With the extended hot weather being experienced at the moment, it was fortunate that the temperature reached today was only 30 degrees. Playing conditions were really not too bad because of the gentle breeze which was present for most of the game.

The field today was 100 (88 men and 12 ladies), the same as last year only the number of ladies this year was 8 fewer than 2017. Thirteen of these were new registrations bringing our current membership to 160. Registrations were a lot less hectic than Opening Day and with the the much appreciated effort of Paul Harbers in having the cards pre-printed and the prompt arrival of players, the competition got under way 10 minutes early.

The Course was well grassed but as there were areas affected by recent rain, players welcomed the introduction of a preferred lie The Greens were once again in very good condition, but care was needed to get a good read of the line of the Putt in areas where the Pin was placed on a gentle slope.

The boiling urn was well received along with the IDVGA supplied biscuits, and though regular cook, Brett, was absent no one missed out on a hamburger.

There are always surprises at the beginning of the year with many new players, but this year there was a different first for us. New members, husband and wife June and Nick Nicholls both won their Divisions on their first day and had no hesitation in taking shirts as their trophies. Peter Smollen edged out Miguel Cufi to win the other trophy. Tom O’Shea didn’t win a ball in the Rundown but went one better by scoring an Eagle on the Par 4 14th hole, by holing his approach shot, which is not an easy task on this narrow and fast Green.

Photos.

1. Relaxation before play almost paid off for Angie today.

2. A very effective one-handed style Al, and there were plenty more in there today.

3. Kerry putted this, probably because he didn’t tense up as he may have if he had known the photo was being taken.

4. First day back and Don knew he would have to concentrate on this shot.

5. A happy group with two new members who were not backward in having their say on the day.

The next game is at Laidley on Monday 19th February. It will be an 8.30am Shotgun start. The Timesheet for the upcoming game at Toowoomba City on Monday 26th February is now available also.