Round 9: Centenary Park. Format: Singles: August 2nd
In the very unfamiliar timing of August, The MGC ventured to Centenary Park to conclude the 2019-20 season. Fortuitous timing would not only see the final game of the season played out, but also the last game in Victoria for the foreseeable future. A glorious winters day greeted the troops, with a course in pretty good condition given it was the middle of winter.
There was much to gain and plenty to lose for players in contention for both Player and NAGA of the year honours, not to mention the return of the Animalia Cup for best player on the day. A few pull-outs in the lead up saw a reduced field of 14 take on the course and a couple of old favourites in Sammy and Spoon making an appearance. The grouping of Billy Mac and Sutho is worth a mention with the 2 players well in the hunt for NAGA of the Year honours, both of which had very different days on the course.
With face masks the order of the day it was one of the returning favourites going full bandit to get the win on the day and take home the prestigious Animalia Cup. With a countback needed to separate the top 2 players, it was Spoon with a score of 38 pwa narrowly beating an unlucky Sutho. An out on the 16th proving costly for Sutho, a player more accustomed to the other end of the leader board throughout the year.
3 points separated the bottom 5 players, with some familiar faces in the mix, along with Joe, a player more accustomed to the winners circle this season. And so it was the unlucky Billy Mac, with a score of 24 narrowly beating out Koala 25 and Clayton 26. Billy has been a regular recipient of the dog throughout the year and it is only fitting that he should have him until the new season commences. Special mention must be given to Billy as this year sees him reach an enviable milestone, reaching a handicap of 41, a record in my time at the club. Given the gap between Billy and Sutho on the day, it would appear Billy will be the recipient of another trophy next time we meet.
Due to restrictions the player of the year awards were held back until we as a group can get together and celebrate the winners in the manner we are all accustomed to.
NTP for the day were:
2nd: Red (shot of the day), 8th: Girdy, 13th: Spoon, 18th: Barra
Handicap changes for the day:
Cut: Spoon 9 → 7
Slides: Billy Mac 40 → 41 (Congratulations on this milestone Billy), Koala 30 → 31, Clayton 37 → 38.
Looking back this season has been different for many reasons. Barra handing over the reins (although a very-hands on vocal consultant), a reduced field size of 16 and the COVID situation forcing us to change and adapt throughout the season to name just a few, it has hopefully been very enjoyable for all involved and something we continue to look forward to each month. Stay safe and see you all next season.
Team 1: Clayton (37), Sammy (23)
Team 2: Spoon (9), Joe (12)
Team 3: Sutho (33), Billy Mac (40)
Team 4: Ryan (18), Hubba (23)
Team 5: Bob (17), Girdy (7)
Team 6: Red (15), Koala (30)
Team 7: Barra (22), Winker (26)