Round 9: Rowville Lakes: Singles: May 1st: 8:00am
The last game of the season saw the MGC head to Rowville Lakes, which in past years has been under repair with several fairways under reconstruction. Although the repairs were finished the fairways were still hard work in patches and shapely greens made scoring hard, which was reflected in the scoring, with no player coming in better than their handicap. With Player of the Year all but sown up before tee-off all attention was directed to NAGA of the Year, with an unprecedented 8 players still in the running. What eventuated was a day of firsts.
As has become customary at this venue controversy wasn’t far away around ruling on the course, with the eventual winner being crowned after a meeting of the rules committee. With Sammy, Koala and Red locked on 31 points it would have been Koala taking home the Animalia Cup via a countback, but with a ruling after the round it was determined that Red, who had incorrectly docked himself a shot was awarded an extra point taking him to 32 points and the win, with Koala coming in 2nd with Sammy 3rd. This is his first individual win on the tour. Congratulations. For his day he took charge of the Animalia Cup which is his to keep for the year, teabags, Middy’s pen, Isuzu tees, along with a bottle of Grey Goose, generously donated by Sammy, which was enjoyed back at the club. 3rd place was taken out by Taffy with 30 pwa.
The battle for NAGA of the day was not quite so close, with the eventual winner Barra never able to recover from a horrendous start and finished with 19 points, 3 points clear of Nick, coming back from shoulder surgery with 22 points and Hubba coming in next with 24 points. This turned out to be a bittersweet moment for Barra, who on numerous occasions has stated “he will never win the NAGA hat in a singles event”, which is partly true as he never wore the twirlies, but does look at home in the Gobbler. Congratulations Barra.
Player of the Year was sown up before tee-off, with uncatchable Koala on 15 points and 7 points clear of his nearest rivals Clayton and Girdy, although this wasn’t communicated before the game so he was made to earn the accolade. After a very consistent year he scored points in 6 rounds to finish with 19 points, 11 clear of Clayton, Girdy and Winker on 8 points. For his stellar year he picked up the Ann Lee Player of the Year trophy, teabags, bottle of scotch and gift card. Congratulations Koala.
This year the Ann Lee Player of the Year trophy was replaced by Clayton to one more fitting for Ann, with miniature trophies presented to the past winners of the trophy Barra and Joe.
With strong competition for NAGA and the current leader Sutho taking a convenient Bali holiday there were still 7 players that could take out the Turkey for the season. With 4 platers scoring points for Player of the Year, and only one candidate scoring points it was Sutho who took out the “win” with a total of 12 points, with Baby Koala finishing with 11 points and Hubba in 3rd with 10.5. Although he wasn’t there to collect his award he will surely be looking forward to it next season. (file photo used)
Event Management for the day was done by Bob, Clayton and Baby Koala, who only in as a sub nominated himself for duty. Bob served up Chip Butties, much to the annoyance of Clayton who treated the players to curry and chips. Baby Koala followed this up with fruit pies, berries and ice cream.
A sorry showing on the Par 3’s saw only 1 name written on each card the NTPs for the day going to:
6th: Ryan, 9th: Bob, 10th: Tommy, 13th: Joe.
Although handicaps will be adjusted next season for players with a GA handicap cuts and slides for the day were calculated:
Cut: Red 17 → 15
Slides: Barra 16 → 17, Nick 28 → 29, Hubba 22 → 23, Clayton 40 → 41
Due to track upgrades this years running of the McClelland Gift has been postponed until the first round next season, with runners yet to be decided.
Group 1: Clayton (40), Barra (16), Nick (28), Koala (29)
Group 2: Red (17), Billy A (15), Ryan (19), Tommy (28)
Group 3: Taffy (25), Hubba (22), Girdy (8), Joe (13)
Group 4: Sammy (23), Baby koala (26), Winker (27), Bob (16)