Round 2 – (Home) vs Lynwood
Our second match of the master pennant season saw us defending the fort, at home, against the evil marauders from the north-west.
The rain had eased off somewhat, but the course was still soaked so no carts were allowed, except for the captain and the two managers. This meant Oliver Young was unable to play. Besides needing a cart at the best of times, he was still suffering the effects of influenza A and bronchial pneumonia. That is certainly a double whammy, but he still came out to support the team and assist with ball spotting should they become plugged.
Playing at number 8 was Darren Lester, reasonably fresh from a great season in the mixed pennant green team. Darren got off to a flyer and was three up after the 4th. He maintained the rage through the checkpoints at the 9th and 13th and coasted (no pun intended) home. Won 3 and 2.
Playing at number 7 was Noel Flanagan, who, like the other team members, was keen to make amends for the previous week. Noel was square after the 8th and one down after the 12th. He then found his mojo and got it to one up after the 15th then held on, despite some argy-bargy over a ruling on the 17th with Lynwood’s number 8 player. Won 1 up.
Playing at number 6 was Paul Bonomy. I don’t think I know anyone that wants revenge more than Paul. The loss the previous week to their lowest handicapper was ample inspiration for Paul in the re-match. He was four up after the 8th, and six up after the 12th. Apparently, Paul’s opponent had a back injury, but if you’re the age to qualify for master pennants of course you’re going to have some sort of ailment/s. They shook hands on the 13th. Won 7 and 5.
Playing at number 5 was Alman Ogane. Alman was steady as she goes and one up after the 8th and three up after the 12th. Much like Darren, Alman was smooth in the run home. Won 3 and 2.
Playing at number 4 was Gary Kennedy. It was looking dire when Gary rolled his ankle at work on Thursday and couldn’t weight bear. With the possibility of Gary and Oliver unavailable there was a chance I’d have to fill in. That’s when you know the team is in trouble. Thankfully, Gary recovered sufficiently that he could get to the range (now there’s a shock) to practice and test whether the ankle would hold up. It did, and with Jake Jakobsson caddying Gary was two up after the 4th, three up after the 8th and 12th, then picked up another hole. Won 4 and 3.
Playing at number 3 was Wayne Smyth (I keep telling everyone it’s pronounced SMITH, but no one listens). Wayne was square after the 4th and 1 down after the 8th, before getting a wriggle on and being two up after the 12th. Teeing off the 17th Wayne was one up and there was plenty of tension. Wayne’s game was the only remaining match on the course, so he had a lot of support from his team, and caddy John Wachman (a former master pennant player and manager). Wayne had a long birdie putt on the 17th but came up about 12 feet short. His opponent was left of the green and chipped to about 8 feet past the pin. Wayne holed his putt, which led to some hooting and hollering from the assembled gallery (not the Lynwood players). His opponent then holed his. Both players were in play off the 18th tee, with Wayne centre of the fairway. Not one his best chips left Wayne with a long birdie putt. His opponent was a touch strong and put his chip shot just off the back of the green. Wayne rolled his putt to about 18 inches and picked up for a par. His opponent had a tricky downhiller but managed to hole it for a birdie. Tied.
Playing at number 2 was a Coast stalwart, and soon to turn 60, Merv Danne. Merv had earlier this year represented the club in the major pennant and is one of the most consistent players in the club, which is why his handicap hovers around scratch to 2. It was great of Merv to agree to play after only being asked on Friday afternoon. Merv’s match was fairly tight, being square after the 8th. A great run from the 9th saw him go three up after the 12th, only to put his second out of bounds on the 13th. He wasn’t flustered though and won the 14th to get it back to three up. Won 3 and 2.
Playing at number 1 was last week’s number 1, Tony Podvorec, who, like Paul, was out to right the wrong from a week prior. Tony played the same opponent as the previous week and was fast out of the blocks, leading three up after the 4th, and five up after the 12th. He then picked up another hole on the run in. Won 6 and 4
Thanks to the caddies (Jake and John), Oliver for getting out of his sick bed, CNF for officiating, Deb for scoring and feeding the players, Maurie, Luke, Amanda and Michael for coming out to support, Steve O’Leary for the pin placements, the golf shop for the range balls and range use, and the kitchen for the after-match pizzas. My apologies if I forgot to mention anyone.
This was, obviously, a fantastic result and a credit to the players for bouncing back from the previous week.
Our next game is against Lakeside (formerly Camden Lakeside) at 11:24. They have started hot, with a 6.5-1.5 win at Marrickville then an 8-0 win at home so we could be under the pump to bring them down a peg or two. Never say never though!
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
Round 1 – (Away) vs Lynwood
Our first match of the master pennant season saw us head north-west to Lynwood Golf and Country Club, the home of five floods in nine years, or was in nine floods in five years? Anyway, it did feel like we were in the country, driving past mist rising off ponds and horses wearing waterproof blankets.
Considering all the rain in the greater Sydney area over the past few weeks, the course was well presented. As with most away games, the difference normally comes down to the short game. Lynwood’s greens are significantly bigger than ours, and have subtle breaks that you only know of, or get used to, by playing them regularly. This, I believe, was a contributing factor.
Playing at number 8 was Oliver Young who, suffering the effects of two weeks of illness, dragged himself from his sick bed to compete. Normally expected to play at number 1, Oli led the team out at number 8 (after and eleventh-hour change to the lineup) but couldn’t get his normally consistent groove going. For a guy that plays off scratch at The Coast, it was unusual to see Oli struggle around the course. Lost 6 and 4.
Playing at number 7 was a newcomer to the master pennant team, Jake Jakobsson. Jake’s opponent played number 2 for Lynwood last year and was three under through the first four holes. With that form, and a four stroke better handicap, Jake couldn’t reel him in. Lost 7 and 6.
Playing at number 6 was another newcomer, Noel Flanagan. Noel has played good, consistent golf this year and was worthy of his inclusion in the team. Unfortunately, his maiden game wasn’t to be. Lost 4 and 3.
Playing at number 5 was an old stager, Alman Ogane. Alman has been representing The Coast in major and master pennants for many years and has tasted success on many occasions. Unfortunately, this wasn’t one of those occasions. Lost 5 and 4.
Playing at number 4 was the elder statesman of the team, Paul Bonomy. Paul is another golfer that has scored consistently well at The Coast (and other courses) this year and is always playing off a 3 or 4 handicap. To do that in your mid-60s is a fair effort. However, like those who went before him, it just wasn’t his day. Lost 4 and 2.
Playing at number 3 is a triple pennant (major, mixed and master) representative, Gary Kennedy. Known around the club as “Gary from the range” (due to the amount of practice he puts in), he had a handy two up lead through 11 holes. However, an errant tee shot on 12 opened the door for his opponent who got it back to square through 13. With a momentum swing on the following holes, Gary hung in until shaking hands on the 17th. Lost 2 and 1.
Playing at number 2 was another newcomer, and the youngest member of the team, Wayne Smyth. Wayne had recently represented The Coast in major pennants and gladly stepped up to number 2 with the late reshuffle. He has put a lot of work in to improving his game over the past 12-18 months and it shows in his results, and how much his handicap has dropped. Wayne was two down early and his opponent never let him into the match. Lost 4 and 3.
Playing at number 1 was another of our old hands, Tony Podvorec, who seems to have been playing master pennants for decades. He never seems to need to play a practice round at any of the courses as, I think, he’s played just about every course in Sydney. Tony has a never-say-die attitude, and this match was no different, pushing his opponent who birdied the 17th to seal the match. Lost 3 and 1.
A nod to Darren Lester (caddy) and Bruce Jennings (support) who made the trek to Lynwood when they could have stayed warm at home.
Obviously not the start we wanted nor expected. Our next game is against Lynwood at The Coast on Sunday 25 May. First tee off is at 11:30. Our team, and theirs, could be impacted if the predicted rain keeps coming this week and carts are not in use.
Home crowd support is a huge bonus so please come out and support the team, and your club, if you have time.
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
