ROUND 6 – (Home vs Marrickville)
Our last game of the season and we couldn’t have gotten a better day. Barely a breath of wind, a clear sky, the course drying out, and short sleeve temperature. A perfect winter day.
There were a few moments though. I forgot the sponsor’s balls for the team, Captain No Fun told everyone it was 30cm preferred lie, which should have been 15cm. It was okay though, as we got to hear him admit he was wrong. Hallelujah! And finally, Noel finding Wayne’s ball plugged in the penalty area to the left of the fourth green. He picked it up to confirm it was the right ball, but then had to push it back into the mud so that Wayne didn’t get an advantage. More on that down the page.
Playing at number 8 was Darren Lester, who was in a tight tussle with Jake’s opponent from the previous week. Darren was square through the 4th, 6th and 8th, then 1 up through 12. His 4-iron to about one metre (from the blue tees) on the 12th was a beauty. A pulled tee shot on the 13th saw him out of bounds, and visiting Randwick, then a couple of nervous length putts for his opponent on 15 and 17 (the ones you should get but often don’t…and he did) saw Darren head to the 18th still at one up. It didn’t look great when Darren put his drive in the pond, but thankfully his opponent put his in the heavy rough on the up slope, just back from the drop zone. After an incredibly long, allegedly, three-minute search, by about eight people, the ball was declared lost, so it was back to the tee. Putting his second tee shot in the pond, Darren’s opponent was playing five from the drop zone with Darren just off the back of the green for three. His opponent put his shot to about four feet past the hole, and it looked like a six was possible. Darren had a pretty slick downhill putt and only needed a two putt to win the hole and the match. When I said it was too big, everyone else (who can read green speed) breathed easy knowing it was going to pull up. A great putt to about 18 inches (but just past the hole, as I predicted) and the hole was conceded. Won 2 up.
Playing at number 7 was Tony Podvorec, who requested an early tee time to get to see his beloved Roosters kick off at 4pm. My instruction to Tony was simple, “win big”. At six up through 6 it was looking like Tony’s early exit plan was on track. He then got it to seven up through 10, before three putting the 11th and hitting a poor chip on the 12th to be five up with six to play. Alas, his car parked about 70 metres away in a side street (for a quick getaway) was going to get further away as he made the trek up 13 and down 14 to finally get the win. Won 5 and 4.
Playing at number 6 was Noel Flanagan, who, like Tony, got off to a flying start. He was three up through 4, four up through 6 and five up through 8. When I caught up with him at the back of the 12th and asked how he was going he casually said, “I’ve already won, 8 and 7”. No hoopla, just Noel at his nonchalant best. By virtue of his position in the field, and the big win, it was our first win of the day, and our biggest win of the season. Won 8 and 7.
Playing at number 5 was Wayne Smyth, sporting new spectacles for the day. After topping his ball through the back of the second (and into the pond), then telling me he had topped everything thus far, I suggested he lose the glasses for the day and get used to them when it didn’t matter so much – like in the next comp game at The Coast. Sage advice from the virgin manager – and I’ll take the credit – with perhaps a little to do with Wayne’s skill, which was on show on the fourth. For those not paying attention, go back to the second paragraph of this report. Wayne’s opponent was on the front edge of the green for one (as you should be on the easiest hole on the course) and Wayne was plugged in the penalty area. He managed to get a wedge through the mud and put the ball about 25 feet below the hole. His opponent lipped out with his monster putt, then Wayne simply rolled his putt in to halve the hole (without his glasses). At square through 4, one up through 6 and three up through 8, the bespoke, not bespectacled, Wayne was back. Steady going saw him two up through the 12th then shaking hands on the 16th. Won 4 and 2.
Playing at number 4 was Gary Kennedy, who is tougher on himself than any manager could, or would, be. All the players in the team want to play well, as we all do as golfers, but GK is the epitome of wanting to do his best for the team, his mates and himself. Gary was steady as she goes early on, being one up through 4, and two up through 6 and 8, before ramping it up and being four up through 12. He then cruised home to finish on the 15th. Won 5 and 3.
Playing at number 3 was Paul Bonomy, who had a pretty tight match going, and after being two up early was only one up after the 8th. My usual pep talk, “Lift your game Bonomy” or the fact that I told him I wasn’t “…panicking, but disappointed” must have struck a nerve as he won three of the next four holes to be four up through the 12th, then coasting to victory. Won 6 and 4.
Playing at number 2 was Alman Ogane, who was on fire early, going three up through the 4th and 6th, then four up through the 8th. At three up after the 12th, and on his best form for the season, it wasn’t a matter of if Alman would win, but when. Won 5 and 4.
Playing at number 1 was Oliver Young, who was the only player to be down through the 4th. Physio, Valium and trying to swing easy with a dodgy back didn’t seem to be working but Oliver hung in there and got back to one up after a great shot into the 8th. Thankfully, his back didn’t need to make it to the 18th, and he wrapped it upon the 15th to reverse his score against the same opponent from the previous week. Won 4 and 3.
We had great support for our last game, with thanks to those that turned up to help out with ball spotting, caddying, and general support at the 8th green/9th tee and elsewhere. David Quigg (ball spotting all around the course) Jake Jakobsson (caddying and keeping Gary calm), John Wachman (caddying and keeping Paul reasonably quiet), Maurie Rivett, Glenn Grainger, Bruce Jennings, Hamish McCarthy, and Bruce Dominish all helped to get the team home for our 8-0 win.
A special mention for Tony and Deb Dekievit for organising our home games, feeding the teams at the 9th, and offering rules advice and general support.
Then, of course, there are the sponsors; Bruce (Jennings Financial Services), Dan and Shaun (Industralight), and Ben (O’Neill Strata Management) who help us be the best kitted out team, proudly wearing The Coast name and logo.
Thanks to Mike, Seb, Heidi, Ashleigh and Alex in the golf shop, the greenkeeping staff, Ebo and his team in the kitchen, the bar staff, and everyone at the club who buys raffle tickets on Friday nights, or simply just showed an interest in the team and how we were going.
Best wishes
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
ROUND 5 – (Away vs Marrickville)
Our last away game of the season and we made the reasonably short trek to the inner west. Much had been said about the Marrickville course, mostly about how it would be boggy and had some dinky holes. True, it is a fairly short course, but there are some long par 3’s, and small greens that make a good short game imperative to score well.
The Marrickville team had a few familiar faces as we played them in a semi-final at Springwood a few years ago.
Playing at number 8 was Jake Jakobsson, who was in a tight match throughout, being either 1 down or square at all the checkpoints but fighting back to be one up heading to the last. However, a long birdie putt from his opponent on the 18th saw Marrickville win the hole. Halved.
Playing at number 7 was Darren Lester, who was one down early, then two down through the 6th and 8th, before going three down through 13. Darren battled on and, as always, never gave up, but the Marrickville lead was too much to reel in. Lost 2 and 2.
Playing at number 6 was Noel Flanagan, who, like Darren, was two down through 6 and 8, before going three down through 13. Again, like Darren and everyone in the team, Noel never gave up and got a hole back before finishing at the 17th. Lost 2 and 1.
Playing at number 5 was Paul Bonomy, who was two down through 3, 6 and 8 before rallying to get it back to square through 13. This was another match that went to the 18th, but their club captain was steady and secured the win. Lost 1 down.
Playing at number 4 was Wayne Smyth, who was 1 down through 3 but then went on a run of wins to be four up through 8. He then went to five up through 13 (dormie five), an unlosable position. What surprised us was when we saw Wayne was playing the 17th as we desperately needed a win and not a half. It turned out his opponent won the 14th, 15th and 16th, but Wayne won the 17th. Won 3 and 1.
Playing at number 3 was Alman Ogane, who was square early on before going two up through 8, and four up through 13, before cruising home. Won 4 and 3.
Playing at number 2 was Tony Podvorec, who, like four of his teammates, was down early, before going one up through 8 and two up through 13. He had another win before finishing early, with him shaking hands on the 16th. Won 3 and 2.
Playing at number 1 was Oliver Young, who was one down through 3 and 8, but then had a horror run of bad bounces and not so great luck to be five down through 13. He got one back, but it was an early shower for Oliver. Lost 4 and 3.
So, we lost 4½ to 3½ which, away from home, is a fair effort, and another example of how the team fought back. In fact, the team was down in five matches and square in three after three holes, so it was a terrific comeback to get the final result.
It was great to have caddies and supporters out there last week and shows the strength of our club. In fact, we had more support at Marrickville than they did. Thanks to CNF and Deb (for support) and John Wachman and Andrew King (for caddying).
Our next, and last, game is against Marrickville next Sunday, at home at 11:30.
The standings in our section are Lakeside on 30 points, Lynwood on 23, us on 17.5 and Marrickville on 9.5.
It would be great to see some supporters out there as we can always use spotters on various holes (2nd, 7th, 11th, 16th and 17th), plus cheering on the players if the matches go to the 18th.
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
Round 4 – (Home) vs Lakeside
Our second home game of the season and we were hoping for a bit of wind to give us an advantage. What we didn’t hope for was the near gale force (not really) wind that did no one any favours.
Such was the strength of the wind that CNF handed out instructions for rule 9.3, “Ball moved by natural forces”, as it was anticipated balls could move on the greens.
CNF also pointed out that a plugged ball on the fairway is a lost ball if the area it is believed to have landed in is not casual water. There has been some confusion, and discussion, around that rule [18.2a(1)] so it was good to get clarified.
Playing at number 8 was Jake Jakobsson, who was going along steadily at one down through 8, but then lost a couple to be three down through 12. Lost 4 and 2.
Playing at number 7 was Darren Lester, who was one down early, then one up through 8, square through 12, and one down through 15. Obviously a see-sawing match that saw Darren rally at the end. Won 1 up.
Playing at number 6 was Paul Bonomy, who, after being two down through 8, and two down through 12, fought hard to get those two holes back on the homeward run. Halved.
Playing at number 5 was Wayne Smyth, who got stronger as the match went on. After being square through 3, Wayne played steady golf to be two up through 8, and 3 up through 12, before shaking hands on the 15th. Won 5 and 4.
Playing at number 4 was Tony Podvorec, who, as always, was pumped up and ready to go. For Tony, it’s all about the warm-up and getting in the zone. This was a tight match that was square through 3, and one up to Tony through the 6th, 8th and 12th. Standing on the 18th all square, both players were in play off the tee. However, eagle-eyed Tony saw his opponent take two preferred lies, the second after his ball moved from where he first placed it. Tony called (I hear yelled, “YOU CAN’T DO THAT”!) a rules infraction and his opponent took a one shot penalty, subsequently losing hole, and the match. Won 1 up.
Playing at number 3 was Merv Danne, who came into the squad due to the unavailability of Alman and Noel. Merv was one down through 3 and three down through 6, but won the next two to be one down through 8. At two down through 15 it was going to be a tough ask against a steady opponent. The word on the street is that Merv was on his downswing with his approach to the 18th when Tony subtly informed his opponent of the aforementioned rule breach. The result being Merv chunked his pitch shot. Lost 1 down.
Playing at number 2 was Gary Kennedy, who was up very handy golfer, with a great win/loss record. A bit like Wayne’s match, Gary was square through 3, 1 up through 6, two up through 8, and 3 up through 12. His opponent fought back, and Gary was 1 up through 15 and eventually squared the match. Halved.
Playing at number 1 was Oliver Young, who was one up through 3, then one down through 6 and 8, before getting it back to square through 12 and 15. A superb drive to the right edge of the 18th saw Oliver with a chance at eagle. His opponent put his second to about 15 feet left of the pin, and Oliver’s eagle putt came up short. His opponent sunk his curling birdie putt, and all eyes were on Oliver to sink about a four-footer to halve the match. Nerves of steel saw the putt drop and the gathered Coast crowd cheering. Halved.
There was a bit of confusion at the end as I hadn’t witnessed Tony’s finish. I thought we’d halved the game, but after speaking with Tony in the carpark realised it was 4½ to 3½ to The Coast. Phew.
Off to Marrickville for an early start, 7am, in the cold and semi-dark.
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
Round 3 – (Away) vs Lakeside
The roller coaster ride that is the master pennant season continued last week when we travelled to Lakeside, which used to be called Camden Lakeside, and not to be confused with Camden golf club, which is also known as Studley Park.
The course was a beauty, and some of our players either played it the preceding week or had played it some time ago. For Jake, it was when the course opened 30+ years ago!
Playing at number 8 was Paul Bonomy, fresh from a 7 and 5 thumping of his Lynwood opponent the previous week. Thankfully, Paul and Angela’s daughter, Anastasia, was holding off going to hospital for the birth of Paul’s first grandchild until after the match. Playing a guy who has “never lost a master pennant match”, Paul was chasing his opponent the whole match, and one down teeing off the 18th, but held his nerve to win the hole. Halved. Paul and Angela are now the proud grandparents of Angelina. Apparently, this makes Paul officially old. Congratulations on the half…and becoming a grandfather.
Playing at number 7 was Gary Kennedy, who was coming off an impressive 4 and 3 win the previous week. Gary was one up early then lost a couple to be two down through the 8th. He got back to square through the 12th and 13th then came to the 18th one down. Like Methuselah Bonomy, Gary fought until the end and won the hole. Halved.
Playing at number 6 was Wayne Smyth, whose normally consistent and repeatable swing just wasn’t working as it normally does. Being four down after four, it was always going to be a tough ask, but he hung in for the next 10 holes before shaking hands on the 14th. Lost 5 and 4.
Playing at number 5 was Tony Podvorec. Tony was square at end of the 4th, 8th and 13th then came to the 18th one down. He hit a booming drive then put his second to about 25 feet. With his opponent closer to the pin, on a similar line, Tony needed to sink a snaking putt that broke both ways. Tony’s putt hit the hole and finished a couple of feet past. His opponent caressed a putt to a few inches to halve the hole. What could have been! Lost 1 down.
Playing at number 4 was Oliver Young, who was looking and sounding much better after his recent bout of illnesses. Before the match he was pumped and ready to go. He was three up after the 8th and, according to rumour from the opposition, was under par coming up the 10th. Impressive. His opponent got a couple back, but Oli was steady on the run home with, I believe, an even par round. Won 3 and 2.
Playing at number 3 was Darren Lester, who came up against an old stager whose handicap was five lower. Always smiling, no matter what the scenario, Darren was five down through the 8th and didn’t trouble the scorer after the 12th. Considering the handicap difference, it was a fair effort from one of our first responders who never get the thanks they deserve. Thanks Darren. Lost 7 and 6.
Playing at number 2 was Jake Jakobsson, who was up against a guy whose handicap was about six lower. Jake hung tough, being three down through the 4th and 8th, but ultimately it was an early shower for Jake, and he shook hands on the 12th. Lost 7 and 6.
Playing at number 1 was Noel Flanagan, who was up for the battle against their lowest handicapped player, and regular number one (playing off 0.2). In his own words, Noel “gifted” his opponent three holes early on, but at this level it’s rare you can do that and come back, especially playing away. A bit like Wayne, Noel was under the pump early, being five down through the 8th, but was still five down through the 13th. Ultimately, it was a bridge too far and they parted ways on the 14th. Lost 5 and 4.
This was always going to be a tough game, but I am proud of the way the team played and carried themselves.
Our next game is the return against Lakeside, at home at 11:30. See you there
Scott “Happy” Haywood (Manager)
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)
