Round 9: Centenary Park: Singles: May 7th
The final round of the 2022-23 season saw a larger field of 20 head to Centenary Park. Although the larger field was a bit of a headache for Hubba to organise it was worth it as a thank you to the players on the subs list who have helped out throughout the year. With a weekend that produced a lot of rain we were lucky to stay dry, although a downpour the night before left the course wet but in good condition. With player of the year awards all but sealed it was only the awards for the day up for grabs. Perhaps the players were happy for the season to be ending but surprisingly every player got off the first tee well.
Before we get too far into reporting the final round it is worth mentioning that the final round also coincided with a milestone birthday for one of the founding members and long-time organiser of the club in Barra, who celebrated his 60th birthday. Not surprising it fell on the last day as this is mentioned every year around this time. The day didn’t start all that favourably with his drive on the 2nd hole landing in the middle of a tree resulting in an unplayable ball. Back at the club, surrounded by family and friends he was able to celebrate long into the night, although he did look a bit worse for wear by the end of it. Happy 60th Barra.
Back to the golf and with the inclusion of extra subs producing some interesting results at both ends of the leaderboard with Thommo and Chris T featuring. At the top it was Thommo comfortably taking out the win by 2 points and walking away with the Animalia Cup with 37 points. The battle for 2nd saw a 3-way countback with Tommy, Ryan and the surprising Billy Mac on 35 pwa. It was a case of what could have been for Billy as he turned with 22 pwa. Maybe the thought of NAGA weighted him done on the back 9 as normal service was returned and he could only manage 13 points. Congratulations Thommo who walked away with some great prizes, the coveted Animalia Cup, Johnnie Walker bottle, right-handed glove, tees, bottle opener and pencil.
What ended up an unlucky day for Chris T, didn’t start any better. After smashing a great drive down the middle of the fairway he couldn’t find his ball. His only conclusion was his ball was “stolen by the Scottish cunts in front of him which threw his mental game from the start”. With his mental game out the window he only managed to card 21 points, finishing 5 points adrift of Red on 26 with Koala a further point ahead on 27. For his efforts he has the company of Mr Numpty until round 1 next season and the honour of wearing the new NAGA hats next year. It wasn’t just pride that took a hit on the day as he hobbled away from the club after a mishap in the Gift.
earest the Pin on the day went to:
2nd Girdy, 8th Barra, 13th Girdy, 18th Red (fun fact this player has had a nearest the pin every round of the season)
Secret 6 went to Ryan and Mitch with 13 points, with all winnings donated to Mens Health.
As mentioned with player of the year awards all but done before the final round it came as no surprise to see serial winner for NAGA of the Year Billy Mac lift the trophy for another season. Although he disagreed with the result and requested the final standings so he could go home and run the rule over them, he eventually accepted his fate and collected the plate and Turkey trophy to add to his flock at home.
Player of the Year, although almost done before tee-off, saw Baby Koala 5 points clear of Girdy, who could have tied the year if he won the day and Baby Koala finished out of the points. With both players in the same group and Girdy an exponent of the dark arts this was still a possibility. With all scores in it was evident that Baby Koala couldn’t handle the pressure applied by Girdy, but he was safe as Girdy couldn’t get the job done. The winner for year Baby Koala walked away with the Ann Lee Trophy and and large collection of prizes. Under Armour jumper, Nike cap, Mitre 10 straw hat, backpack, tees, Atlas of Golf and a score diary.
After extensive work on the track the McClelland gift was back after a 1 year hiatus. The new track was looking fast and a quick time was expected. With new rules in place and the winner and loser on the day earmarked to race, and the field was opened to anyone that would like to run. A 7 strong field of Thommo, Chris T, Hubba, Tommy and a mob of Koalas took to the starting line. Given the gift is a handicap race, the winner of the last race Baby Koala started from the back markers down to Koala starting from the half way line. Given the start he had it was Koala who romped home to finish in first place, with spectators saying it was like watching Pamela Anderson at the start of Baywatch, slow motion and bouncy. Tommy came home in 2nd place with Hubba storming home to finish 3rd. To add his unlucky day Stork, who appeared to be taken out by a snipper, hit the deck with what was later diagnosed as a hamstring injury and was unable to finish. Such was the concern for his welfare that by the time he made it back into the club most the boys were onto their 2nd drink.
Event management for the day saw a couple of artful dodgers step up to the plate and deliver a cracking lunch. Winker delivered pasta bake and garlic bread, with Tommy surprising Barra with a birthday cake and , although the ice cream and cream arrived half an hour after it was served. Good effort boys and congratulations on delivering the day.
Group 1: Girdy (8), Billy Mac (47), Baby Koala (23), Ryan (20)
Group 2: Thommo (25), Nick (30), Joe (15), Tommy (25)
Group 3: Clayton (42), Mitch (21), Billy A (16), Koala (27)
Group 4: Sutho (33), Taffy (25), Chris T (21), Winker (29)
Group 5: Red (14), Gav (28), Barra (17), Hubba (23)