with Laurie Thomson, Rob Sperring, John Anderson and Wendy Anderson successful in the mixed.
Friday evening saw 60 guests enjoy a scrumptious dinner in the clubhouse followed by a Dolly Parton / Patsy Cline Show performed by Pakenham artist Leslie Martin. A further 20 people arrived for the show only, with a great night had by all.
Saturday arrived and the rains disipated, however a strong westerly wind greeted players for the stroke event.
Pleasingly, not too many players withdrew and as the day progressed the winds abated.
Sadly, albeit too late, the wind died out and the sun came out for the large social group (30 players) who enjoyed the best conditions of the day after the competition field.
Newry’s Alf Jessup was the winner in the “A” grade event, with minor grade victories to Bernie Woodland and Bernie Hoppe, with Renee Percival and Sandi East winners in the female division.
On Sunday a 10am shotgun start saw 62 players tee off for the Canadian foursomes’ event, the mixed teams event held in cool overcast conditions in moderate to strong west winds.
Dean and mother Di Barelli were the victors in “A” grade, also taking home the handicap event, the Valley Brae trophy, with Paul Mifsud and Jenny Dowie winning “B” grade.
Garry Jeal and Trish Barlow claimed the Silver Shoe trophy, while Charlie and Dave Smythe were winners of the CF Hancock Trophy.
Numbers for the tournament were down overall on 2023, but the decision to cap entry fees at last year’s prices was well received considering the current economic climate.
