With fine weather and a welcome breeze, conditions were ideal for golf as long as the shade was sought where it was available. Game time was practically a repeat of last year’s effort by players to have most of them back in the Clubhouse in just over 4 hours.

The year’s programme got off to a reasonably good start with 105 players (93 men and 12 ladies) turning out on Opening Day. Of these 16 (15 men and 1 lady) were new members or those who returned after not playing last year. In addition, seven of last year’s members who have yet to play re-joined as well. Great preparation by the Captain allowed registration to proceed smoothly and play got under way ahead of time.

At last year’s opening game, the Course was very lush. This year just the exact opposite. So frustrating for the ground staff and players. However, with the preferred lie and the run the dry conditions allowed, it was still possible to have an enjoyable game, especially, as where it counts, on the Green, there was no excuse for poor scoring.

New and continuing members were again the recipients of the Mary Gibson hospitality with freshly made snacks to go with the welcoming cups of Tea and Coffee. The lunch salad prepared by the caterers was just what players needed after a day in the January sun.

Countbacks were required to determine the Ladies and Division 1 Men’s winners. Denise Johnson with 33 points and Les Smith with 39 points were the lucky ones to have the better score on their back nine. Division 2 Men’s winner after a re-check of cards was Michael Rostron whose 43 beat Col Hallam’s 42 to make him runner-up for the second time in two years. Eric Edgeworth and Helen Gilbert both had great days, with both winning two Pin Shots.

Photos.

1. Take a look at the Opening Day photos last year to see the lushness of the Course grass then.

2. Booking in went smoothly with these three overseers.

3. No time to re-focus the camera to get the ball in the photo.

4. Thank goodness Miguel’s comment was in Spanish when his ball finished just short.

5. There isn’t a 5. I just didn’t get enough opportunities to take more.

The next game will be held at Sandy Gallop on Monday 1st February. It will be an 8.30am Shotgun start. The Timesheet is at Rosewood Golf Club.

Finally, the AGM followed Presentations. All retiring Office Bearers were re-elected, and Bob Carter and John Hafner were elected to fill two Committee vacancies. The Captain’s and President’s reports touched on the support for the 2015 game courses, membership, event winners and matters relating to the conduct of Association business. The Financial Report indicated an increase of Association funds from the previous year and because of this the Committee Meeting held after the AGM decided that game fees would not rise this year. It also confirmed that the Championships would continue to be two Stroke Rounds and that the Game Winners trophy value would be increased by $5.00.