Sunday, 6th May, 2018
Format; Matchplay/stableford
Final outing for season 2017-18. Early start at the Divot, which incidentally was in the poorest condition seen in many years. An extended field of 28 for the last hurrah, which also saw the welcome return of Snappy Tom after his long absence. It was noted that the 9 months spent in boot camp had paid dividends with the new trim and terrific torso clear for all to see.
But it was a big day with much at stake. The final of the annual Matchplay tournament between last year’s runner-up Joe and Ryan.
Also up for grabs were points towards the Player of the year and NAGA of the year tallies. Not to mention the Gary Hughes backed Animalia Cup.
Early attention turned to the Matchplay final as the two finalists teed off first. This was a battle that ebbed back and forth for most of the day, with Ryan eventually coming out on top 2 up.
As usual the prize pool was at its finest, polo shirts, gloves, balls tees, crystal glasses and some cold hard cash.
Next in the awards ceremony was the stableford singles event of the day, the ‘Animalia Cup’. Playing with the fear of God of the possibility of picking up some wildlife was Bob. He managed to cover all and sundry to ensure no passengers would be taken home by carding a score of 40 points. 
Bob with the new perpetual Stag’s head.
Coming back from a spell was Joe Junior and a plea for an easing of his handicap fell on deaf ears (cos he asked Billy Mac) prior to tee off. This proved to knock the young man off his stride before he even started, as all he could muster for his 5 hours out in the field was 22 points. This was enough to take home the wildlife of the day in the shape of a pigeon called Junior, along with the dog.
Focus was quickly turned to the annual awards. Firstly ‘Player of the Year’. With around 4 people in the mix prior to the day starting it could have swung any way. However, none of the leaders were to have any impact on the scoring which left Ryan in pole position to take home the goods. 
Again a bounty of prizes, including Callaway hat and polo shirt, crystal glasses, travel goods, balls, tees etc.
Left to last was the guy who finished last, ‘NAGA of the Year’. This was also a very tightly scored award, but the honour fell to Baby Koala who managed to finish second last on the day, this coupled with the points scored for the no show at Devilbend was enough to pip the slippery snake Macster by 0.5 of a point and the dish was his. Prizes included 2 red ladies tee markers, some ladies balls, and a ‘she-wee’, along with a book “Play better golf ffs” by Jack Nicklaus. 
Words fail
Also on the agenda was the annual MGC gift. This took on a new look this year with undefeated champion Clayton, feeling the need to step down on compassionate grounds of embarrassing his much younger opponent, Bob each year. Up stepped big Red to accept the challenge, with ‘Junior the pigeon’ the starting gun, it proved a bridge too far for the new challenger as Bob romped home for his first gold medal. Judging by the photo below a bit of training required for the big man. 
Nearest the pins saw an added incentive from Hubba, renaming the 8th the ‘Hamish & Harry’ hole for the day with $50 up for grabs. Needless to say no-one out of 28 could hit the green. Winners on the other holes were; Hubba (2nd), Christophe (13th), Sutho (18th).
Secret six was won by Billy Armour.
Handicap adjustments were as follows; Ryan cut 1 shot for winning the Matchplay and 1 shot for PotY 23 to 21. Bob for winning the Animalia cup 21 to 19. Junior out from 23 to 24, Baby Koala 26 to 27, Snappy Tom 19 to 20, Biggsy 21 to 22.
Special mention to the event management team on the day, especially Jimmy the chef and Taffy, alongside Christophe, Nick and Alan.
Finally, another fun and fantastic day played out in great spirit by all. Thanks to everyone throughout the season for all their participation in making it what it is. Thanks to Christophe and Joe each month for picking up the slack. Deeks on the secret six. To Clayton in the bar and sorting out the dinner stuff. Thanks also to all those who continually support the prize pool, special nod to Bob. Thanks to Ryan for picking up the baton of Men’s Health.
The season however, will sadly be remembered as the year we lost of one our members, Andy Mac. I don’t often report in the first person but because I have ‘licence of the pen’, today I’m making an exception. This is a loss I’ve found truly difficult to adapt to and as a consequence, have struggled to stay motivated in my club duties. The monthly outings will never be the same for me, and probably for a few others too. However, we as a club will try to look forward, as each Labour Day weekend we will contest the Andy Mac Memorial at Cape Schanck in his honour. Rest in peace pal.
Group 1; Joe 12 v Ryan 23 Clayton 35, Tim 37
Group 2; Hubba 22, Barra 22, Stevie 35, Koala 33
Group 3; Billy A. 22, Paul 17, Vic 8, Biggsy 21
Group 4; Baby Koala 26, Deeks 15, Hughesy 34, Sammy 21
Group 5; Winker 26, Sutho 30, Billy Mac 38, Christophe 11
Group 6; Snappy Tom 19, Red 17, Taffy 22, Bob 21
Group 7; Nick 30, Joe Jnr 23, Gav 33, Macca 27
The first group will host the final of the annual Matchplay tournament.
All 28 players will also compete in a stableford competition on the day.