Round 4: Devilbend: 4-Ball: December 4th
The Pre-Christmas round this year saw the MGC travel to Devilbend for what would hopefully be the first team event of the season. With Covid making an unexpected appearance and rendering Joe unavailable, coupled with late pull outs it was a struggle to get the numbers for the 4 ball to go ahead. The worry was compounded when one of the subs Scott was running late and uncontactable leaving the hope of a team event almost abandoned on the first tee. With the subs list almost exhausted Girdy cast his net wide and pulled in an international import at short notice, with Jamie keeping the Donaghy name represented on the day.
Given the mild conditions leading up to the day a pleasant day was expected, but summer decided to appear with a bang and a hot day greeted the players. For Group 1 this may not have been the biggest issue as they finished and in the comfort of the clubhouse about 45 minutes before Group 4 eventually finished. There was some discussion as to the cause of the slow play but given the scores that came in it was down to Group 2 who by all accounts spent a fair amount of time in the trees.
Given Joe’s Covid drama the stage was set for Barra to return to presentation duties. Although reluctant, the original and still the best, stood up to the plate and treated those in attendance to a presentation for the ages. Thanks Barra.
With pre-game favourites Team 1 being dealt a blow with Captain Joe being ruled out late by health protocols it was up to Vice Captain Barra to see if he could get out of the considerable shadow cast by the missing Captain. Team 4, who lost their Vice Captain late, where seen as the only team that could knock them off their perch as the teams waited on the first tee. This proved to be the case as they proved to be the only teams to finish below the card, and with a generous handicap it was Team 1 of Barra, Chris T, Baby Koala and Winker finishing with 56.375 beating out Team 4 of Red, Scott, Koala and Sutho on 58.125. The winners were presented with beanies, just in time for summer, and a sleave of genuine Pro V1′s
With early favourites for NAGA Team 2 being dealt a blow by also losing their Vice Captain Mitch, and replacement Jamie coming in with very little current form the odds firmed, although a very generous handicap could’ve seen them climb from last place. Team 2 lead by Girdy, who usually carries his team with little help where thought to be safe, that was until the events of the evening before by some of the team and perhaps the expectations of their captain being too much to handle, they were dragged into the fight for NAGA. By all accounts the battle came down to captaincy, and with Girdy able to carry his team it was Team 2 lead by Billy A, with Hubba, Clayton and international import Jamie finishing with 60.625 beating out Team 3 of Girdy, Ryan, Tommy and Billy Mac on 59.375. The questionable captaincy continued with Billy A refusing to take Mr Numpty, instead forcing Hubba to have his company for the next month.
Unfortunately, Mr Numpty had an accident in Sutho’s care and was presented to the NAGA winners without his club intact.
NTP for the day:
3rd: Winker, 8th: Red, 11th: Girdy, 13th: Tommy
Genuine McClelland Pro V1s presented to those in attendance.
Cuts:
Barra 16→15, Baby Koala 26→25, Chris T 22→21, Winker 29→28
Slides: Given one the players involved the race to a 50 handicap is well and truly on.
Billy A 15→16, Hubba 23→24, Jamie 36→37, Clayton 41→42
Event Management for the day was run by Hubba and Ryan, both of which had very questionable lead ups to the day. Given the hardships a sensational Christmas fare was produced with Hubba, ably assisted by Gaz and Charmaine, producing turkey, ham, potatoes, cabbage and beans, and Ryan serving up dessert of chocolate truffle cake, ice cream and custard. Stellar effort boys.
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to all. Looking forward to catching up with you all on January 15th at Mornington. Just giving you the heads up its Girdy’s birthday so strap yourselves in for anything!
Team 1: Chris T (22), Barra (16), Baby Koala (26), Winker (29) Handicap 11.625
Team 2: Billy A (15), Jamie D (36), Hubba (23), Clayton (41) Handicap 14.375
Team 3: Girdy (8), Ryan (22), Tommy (26), Billy Mac (45) Handicap 12.625
Team 4: Red (14), Scott (14), Koala (26), Sutho (33) Handicap 10.875