SA Senior Amateur Golfers | “sand belt swing”

SA Seniors Test Their Skills at Glenelg

Report by John Anderson

South Australian Seniors commenced the “sand belt swing” at Glenelg on Monday 17^th of August. First chance for most of the visitors to play all 18 holes after the significant restoration/development program that Glenelg has completed after several years of activity and the associated limitations.

A drizzly start and seemingly a lot lower temperature than forecast with a very cold south-westerly that increased through the day and added to the challenge that the course changes presented. This was reflected in most of the scores returned.

Notwithstanding it was great to be back at Glenelg in its full glory and excellent condition and to test our abilities.

A very good field of 78 and it was nice to see many of the members supporting their SOOM event and  getting a taste of the enjoyment of senior golf. Hopefully many will continue in a wider number of SA events.

Senior Men

An excellent round from James Mattson (Glenelg) with 76/68. James has been a regular player this season and often sneaks under the radar, winning very nearly in the year at Blackwood. Order of Merit contenders Paul Gregory (The Vines of Reynella) and Stuart Kopania (The Gums) matched Mattson’s 76 with James winning on the countback.

Second in the Nett was Glenelg’s Dara Long (70) with Mark Bolton (Murray Bridge) also 70. Mark was back from injury and, but for an unfortunate quadruple bogey on his last hole, he would have won the Gross comfortably.

Super Senior Men

Another regular, Ken Gilbert (West Lakes) was the best Gross and Nett performer with 79/67 – very good golf indeed given the relatively tough conditions. Nick Wake (80) continued to pick up points but was disappointed given his achievements on his home course – Nick sets very high standards and sees turning 65 as a further incentive to beat the “young” fellas ! Another regular contender John Keough (Glenelg) was third in the Gross with 83.

Placegetters in the Nett were Keogh (73) and Phil Crossley (Grange) (74).

Senior/Super Senior Women

The well-credentialled local Louise Pike (80)  won the Gross from and the consistent Gale MacPherson (Blackwood) (83) and Christine Trimmer (the Vines) (78).

A fantastic result for 26 marker Jill Sommerlad from Blackwood returning a 64 Nett. Jill is one of the many ladies from Blackwood, particularly, but also from other clubs who support all the senior events in all conditions and contribute to the success of the rounds.

Louise Pike and Cass Parry (Thaxted Park (70’s) filled the Nett placings.