By Ian Callen
Last Friday was the first of Callen Columns 9 hole RACV Golfers “ShootOuts”.
With the barometer indicating fair weather the golfers arrived with the course in magnificent condition and many thanks to the ground staff. Play began at 3pm on the front nine and it was terrific to see the groups out on the fairways.
This was the first of the events for the summer; and having just walked from the “Gully Green” it became evident that former local businessman, the “cigar smoking”, Robert de Sauty would be hard to beat.
Even a determined efforts by Stephen Oates and Steven Cubela; both of whom scored 20 points weren’t able to take the “Alba Palma” dining voucher away from deSauty who scored a career best 23 Stableford points.
No doubt those of us who frequent the now infamous “Tree of Knowledge” will see Rob dining on Nicholson soon.
Special mention to Laurie Tormey who received an award for his efforts in mentoring and encouraging so many of our RACV ladies of golf. Lyn Phillips and Dianna Viggers received encouragement awards while Mr Geoff Cooper took out the Phantom prize.
Other notable contributions on the day came from; Max Mcintosh, Graeme Salter, Doug Smith, Peter Davidson, Paul Harmer, Jim Viggers, Geoff Hopkins, Dick Taylor, and Gordon McMenemy making a return to the game.
At the conclusion of the award ceremony Max McIntosh asked members to support a motion to enforce a requirement on the Callen Column writer; that he be required to include what was described as a spectacular achievement on the 3rd tee; otherwise be subject to a more serious fine. His motion was carried unfortunately.
So for those interested, the RACV’s Par 4, 3rd is known for its “Hump Back” green and I can tell you that I did not make it that far. Arriving at the tee block I turned towards Mt Rael imitating all golfers before me. I then searched for a suitable place to push my tee into the turf.
I admit my intention here; was to smack my Tiger Wood Bridgestone golf ball down that fairway as far as I could. Unfortunately I send it into the ladies tee block marker, yorking it at speed. A centimetre higher and the ball would have been deflected down the middle of the fairway and most probably to perfect position.
Unfortunately the angle at the marker base caused a ricochet sending the ball vertically where it disappeared from view and much to the amusement of all.
“Where did it go” Graeme Salter asked. “I don’t know” said Doug Smith and “I don’t think I’ve ever seen this happen ever” said Max McIntosh and he was most probably correct.
When the ball finally hit the ground, at the writers feet, it kicked towards the Ladies tee and in total humiliation I had to accept the fact that I was going to face a fine for failing to carry the Ladies tee, in such a spectacular manner.
The next Callen Column “ShootOut” Friday 7th of January 2022 we look forward to seeing you on course.
