Round 2 Pennant Wrap – Sunday, 24 July
Week 2 of Operation Return of the Flag saw Brisbane Golf Club take on current flag holders, Redcliffe on home soil. Being the current title holders, it was always going to be a tough day, especially with a few team members out with other commitments and illness. Fortunately, the team was more than up to the challenge by winning the day 12.5 to 8.5. It shows some real depth within the club, but more importantly the team is showing tenacity and team spirit. Fantastic to win the first 2 games and really set up the season as we sit top of the table after 2 rounds.
Thank you again to all involved for making it happen; selectors, support team of scorers et al, Dave Mason and his minions for setting up the course…particularly Justin Wells for finding the pink spots, Josh and his team for delivering his “last supper” for the day, Rudy and the bar staff for looking after us, the Parents for their time and efforts, and the supporters who came to watch some close matches.
Opens 5.5 to 5.5:
With 3 of the top 5 away with other commitments, it was going to be a tough gig to get the points, but the team found ways to get a more than decent haul of points. It was looking a bit dire at one stage, but the determination came through in the end. Craig Mahon started the points haul and continued his great form, with Pete Lansom guiding him, with another impressive 5&4 win. We welcomed out newest member of the team, Billy Dowling, who was thrown into the #2 slot and delivered his first win for the team with a well played 3&2. John “Smokey” Smoljko continued his winning season with a grinding 2&1 win. Chris Somerfield is showing that he really loves an audience, and the 17th hole, by holing his bunker shot for birdie…his second there in 2 games, to win 2&1. Ilija Soldan was 3 down with 7 to play, for the second week running, before deciding to go on a birdie blitz and halve his match. Paul Todd had his first win for Brisbane by toughing out a 1 up win. Massive shoutout to Cooper Clark who was thrown into the #1 position at last minute. Cooper showed the spirit of the team by taking up the challenge put to him unflinchingly. Cooper played the first 6 holes in -1 and was unfortunately overrun, but did have the play of the day by making a par on the 1st hole from the 18th bunker…yep, you read right…even the good players can do it.
Juniors 3 to 2:
The Juniors continued to show how good they are by taking the chocolates, I’m sure they paid for them, with some impressive displays of game and never say die attitude. Eric Yeon again finished early with a dominant 5&3 win to earn the coveted Ron Chopper head cover as player of day…well done Eric! Harvey Palmer played beautifully for a 2-up win. Chase Oberle seems to be a bit like Phar Lap by letting his opponents get ahead and then showing a huge heart by snatching another half from his unsuspecting opponent. So too Justin McCormack decided to give his opponent a head start but showed that it isn’t over until the last by grabbing another half for the team.
Masters 4 to 1:
If ever the Broken Old Blokes needed to lift it was today. There was a sense that they could take some valuable points from Redcliffe here and that proved the case. Eugene Estella played his usual Mr Par golf to earn his maiden Masters win over a veteran pennant player 3&2. Stephen Deane played an ex-PGA professional and showed what local knowledge means by winning 2&1. Ash Sturmer was 3 down after 3 holes, not ideal, but fought back to halve his match. Phil Lynem showed his tenacity by not letting his opponent get the better of him after being 2 down and securing a valuable half point. Ian Burgess came back this week to claim his first win for Brisbane Masters and ensure the BOB’s had a solid start to the day.
This Sunday sees us travel to Pacific for our first away match of the season. With the two Sams and Connor Whitelock back to bolster the Open’s team we have some good selection dilemmas. If we can snatch an away win it really will set us up to finish the season strong. All the best for the week ahead and thank you again everyone at Brisbane Golf Club for the support you have shown.
