Women’s Major Pennants preparations
So here is the team on the day before the big match waving their new toys.
This year’s uniform sponsors are Tri Comm Communications and Albury Kent Travel but Tri Comm also made one other small donation to the team – each young lady received an iPhone 6. Players and the women golfers of St Michael’s thank Kylie so much for this very generous and unexpected gift.
Countdown to Major Pennants
It’s on again. Women’s Major Pennants. In their first year our team won Division 2; last year they were runners-up in Division 1. Fingers crossed for a happy and productive 2016 in a tough competition with tough opponents. Following is the draw. People with spare time and those who want to see good golf being played are encouraged to come along and support the team.
Belles batter Royal Sydney….
Our summer interclub continued on Sunday 24 January with BIG news. St Michael’s crushed Royal Sydney 3/2 at Moore Park. OK, maybe ‘crushed’ is too strong a term but we did get our first points on the board in what has been a frustrating competition. Three x 3/2 losses prior to Sunday had led to ZERO points and last place. We still have a firm grip on last place and even success next week against Moore Park at New South Wales cannot change that. But, hey, we have points now and we have defeated someone!
Summer Interclub Matchplay Update
Alas, our run of bad luck continues. With three weeks completed St Michael’s is alone on 0 points although we have won a reasonable number of games. Three 3/2 defeats take their toll! 2 rounds to go – versus Royal Sydney at Moore Park this week and versus Moore Park at New South Wales on 31 January. Victory is out of reach but hopefully we can lift ourselves from last place.
Tuesday Open/Visitors Days in January
Our ‘bring a friend for $50″ initiative continues to prove popular with 60-odd golfers teeing it up in hot, humid conditions on Tuesday 12 January. A number of St Michael’s golfers brought friends. In addition ladies playing here in the mixed pennants took the opportunity to come and play a practice round.
The first of these days, scheduled for 5 January, was washed out so the program has been extended to include Tuesday 2 February. With the 26th being a public holiday, only two more opportunities remain.
Summer Interclub Matchplay continues
But, alas, with less success than envisaged! Last week St Michael’s was again nosed out 3/2, this time by the ladies from New South Wales. Round 3 will be against The Lakes at Royal Sydney. Fingers crossed for a dazzling performance against a tough team. After round 2 points stand as follows
Summer Interclub Matchplay commences
With the New Year comes our Summer Interclub Matchplay. This competition is played between St Michael’s, New South Wales, Royal Sydney, The Lakes, Bonnie Doon and Moore Park on each of the Sundays in January.
Round One was played last week with the following results
Bonnie Doon 3 def St Michael’s 2
Moore Park 3 def Royal Sydney 2
The Lakes 3 def New South Wales 2
As the pictures show, conditions were less than ideal with a torrential downpour at The Lakes just as the Belles of St Michael’s were edging towards defeat.
2015 Christmas Lunch and Prize Presentation
Continuing the tradition of a “Belle’s Soiree” and presentation of prizes, we held a Xmas lunch on Sunday 6 December at which all prizes and awards for the 2015 season were made. Major prizes were then re-presented at the Club Xmas Party on Sunday 13 December.
The Belles Xmas Bash was a well-attended occasion which was much enjoyed by all participants. There were canapes and drinks to open proceedings with the presentations taking place between entree and main. And then, when the formalities were over, DJ Jane Jordan spun the disks while the girls bopped till they dropped!
Major prize winners are shown below. Left to right – Club Championship Nett winner Pat Pitsawong. Club Championship Stephanie Kyriacou, Sunday Champion Teresa Nurdi.
Second line: Sunday Bronze Winner Lei Tai, Club Championship Bronze winner Lesley Brown, Bronze Nett Andrea Tomlin
.
And then there was dancing…
2015 Melbourne Cup Day Team Stableford
This year’s Melbourne Cup celebrations saw 124 players participate in the golf and another 5 people join us for lunch. The field hit off in overcast conditions on a soft track. However good times, and unbelievable scores were recorded in the event. The winning team, with a staggering 98 points, were Bronwyn Cooper and Annette Perry from Massey Park, Jan Dent from Marrickville and Shirley Pengly from Beverley Park.
Lunch was excellent, the room was beautifully decorated with bright coloured sashes on the chair, the hats were, well, hats, and Anne Marie and Rachel’s trivia had the punters champing at the bit. And as a grand finale (other than the race) , our raffle was drawn. Prizes were nicely split between St Michael’s people and external purchasers with the first prize of a Kangaroo Valley escape being won by Carolyn Davies. A full list of prizes will appear under the Guest tab on the website.
The Ladies Committee would like to thank all participants particularly those who so generously contributed to the prizes.
State Veterans Foursomes Championships
Division 2 of the State Veterans Foursomes Championship at Moore Park on 2 November was taken out by our very own Linda Pellew and Pam Geddes. The dynamic duo had 90 scratch and 69 nett to authoritatively claim victory from the other starters, And here they are, green shirts and all. Well done mighty Belles.
Belles hit the town….in Orange
Report from Lyndall Hough
We would like to encourage any women from St Michael’s who love golf, food and wine to go next year to this great tournament! Always around the third week of October and running beside wine week. No guarantees you’ll win anything but it’s a great week and Duntryleague is a beautiful course.
Apart from the wine tasting and fine dining at the restaurants, this happened:
Terri Condon in Div 4 won
longest drive
nearest the pin
18 hole handicap Division 4 Monday
18 hole scratch Divison 4 Monday
Lyndall Hough
36 hole handicap Division 2
18 hole handicap Division 2 Thursday
Linda Pellew
18 hole stableford Div 2 Thursday
18 hole scratch Div 2 Thursday
And Pam Geddes, Linda Pellew and Lyndall Hough won the nominated team of three best scores on Thursday.
2015 Club Championships
The 2015 Club Championships concluded today in less than ideal conditions with a small but quality field lining up at the starting gates. The Club Championship was won by Stephanie Kyriacou with 245; the nett was won by Pat Pitsawong with 232. The Bronze Championship was won by Lesley Brown with 328. Andrea Tomlin completed the quaddie taking out the nett with 235. All in all, another good day out for the Belles of St Michael’s.
Pat Pitsawong with Stephanie Kyriacou
Andrea Tomlin (looking startled at her success) with the veteran winner Lesley Brown.
2015 Sunday Bronze Championship
The Sunday Bronze Championship was fought out by Lesley Brown and Lei Tai. The Bronze Championship was, like the Sunday Championship, played as a match play event this year. And the winner was….with a score of 2/1, Lei Tai (pictured below after a hard day on the golf course). Congratulations ladies on a well fought battle.
Jim Mooney Memorial Junior Girls Championships
The Junior Girls Championships concluded today with Teresa Nurdi taking out the event with an excellent 36 hole score of 154 – two rounds of 77. Second and third places were filled by Madeleine Nurdi and Eleena Kyriacou who had one or two more shots each.
2015 Sunday Championships
The 2015 Sunday Championship, played for the first time as a matchplay event, was taken out by Teresa Nurdi. Teresa (right) defeated her sister Madeleine in a tight struggle which ended 3/2. Some excellent golf was played with the occasional rare errant shot. The sisters were however noted to be still talking to each other during the long walk up the 17th and 18th fairways at the conclusion of their battle.
St Michael’s Bowl – Friday 25 September
The beaming Belle of St Michael’s holds her trophy aloft. Lesley Brown, a twice previous winner of the St Michael’s Bowl, recaptured her title in tough conditions.
The rain lashed the bonny belles, the trees were bent double. But rising above these challenges and sweeping aside pretenders to the throne was our Vice President with an outstanding 37 points. The Bowl was rescheduled from 4 September because of inclement weather. Today was not much better but true champions cannot be denied.
Coronation Medal – Monday 14 September
The GNSW Coronation Medal was held at Manly and Lynwood on Monday 14 September. The winning team was from Cumberland; runners-up from Lynwood. The Belles were unlucky being mown down by people who played better. But… “Special K” Stephanie Kyriacou (see below) did take out the scratch at Manly with 82.
St Michael’s Salver and Jug: Monday 7 September
The St Michael’s Salver and Jug, the prestige events of our annual golfing calendar, were played in idyllic spring conditions on Monday 7 September. Squally rain and swamp-like conditions forced the postponement of the St Michael’s Bowl on Friday 4th but by Monday the weather had cleared, the course had dried and the golfers were raring to go. Players from 25 clubs fronted up for the event. The scratch, the Jug, was won by our own young lady, Stephanie Kyriacou with 78 off the stick. The nett, the Salver, was taken out by Elaine Govan from Chatswood playing off 18 and posting an excellent nett 71.
Newsletter June 2015 from the President
Greetings Everyone
It is already half way through the year and on reflection not a bad 6 months.
Competition
We started in February with our Women?s Major Pennants.
Their first outing in division one and other teams sat up and noticed, at the pointy end they beat NSW GC in the semi-final at Riverside Oaks to get a spot in the final. It was very exciting and went right down to the wire; we were just pipped at the post by Pennant Hills 3/2.
This was an excellent result and we are very proud of our girls. We received many compliments from other clubs about how well they played and conducted themselves. Excellent effort.
Bronze and Silver
The Eastern Region Interclub was a somewhat wet event, however our bronze team proved they were good mud runners, getting their noses in front at the first and steamed ahead, Bonnie Doon put up a fight but nothing could stop them, well done Bronze, again we feel really proud of our teams and the effort you all put into representing our club, especially in the dreadful conditions.
Our Silver Team where not so lucky but as the sharing caring club we are, our Bronze Team, see below, allowed them to share in their glory. Better luck next year Silver.
The new green shirts seem to be working!
Special Birthdays
We had a couple of major birthdays with both Dawn Nankervis and Shirley Duncan celebrating their 80th. Elvis would also have been celebrating his 80th if he played more golf and ate less hamburgers.
Vale
On a sad note we lost a huge personality in Barb McCormack, joking to the end, Barb was a long time member of St Michaels and she is greatly missed. The service was lovely and was attended by many from St Michaels as well as her friends from around the area.
Several ladies have had friends and family members pass over the last few months and our thoughts are with them at this time.
Bathrooms
The process has been rather slow and as previously mentioned we really had no say in the colour or quality of the fittings. However we did achieve the inclusion of the footbath and other bits and pieces, bottom line it looks a lot better than what we had. I would like to say thank you to Anne Marie she was very helpful throughout this process.
We are still waiting on a stool for our foot bath. The soap dispensers that we requested did not happen and they are looking for portable units that will be stylish but difficult to remove. We are also waiting on new towels.
New Members
The Committee have been working hard on your behalf promoting our wonderful club. We have had 6 or 7 new members join over the last few months and most are Sunday girls which is great for our Sunday competition. It is especially pleasing when other clubs seem to be struggling to attract players.
Although my next piece of news is a slight contradiction to the above statement. I received a letter from Helen Clarke advising that she and Rebecca McCabe would not be renewing their membership, they have found the travelling a bit too much. I passed on our regret and wished them well and asked them to stay in touch.
Dear Veronica,
Thank you for your beautiful words, I felt very moved when I read them.
One of the greatest attractions for Rebecca and me has been the wonderful girls at St. Michael’s who have embraced us as friends from day one. We do want to stay connected.
We are joining Concord as it is walking distance for me and ten minutes for Rebecca. They also have a Clergy rate and have helped us to join. We hope to start in September as we will both be away for a while.
Thank you again for all you have given to make St. Michael’s such a happy club and for your kindness to us over the years.
With very best wishes
Helen
Well that?s all for now, happy golfing and here?s hoping the next 6 months is as successful and the 6 just passed.
Veronica
Sun, sea, surf and…
Sun, sun, sun, sun (to be sung with a Beach Boys type harmony)
We all live for the sun
Snake, snake, snake, snake
How fast can I run, run, run, run
Sunday 28 June – this critter was observed sunning itself on the 13th fairway just short of the green. Photo: Lyndell Hough. Photographer last seen in clouds of dust heading to 14th tee!!
Bronze Pennant recaptured by Belles of St Michael’s
After 27 years (according to archival material), the Belles of St Michael’s have won the Eastern Region Interclub Bronze Trophies. Our regional interclub is played by teams from The Lakes, The Australian, Bonnie Doon, New South Wales, Royal Sydney, Moore Park and St Michael’s. The pennant series was interrupted by rain and the occasional washout but grit, determination and time spent in pre-season golf clinics paid dividends when, as they say in the classics, the chips were down. The Belles would like to thank Bobby, Lidia, Julian and Rhys for the clinics and our numerous helpers and supporters. All of you who spotted and marshalled and did and said supportive things – this one is for you.
And the birthdays keep on coming…
In 1935 Elvis was born. And Gary Player. But, more importantly, so were Dawn Nankervis and Shirley Duncan. Both long-term St Michael’s members celebrated their 80th birthdays on 8 June. Congratulations to both and happy hitting for many years to come.
Above: the birthday girls with their Simone Logue kilojoule-free mud cake
Golf NSW Classic Qualifying concludes
Both the Sunday and Tuesday qualifying rounds for the GNSW 4B vs Par Classic have now concluded. Early leaders Marilyn Pacitti and Sakae Hall, who posted +11 in the Tuesday qualifying, held on to take first prize. They will now move to the Metropolitan playoffs at Glenmore in October. Play well Mighty Belles!
Bronze and Silver Interclub: Results from 29 May
A scare for the Bronze Belles! But they rose to the challenge holding off The Australian by the proverbial ‘skin of the teeth’. Home 4/3 despite appalling play by Margaret Wyn-a-lot and the nameless field captain. Our tenuous grip on the top of the table remains.
Silver – alas. Sinking further in the mire.
Sunday Foursomes conclude in style
A small but quality field contested the Sunday Foursomes, the second round of which was played on 24 May. Winning (again) were the warhorses, Pat Pitsawong and Chris Phibbs. The nett was taken out by former winners Marianne Cerkesas and Myra Golding. Those with no friends or no stomach for foursomes played a nice little stableford where Lorraine Poole chopped her way to victory over a large field of indifferent quality!
Alas….
Weather most foul put an end to the surge of the Mighty Belles. No play today in Silver and Bronze at The Australian. We retain top spot in Bronze and our mid-field position in Silver but have only two matches left to play with rivals snapping at our heels.
Bronze Belles blossoming; Silver a bit tarnished
The 3rd round of the Eastern Region Interclub was played at Moore Park on Friday 15 May. The Belles took on The Lakes. In Bronze the mighty Belles stormed home 5.5/1.5 to top the leaderboard. Silver was again unlucky but is continuing to show potential.
Bronze and Silver Matches – Round #2
The 2nd round of the Silver and Bronze pennants were played on Friday 8 May at Royal Sydney. Play was slow, particularly for Silver, and outcomes were mixed. Alas, the Silver team was edged out 4.5/2.5 by Moore Park but Bronze punished that club for their audacity defeating them 5.5/1.5. Next stop – Moore Park 15 May with The Lakes as our opponents. Below – Helen, Marianne, Pat and secret weapon Tylah.
We claim our first point in both Bronze and Silver
Alas. So did everyone else! Inclement weather saw the cancellation of Round 1 scheduled for NSW on Friday 1 May. Next stop – the sandy wastes of Royal Sydney
on Friday 8th May.
Winners are Grinners
So it is said. And here is the living proof. The winning team at the recent Open Day was (left to right) Paulette Bailey (NSW), Lesley Brown, Louise Baldwin (Bonnie Doon) and Ashleigh Arnold (Beverley Park). 37 teams from 20-odd different clubs participated in what was an outstanding day of golf on one of the few dry days we have had in the last two weeks. St Michael’s Ladies Committee wishes to thank our sponsors – Ray Lenton from Morgan’s Financial Advisers who provided the vouchers for the winners, Drummond Golf and St Michael’s Club and Pro Shop.
Dog Day Afternoon
The Belles of St Michael’s hosted an Open Day on Tuesday 28th. 148 golfers from various clubs enjoyed the golf and the course, testing trivia from Rachel and Anne Marie and a beautiful meal from chef Stuart and the functions team. Also enjoying their day out, were Celina and Jackie from Sydney Dogs and Cats Home. These old ladies who were left homeless following the death of their owner, are looking for a new home. As are many other animals in fair city. Details: www.sydneydogsand catshome.org
A report on the day’s golf will follow.
Club Foursomes comes to soggy conclusion
The Club Foursomes concluded on Tuesday 31 March with flooded greens, sodden golfers and with only 12 holes of the second round played. The winners of the truncated Scratch event with a score of 164 were Stephanie Seakins and Sue Wright. The nett event was won by the previously untried combination of Margaret Wyn-a-lot and Margaret Regan with a score of 126.
Alas, Belles Bubble Bursts
The Mighty Belles of St Michael’s were nosed out of the Division 1 Sunday Major Pennants
final being defeated by Pennant Hills 3/2. This means our team came second.
Well done young ladies. In 2016, to infinity and beyond!
St Michael’s Womens Team makes Major Pennant Final
The St Michael’s team has made the final of the Division 1 Sunday Pennant defeating NSW in the semi-finals at Riverside Oaks on 22 March.
The final will be held at 12 noon at Terrey Hills Golf Club on Sunday 29 March. Come and see the mighty Belles crush Pennant Hills (hopefully).
Pictured below is our team and their super-coach John Serhan.
St Michael’s Womens Team makes Major Pennant Semi
The St Michael’s team playing its first year in Division 1, has made the semi-final of the Srixon Major Pennant. The young ladies and their entourage will travel to Riverside Oaks this Sunday 22 March to meet the team from our neighbouring club NSW. Semi-final #2 sees Concord meet Pennant Hills.
Below: interested spectator at Riverside Oaks!
Tsunami Swamps St Michael’s
Our Handicap Matchplay event has concluded. Yangeun Skerman, playing unusually good golf, swamped Therese “terrier’ Manning in the final. Yangeun, whose game swings between excellent and a bit wayward, chose fairways over bushes and greens not bunkers (to her opponent’s dismay) to storm to an 8-6 victory. Congratulations to both finalists each of whom had to defeat three other competitors to reach the final.
Belles Battered and Bruised
Alas, the Mighty Belles great run came to an abrupt end when a super strong Australian team battered them into submission on Sunday 1 March. The Belles now hold 2nd place on the table. Next stop Bonnie Doon with the last match being Bonnie Doon at St Michael’s. Not to worry…. even pro’s have off days. Look at Rory!
Belles Better Concord Again!
On their home track the Belles of St Michael’s defeated Concord 4/1. Pictured below Belles and caddies waiting patiently on the 5th tee for the medley field to get out of the way.
Belles Better Concord!!
Not ‘batter’ but certainly ‘better’. But it was a hard fought 3/2 victory for our young ladies at Concord and against Concord this morning. 4 of the 5 matches went to the 18th green. Next stop St Michael’s next Sunday 15th. Blow wind, blow.
Women’s Major Pennants start on 8 February
and pictured below is our team flanked by men’s captain Matt Whitaker, women’s captain Dorothy Wilmshurst and team coach and manager John Serhan.
Following their success last year, the team is playing in Division 1 where they will meet players from Concord, Bonnie Doon and The Australian, some of whom are or have been state or national representatives. But who cares? Our mighty Belles have the potential to sweep all before them!
As always, we wish them good luck and good golfing.
The 2015 Golfing Season kicks off….
Welcome to 2015. Our Opening Days (being the start of the eclectics) will be Sunday 1 February and Tuesday 3 February. Meanwhile, in the off-season, the Belles have been enjoying invitation days on each of the Tuesday’s in January and playing the Sunday Summer Interclub Matchplay at, and against, clubs like NSW, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon, Moore Park and The Lakes. The Sunday Women’s Pennants commence on 8 February and we, of course, wish our young ladies all the best in this competition.
End of Year Presentation and Belles Xmas Lunch
Sunday 7 December saw the end of the year prize presentation and our Xmas lunch.
Many happy golfers, from both the Tuesday and Sunday cohorts, received awards ranging from the Club Championship, Foursomes and Matchplay events, to the eclectic and putting prizes. A lunch of hearty Christmas fare was served. The girls enjoyed a refreshing bubbles or two and then bopped till they dropped thanks to DJ Pru Jacobson whose eclectic music collection had something for everyone.
More fun was had the following Sunday at the Club’s main Christmas lunch where major trophy winners, both female and male, received their awards.
Report on GNSW Gold Medal
On Tuesday 2 December the GNSW Gold Medal playoff was held at Mona Vale. 140 starters from various clubs representing Metropolitan and Country fronted up for the chance to capture the Gold Medal. St Michael’s was represented by Pat Pitsawong and Jan Murchie who were joint winners of the Midweek medal, and Leonie Urquhart who won the Weekend Medal.
Pat (pictured left) did us proud winning the Metropolitan scratch with 82 and was runner up in the Metro nett with 72. Leonie (middle) finished with a creditable 78. Jan (right) was not so lucky; her playing partners dragged her down. Well done mighty Belles.
Footnote: The Country scratch was won by a player known to many of us – Sylvia Donohoe still playing off scratch posted 76 on the tough Mona Vale layout.
Helen Tsoukaris turns 80
Sharing the spotlight with Dorothy and Veronica on Albury Kent Travel Day was Helen Tsoukaris, continuing her birthday celebrations which had begun a week ago, although her birthday is officially on 15th November. Helen joined St Michael’s 22 years ago and like a good red wine she is not growing old but simply maturing.
In the last four years Helen has won the C grade championship (2010), the Vets Trophy (2011) and this year, although currently off a handicap that would put her on the short course, she chooses to play the long – and plays it well. On Sunday 23rd November she is in the playoff for the Club’s Gold Medal, having won the Division 2 monthly medal in July. Helen, may you long play the long.
Albury Kent Travel Day
Tuesday 18th November 2014
While driving to the course we encountered a few drops of rain and some dark ominous-
looking clouds but it did not rain on our parade and the Albury Kent Travel Day was played
in great weather.
The day was tightly contested with count backs deciding the top four places. I had the pleasure of playing with our winner Dorothy Wilmshurst who steamed down the back nine with pluses on 13, 14, 15, 16 and 17 (an eagle on 17) defeating Corinna Ting, also on +6.
Dorothy and Corinna were chased home by Ruth Negus and Pat Ewing, both on +5, however Ruth prevailed to put Pat into fourth place. I believe Ruth and Dawn McCamley are going to make good use of one of Ruth’s prizes and are off to Riverside Oaks for a round of golf. In fifth place was Jan Murchie on +4 and our scratch winner was Pat Pitsawong with -7.
Congratulations to Therese Manning who won first prize in the raffle and to all the other prize winners. I hope you had as much fun as we did.
Until next time,
Veronica
2014 Melbourne Cup Day Extravaganza
116 starters from 20 or so golf clubs went to the barriers for the St Michael’s 2014 Melbourne Cup Team Stableford event. The weather was exceptional and the field travelled well from a shotgun start. Nearest the Pins on the 3rd, 12th and 15th, a Super Pin on the 5th and an accurate drive on the 8th ensured focus and concentration was maintained for the full 18 holes.
And at the end – the room had been decorated in an appropriately festive mode, the bubbles were flowing, the sweeps were flying off the table and the raffle tickets were being snapped up by eager punters. The pack entered the final straight just prior to 1.00pm – obviously starters could smell the lunch prepared by chef Stuart and the functions team and this gave a reasonable time for all formalities to be concluded before the “real” race.
The first place was taken out by Margaret Regan, Noeline Dresser, Jan Murchie and Bev Payne who set a scorching pace, with 96 points. Runners-up were Siiri Lass (NSW) Cheryl Langford (NSW), Helen Mooney and Dorothy Wilmshurst with 93 cb.
The scratch was won by our friends and supporters from Camden Lakeside – Tracy Wood, Lyn Hall, Gillian McRae and Leanne Matthews. Leanne also managed to snare the raffle first prize, an iPhone 6 kindly donated by St Michael’s Belle, Kylie Wade.
A good day was had by all. Well, almost all.
RIP Admire Rakti and Araldo.
Belles Bloom: Success strikes St Michael’s young ladies
Two of St Michael’s outstanding young ladies have had their skills and abilities acknowledged by a wider audience.
Madeleine Nurdi (top, pictured with her South Coast Junior Trophy) has been selected by Jack Newton Junior Golf to represent Australia at the Singha Thailand Junior World Championships held from 6 – 9 November in Hua Hin, Thailand. 2 girls and 2 boys were selected.
Stefanie Hall (bottom) has been named 2014 Illawarra Sports (IAS) Golf Athlete of the Year. Stef also received a scholarship from Titleist/Footjoy and will receive some of their products over the next 12 months.
Our congratulations go to both young ladies. The continued success of the young ladies is making us old ladies look bad!!
2014 Club Championships Conclude
Stefanie Hall has again won the St Michael’s Ladies Club Championships. This excellent golfer and quite nice young lady led from start to finish posting a score of 247 to capture victory. Stef plays off a GA handicap of 1.8 and was to prove too strong for the chasing pack. Dust was second followed by Pat Pitsawong who made a spirited attempt to stay with the runaway leader.
Stef (middle) with Lyndell and Dorothy basking in reflected glory
In the Bronze Championship that wily campaigner Bev Payne seized victory. Bev jumped well; in week two she improved her position to just behind the leaders and then, in the final round, she produced a sustained finishing burst.
Stef will now play in the Golf NSW Club Champion of Champions at Manly Golf Club on 10 November. The following day Bev will represent the club in the Golf NSW Silver Medal playoff at Wakehurst. Play well, mighty Belles.
Belles bound for Bonville for GNSW 4BBB Classic
Just when other clubs thought it was safe to come out on the course again…the Belles of St Michael’s have struck!! The Golf NSW 4BBB Metropolitan Playoffs were held at Richmond and Lynwood on Monday 13 October All four St Michael’s teams (pictured below) played at Richmond. All teams performed creditably striking terror in the hearts of opponents.
But one team excelled winning at Richmond with +11 which was actually the highest score from both courses. The prize…..a trip to the State Final at Bonville from 25 – 28 November. 31 teams will compete – 12 Metropolitan and 19 Country Districts.
Below – the winning team of Margaret Wynyard and Gail Squire.
Jim Mooney Junior Championships
The finals of the Junior Championships, named in honour of long time St Michael’s golfer and life member Jim Mooney, were held in magnificent conditions on Sunday 12 October. The gallery following the players and other golfers playing behind got to see some excellent ball striking from the four young people contesting the finals. The boys section was won by Aidan Powter defeating Weilang Wang 3/2. In the Girls Section Stefanie Hall defeated Eleena Kyriacou 6/5,
Sunday Championships Winners
The Sunday Championships were played over three recent consecutive Sundays with
field sizes varying and quality of play varying even more. Rising above the mediocrity were two stars – Pat Pitsawong won the Sunday Championship and Lesley Brown won the Bronze Championship. Lesley also won the overall nett.
Congratulations to both winners and all participants.
Jim Mooney Junior Championships
The semi-finals of the Jim Mooney Junior Championships were played on Sunday 21 September. In the first semi, Stefanie Hall edged out Pamela Tsiamis and in the second, Eleena Kyriacou crept home against Maddy Nurdi.
In the boys event Aidan Powter and Weilang Wang were successful.
At the time of writing, the final is scheduled for Sunday 12 October. Tee time to be confirmed.
Belles run 2nd in the GNSW Bronze Medallion at
Monash and Wakehurst
On Thursday 18 September the Belles of St Michael’s contested the GNSW Bronze Medallion. This event has the same format as the Coronation Medal and is for handicaps 22.5+. Our team consisted of Lesley Brown and Margaret Wynyard who played at Wakehurst and Averil Waters and Alice Purcell Bern who were at Monash.
Alas, a home team, Monash, took out first place. But, St Michael’s, with its reasonably steady play finished an outstanding second beating home 45-odd other teams. Congratulations to our worthy participants, all of whom had to leave home in semi-darkness to make the 7.30 tee time.
This success also means that next year Monash and St Michael’s will host this prestigious event.
.
Lesley Belle
Alice, Averil and Margaret Belle
GNSW Coronation Medal at Concord and Bayview
On Monday 15 September four Belles of St Michael’s contested the GNSW Coronation Medal. This event is for teams of four and is an aggregate nett stroke. Stefanie Hall (2) and Eleena Kyriacou (2) rattled the flagsticks at Concord. Bayview was honoured with the presence of Pat Pitsawong (10) and Stephanie Kyriacou (8).
In summary….our Belles acquitted themselves well but were unlucky. The event was won by Manly with Lynwood Country Club running second.
However….Stephane Kyriacou (hcp 8 and pictured below) had a nett 71 to win the Bayview nett event. Well done young lady! This accomplishment is also acknowledged on the Golf NSW website in its report on the event,
St Michael’s Salver and Bowl
Our flagship events, the St Michael’s Salver and Bowl were held on Friday 5 September. 113 stoic golfers hit off in windy conditions freshened with intermittent showers. The Salver winner was our own Pamela Tsiamis with 76 nett. Pamela also won the scratch with 79. The Bowl was taken out for the second year in succession by our Bonn-bound Belle, Leanne Graham with 39 points.
Some wonderful scores were recorded by golfers from a wide range of clubs. And some less-than-wonderful scores were recorded by golfers from a wide range of clubs! This was the largest field we have attracted for many years. No doubt this is partly attributable to the Salver’s regained Jean Derrin status but also we would like to think that it is equally attributable to the fact that word is spreading about our great course and lovely ladies!
There are many pictures of the day, some of which have been assembled into a short video called Belles: The Directors Cut. Unfortunately attempts to upload it to this site have been unsuccessful so these two pictures will have to suffice.
(Left) Pamela, on the course. (Right) Leanne (with Bowl); Sandy with wineglass
Happy 80th Birthday
Dawn McCamley
On the 6th September long-time St Michael’s member Dawn McCamley celebrated her 80th birthday with family and friends. The following Tuesday we celebrated this milestone with her at the Club. We were joined for this special occasion by former member and captain Gloria Dowd and by some members who haven’t played for some time because of illness or injury – Barb McCormack, Libby Cottier and Janet Greensall. Janet reached the 80 mark earlier this year but was away cruising the Mediterranean at that time. President of the Veteran Women Golfers Association, Beverly Everett, sent both Dawn and Janet special 80th birthday medals along with her good wishes.
Dawn joined St Michael’s in 1962 and has distinguished herself with several honour board mentions, most notably the First President’s Trophy, the Business Girls Championship and a Hole-in-One on the 5th. When Andrea Tomlin was researching the history of women’s golf at St Michael’s for the Club’s 75th Anniversary book Dawn was a terrific source of information and anecdotes about those early days.
A good sport, unfailingly cheerful and still regularly walking the full 18 holes Dawn is a wonderful role model for us all.
Morgans Financial Advisers’ Stableford Day
Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Yet another day of exciting weather, showers passing, sun breaking through then disappearing once more. A particularly heavy downpour forced some players to flee to the Clubhouse before they had completed the full 18 holes. The hardier and more intrepid amongst us played quite well in the challenging conditions.
Ray Lenton of Morgans Financial Advisers presented each of the three winners with $100 cash. And the winners were –
Division 1 – Stephanie Seakins (23) 37 points
Division 2 – Di Buckley (41) 36 points (yes, she did play the Red Course)
As there was only one player in Division 3 the winner of the third MFA prize was the player with the next highest score and that was Gail Squire (19) 35 points.
Congratulations ladies and thank you again Ray Lenton and Justin Mulcahy of Morgans Financial Advisers for your continuing sponsorship of women’s golf at St Michael’s.
Visitors’ Day, Sunday 31st August 2014
Fifty nine members and visitors from 19 clubs teed up on another glorious Sunday in August for a 4 ball team par event. Member Janet Bolton and her company A1 IT Connexions donated the prize money for the winning team. Janet was unable to make the presentation due to continued ill-health following a traffic accident earlier in the year. We wish Janet all the best for a complete recovery soon.
Top row, left to right, Winning team of member Sue Wright (green shirt) and her three guests, Nancy Cave-Olfers, Jennie Langridge and Margaret Neeson, all from Randwick Golf Club, with Plus 15.
Runners up on Plus 13 were Dorothy Wilmshurst and her three guests, all from Camden Lakeside, Jan Jacka, Carol Smidt and Shane Murray.
Third placegetters on Plus 12 were Margaret Wynyard, Belinda Brooks, Debra Stratton (Eastlake) and Marinne Goodwin (Moore Park).
Bottom row, left to right, Dorothy builds the tension as she announces the results; Lyndell presents Jan Tracy with her trophy for Nearest the Pin.
Dorothy introduced a new style of quiz for this event, twenty photographs of golfers both professional and social whom we were supposed to recognise and name. Ivan Lendl wearing a beanie and swinging a club?! A very young Condoleezza Rice, also wearing a hat and swinging a club?! Another reason to look forward to golf at St Michael’s.
Another wet Tuesday
Due to more torrential rains the Morgans Financial Advisers Stableford Day, scheduled for 26th August, has been postponed to Tuesday 2nd September. Staff at the Club are developing webbed feet.
Another Sunday in August
No sooner had the greens been cored on Monday 11th August than torrential rains swept across Sydney, cancelling golf games and other less important events. Today, Sunday 24th August saw a return to beautiful golfing weather. Unfortunately the ground was still soggy so carts were banned and a contingent of Sunday regulars had gone to The Vintage for the weekend, leaving a very small field of only nine players. As Chris Phibbs pointed out afterwards it must be the first time ever that we have had 100% of the field stay for presentation. Suzie Wright won the Par event with an even score.
Golf on an August Sunday
So far this August has produced wonderful spring-like weather, no more mild and beautiful than on Sunday 3rd. You may have noticed that the St Michael’s 75th Anniversary flag, which has been flying for the past 12 months, has been recently replaced by the Australian flag. As you can see the sky was a brilliant blue. Enjoying her round on the Sunday was Lisa Lynch who joined St Michael’s with her husband Chris in January this year. Lisa and Chris were previously members at Hampton Court Palace Golf Club in Surrey, England.
Golf NSW Pewter Plate 2014
Congratulations to Jane Jordan and Kylie Wade of St Michael’s who came in runners-up at this event, held at Woollahra Golf Club on 21st July. The competition attracted two-women teams from 36 clubs in Metropolitan and Country New South Wales. The winning team from Pymble had an aggregate Stableford score of 58 points while Jane and Kylie were a clear second on 55 points. A team from NSW were in third place on 54 points.
Stefanie Hall, Champion
St Michael’s 2013 Ladies Champion Stefanie Hall is building a remarkable golfing career. Stefanie is a young teenage schoolgirl but with her amazing talent and the hands-on support of her parents Jackie and Glenn she has just achieved three wins in the last two weeks – the Girls Title at the ACT Week of Golf, the Mollymook Junior Classic and the NSW Mixed Foursomes Championship with Joshua Armstrong from Gold Creek (ACT). Congratulations to Stefanie from all of us at St Michael’s.
For a full report on Stefanie’s latest triumphs see the home page of this website.
Visitors’ Day – 1st July 2014
Seventy eight players from thirteen clubs arrived at St Michael’s last Tuesday, wearing scarves, beanies, fleeces, anything and everything to keep out the early morning chill. The majority of visitors were from our neighbouring clubs, New South Wales, The Coast and Randwick and therefore used to not only the seaside conditions but the fabulous ocean views and glimpses of migrating whales.
Glorious sunny weather, Dorothy’s trivia quiz and our beautiful course inspired some good scores – 4 ball teams with one 1 Par score to count – with +10 being the most popular result. However the winning team of Noeline Dresser, Bev Payne, Margaret Roden (Randwick) and Kay Couldwell (Bonnie Doon) came in with a wonderful +13.
Thanks to a skeleton Committee for the organisation of the event, to Margaret Regan for her camellias and Jan Murchie and Bev Payne for the selling of raffle tickets. We gave Jeff Wagner the honour of drawing the raffle prizes.
Mixed Foursomes
The Mixed Foursomes, a Club Honour Board event, was played in cool, blustery and challenging conditions on Sunday 29 June. 14 or 15 combinations battled the elements, their temperaments, the fear of letting a playing partner down and the general format of foursomes.
Winners were Stefanie Hall (who was defending the title she won last year) and Shaun Cameron who posted 83. Given Stefanie is on 1 and Shaun on +1 this represents a scratch and nett of 83! Runners-up in the scratch and the nett winners were first starters Stefanie Kyriacou and Harrison Crowe with a nett 79.
Silver Interclub Pennant Wrap Up
What to say? The fighting has stopped, the smoke has cleared, the dust has settled and emerging from the rubble are the Belles of St Michael’s. Yes, dear reader….we finished in 7th place edging out The Australian for that honour. Failing to win a match and losing most of our games gave us the edge in the race to the bottom.
Some sheilas from Rose Bay won by ONE game from some sheilas from La Perouse. Stars of the last day when St Michael’s played NSW at Bonnie Doon were Chris Phibbs who won her match and Helen McHugh who squared hers. If, as was widely expected, NSW had beaten us 7 – 0 they would have won the overall Silver pennant.
All in all an exciting and tough fought pennant for some teams but an enjoyable outing for all.
Silver Interclub Pennant Progress Report
We have reached the mid point of the Eastern Region Silver Pennant. This interclub event is contested by players from Royal Sydney, The Australian, Moore Park, The Lakes, Bonnie Doon, New South Wales and St Michaels. As a team we have alternated between unlucky and outclassed. We are currently 6th equal with The Australian, the team with which we halved our match. Unfortunately The Australian has had its home bye and we haven’t! Despite continuing misfortune our team is enjoying the opportunity to play on such outstanding courses and in a competition which is always played in good spirit.
Kangaroo Valley Cup 2014
On the weekend of 17/18th May thirty four women golfers from several clubs travelled to Kangaroo Valley for a two day Stableford event. Organized by Veronica Newman and Suzie Wright the weekend is as much about catching up with old friends, making new ones and partying, as it is about golf. The rough was really rough and the greens a little bumpy but the weather absolutely perfect. Most of us scored better on the second day than the first.
Not at all fazed by the course Jane Jordan of St Michael’s won the individual 36 hole competition. Congratulations Jane.
The Cup itself went to the club which produced the four best scores. St Michael’s, New South Wales and Bonnie Doon were competing however the 18 strong contingent from St Michael’s easily overpowered the opposition. The Cup will return to our trophy cabinet immediately.
Emma Betland returns to the USA
Emma, originally from Forbes in New South Wales, graduated from Washington State University (USA) with a degree in Sports Management. She then came back to Australia, completed a short internship at St Michael’s before being employed part-time in administration. Emma has been a great asset to the Club, especially leading our first ladies’ grade team to victory in the Srixon Metropolitan Women’s Major Pennant (Division 2) this year.
Emma is returning to Washington State University to take up a position as assistant coach. On Tuesday 29th April we presented Emma with a small memento of her short year with us and a token of our appreciation.
2014 Bronze Pennants Concludes….
The final matches of the Eastern Region Bronze I and II interclub were played at The Australian on Friday 4 April. Play was followed by the presentation lunch. In a unique double, both pennants were won by Royal Sydney.
The Belles of St Michael’s finished 5th in Bronze II and 6th in Bronze I beating home a couple of other contenders. Although there is ‘room for improvement’ everyone enjoyed the competition which forces people to play courses such as ours, Moore Park, NSW, Bonnie Doon, The Lakes, Royal Sydney and The Australian. Below, the girls enjoy the hospitality of the host club.
Update – Our team of amazing young women have won the
2014 Srixon Women’s Metropolitan Major Pennant (Division 2)
played at Terrey Hills on 30th March.
They defeated Oatlands 4.5 / 0.5
For a shot by shot description of the final day plus photographs go to the Club Home Page and download the report. Pennant now on display in the Clubhouse.
2014 Srixon Women’s Metropolitan Major Pennant
Division 2
St Michael’s Women’s Team Undefeated
We are extremely proud that our women’s team is undefeated in this competition and have progressed to the final on Sunday 30th March. Of their four qualifying rounds they have won 3 – against Oatlands, Castle Hill and Bonnie Doon – and halved the match against Avondale.
The fifth and final round is being hosted by St Michael’s on Sunday 16th March so we have a bye.
The players who have represented St Michael’s are Pat Pitsawong, Emma Betland, Stefanie Hall, Eleena Kyriacou, Stephanie Kyriacou, Madeline Nurdi, Teresa Nurdi and Pamela Tsiamis. Congratulations to all and best wishes for the final at Terrey Hills Golf and Country Club on the 30th March.
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Bronze InterClub Competition
St Michael’s women fail to fire in latest round
At Bonnie Doon on Friday 14th March in warm and sunny conditions St Michael’s played strong teams from The Australian Golf Club and lost both Bronze 1 and 2. However, as you can see from the photo below, we proudly wear St Michael’s green and white.
Bronze 2 team at Bonnie Doon on 14th March
Leanne Graham, Lyndell Undy, Lesley Brown, Andrea Tomlin and Jan Tracy
This year as usual we are fielding two teams of five players each – Bronze 1 and 2 – in the InterClub competition, played on successive Fridays through February/March/April, culminating with the final matches at The Australian on 11th April. Because we have so many ladies wanting to play the team personnel varies from week to week.
Both St Michael’s teams lost their first round in atrocious conditions at New South Wales against Royal Sydney.
On Friday 7th March there was happier news. We played Moore Park at Royal Sydney in perfect weather. Bronze 1 lost 3 1/2 to 1 1/2 however Bronze 2 was victorious 3 / 2. Pictured below before teeing off are the St Michael’s and Moore Park Bronze 2 teams.
Moore Park (in orange/black) – Colleen McMahon, Leigh McLure, Agnes Levine, Merryl Johnson, Dee Sirisatien
St Michael’s (in green/white) – Lyndell Undy, Andrea Tomlin, Leanne Graham, Lesley Brown, Margaret Wynyard
Ladies Visitors Days
Tuesday 18 and Sunday 30 March
SPONSORED BY MORGANS FINANCIAL ADVISERS RAY LENTON AND JUSTIN MULCAHY
PAR EVENTS, TEAMS OF 4, 1 SCORE TO COUNT
EACH TEAM MUST INCLUDE AT LEAST 2 VISITORS
GENEROUS CASH PRIZES FOR WINNERS
COST – 18th March – Golf and lunch – Members – $25, Visitors – $40
COST – 30th March – Golf and snack – Members – $15, Visitors – $30
BOOKINGS & PAYMENT TO LESLEY OR LYNDELL AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PLEASE
Opening Days for the 2014 Season
The course is looking great at the moment with a steady supply of spring water keeping it emerald green. Dramatic clouds over the ocean as seen from the 6th fairway were too good to miss with a phone camera.
The 2014 season opened with Ambrose competitions on Tuesday 18th and Sunday 23rd February. The Club provided cheese platters and a drink at the bar to celebrate. Wonderful to see such big fields and to welcome our three newest members – Susie Messenger, Lisa Lynch and Marilyn Pacitti.
Upcoming in March are Visitors Days sponsored by Morgans Financial Advisers, previously known as RBS Morgans and Mulcahy Lenton Financial Advisers. However, it’s the same generous men, Justin Mulcahy and Ray Lenton by a different corporate name. The events will be on Tuesday 18th and Sunday 30th March, 4 ball team par competitions, with $50 to each member of the winning team on both days. Teams must have at least two visitors so please get your team together early.
2014 Ladies NSWGA Major Pennants
St. Michael’s has entered it’s first ever grade team, into the inaugural
Ladies NSWGA Major Pennant.
A huge thank you to Pat Pitsawong and David Lyons for managing / sponsoring the team, also our junior girls club sponsor Ross Hudson, John Serhan as coach and mentor, John Novak Sports mind coach, Matt Green sports science coach, Anthony Summers PGA consultant and all the parents of the players.
Week 1 out from the Pennant season
Week 2 – 1st round ladies Major Pennants / 2nd round result Men’s and match review
2nd Round Sunday 23rd February
St. Michael’s defeated Oatlands @ Castle Hill 5/0
Pat Pitsawong 4/2
Stephanie Kyriacou 6/5
Eleena Kyriacou
Pamela Tsiamis won 6/5
Stefanie Hall won 4/3
1st Round Sunday 16th February
St. Michael?s defeated Oatlands @ Bonnie Doon 3.5/1.5
Emma Betland lost 1 down
Stefanie Hall won 6/5
Pamela Tsiamis won 4/3
Eleena Kyriacou All Square
Madeleine Nurdi won 5/3
The team consists of some very young ladies, and any support from our
St. Michael’s Members would be much appreciated.
If you do visit any of the matches and take photos, please send through to the club!
Season Schedule
Sunday 16th February
St. Michael?s defeated Oatlands @ Bonnie Doon 3.5/1.5
Sunday 23rd February
St. Michael?s vs Castle Hill @ Oatlands 12.30pm
Sunday 2nd March
St. Michael?s vs Bonnie Doon @ Avondale 1.30pm
Sunday 9th March
St. Michael?s vs Avondale @ Castle Hill 7.00am
Sunday 16th March
BYE
Ladies Open Day
Monday 10th February 2014
Our first Open Day for 2014 attracted 120 players, the maximum number we had allowed for this competition. There were 31 St Michael’s members and 89 from 27 different clubs, as far afield as Merewether (Newcastle), Camden Lakeside and Wollongong. The main event was an individual Stableford with a 4 ball team event in conjunction.
The day began with a two tee start at 7.30am in drizzly rain. Cups of tea and coffee with banana bread were available in the Associates’ Room to fuel the ladies for the gruelling day ahead. Fortunately the weather improved as the day progressed.
Unfortunately St Michael’s members were under-represented on the winner’s list. Winner of Division 1 was Aye Ling Koh (NSW 16) with 36 points. Division 2 winner was Janet Allam (Hurstville 27) with 37. The only St Michael’s member in the winners’ circle of ten was Jan Tracy (St Michael’s 28) with 33 points, placed fourth in Division 2. The full field report can be found on the Results pages in this website.
Fine photograph of Jan showing her style in competition at St Michael’s in August 2013.
Proceeds from our raffles and Super Pins this year will support the work of the Salvation Army at Oasis, a homeless youth shelter in Surry Hills, and Maggie’s Animal Rescue which aims to find homes for lost and abandoned cats and dogs.
Winners of our Open Day raffle prizes were as follows:-
St Michael’s membership joining fee – Pat Pitsawong; Golf for four at The Springs Golf Club – Joy Taylor (Castlecove); $50 Coles Myer gift card – Susan Howard (Bardwell Valley); Ten buckets of balls at Cullen’s Driving Range – Nancy Cave-Olfers (Bondi Beach); Box of 12 Srixon balls – Enid Lien (The Lakes) and a Box of 12 TaylorMade balls – Helen McHugh.
Thank you to all those who participated in another great day of golf at St Michael’s.
Fight to the Death sees victory for Iron Woman in Handicap Matchplay
Gail ‘never say die’ Squire, the Rafa Nadal of St Michael’s, has prevailed in a torrid struggle to take out the Handicap Matchplay Individual event for 2014. Gail edged out Lesley Brown on the 19th hole in a close, exciting, up and down final fought out in windy conditions on Tuesday 28 Jan.
It was a tough road to the final for the eventual winner. Qualifying at number one she won her quarter final easily playing an opponent who vacillated between incompetent and unlucky, but then faced a tough challenge in the semis eventually nosing out Pat Pitsawong on the 20th hole. Then more of the same on finals day edging out the ‘lucky loser’ Lesley Brown who also disposed of some handy opposition along the way.
Congratulations to a worthy winner and all the other ‘unlucky’ participants.
Ladies’ Presentation of Trophies and Christmas Party
Sunday 15th December 2013
Just a short week after the formality of the Club’s Presentation and Christmas Party the ladies put their hair up – and later let it down – to really celebrate the end of the golfing year, toast the award winners and dance. Veronica Newman was the inspiration and the hard work behind the colour theme of purple and silver to decorate the Tasman Room which looked fabulous. Chef Stuart served traditional Christmas fare buffet style. Lyndell and Dorothy, assisted by Lesley as Vets Rep, presented the trophies to a procession of winners.
Then, to the tune of “Pretty Woman”, Denise Hanlon made her entry in beehive hairdo, mini dress and white boots. Prue Jacobson was the DJ while Denise sang hits from the past, thoroughly entertained us and got us all dancing. It was a brilliant way to end another great year of golfing at St Michael’s.
Presentation of Major Trophies and Christmas Party
for the men and women of St Michael’s
Sunday 8th December 2013
On the initiative of General Manager Jeff Wagner in the Club’s 75th anniversary year the members and associates got together over a Christmas lunch to celebrate our major trophy winners. The sad and distressing news of Jim Mooney’s passing was announced just before the official proceedings; during the afternoon there were many moving testaments to Jim who is remembered as a great golfer, mentor and friend.
New Club President Ken Earl welcomed us all, Captain Murray Clover announced the winners of the men’s trophies and the sponsor of the men’s major trophies, Tony Moses, made the presentations.
Captain Dorothy and President Lyndell presented the major trophies for women when it was the turn of our junior girls to shine. Pictured below, from left to right, are
Stefanie Hall – 2013 Club Champion (gross and nett)
Madeleine Nurdi – Sunday Champion (gross) and Teresa Nurdi – Sunday Champion (nett)
Albury Kent Travel Day
Tuesday 3rd December 2013
On the third attempt at a fine day for this much anticipated event on our calendar we had a glorious day and a great field of competitors. A Par event on the red/gold course is always fun but especially when Veronica and Suzie are providing trophies and raffle prizes galore.
Andrea Tomlin won the Albury Kent Travel Trophy for 2013 with a superb score of +8.
Some of the other winners on the day were Chris O’Brien (Straightest Drive, Hcp 0-25),
Helen Clarke (Straightest Drive and NTP, Hcp 37-45), Leonie Urquhart (Scratch Winner (14) with -6)
and Connie Kennedy (Straightest Drive, Hcp 26-36)
Many thanks to Veronica Newman, Suzie Wright and Albury Kent Travel for their continued sponsorship and support of women’s golf at St Michael’s. Not only are they generous but they do it with style.
If you would like to be part of another great golfing event sponsored by Albury Kent Travel – a weekend of golf at Kangaroo Valley on 17-18 May 2014 defending the Kangaroo Valley Cup for St Michael’s – please contact Veronica at info@alburykenttravel.com.au or call her on 02 9569 1197.
Melbourne Cup Open Day
Tuesday 5th November 2013
The field of 140 players from 25 golf clubs took to the course for a 7.30am shotgun start. Chef Stuart had provided a feast of mini-muffins to help us on our way. The competition was a 4B teams Stableford event with the two best scores to count. To keep us amused on each tee Captain Dorothy had devised another Trivia Quiz to outsmart the best of us and keep us guessing. As well as trivia to challenge the brain we had three NTPs to test our game – a Super Pin (first shot from the short course tee) on the 5th, third shot to the pin on the 8th and second shot to the 15th.
Thanks to the hard working Ladies’ Committee and volunteers and the enthusiastic support of the Club’s management and staff it was another brilliant day at St Michael’s. Special thanks are due to those who provided raffle prizes for the day – St Michael’s Golf Club, Kangaroo Valley Golf Resort, Drummond Golf in Camperdown, Gold Creek Country Club, Golf Professional Anne Rollo and member Helen Mooney. Director of Golf Steve Peverett drew the winning tickets. As a result of the tremendous response to the raffle we are able to donate $1000 to the NSW Bushfire Appeal.
Winners of the teams event were Marianne Cerkesas, Rebecca McCabe, Helen McHugh and Pat Pitsawong.
Winners of the Trivia Quiz were the Massey Divas from Massey Park.
Winner of Best Hat was Averil Waters in classic black and white.
Barman Robert judged the Best Hat and awarded a special prize to the team with the best hats, a foursome from The Coast wearing pink net concoctions.
There were sweeps on the Melbourne Cup and lucky numbers, Rocky Road on each table courtesy of Chris O’Brien, a welcoming glass of champagne as we arrived for lunch and of course the excitement of the big race on two different screens. It seemed like everyone who attended our event was a winner.
2013 Golf NSW Bowl
The Women’s NSW Bowl is a special annual competition to support the Women’s NSW Open. The Competition is a 4BBB Stableford event for mid-week and weekend players. The winners of this year’s Bowl are
Helen McHugh and Margaret Wynyard of St Michael’s with a fabulous score of 52 points.
Helen and Margaret’s award is a place in the ProAm at the Women’s NSW Open in January 2014. Congratulations and best wishes from all at St Michael’s.
Ladies Club Championships
The Ladies Club Championships for 2013 have been run and won. The 54 hole event extended over 4 weeks with a week off to allow those representing St Michaels in the GNSW 4BBB event at Bankstown to participate in that event.
The Championships were dominated by the eventual winner Stefanie Hall who posted a gross score of 245 and a nett score of 227 to edge out last years winner Pat Pitsawong. Stefanie posted rounds of 81, 82 and 82. Pat stuck near her but the rest of the field was left in the dust.
The Bronze Championship was won by Alice Purcell Bern with 330 gross. Margaret Wynyard took out the Bronze net with 246.
The short course championship, both gross and net, was won by Rachel Underdown holding off a fast-finishing Libby Cottier.
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Stefanie Hall (middle) with grandmother Lily and mother Jackie. Absent: Father Glen
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Founders’ Day and 1st President’s Trophy
in memory of Monsignor Meany
Sunday 27th October 2013
Founders’ Day this year was extra special, being held in our 75th Anniversary Year. The day began with Mass celebrated in the Bistro area. An altar was set up in the window so that the congregation had a view of the course looking to the Pacific Ocean. Father Paul Foley officiated and the Champignat Choir from Randwick sang the hymns. Presidents Rick Buckley and Lyndell Undy read the lessons. Father Paul’s sermon touched on courage and truthfulness – inspiring concepts before playing a round of golf.
More members and guests joined us for breakfast in the Tasman Room before a shotgun start at 10am for this annual par event. A barbecue lunch was served after the game followed by presentation of trophies. Director of Golf Steve Peverett did the honours assisted by Lyndell Undy.
And the lady winners were – Major Trophy – Lesley Brown with +3
Congratulations Lesley on winning this Honour Board event in style
Short Course Winner – Helen Clarke also with +3
Longest Drive on the 8th – Denise Weinreis (who quipped that she was also the Longest Woman)
NTP on the 3rd – Helen Williams; NTP on the 15th – Pat Pitsawong
Congratulations to the winners and to all who participated in another great day at St Michael’s.
St Michael’s Ladies Annual General Meeting 2013
Our AGM was held on Sunday 20th October with approximately 40 members in attendance. We were in the happy state of having the same number of positions vacant on Committee as there were nominations. Last year we had seven Committee members but realised that we needed to spread the workload a bit more and that eight members would be the optimum number.
Andrea Tomlin (Secretary) and Carolyn Davies both retired. We thank them for their years of voluntary service and wish them happy and carefree golfing from now on.
The following were all elected unopposed.
President Lyndell Undy, Captain Dorothy Wilmshurst, Vice-Captain Pat Pitsawong, Secretary Lesley Brown,
Vice President Veronica Newman, Committee – Chris Phibbs, Averil Waters, Rachel Underdown
Motion 1 was carried. Motion 2 was discussed and then withdrawn from a vote.
There was discussion of the handicap range for Bronze Championships and the matter was referred to the Match Committee once again.
Full minutes of the meeting will be available to all members in due course.
St Michael’s Sunday Championship 2013
At the end of 54 holes and three gruelling rounds of golf, sisters Teresa and Madeleine Nurdi tied for the Sunday Championship scratch event forcing a playoff for the first time in many years.
That playoff was held on Tuesday 1 October. In a day of hot weather and strong, blustery winds Madeleine sneaked home with 88 to edge out Teresa who posted 91. So, the scratch winner is Madeleine Nurdi for the second year in succession. And the nett winner is…..Teresa Nurdi, giving her older sister something to think about! Congratulations to both players for their tremendous efforts.
Carita Lee won the Sunday Bronze Championship also for the second year in succession. The nett was won by Chris Cameron.
Sunday Nett and Scratch Champs – Teresa and Madeleine Nurdi
Bronze Champion Carita Lee
GNSW Bronze Medallion and Coronation Medal
On Monday 16 September GNSW held the Bronze Medallion. This is an aggregate net stroke event using two courses. Four players represent each club, two playing on each course. Representing St Michael’s at Wakehurst were Sakae Hall and Alice Purcell Bern. Lesley Brown and Margaret Wynyard played at Cabramatta. The girls are to be commended for their sterling efforts in poor weather with steady rain. The team finished 11th in a field of 56. The winners were Wakehurst (which means it hosts again next year) from Belmont in second place.
On Tuesday 17 September the Coronation Medal was staged. The format is the same as for the Bronze Medallion. Pat Pitsawong and Pamela Tsiamis played at Ryde Parramatta; Yangeun Skerman and Kerry Moses honoured The Lakes with their presence. The team was unlucky finishing midfield under leaden skies with occasional torrential downpours. The bright spot was that Pamela won the scratch at Ryde Parramatta with an excellent 82.
The event was won by Concord whose players won both the net and scratch at The Lakes to set up a handy break over the field. Runners up were Oatlands.
The Belles of St Michael’s are not noted wet track performers but give us an event on a windy course and watch us win!!
St Michael’s Salver and Bowl
Friday 6th September 2013
These prestigious St Michael’s events attracted a field of 93 starters from 24 different clubs including St Michael’s. 47 golfers contested the Salver (Stroke) and 46 the Bowl (Stableford). It was a mild sunny day and perfect conditions for golf. The Salver was won jointly by Pat Pitsawong and Ruth Riethmuller, each with a nett 75.
Emma Betland won the scratch trophy with a wonderful score of 77.
Leanne Graham, who is having a great run of luck lately, won the Bowl after a five-way count back, all five finishing with 35 Stableford points. Great to see our major trophies won by St Michael’s players this year.
Thanks to Suzie Wright and Veronica Newman for the photographs in this post.
RBS Morgans Stableford Days
sponsored by Mulcahy Lenton Financial Advisors
Postponed from late June due to extreme wet weather these two events were held on fine sunny days on Sunday 25th and Tuesday 27th August. Only a small field of 14 played on the Sunday due to competing events, namely a Veterans weekend at The Vintage and the St Michael’s Husband and Wife Trophy, the latter won by Leanne and Paul Graham. At The Vintage third place getters in the 4Ball Team Par event were Dorothy Wilmshurst, Sakae Hall, Sadako Greer and Myra Golding.
Meanwhile, back to the Stableford Days’ report. As I’m sure you all know by now Ray Lenton is a member of the PGA and part of his financial services to his clients is free golf lessons. One of his clients, Gail Squire, is certainly showing the benefits of her association with Mulcahy Lenton, winning Division 1 on Sunday with 43 Stableford points and reducing her handicap from 22 to 20. Alice Purcell-Bern (26) won Division 2 with 35 points.
On Tuesday a larger than usual field of 39 contested the generous prize money which was $100 to each division winner on both days. Ray Lenton attended to present the cash, shake hands and pose for photographs. And the winners were Lorraine Poole (22) 37, Therese Manning (30) 36 and Anne McFarlane (37) 39. Anne was only just returning to golf after months away with shoulder problems; unfortunately she escaped the Club before photographs were taken. It was yet another great day golfing at St Michael’s.
3 Ball Ambrose Event
Tuesday 20th August
Our first Ambrose event in a long time was played in windy conditions, on the short course and with greens that had been cored and liberally covered with sand just the day before. A recipe for disaster one would have thought. However, teams seemed to click and produce low scores. The winners came in just half a stroke better than the runners-up. Gail Squire (22), Corinna Ting (30) and Lyndell Undy (30) shot a nett 59.3 ahead of Pat Pitsawong (13), Dorothy Wilmshurst (19) and Therese Manning (30) with 59.8. The winners enjoyed the combination of Corinna’s long hitting, Gail’s steady approach shots and Lyndell’s occasional good putting. This team also won the nearest the pin on the 15th hole with Corinna’s drive to the green and her putt into the hole. Sonia Ellery won the big money with her Super Pin shot onto the 5th green.
Another great day golfing at St Michael’s.
St Michael’s joins Facebook
Very recently St Michael’s Golf Club started a Facebook page. If you’re a Facebook member login, make a comment and/or Like the page. If you’re not a Facebook member you can click on the Facebook icon on the St Michael’s Home page, read the latest news and what people are saying about our Club. Go on, it’s fun.
Loretta Brennan celebrates her 80th Birthday
On Tuesday 6th August Loretta Brennan celebrated her 80th birthday with a decisive +5 win on the short course. Loretta’s long time friends and sister golfers Venn and Judy Porter were there too although Judy isn’t playing golf again just yet after surgery earlier in the year. Our Veterans Representative Lesley Brown presented Loretta with a special veteran’s brooch. Chef Stuart produced a fabulous orange and poppyseed cake with one lit candle and we all sang the birthday song. We hope that Loretta’s great score – and all this attention – has her back at St Michael’s playing on a regular basis.
Judy, Venn and Loretta
SUNDAY LADIES VISITORS DAY
Our mid-winter Ladies Visitors Day on Sunday 28 July attracted 44 starters being a mixture of members and their visitors from a variety of other clubs. A good day was had by nearly all despite one or two hiccups and a glacial pace of play. Later starters finished in near darkness accompanied only by fireflies and fruit bats.
The Team Par event was sponsored by lady member Janet Bolton and her IT business, A1 Connexions. The lucky winners with +11 c/b were Di Rowley (St Michaels), Christine Alexander (Bonnie Doon), Stephanie Rapmund (Mangrove Mountain) and Julie Johnson (The Springs). Runners-up, also on +11, were the team of Chris O’Brien and Emma Betland (St Michael’s) with Louise Power and Selena Mazuran (Woollahra). The scratch winners, with minus 4, were the team of Jan Jacka and Shane Murray (Camden Lakeside) with Dorothy Wilmshurst and Carolyn Davies (St Michael’s).
A generous ball rundown and kind donations from several members meant many of those who performed below their potential on the golf course managed to capture either a ball or a prize in the raffle. We know how to lure you back!
Smiling faces of the scratch winners on the first tee. From left to right: Jan Jacka (Camden Lakeside) who also won the Super Pin, Dorothy and Carolyn and Shane Murray (Camden Lakeside). Jan and Shane once again did a great job selling raffle tickets for us. Congratulations all round.
Next stop: St Michael’s Salver and Bowl on Friday 6 September
4BBB Handicap Match Play Final
Tuesday 23rd July 2013
Finalists in the 4BBB Handicap Match Play were, from left to right, Sandra Whitburn, Sakae Hall, Therese Manning and Chris O’Brien. They set out early on a crisp clear morning well before the regular Stableford competitors. At one stage Sandra and Sakae were 4 up but Therese and Chris pulled them back. On the 16th green Sandra sank a long downhill putt to claim a victory. Sandra and Sakae won the match 2 and 3. As you can see from the photograph above the game was played in a good spirit. Congratulations Ladies.
At presentation afterwards we welcomed new member Di Buckley, member-to-be Sandra Ramacher and a guest from Melbourne Barbara Black. General Manager Jeff Wagner surprised us all with a gift of a framed collage of photographs from the Club’s 75th Anniversary Dinner on 14th June. It is now hanging in a prominent place in the Associates’ Room.
4BBB Handicap Match Play Quarter Final
Tuesday 9th July 2013
View of the course through the windows of the Clubhouse, where all sensible players were sheltering during the atrocious conditions. Congratulations and well played to those who went out that day and especially to the eight who qualified for the semi-final.
New Members
In the last few weeks we have been joined by four new members. Noeline Dresser from Randwick Golf Club was nominated by Margaret Regan and Bev Payne and has already done service as a spotter on our Silver Pennant hosting day, 14th June.
Kylie Wade, Karen Austin and Di Buckley were all nominated by Veronica Newman and Suzie Wright; we look forward to seeing them at the Club very soon. Please make all these new members welcome, put your name down to play with them and/or join them for a drink in the clubhouse.
75th Anniversary Dinner
St Michael’s 75th Anniversary Dinner was held on Friday 14th June with 180 members and guests overflowing the Tasman Room. It was a scintillating evening as Loren Jones’ picture gallery will attest – see the Members’ Main Page for access to the gallery. Speeches were made by Club President Rick Buckley, Club Captain Murray Clover, Lady President Lyndell Undy and Father Tony Doherty. Club member and professional entertainer Paul Martell put on his one-man stand-up comedy show to great effect and a two man band had the late stayers up and dancing. A memorable night.
Sunday Foursomes and Club Foursomes
Both these events have been run and won over the past few weeks.
The Sunday competition was played over the two weeks of 7 and 14 April. After 36 holes there was a deadheat between the teams of Carolyn Davies /Marianne Cerkesas and Chris Phibbs/Chris Cameron. The 18 hole playoff on 28 April (the first in living memory) saw Chris Cameron and Chris Phibbs emerge as narrow victors.
The Club Foursomes were played over the weeks of 30 April and 7 May. Again the competition was fierce! In week one the team of Chris Phibbs and Pat Pitsawong kicked away to a slight lead and this was to prove a winning break – Team CP + PP held on to win from the ‘sizzling sisters’ Lorraine Poole and Kerry Moses who came with a late burst before finishing like More Joyous at Randwick. A stewards enquiry is underway.
Congratulations to all the winners and happy holidays to Pat who left Chris to soak up the congratulations and the bubbles while she heads off to the Amalfi Coast.
Eastern Region Bronze Pennants
The Eastern Region Bronze pennants concluded last Friday with the final match and the presentation lunch at Royal Sydney. This regional interclub event involves St Michaels, The Lakes, The Australian, New South Wales, Royal Sydney, Bonnie Doon and Moore Park – seven teams in total meaning six matches. However given breaks for Easter and Anzac Day long weekend the competition seemed to have been running for many months! Bronze I was won by The Lakes in a strong performance to hold out Bonnie Doon. Team St Michaels was unlucky in this competition but did manage to fill seventh place. Bronze II was won by the team from New South Wales. Team St Michael’s finished creditably in third place.
St Michael’s was ably represented by the following players – Denise Weinreis, Ruth Riethmuller, Lesley Brown, Suzie Wright, Sakae Hall, Helen McHugh, Anne Marie Macdonald, Alice Purcell-Bern, Jan Tracy, Lyndell Undy, Young Hee Kim, Helen Mooney, Andrea Tomlin, Denise Hanlon, Averil Waters, Margaret Wynyard, Pru Jacobson and Rebecca McCabe.
The Silver Pennants featuring the same courses but for players on handicaps 10 – 22, starts Friday 10 May with the first match at The Lakes.
Easter Sunday 31st March 2013
The Easter bunny (aka Denise Weinreis) made a surprise visit, dropping Easter eggs in odd places.
Visitors Day
Sunday 24th March 2013
sponsored by Mulcahy Lenton – Financial Advisers
We believe this was our best Sunday Visitors Day for several years. Once again the weather was brilliant and our visitors enjoyed the 4BBB Teams Event. There were 36 players from 13 clubs, including St Michael’s. Justin Mulcahy and Ray Lenton joined us to present trophies and draw the raffle and they generously picked up our bar tab.
An amazing highlight on the course was Prue Jacobson’s eagle on the 14th – imagine a long drive off the tee, a pitch shot to the green and the ball rolling into the hole – scoring a 2 with 6 Stableford points. Unheard of!
Thanks to Veronica for decorating the tables with floating orchids and chocolate Easter eggs and for taking photographs on and off the course. To see the photographs click the link below (and ignore the incorrect date).
Visitors Day
Tuesday 19th March 2013
sponsored by Mulcahy Lenton – Financial Advisers
Another great day at St Michael’s with 45 visitors from 18 different clubs as far afield as Mollymook and Wollongong. The course looked fantastic, the weather was beautiful and Stuart served some wonderful food. Ray Lenton of Mulcahy Lenton joined us for lunch and presentation and drew the raffle prizes – lessons with Robbie and Lidia, a basket of Easter treats, bottles of wine and boxes of golf balls. Dorothy produced yet another set of devilishly difficult trivia questions which kept us occupied on the tees.
Trivia Quiz winners Bev Payne and her guests from The Coast Golf Club, Laetitia Curtis, Karen White and Robyn Yates
Super Pin Winner Yangeun Skerman again showed her amazing accuracy off the 5th short course tee. Lyndell presented her with the cash prize.
Runners Up in the 4BBB Teams Event – 2 best Stableford scores to count – were Young Hee Kim (she had to leave before presentation) and her guests from Wakehurst Golf Club, Kaye Kim, Judy Choi and Sharon Ahn.
Winners of the Visitors Day event and recipients of the generous cash prizes donated by Mulcahy Lenton
were Margaret Wynyard and her guests Phillipa Downey (Eastlake), Lynette Duncan (The Coast) and Joy McCurrach (Eastlake), seen here being congratulated by St Michael’s Captain Dorothy Wilmshurst.
Winners of the scratch competition were the team of former St Michael’s Captain, Stephanie Winning (NSW), Lyndell Undy, Pat Pitsawong and Aye-Ling Koh (NSW), seen here with an envious Dorothy.
Winner of the Ladies Gold Course Individual Stableford competition was Barb McCormack (hcp 38)
with a great score of 36 points. Congratulations Barb. Winner of the Nearest the Pin in that competition was Dawn Nankervis whose second shot at the 15th was in the hole – brilliant Dawn.
Thanks to Mulcahy Lenton, Dorothy, the Committee, volunteer helpers and the staff of St Michael’s for another successful day.
Bronze 1 and 2 Pennant Matches
Thank you to all the ladies who volunteered to represent St Michael’s in these match play inter club events. We have only played against two other clubs so far, New South Wales at Moore Park and Bonnie Doon at New South Wales. The games have been fun but St Michael’s has not fared well, especially in the gale force winds on Friday 15th March at NSW. Congratulations to Sakae Hall (Bronze 1) and Alice Purcell-Bern (Bronze 2) who were the only players to win their matches that day.
Thanks to Andrea for stepping in at very short notice to replace Young Hee who was suddenly taken ill just a few minutes before her tee time. This was Andrea’s first game representing St Michael’s and she acquitted herself well against her Bonnie Doon opponent.
Andrea teeing off on the 10th at New South Wales Golf Club in Bronze 2 match, 15th March
Looking completely relaxed before being called to the tee were Alice, Helen and Jan.
Our new sea green representative shirts fitted more like swimsuits but they are a gorgeous colour.
Two Birds
Jura Valys feeding one of the many birds that visit St Michael’s
Ladies Open Day Picture Gallery
4th February 2013
Welcome to Golf in 2013
Although the official season is yet to get under way the Ladies Committee has been working hard behind the scenes (as usual) organising our first Monday Open Day on 4th February. There are 172 acceptances for this event and we have had to turn away several groups because the course just couldn’t cope with more. It promises to be another fantastic St Michael’s event with terrific trophies and raffle prizes. Thanks to our new Vice President Veronica Newman we have secured sponsorships from Drummond Golf, Albury Kent Travel, Anne Rollo (LPGA Professional at Muirfield) and Kangaroo Valley Golf Resort.
Opening Days for the season are Tuesday 12th February and Sunday 17th February with Ambrose Team Events on both days. Draw sheets are open online now.
Our first Visitors’ Days will be on Tuesday 19th March and Sunday 24th March with Stableford Team Events on both days. Justin Mulcahy and Ray Lenton of Mulcahy Lenton – Financial Advisers will sponsor these and individual Stableford days in June.
Gail Squire and Jan Tracy were instrumental in obtaining Mulcahy Lenton’s sponsorship for the first time in 2012 and we are delighted that they will continue sponsoring women’s golf at St Michael’s. As some of you will remember Ray is also a professional golfer and a member of the PGA since 1998. On Friday 25th January Ray played a round at St Michael’s with Gail, Jan and Lyndell and scored two eagles, amazing feats to watch and admire.
Ray Lenton on the first tee with Gail Squire
Jan, Ray and Gail on the second tee before the competition hotted up
Ladies Christmas Party
(Before you read on, you might like to click on the title above to view Suzie and Veronica’s album of photographs of the day)On Sunday 9th December sixty ladies attended our 2012 Christmas Lunch and Presentation of Trophies Day. Included in the festivities were newest member Prue Jacobson and former member and regular visitor from England Joy Sampson. Unfortunately Gloria Dowd and Judy Porter both had to miss the occasion due to ill health. Chef Stuart produced the traditional Christmas fare buffet style and Peta and her staff set up the tables beautifully with a red, white and silver theme. We were entertained throughout the afternoon by the gentle guitar and voice of Richard Bornman.
Congratulations to our trophy winners and to all those who played the game and contested those awards. Due to other commitments some winners were unable to attend the presentation, including 2012 Club Champion and new Vice Captain Pat Pitsawong, who is currently on holiday in Thailand. We salute you all.
A big thank you to those who generously donated prizes for the raffle – Danny’s Seafood Restaurant, Helen of Beautyworks, Ann Johnston, Andrea, Di Biebrick, Chris O’Brien, Jan and Gail, Veronica and Suzie, Corinna and Helen Mooney and the Professionals Lidia, Robbie and Bobby. Another big thank you to all the ladies who brought non-perishable food items and Christmas treats for the St Vincent’s Hospital Outreach Program.
BEST WISHES FOR A MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR
For the fourth consecutive year Veronica Newman and Suzie Wright of Albury Kent Travel sponsored a highly successful golf event, a par round on the Yellow (short) Course. A fine day, a field of 36 players and generous trophies and raffle prizes ensured a good day.
Winner of the Albury Kent Travel Trophy was Rebecca McCabe (hcp 31) +4 on a count back from Margaret Regan (hcp 23) +4. Veronica presented Rebecca with the trophy and a bag of goodies including a voucher for a night’s accommodation and golf for two at Kangaroo Valley Golf Resort.
Di Rowley accepts from Veronica the award for Straightest Drive on the 18th hole.
A highlight of the day was Suzanne Martin’s hole-in-one on the 3rd. When she came up to the green and couldn’t see her ball Suz was sure she had hit it too long – as she does – but then discovered the ball in the hole. This is Suzanne’s third hole-in-one but her first in Australia. In the Clubhouse there were congratulations from all sides, a bottle of Jameson’s Irish Whiskey on the bar (courtesy of the Club), a hole-in-one trophy and the prospect of her name on the Honour Board. Well done Suz.
Thanks again to Veronica, Suzie and Albury Kent Travel for sponsoring another great day of golf at St Michael’s.
MELBOURNE CUP DAY
You are invited to view Suzie’s photo album:
St Michael’s Melbourne Cup Ladies Golf Day 6 Nov 2012
Tuesday 6th November 2012
The Ladies Melbourne Cup Teams Stableford Event was magnificent. A record field of 160 players enjoyed our beautiful course, the mild weather and the trivia quiz questions on each tee, not to mention the festivities in the Clubhouse afterwards – great food and wine, amazing hats, terrific trophies and raffle prizes and of course the Big Race. Thanks to all involved for making the day such a wonderful success.
Results of the day
Suzie Wright produced an album of photographs from the day, a selection from which appears below.
St MIchael’s looking good on Melbourne Cup Day
Jura tees off amidst colourful spring foliage
Dawn, Ruth, Miriam and Barbara enjoying the bubbly
Veronica, Suzie, Sue Wegener (Gordon GC) and Denise in the pink
Sakae, Ann-Marie King (Royal Sydney), Marilyn Pacitti (Randwick) and Sadako all got into the spirit with pretty hats
Anne Marie with friends Liz Buckley (seated), Sarah Hodgkinson, Carolyn Bloch and Nathalie Geeson
The winning team – Sylvia Pham (2nd from right, Cromer), Truong Nguyen (Kogarah), Linda Nguyen (Latrobe) and Thuy Do (Vietnamese Social Club, Melbourne). Sylvia loves St Michael’s and is still talking about her fantastic eagle 3 on the 6th hole on Salver and Bowl Day this year. Cheers Ladies.
President’s Trophy
Our President’s Trophy Stableford Event was held on Tuesday 30th October in ideal conditions. Ruth Riethmuller won on the long course with a stunning 45 points off a handicap of 25. Joan Sleeman (hcp 37) won on the short course with 38 points. Congratulations to both on great golfing.
President Lyndell Undy congratulates Joan and Ruth.
2012 CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS
The Club Championships were held on three consecutive Tuesday stroke rounds, culminating in the final round on 25th October. They were played later in the year than originally scheduled due to coring of the greens.
Warm congratulations to this year’s winners – Club Champion Pat Pitsawong, Bronze Champion Helen McHugh and Short Course Champion Joan Sleeman.
Enjoying the acclaim in the Clubhouse after Presentation – (left to right) Helen, Joan and Pat
2012 ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING
Sunday 23rd October
Helen McHugh retired from the Captaincy and Gail Squire and Anne Marie Macdonald retired from Committee. We thank them for their committed service to the Club and wish them carefree golfing.
All the new office bearers were elected unopposed and they are:
President Lyndell Undy
Vice President Veronica Newman
Captain Dorothy Wilmshurst
Vice Captain Pat Pitsawong
Secretary Andrea Tomlin
Committee Lesley Brown (Vets Rep) and Carolyn Davies
The Minutes of the AGM will be available soon.
2012 SUNDAY CHAMPIONSHIP
Congratulations to this year’s Sunday Champion, Madeleine Nurdi who won with a gross score of 268 for the three stroke rounds. Pat Pitsawong was runner up on 271. Madeleine (hcp 12) also won the nett event with 232.
Congratulations to Carita Lee who won the Sunday Bronze Championship with a gross score of 314. Alice Purcell-Bern was runner up on 316 and Alice (hcp 27) also won the nett event with 235.
SYDNEY DOGS AND CATS HOME
Words and pictures by Dorothy Wilmshurst who volunteers her services at the Home twice a week.
Looking forward
The tired, poor and huddled masses of the animal kingdom have a home at the Sydney Dogs and Cats Home at Carlton. Every year the St Michael’s women choose two charities to support, generally one human and one animal welfare. This year the animal organisation is the SDCH.
The shelter, which also serves as a pound for eleven councils, focuses on re-housing homeless, stray and surrendered animals mostly of the feline and canine persuasion but there have been rabbits, sheep, guinea pigs, ducks and assorted birds who have been assisted in finding forever homes. Often animals become homeless because of a change in owner’s circumstances – death, moves to places which do not allow pets such as some retirement homes, moving overseas, etc. Or they are simply abandoned because, for heartless owners, the novelty has worn off. As the Home says – “It’s not their fault … give them a second chance at life.”
Cassie (the pussy) and Ava (the Alsatian) are just two of the appealing animals looking for a good home.
So, want a healthy, desexed, wormed, microchipped and vaccinated pet? Prepared to offer a good home and lots of affection? Go to www.sydneydogsandcatshome.org and read further details.
Footnote: the sheep, found in Beauchamp Road, is now living in Oberon.
St Michael’s 4B Handicap Match Play
The final round of this year’s 4B handicap match play competition was played in a great spirit of friendly rivalry as shown in the above photograph of opposing team members Ruth Reithmuller and Therese Manning.
The players line up before tee off on Tuesday 18th September in fantastic playing conditions. Therese Manning and Chris O’Brien prevailed over Ruth Reithmuller and Suzanne Martin, winning 4 and 3. Perhaps the triumph of wisdom and experience over youth and beauty?! Well played ladies.
2012 Women’s Coronation Medal
On Tuesday 18th September 116 ladies representing 29 different clubs will tee up to contest this year’s Coronation Medal. The event is an 18 hole stroke handicap competition for teams of four players on handicaps from plus to 22. The event is played on two courses which are determined by the results of the previous year’s competition. The Coronation Medal is awarded to the team with the best aggregate of four nett scores.
Representing St Michael’s Golf Club this year are Pat Pitsawong and Madeleine Nurdi who will play at Concord and Diane Biebrick and Carolyn Davies who will play at Ryde Parramatta.
All the best ladies – play well and enjoy the competition.
POSTCRIPT.
Winners of the 2012 Coronation Medal were Ryde Parramatta. Runners-up, The Lakes.
Our representatives played well enough to come in around the middle of the field.
St Michael’s Salver and Bowl
Friday 7th September 2012
This year’s event was held in challenging winds which didn’t seem to deter the winners. We had entries from more than 100 players from 27 clubs, not only our neighbours but also from as far away as Tumbarumba, Tura Beach and Merewether (Newcastle). The size of the field, a record in recent years, was largely due to the Ladies Committee who emailed, posted and hand delivered entry forms when they visited and played at other clubs. The success of the event as a whole is a tribute to the hard work of the organising committee and the support and assistance of the staff of St Michael’s.
The 2012 Salver winner was Lyn (real name Gail but prefers Lyn) Imhoff from Cromer, handicap 23, with a nett 68. Lyn had never played at St Michael’s before so her achievement was all the more remarkable for that. The scratch winner was Dominique Kelly from Merewether, handicap 8, with a score of 87. Salver entrant Sylvia Pham (Cromer) scored a brilliant eagle 3 on the 8th hole.
The 2012 Bowl winner was our own Lesley Brown, handicap 27, with 36 Stableford points. Lesley’s name will now appear three times on the trophy. Those new Ping clubs are certainly working well.
Lyn Imhoff (Cromer) accepting the Salver trophy from Lady President Lyndell Undy.
2012 Salver winner, Lyn Imhoff (Cromer) with Bowl winner, Lesley Brown (St Michael’s).
A footnote provided by Dorothy Wilmshurst on the Salver and Bowl course notes went something like this –
I’ll never forget the day I broke 90. I was so excited I celebrated with a few beers in the clubhouse before I remembered I had to play the back 9.
Encouragement Award
A couple of months ago Wendy Batman suggested we might give a Bradman Award for the highest score on a stroke day. A suggestion from someone else was a wooden spoon for the player who came last in competition. Both concepts seemed inappropriate for a golfer who has simply had a bad day and only requires time to come good again. And so I introduced the Encouragement Award which currently comprises the following:-
A brand new ball, because obviously the recipient will have lost a few balls
A practice ball, because obviously the recipient needs to practise
A Ferrero Rocher chocolate, because obviously the recipient needs her spirits lifted
I’m delighted to report that this award has already had a positive effect on at least one player. Lorraine Poole was one of the first to receive an Encouragement Award then she went on the win Division 1 of the Club Medal on Sunday 5th August. Congratulations and well done Lorraine.
This award will be presented on an irregular basis and not necessarily to the player who comes last. It will be awarded at my discretion to the most deserving who is still in the Clubhouse at presentation.
Lyndell Undy, Lady President
Mooney Family Trophy
Postponed twice due to wet weather the Sunday Mooney Family Trophy competition was held on 29th July in perfect cool sunny conditions.
Winners Division 1 – Leonie Urquhart (14) 38 points
Division 2 – Helen Tsoukaris (33) 32 points
Helen and Jim Mooney have been members of St Michael’s for many years. Jim joined as a junior and his name appears numerous times on the Club’s honour boards. He has been sponsoring the juniors for twenty years and would now like to assist the ladies with an annual sponsored event, for which we are very grateful. Helen made the presentation on Sunday with a tribute to Jim who has been ill for several weeks. We wish them both well.
More New Faces
New faces at St Michael’s in recent months belong to Rebecca McCabe, Alice Purcell-Bern and Madeleine Nurdi.
Rebecca McCabe is new to golf and St Michael’s but with a background in swimming her athletic ability is evident on the golf course as her handicap rapidly decreases.
Alice Purcell-Bern is a long-time member of St Michael’s who has only just resumed playing at our Club in recent weeks. A severe accident followed by a long convalescence kept her away from golf for nine years. Welcome back Alice.
Madeleine Nurdi is a young golfer with immense potential. Because she is still in high school Madeleine only plays in our Sunday competition however she managed to get time out of school to represent St Michael’s twice in the recent Silver Interclub competition. [See the two articles below]
Silver Interclub Final and Presentation
Friday 27th July 2012
From the start of the Silver season it was apparent that New South Wales would be the team to beat. No one could. With a very strong line-up, including St Michael’s former captain Stephanie Winning, NSW came home strongly at The Lakes on Friday. St Michael’s has won this competition for the last three years so perhaps it was time to let another club hold the trophy.
Helen McHugh and Lyndell Undy joined the other participating clubs’ captains and presidents at the presentation lunch after the final competition at The Lakes.
NSW Captain Vicki Stride is presented with the Silver Trophy by The Lakes President Kim Archer
Winners of the 2012 Silver Trophy, New South Wales, with Stephanie Winning at far right
St Michael’s Silver team at The Lakes presentation lunch. From left, Pat Pitsawong, Christine Phibbs, Diane Biebrick (Field Captain), Yangeun Skerman, Madeleine Nurdi, Denise Weinreis and Marianne Cerkesas. Thank you to all the St Michael’s players who represented us in the Silver Interclub for 2012.
Silver Team’s Progress
The Silver Interclub competition for 2012 is drawing to a close with the final games and presentation to take place at The Lakes on Friday 27th July. The St Michael’s team has performed courageously with a changing line-up of team members from week to week. Last Friday’s games against the event leaders, New South Wales, were particularly notable for several reasons.
- Pat Pitsawong defeated her opponent with a convincing 7/6.
- Schoolgirl Madeleine Nurdi, playing for St Michael’s for the first time, was narrowly defeated 1 down.
- Field Captain Diane Biebrick was unable to play as her partner Pete was taken to hospital early that morning with a sudden illness (he’s okay). Christine Phibbs was Acting Field Captain.
- Young Hee Kim (hcp 28) played with barely an hour’s notice against an opponent on 15. She lost her game but showed wonderful determination and team spirit.
- Yangeun Skerman and Dorothy Wilmshurst halved their games.
- St Michael’s lost to New South Wales 5/2.
Acting Field Captain Christine Phibbs, Madeleine Nurdi and Pat Pitsawong
Christmas in July with the Neighbours
On Monday 9th July our neighbours at The Coast Golf Club celebrated Christmas in July with an open day teams event followed by a traditional Christmas lunch of ham, turkey and plum pudding.
The course was so very wet and muddy under foot that the starter announced over the public address system that all the bunkers were GUR and there would be a one club length preferred lie through the green. The golfer standing next to me said – “See, there really is a Santa Claus!” The views from the course are magnificent and a genuine distraction from the game for newcomers.
Several St Michael’s lady members played, including the team of Helen McHugh, Lesley Brown, Leonie Urquhart and Lyndell Undy. Two St Michael’s members, who also belong to The Coast, were amongst the winners on the day – Yangeun Skerman (who hit the shot of the day – ask her) and Therese Manning. Local knowledge really does matter.
Lesley Brown and Leonie Urquhart (with antlers)
Thanks again to our neighbours at The Coast for Christmas in July.
New Members
Welcome to two new lady members at St Michael’s.
Denise Hanlon is new to golf but has a background in softball so she hits the ball hard and long. Denise is a Sunday player who is already making her mark, having won Division 2 of the Stableford event on the 8th July with 36 points thereby reducing her handicap from 31 to 29.
Jan Murchie comes to St Michael’s from Randwick Golf Club on a handicap of 17. Jan teamed with Margaret Wynyard and Janet Greensall to win a qualifying round for the Golf NSW 3BBB Classic with an impressive Par score of +13. Congratulations ladies and well done.
Mixed Foursomes Championship 2012
Congratulations to the winners of this prestigious honour board event held on Sunday 1st July.
Scratch winners – Pat Pitsawong and Julian Lee – 79
Net winners – Marianne and Al Cerkesas – 75
Albury Kent Travel Kangaroo Valley
Ladies Golf Weekend 30 June 2012
Veronica Newman and Suzie Wright, who are St Michael’s members and sponsors of the annual Albury Kent Travel Trophy, organised a great weekend of golfing at Kangaroo Valley Golf Resort at the end of June. The weather was cool and sunny and the kangaroos were out sunbathing and watching us battle with the challenging but picturesque course. It was great to catch up with some old friends and make some new ones, both on the course and at the 19th hole.
The following photographs are all courtesy of Suzie Wright.
Chris O’Brien and Lyndell Undy caught up with Gail Mangelsdorf who came for the weekend with partner Val Baker from their new home in Morisset. Val is still recovering from her fourth knee operation.
Anne Marie MacDonald heading for the first tee after practice putting.
Suzie Wright has another role, captain at Kangaroo Valley Golf Club.
Sakae Hall and Sadako Greer coming to grips with the tricky greens.
Veronica presents Lyndell with the very lucky door prize of a round of golf
with assistant professional Joanne Mills at Pacific Dunes Golf Club.
This group looked more like skiers descending the slopes than golfers heading for their carts.
Veronica presents St Michael’s member Di Rowley with her prize as runner-up in the Sunday competition.
Liz Buckley from the South Coast won the 36 hole Stableford event.
Thanks to all concerned, including the Resort staff and the weather gods, for making this such a memorable weekend.
St Michael’s Silver Pennant Team 2012
Our Silver Pennant players may not be doing too well regarding scoring in this competition but they sure are having fun. The competition has only two more rounds to go, after the school holidays. The Team has changed from week to week so I can’t give you a Team photograph as such but here are a few of our players in action against Moore Park at NSW Golf Club on Friday 29th June.
Field Captain Suzanne Martin
Helen McHugh watches her Moore Park opponent tee up.
Helen Williams with stylish follow through.
Denise Weinreis and Moore Park competitor enjoyed the mild sunny weather.
Lauren Jones, Match Office Administrator
Lauren is about to go on maternity leave. The Committee and lady members of St Michael’s would like to thank her for all she has done to assist in the running of our competitions, always with a smile and good grace. We wish her all the very best with the safe delivery of her twin babies.
Welcome to John Foley who will take over Lauren’s duties while she is away.
RBS Morgans Stableford Days
Justin Mulcahy and Ray Lenton of RBS Morgans sponsored two Stableford events at St Michael’s recently. Their generous prize money and clear sunny weather attracted larger than usual fields on both days.
Winners of the $100 cash in each division were as follows:-
Tuesday 19/6/12 – Division 1 – Venn Porter (18) 36 pts
Division 2 – Sandy Dunn (32) 34 pts (c/b)
Division 3 – Judy Porter (38) 39 pts
Sunday 24/6/12 Division 1 – Chris O’Brien (18) 36 pts
Division 2 – Lesley Brown (27) 33 pts (c/b)
Mulcahy Lenton offer investment advice and financial planning services and count among their clients some of our lady members. They are involved in the sponsorship and promotion of golf at several clubs to the mutual benefit of all. Justin is a keen golfer but Ray is a professional and has been a member of the PGA since 1998. I believe free golf lessons are a part of the service. I’m delighted to announce that Mulcay Lenton intend to sponsor ladies’ golf at St Michael’s on a regular basis.
Mooney Family Trophy Sunday Event
now scheduled for 29th July
Inclement Weather
Due to wet weather on 3rd June the Mooney Family Trophy Sunday event has been postponed again to a date yet to be fixed. All this rain is playing havoc not only with golf fixtures but also with the course. Spare a thought for the greenkeepers who must be desperately trying to keep the course playable.
Sponsorships and Special Events
The Committee has received offers of generous sponsorship from two more sources this year. We would like to acknowledge St Michael’s members Helen and Jim Mooney who are donating trophies for two Stableford events in May.
Mooney Family Trophy
Tuesday 15th May 3 divisions
Sunday 20th May 2 divisions postponed to Sunday 3rd June
Helen Mooney will present the trophies on both days. These are in addition to the usual Pro Shop credits for competition winners.
We would also like to acknowledge the firm of investment advisers Mulcahy Lenton who are donating a total of $500 in cash for two Stableford events in June.
RBS Morgan Stableford Day
Tuesday 19th June 3 divisions
Sunday 24th June 2 divisions
Ray Lenton will present $100 in cash to the winners of each division. These prizes are in addition to the Pro Shop credits for event winners.
2012 Foursomes Championships
Recently our 2012 Foursomes Championships were played over 36 holes. The Club Foursomes Championship winners for 2012 are Yangeun Skerman and Suzanne Martin. The Sunday Foursomes winners are Carolyn Davies and Marianne Cerkesas. Congratulations Ladies and well played.
Sunday Visitors’ Day
25th March 2012
Our second Visitors’ Day for the year was another great success with 40 players in the field on a warm sunny Sunday. Visiting golfers came from Bardwell Valley, New South Wales, Randwick, The Australian, Cromer, The Lakes, Camden Lakeside and Bonnie Doon.
Dorothy Wilmshurst reprised her role as the Trivia Quiz Queen with more amusing and interesting questions. Her team of visitors won the Quiz although I’m assured Dorothy kept her lips sealed during the entire round. This clever team were Sue Howard and Elaine Brus (Bardwell Valley) and Cheryl Langford (NSW).
The golf competition was a 4 ball teams event with 2 best Stableford scores to count. The victors (on a count back) with 85 points, were St Michael’s members Helen Green and Jura Valys and their visitors from Camden Lakeside, Jan Jacka and Shane Murray. Jan Jacka also won the Super Pin with her first shot nearest the pin on the 5th hole. That’s Jan at the back left below.
Runners-up, also with 85 points, were St Michael’s members Lorraine Poole and Myra Golding with their visitors Gai Bass (Bardwell Valley) and Judy McKechnie (Camden Lakeside). And that is how they are pictured left to right below.
Congratulations to the winners of all the various trophies on the day. From the feedback the Committee have received on both Visitors’ Days it seems that St Michael’s is a popular course to play which bodes well for entries in our major events later in the year, namely the Salver and Bowl and Melbourne Cup Day.
Sarah Hodgkinson (above) from New South Wales Golf Club was thrilled to win the Division 2 Longest Drive on the 13th hole.
Thanks to Dorothy, Andrea, Lesley, Carolyn and Anne Marie who made the day run so smoothly and special thanks to Suzie Wright for taking the photographs.
Interclub Eastern Region 2012
Bronze I and II Pennants
St Michael’s participated in these events again this year, along with teams from The Australian, Bonnie Doon, The Lakes, New South Wales and Royal Sydney. As always with interclub matches it was great to play at other courses, get to know other golfers and enjoy the team spirit representing St Michael’s.
The final round, to have been played at NSW on 9th March, was cancelled due to heavy rains the previous day. Photographs scheduled to be taken that day therefore did not eventuate. The photograph below was taken of the Bronze II team at Bonnie Doon on 24th February. Our players were, from left to right, Lesley Brown (Field Captain), Denise Weinreis, Suzie Wright, Margaret Wynyard and Veronica Newman.
Representing St Michael’s in Bronze I were Gail Squire (Field Captain), Chris O’Brien, Sue Wright, Sakae Hall and Ruth Riethmuller. A team photograph will be forthcoming when it can be organized.
Competition results
Bronze I winners were The Lakes with Royal Sydney runners-up.
Bronze II winners were Royal Sydney with The Lakes runners-up.
Congratulations to all the players who participated. Unfortunately the enjoyment experienced by the St Michael’s team members was not reflected in our final standings – at the bottom of both groups. Better luck next year ladies.
Visitors’ Day, Tuesday 6th March 2012
Our first Visitors’ Day of the year was a huge success with a record number of 80 players in the field. We entertained guests from our neighbouring clubs – New South Wales, The Coast and Randwick – and from much further afield – Asquith, The Australian, Bardwell Valley, Bonnie Doon, Cromer, Cronulla, Eastlakes, The Lakes, Roseville, Wollongong and Woollahra. Winners on the day, a 4 ball teams event with two best scores to count, were Dorothy Wilmshurst and her guests, M. Joma and L. McIntosh from Bardwell Valley and S. Ayres from Asquith, scoring a massive 94 points.
Winners of the Trivia Quiz, which most of us found baffling and intriguing, were Helen McHugh and Pat Pitsawong and their guests E. Baird from Cronulla and L. Rippon from Bonnie Doon.
Thanks to the Ladies Committee and the staff of St Michael’s, especially new chef Stewart Kendall, for their part in the success of this enjoyable event.
New Members at St Michael?s
In the past few months ten new women members have joined the Club and we extend to them all a warm welcome. They are –
Leonie Urquhart Carol McIntosh
Sadako Greer Rebecca McCabe
Sakae Hall Leanne Graham
Ruth Riethmuller Nicole Dawson
Sue Wright Louise Kendall
Already Sakae, Ruth and Sue have represented St Michael’s in Pennant matches and we thank them for their valuable contribution. If you don’t know these new members please introduce yourself and/or put your name in the draw to play a round with them.
Sadako & Carol on the 3rd tee
Welcome to the 2012 Golf Season
Opening days for the 2012 season are Sunday 5th and Tuesday 7th February We look forward to catching up with you all on the course and in the clubhouse.
On Sundays throughout January St Michael’s women played in the inter-club Summer Cup and finished tied with New South Wales. Unfortunately we lost on the number of individual games won by one game. Congratulations and well-done to all those who took part.
This is the view from the first tee, a prospect we hope you eagerly anticipate at least once a week. The fairways on the 6th, 7th and 8th are progressing well given the abnormally wet weather conditions, with compulsory tee-up remaining in place. The rest of the course is in wonderful condition.
Our first Visitors’ Days for the year are coming up soon, Tuesday 6th March and Sunday 25th March, so we urge you to organize your teams soon for these fun-filled events.
A special event being organized by Albury Kent Travel is the Kangaroo Valley Golf Resort weekend on 10th and 11th March. A flyer with full details has been emailed to all regular players and there are copies on the Notice Board. The Resort has a very pretty picturesque golf course and comfortable well-appointed cabins as well as friendly kangaroos. These were found lazing in a bunker on the first hole.
The 2012/2013 Fixtures Book will be published shortly; meanwhile the year’s calendar of events is posted on the wall in the Associates’ Room.
All the very best for the New Year and good golfing.