Penrith Golf Club turned the rain off and the sun on when hosting the latest Western Sydney Region Veteran Golfers Association’s interclub challenge recently. They also made the most of their home course advantage by claiming a healthy share of the prizes on offer.
Margaret Haworth and Maureen Proctor led the way for Penrith, taking out the medley 2BBB stableford competition with 45 points. Elaine Williams and Di Bowen amassed 43 points to secure second place for Dunheved Golf Club.
The men’s 2BBB was very closely contested with Peter Curtis and Paul Dengate (Wallacia) edging out James Field and Anthony Rassmussen (Penrith) on a countback after both pairs finished with 45 points.
The results of the single stableford competitions was just as close and again illustrates how close the competitions are with 6 of the 8 clubs in the Association taking home prizes.
In the women’s competition Margaret Haworth (Penrith) with 37 points finished just one point ahead of Di Bowen (Dunheved).
Dunheved also came second in the men’s A Grade section with Sean O’Dea (37 points) just one behind Lal Jayawardane (Glenmore).
The men’s B Grade was even closer with a countback being necessary to separate the winner, Graham Anderson (Wallacia) and Michael Harrison (Richmond) after both finished with 35 points.
This was repeated in the men’s C Grade with a countback putting Bob Sproul ahead of fellow Leonay member Mick Pavert, with each recording 30 points.
In the team event the best 4 individual stableford points provide the team score for each club. And for the first time for several years a countback was necessary to separate the top scores. The top place was awarded to host club Penrith after they finished level on 141 with Dunheved. This pair were closely followed by Wallacia (130), Glenmore (138) and Richmond (137) with Leonay (121), Stonecutters (120) and Springwood (119) a little further back.
With just two interclub challenges remaining for 2026 the battle to be Club of the Year is on in earnest. The Penrith results have demoted Leonay (824 points) from current leaders to third position behind new leaders Glenmore (839) and 2025 winners Richmond (829). Wallacia (821) and Dunheved (819) are close behind with Penrith (798), Springwood (735) and Stonecutters (578) following.
The home club tends to do well in this competition and with the final rounds to be held at Leonay and Wallacia any of the current top five remains a chance of securing the trophy for 2026.
The next challenge will be hosted by Leonay Golf Cub on Tuesday September 15th.
STORY: NOEL HOPPE | WSVGA