The Garfield Golf Club has a new Club Champion after Damien Needham threw away his three bridesmaids dresses to finally triumph in the main event of the year on Saturday.
The heavy rains seen at the Presidents Cup at Royal Melbourne were very much evident at Garfield for the third and final round of the championships. The rains persisted throughout the morning before clearing for the afternoon players but how individuals cope with all conditions is the true test of a champion.
Needham has been a member at the club since 1993, a year he remembers fondly as he won the father and son event with his dad Greg. His father was by his side in the heavy conditions on Saturday showing true support which was great to see.
Needham took a commanding six shot lead into the final round over his closest combatant Shane Male, with Daniel Baxter and Steve Kohut close-up in third and fourth positions. Needham was too consistent over the three rounds and finally got his hands on the grand prize after three times finishing runner-up to seven time club champion, Leon Cook.
Shane Male did himself proud in second place and new member Damien Baxter finished in third position.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:B GRADE
Second round leader, Shane Szybkowski started three shots ahead of Grant Mckay and Terry Garratt with Glen Laity and Daniel Raines not far behind. Szybkowski extended his lead to nine shots over veteran Mick Neylen by the end of the round to take out the B Grade title.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:C GRADE
In a tight tussle, Imre Naggy and Gary Scholes shared the lead at the start of play with Paul Govaars only one shot behind. Rex Turner and Paul Kaye were also in contention. At the end of play Naggy held his share of the lead to win by five shots over Govaars.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:D GRADE
Nigel Goldworthy and Trevor Marsham held a comfortable lead from the rest of the field heading into round three. Young junior Peter Vanderhorst was not to be underestimated holding on to third position. At the end of the day Marsham was the clear winner with Vanderhorst putting in a good round to place runner-up.
Junior Champion went to Jackson Wade and Sub-Junior went to Peter Vanderhorst. Senior Champion belongs to six time winner of this trophy the very experienced Mick Neylen.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz: TUESDAY
A disappointing field of six players contested the first round of the Summer Cup in perfect playing conditions. Maree Rogers (42) won the day with 36 points from Bernie Clark (16) with 35 points. Down the line balls went to Debbie Huyskens (20) with 34 points. Next Tuesday will be the presentation day at the club (Xmas theme) and lunch will be provided.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:THURSDAY
Peter Fedorenko (26) stole a bit of the thunder back from his grandson Peter Vanderhorst with an impressive win in Thursday Stableford. Fedorenko came out on top with a handicap breaking 41 points to win from Thomas Griffiths (22) by two shots. Down the line balls went to Brian Tindall (15) with 38 points and William Church (22) with 36. Nearest the pins went to B.Bugg (fourth), S.Payne (eighth), T.Webster (ninth), T.Griffiths (11th), R.Duncan (14th) and B.Tindall on the 16th.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:TWILIGHT
The winner was Leigh Noonan with 21 points on a count back from G.McKay and P.Vanderhorst. Lucky draw went to P.Blew.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:SATURDAY
Shane Szybkowski (10) won A Grade with a 68 nett. Artie Koopman (19) won B Grade with a 63 nett while impressive youngster Peter Vanderhorst (28) continues to drop his handicap, winning C Grade with a 66 nett.
Down the line balls went to L.Milner 67, M.Hirt 68, D.Baxter, I.Naggy and C.Hunter 69 while S.Male, D.Needham and P.Scott had nett 70s. Nearest the pins went to D.Needham, R.Calderara, H.Huyskens, P.Vanderhorst, I.Naggy and B.Bugg. Closest second shots went to L.Milner on the fifth and G.Laity on the seventh.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:LADIES
A small field contested this event which started in 2009. The ladies that played held strong in the wet conditions to finish the day with good scores. The winner was Amanda Norton who had 71, 64 and 80 nett over the three weeks to come in with a total score of 215.
Next Week- Leo Fallon, Club Mixed, 11.00am rolling start.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:SUNDAY
Play was hotly contested with the top scores no less than forty points. Paul Govaars came out on top with a strong score of 43 points, closely followed by Steve Kohut, David Lawler and Anthony Power.
@BT Sub Sport Gaz:CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS
CLUB CHAMPION – Damien Needham
A GRADE RUNNER UP – Shane Male
B GRADE CHAMPION – Shane Szybkowski
B GRADE RUNNER UP – Mick Neylen
C GRADE CHAMPION – Imre Naggy
C GRADE RUNNER UP – Paul Govaars
D GRADE CHAMPION – Trevor Marsham
D GRADE RUNNER UP – Peter Vanderhorst
VETERAN CHAMPION – Mick Neylen
JUNIOR CHAMPION – Jackson Wade
SUB JUNIOR – Peter Vanderhorst
