New Champions Again at BGC

For the ninth successive year, the Brisbane Golf Cub has crowned new male and female Champions – George Giblett and Angelina Drakos.

Such is the depth of talent unearthed at BGC in recent years, that not since 2015 and 2016 have either BGC Champions gone back-to-back. Cameron Powell, who won the Men’s Championship five times over seven years, was the last to win successive Men’s titles, while Lynne Conroy achieved the same feat, also in 2015-16.

George, who joined BGC from Noosa Golf Club in September last year, beat Craig Mahon 4&3 in the 36-hole final on Sunday, while Angelina won a cliffhanger against 2022 Champion Aspen Sugars (2&1), also over 36 holes.

“I knew Craig wouldn’t lose the final, so I had to win it,” said 22-year-old George, who is studying a Bachelor of Business degree at QUT in Brisbane.

“I probably played better golf in the prelims when I made just two bogeys in the three games leading into the final, but I was able to fight back when I needed to on Sunday. I was never headed, and was confident I had it sewn up when I was five-up after 24 holes.”

George plays off plus 3.4 and on the way to the Championship he beat defending Champion and good friend, Taj Egea, (4&3) in the semi-final, Ilija Soldan (2&1) in the quarter-final and Josh Liston (2-up) in the Round of 16. The qualifiers were played over 18 holes.

It is his second Club Championship, his first coming at Noosa in 2021 when he won by an amazing 15 shots following four 18-hole rounds. But he revealed he was nicknamed ‘the bridesmaid’ after being runner-up three times previously.

“When I moved from Noosa to Brisbane for University, I had heard good things about BGC and I’m so glad I joined here,” he said.

“I have fitted in really well. I love the course, the people and am relishing the tough competition from the quality players at the club.”

Angelina’s win was her first Club Championship victory and it came against Aspen, whom she partnered when the pair won the Queensland Open Women’s Foursomes Championships earlier in the year. They were also team mates in BGCs winning Friday Yellow Diamond Pennant team in the recently concluded BDLGA competition.

“Playing against Aspen, who is a former Champion and has just returned from College in the US, I was initially very nervous,” the 16-year-old admitted.

“But winning the first hole helped me settle, and I felt a lot more comfortable with my game after I went to a 6-up lead after nine holes.”

However, Aspen was not to be denied, and the practise partners were all square after 33 holes. Angelina then miraculously won the 34th after being in trouble from the tee, and when she parred the next hole, the prestigious title was hers.

Fiona Elsdon (2&1) fell to Angelina in the semi-final and she beat Anna Lambert (6&4) in the quarter final. As was the case with the Men, these preliminary matches were also played over 18 holes.

Playing from a handicap of 1.7, four-year BGC member Angelina had the advantage of Asha Flynn, BGCs Women’s and Junior Development Manager, on her bag throughout the final and semi-final.

“Asha was a big help, and a calming influence,” said the Mount Gravatt High year 11 student, who presented her caddy with the bunch of flowers she won as part of her victory spoils.

After her win, Angelina announced her goal was to play on the LPGA Tour.

Other Championship results were:

Men – A Grade Plate, Steve Ward beat Brian McKerr (2&1); Senior, Ian Burgess beat Ash Sturmer (3&2); Junior, Elijah Rohas-Smith beat Daniel Brown (2&1); B Grade, Joe Crunkhorn beat Michael Holmes (19th); C Grade, Ian Davidson beat Luke von Pein (5&3); Byneset, Nathan Walker beat Scott Dowrick (5&3); Veterans, Rob Bischof beat Greg McClure (6&4).

Women – B Grade, Kate Morgan beat Bev Deane (5&4); C Grade, Jan Castrisos beat Catherine Reidy (1-up). – TONY DURKIN