Monday, 17th March, saw the final of this year’s Northern Peninsula Inter-Club Challenge convene at Mona Vale. The weather was bright and sunny, although somewhat cold as a result of strong southerly winds. Still, the course was presented in spectacular condition and looked like an absolute picture as a result of the efforts of our course super Nick Taplin and his team. The Wakehurst Captain wanted to take some credit for the course as Nick was originally from Wakehurst, but he is now very much part of the furniture at MVGC.
With great pleasure, I report Mona Vale recorded a resounding 6.5 wins to 1 over a very strong and competitive Long Reef squad and are, accordingly, this year’s NPICC Champions. When I say resounding, I must admit there were nervous moments on the back nine, but there was real resolve in our team to get the end result.
Individually:
Mike Robotham gouged his way to a tenacious 1up win, his first win in 4 or 5 goes in the NPICC over Rob Corday the Long Reef No.1
Steve Whitmore played beautifully all day but had to battle his demons (usually putting) to win 2 up. Incidentally, he birdied the last with a downhill putt from the back of the green on 18. Wonders will never cease.
Steve Hepworth came back from last week’s loss at Wakehurst to win 4 and 2. His resolve was never in doubt and I have never seen him hit his tee shots any better.
Kevin Rule struck a red-hot opponent to lose 5 and 3. His opponent was basically level par for the day in the blustery conditions.
Doc MacDougal had obviously revved himself up all week to lead the team, feeding himself a diet of broken glass and tepid water and ran out a comfortable 5 and 4 winner. Very impressive.
Glen Powers recorded his first NPICC win 2 up against Steve Twigg a very seasoned campaigner from Long Reef. To empathise the drama, Glen then proceeded to collapse in The clubhouse post event and had to be hospitalised, but reports all is well and he is on the mend with only superficial damage. The dynamic duo Larry Bulgin and Rob MacDonald sealed the deal each recording 3 and 2 wins at games 7 and 8. To emphasise how well they both played, they each birdied the 6th into the teeth of the gale. Rob reports he has never lost a game playing No.8 in NPICC and that this was his 33rd year of participation, but that would make him at least 105. So, I think there is some hubris his claim.
All in all, a fabulous team effort by all 14 players who represented the Club over this year’s course of events. It’s the rules of the game that meant key players in getting us into the final could not be fitted within the handicap limit for the final event, but it was great to see them caddying and/or following the side round the course in the afternoon.
The annual dinner followed the event with an attendance of around 80 people in the new clubhouse and was a great success thanks to the efforts of Kate, Emma, our GM Andy and the café staff. The NPICC continues to grow and succeed and is entrenched in the golfing calendar on the Northern Beaches. It is a great golf competition but, more importantly, a better social event.
Finally, Cromer beat Wakehurst for the Wood Bee Trophy to come 3rd and Manly put up their strongest showing of the year to narrowly lose to Bayview and retain the wooden spoon.
We all look forward to next year’s event and to the defence of our title.
Ross Fleming
