Captain’s Update Wednesday 29 March 2023

Vale Don Hall: Before Presentation at Meadow Springs a minute’s silence was observed on the news that long time WAVGA Member and Participant had passed away. Don will be missed for his ‘Witty ‘ sense of humour and comradery he created amongst all his fellow WAVGA members and friends. Our sympathy goes to Jen and all Don’s family and friends on this sad occasion. He will be sadly missed!

Vines – Ellenbrook: Please plan to stay for presentation after the event. The WAVGA is catering with snacks prior to announcement of winners on the day.

Southwest Tour 2024: Planning for the 2024 City V Country Vets Bruce Rowley Shield is already taking shape. The Event will again be at The Sanctuary Golf and Country Club on 11^th March 2024. The Country Vets are planning to make the event bigger and better than this year with a play and stay challenge dinner package being discussed. Other venues being considered for the Tour are:

• Collie GC on Tuesday 12^th
• Shot gun start in the afternoon at Bunbury GC on Wednesday 13^th March, and
• Harvey GC on Thursday 14^th March

 It is hoped that many of the Southwest Vets will join the City Vets at the clubs on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.   

Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club Fixture:

Meadow Springs was impeccably presented and was a joy to play. Manager Scott Proctor and Sponsor for the day, always welcomes us to the event and provides Meadow Springs Golf Vouchers for each of our Grade Winners, golf balls for the ‘Ball Sweep’ and a bottle of wine for the Best Score on the day. 86 Players enjoyed the day, and it was good to welcome a host of new members to the WAVGA:

• Max Etherington (Meadow Springs G&CC), Tim Trafford (Gosnells GC), Amee Hau (Melville Glades GC), Bernard Choi Lee (Melville Glades GC), Thor Linnet (Mandurah CC).
• A welcome was also extended to Ray Cody (Busselton GC) as a guest on the day.

Well done to our winners on the day:

• A Grade: Digby Barrett (Kwinana GC) 39 Points (Won on a count back).
• B Grade: Phil Epis (Rockingham GC) 39 Points.
• C Grade: Dino Russocaronte (WAGC) and top score on the day with 44 points.
• Best Gross: Clint Cooper (The Cut) – 37 points with a 4 HC.
• Super Pin: Adam Sutton (WAGC) Hole 11 – $68.
• OBE: A strong field with 6 playing but it was that “Young Bloke’ Terry Porter who won again on a count back from Peter Livingston with 30 points!

Next Fixture: The Vines – Shot gun start at 11.30 so be there at least 30 minutes before start time!  Stay for WAVGA catering following the game!  

Captains Update – Tuesday 21 March 2023.

Committee Meeting Information:

Grade Changes:

• 3 Grade Competition: player numbers will be 80+ (Previously 90),
• 2 grade Competition: player numbers between 50 and 79 (Previously 60 – 89),
• Single grade Competition: player numbers less than 49 (Previously < 60).

Booking sheet:

• Bookings for upcoming events will open 1 week before event fixture @ 7.00pm on Monday evenings.
• Competition Closure time will be Sunday evening prior to Competition Day @ 6.00pm.

The Committee felt that with the high number of late withdrawals, 2 weeks was proving too much of a gap for unplanned personal commitments that often resulted in gaps in the field. All too often fixtures have big ‘waiting lists’ on a Thursday/Friday only to find when the fixture closes on Monday mornings there are big gaps in the field. Late notification of this big change in registrations to clubs is causing them ‘angst’ and comes a financial loss to clubs hosting the WAVGA.

No Shows on Day of Fixture:

While it is understood that last minute urgent issues may arise that prevent players from attending a booked fixture please let the Captain or member of Committee know that you cannot attend. In the past many have notified the captain of their nonattendance – and that is fine. However, there have been instances when people have been classified as ‘no shows’ without explanation. The Committee has decided that should this occur on 2 or more times the members access to booking of fixtures will be blocked for a week. A simple message to the Captain or Committee member explaining ‘no show’ will prevent this impost being implemented.

New Shirt Orders:

This can be done through the website and online. Payment will be automatically taken from your credit card as per fixture fees.

Sponsorship:

As happens at many of our clubs, individuals step forward to sponsor an event. If you or a group of players would like to sponsor a particular event, particularly one at their home club when the WAVGA play, please let the Captain know what you propose and this could be incorporated in the presentations on the day.

Trial of Multi Comp Day:

With MiScore capabilities becoming more sophisticated this opens up opportunities to run a couple of events simultaneously. It is planned for Monday July 10 to try this. It could take the form of many combinations: E.g., Individual and Combined Stableford. More details to follow closer to the event. Result: more chances to win on the day!

HARTFIELD FIXTURE:

Well for those that played Harvey Golf Course in the rain last Thursday the conditions at Hartfield could not have been so different with Temperature reaching the 36 degrees mark. The hydration session after the game was thoroughly enjoyed by those who celebrated their round with a ‘quenching’ drink!

Thanks to the Hartfield Golf Club for Sponsoring the event and thanks to Mike Stokes and Gordon Sherlock for being the Club Delegates who ran the registration desk.

Winners on the day were:

• A Grade: 42 Points and best score on the day Dennis Morgan (Mt Lawley GC)
• B Grade: 40 Points Richard Day (Lakelands GC).
• Best Gross: Darrell Lynch (Wanneroo GC) 39 points on a 9 daily handicap.
• OBE: 29 Points Jeff Watkins.
• Money Hole 12: Milan Trifunovic $64.

VINES, Ellen Brook Course on Monday April 3:

This will be a Shot Gun Start Event and catering has been arranged (no charge to Players) for this event so make sure you stay behind for the ‘food’ and the presentation. Book as soon as the event becomes live on the website!

NEXT EVENT: Meadow Springs (Shot Gun Start) – Sponsor on the Day is Meadow Springs Country Club!

Peter Humphrey

accepting his winners prize

Collie winner – Adam Sutton

Harvey winner – Barry Judge

Slow Play

This seems to be the ‘hot’ topic at the moment. During the Southwest Tour the following signage was noted and displayed prominently at Harvey Golf Club:

Be ready on the first and stand with ball on tee and club in hand.

On the next tee saving time’s not hard, one drives off, one marks card.

Don’t leave buggies in the way or those behind must wait to play.

Keep up with those ahead of you, to lose a hole is strictly taboo.

Lost a ball? Not a clue? The following players must be called through.

In stableford if you cannot score, pick up your ball and putt no more.

If a slow coach you must stay, then please play later in the day.

Next Fixture: Hartfield – Club Delegate Gordan Sherlock and Mike Stokes will welcome you to Hartfield!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 8 March 2023

Our next fixture is the City V Country Vets at the Sanctuary in Bunbury. I played the Sanctuary a week ago and I can say that those who are making the journey to Bunbury are in for a golfing experience and treat! The Sanctuary course is in fantastic condition – but bring a few extra golf balls in case you accidentally end up in one of the many water features that can trap the best of golfers! For those that are joining us on the ‘Southwest Tour’ for the remainder of the week at Donnybrook, Collie and Harvey – don’t forget to bring cash for Club Playing Fees and $5 for a comp fee – eftos will not be available!

Tee off Times for each venue:

• Sanctuary (Shotgun Start): 10.00am
• Donnybrook: 10.30am (Check your booking for start times)
• Collie: 10.30am (Check your booking for start times)
• Harvey: 10.30am (Check your booking for start times)

Kwinana Golf Club Golf Club Monday 8 August

Wow! What a great day for golf at Kwinana – unfortunately there were only 47 quality starters but the course, weather and comradery was a great way to relax after a ‘hectic’ long weekend! Thanks to Kwinana for assisting with our Tuesday Fixture and providing a course that has been meticulous maintained! It was only a 1 Tee Start, because of the lack of numbers, but the play flowed very well with most completing the course within a respectable 4½ hours.  

Club Delegates on the day, Denis Clark and Peter Hayward welcomed everyone to the Club.

Our sponsor on the day was Drummond Flooring.

• Congratulations to Winner and Best Gross Allan Godsell (Kwinana GC) with 40 points It was Paul McShanag who won the money on the Super Pin Hole 9 – $42. The OBE on the day was won by Larry Manno with 31.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 28 February 2023

Well, that is summer 2023 finished for the time being and the temperatures for the first few games have certainly reminded us of those high temperatures which seem to coincide with Mondays. However, we will no doubt try and fool ‘Mother Nature’ and play Kwinana next week on a Tuesday and hopefully break the trend of hot playing days. Still a few spots left for Kwinana so try and fill ASAP. If gaps in the field remain I will need to compact the field prior to advising Kwinana Golf Club of the starting numbers. If there are time adjustments to your starting times you will receive 2 emails: one cancelling your original booking and a second advising, you of your new start time. Club delegates Peter Hayward and Denis Clarke will be your hosts on the day.

Pace of Play Information for Sun City Country Club:

A myriad of reports can be generated by Miscore. One such report that Golf Clubs is a report that reports the fixtures run time for all players in the field. This report highlights:

• Participants name.
• Tee Start Time.
• Finish Time.
• Round Time by Tee Time.
• Round Time by App.

The most significant information is the ‘Round Time by Tee Time’ The range for Suncity was rounds of 3 hours 59 minutes through to 4 hours 56 minutes – a large variation in playing time!

City v Country Challenge Monday 13 March

We need a full team to win back our shield. There are 3 spots available – these are designated as ‘walking holes’ but if you are not booking in these spots because of the  ‘walking’ designation please fill up these spots and book a cart to secure these as a ‘City Vet’ position! Closer to the event the list of country and city vets will be amalgamated and any spare positions will be allocated to Country Vets making up groups of 4. Get in quick and fill our allocated positions please.

Southwest Tour

Not long to go until we follow up our ‘Victory’ on March 13 with a tour of Southwest Golf Clubs. Bookings are open. Players at the 3 venues are reminded that fees will need to be paid in cash on the day to each respective club – the exception being the Monday Comp at Sanctuary Golf Resort where normal Fixture cost will be through the WAVGA credit card process.

SUN CITY COUNTRY CLUB FIXTURE:

• Sun City Country Club had finished their Summer Cup Series on Sunday and the course was in magnificent condition – though some of the pin placements were interesting and challenging but a great day for golf!
• Josh and Jim in the Pro Shop were as helpful as usual and had everything prepared for the 86 WAVGA members who played. Great to see some new faces on the day. New Member Scott Brown (Kwinana GC) was welcomed to the WAVGA as well as many returning members who had been absent for some time.
• Club Delegate on the day, Robert Bennett welcomed everyone to the Club and politely mentioned the expected round time of 4 hours 10 minutes – slightly optimistic but the average time being 4½ hours.
• Our sponsor for the day was Drummond Golf.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade Winner Chuck Macfarlane (Royal Fremantle GC) with 37 points,
• B Grade winner Phil Flavell (Guilderton GC) with 36 points.
• C Grade winner Bob Johnson (Guilderton GC) with 39 points.
• John Ryan (Mt Lawley GC) was back in form being Best Gross winner with a score of 35 Points with a Handicap of 2.
• Tony Giorgio (Lakelands GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 8 – $60.
• The OBE on the day was won by Jeff Watkins (Melville Glades GC) with an impressive 35 points.

Next Fixture: Kwinana

Captain’s Update Wednesday 22 February 2023

MiScore Idiosyncrasy: The Clubs we play at and utilise MiScore are all issued with the following instructions when setting up our event on the day:

 “Stableford, MIXED Competition based on Daily Handicap Men from BLUE markers, Ladies from Red, set up for MiScore. Grades: A Grade 0 – 13, B Grade 14 -21, C Grade 22 and above”. (Or something similar depending on markers and Grade Allocation).

However, of late there has been some of the ladies been attributed a handicap off the Blue Markers. MiScore has been notified of this inconsistency and are looking into why this has occurred on a few occasions and is working to establish why this happens. In the meantime, can I suggest to all players to check that you have been awarded the correct Tee Markers and appropriate handicap. If you notice a mistake, please refer it to the Club’s Pro Shop to rectify before commencing playing.

Pace of Play: At Rockingham, the average round time was 4 hrs 25 minutes. On a hot day it would have been nice to have this reduced a little! It is pleasing to see everyone adopting ‘Ready Golf’ etiquette and assisting in enabling a steady flow of golf. Remember, the lead groups have an important role to play, because if the lead groups are slow it has a magnified impact on time for the later groups. Please always keep up with the group in front!

New WAVGA Members Welcome: At the presentation at Rockingham the following new members were welcomed and introduced (though some didn’t remain for the presentation unfortunately): Tamara Morey, Trevor Brown, Bajan Sangah, John Brady and Carol Burns.

City V Country Challenge: Only a few more sleeps until we win back our shield from the Country Vets. Still a couple of vacancies on the player list for the Sanctuary Golf Resort venue – members please make a concerted effort to fill these last few remaining spots.

ROCKINGHAM GC FIXTURE:

• 74 Players.
• How good was the course? Winner on the Day, Doug Hudson, saying in his speech that Rockingham had some of the best prepared greens he had played on, and others agreeing that they would like to ‘take the greens’ back to their clubs. For those members that didn’t play Rockingham – you missed a treat. Though it would have been more enjoyable if the temperature hadn’t risen higher than expected!
• Club Delegates on the day, Alan Baker and Jamie McEwan welcomed everyone to the Club who were also joined by Rockingham Member Angelo Capraro who joined them on the desk and told a few jokes to put a welcoming smile on everyone’s face.
• Our sponsor for the day was Rockingham WA Veteran Golf Members.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade Winner Doug Hudson (Vines) with 41points,
• B Grade winner Ken Carson (Chequers) with 40 points.
• Matt Lynn (Rockingham GC) was Best Gross winner with 40 points on a 5 handicap.
• Stan Sexton won the money on the Super Pin Hole 3 – $51. (Or a present conversion rate: 23 Pounds Sterling).
• The OBE on the day was won by Eric Curley (Mandurah CC) with an impressive 34 points.

Next Fixture: Sun City – time to head north for a bit of warmth with host and delegate, Rob Bennett who will welcome you to the Club.

Kwinana Fixture: Tuesday 7 March following Labour Day Holiday Long Weekend.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 14 March 2023

VALENTINES DAY: No doubt you will read this quickly as you are most likely rather busy dealing with all those ‘Valentine’ responsibilities! It was good to see 88 players play at Gosnells GC on a course that was in excellent condition, having been prepared for their Summer Cup Tournament.

GOLF BOOKINGS: The first 2 fixtures of the season have seen time sheets filling quickly with members having to join the waitlist to secure a game. The disappointment is that many of these people that book in early ‘Withdraw’ very close to the event! The result has been that the fields are no longer full, members left with awkward vacancies that mean a shuffling of players to form playing groups and embarrassing discussions with host clubs why there are gaps in the field. Clubs that host the WAVGA are willing to give us blocks of their playing times and with the ‘reduced’ fields with gaps this comes at a financial expense to clubs when they cannot put green fee-paying members on their courses because we have a group booking that is not fully booked. I realise, urgent issues arise that may require late cancellation of a booking but as an example the Gosnells Fixture had 15 people on the wait list, I negotiated with the Club for more times and opened these times up and from the time I presented the preliminary booking sheet to GGC on Friday to an hour later their was now vacancies on the booking sheet.

Please when booking:

• Commit to your booking.
• If you book a group to play with you make sure they can play and are committed to honour the booking. (I can understand 1 member withdrawing for personal reasons , but the whole group prior to the fixture?).
• Fill spaces in the booking sheet, rather than booking on a new line.
• Don’t book in the hope you might make the event and preclude others from securing a playing slot.

PACE OF PLAY

A little slower for Gosnells with the average time being closer to 4¾ hours. Please adhere to ‘Ready Golf Protocols’ and keep the game moving for everyone’s enjoyment.

ROCKINGHAM FIXTURE 20 FEBRUARY

Course improvements, hospitality arrangements along with the appointment of a new General Manager for the Club have added greatly to the Clubs Membership growth and prestige over the last 12 months. Book in now for next week and you won’t be disappointed for the experience. Sponsors on the day are the Rockingham WAVGA Members – come along and support their efforts. Rockingham GC will also host the first leg of the Club Championships later this year so get yourself familiar with the course.

SOUTHWEST TOUR AND COUNTRY v CITY VETS

Booking sheets are open! Time to win back ‘OUR’ Shield from the Country.

GOSNELLS GOLF CLUB RESULTS:

• My thanks to Terry Smith for his professionalism in setting up the Delegates Registration and preparation for the event. Another perfect golf day, though a little warm, but with the later start on the day the sea breeze arrived early.

Our sponsor on the day was Gosnells GC who sponsored ’18 Holes of golf for 1 player walking’ for each of our Grade winners and Gross winner.

Congratulations to:

•  A Grade and Best Gross Winner Warren Howard with 39 points,
• B Grade winner Richard Day with 40 points.
• C Grade winner Glen Stewart with 43 points and $75 voucher for best daily score.
• Ken Carson won the money on the Super Pin Hole 4 – $64.
• The OBE on the day was won by Terry Porter with 36 points.

New Members Welcomed: During the presentation the following new members were welcomed to the WAVGA: Rebecca Donald (RPGC), Glen Stewart (The CUT), Tony Watchman (WAGC), Sharon Fitzpatrick (WAGC), Stan Fetisow (Suncity CC) and Neil Scott (Lakelands GC).

Next Fixture: Rockingham (See above for details).

Captain’s Update Tuesday 7 February 2023

OPENING FIXTURE WANNEROO: 84 players enjoyed fabulous golfing weather conditions on a course Wanneroo that presented beautifully! At the presentation ceremony Terry Porter was welcomed into the OBE Club, and then won the OBE on the day to celebrate. Also welcomed as new members to the WAVGA were: Ian Rowson, Teresa Smart, Yvonne Turner, Stephen Potter (not to be confused with WAVGA Member Steve Potter) and Pam Porter. Welcome to these and other new members joining us in 2023.

Club President, David St George, addressed the group and welcomed all players to the 2023 season wished everyone success for the forthcoming season.  

SOUTH WEST TOUR (Monday March 13 to Thursday March 16): Booking sheets are open NOW! If you can’t come for the whole week, at least make an effort to play on the Monday at the Sanctuary Bunbury. We take on the Country Vets and will win back the Rowley Shield that we narrowly lost to the Country Vets at Pinjarra last year!

PACE OF PLAY: Congratulations to the players at Wanneroo for adopting the ‘Team Approach’ to their golf rounds that resulted in a good steady flow of golf for all players with all round completed under 4½ hours!

WANNEROO CLUB FIXTURE:

• Club Delegates on the day, Warren Howard, Jim Treloar and assisted by Tom Grimston welcomed everyone Wanneroo and ensured they read the local rules and logged into AVGU on MiScore.
• Our sponsor for the day was Westech Flooring.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner and Best Gross was Stephen Potter (Suncity CC) with 38 points.
• B Grade winner Graham Bourgault (Mt Lawley GC) with 34 Points.
• C Grade and $75 Voucher winner with best score on the day was Ken Carson (Chequers) with 39 Stableford Points
• John Tandy (WAGC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 15 – $60. This was collected by Graham Bourgault on behalf of John so it could be divided up and shared amongst the syndicate group of Lancey, Tandy, Bourgault and Burns.
• Congratulations to OBE winner Terry Porter with 34 points!  He sent a message to his fellow OBE Competitors to look out for the ‘Youngsters’ who are now qualifying for OBE!

Next Fixture: GOSNELLS – at the present time all positions are full but join the ‘Wait List’ and you will automatically be placed into vacancies when they arise.

CAPTAIN’S UPDATE FEBRUARY 1, 2023

WELCOME TO SEASON 2023: The Committee and the Delegates representing your club met yesterday to review the coming season. The 2023 season will have 51 rounds of golf – including local venues and the courses played on the Southwest Tour (March) and the Midwest Tour (August). The fixtures includes our regular events: Country v City Vets, North of the River Clubs v South of the River Clubs, a 4BBB Fixture, 2 Man Ambrose, regular stableford events and Club Championships.

Welcome to our new members joining us in 2023 – 29 new members to date!

FIXTURE NUMBER ONE: Wanneroo Club Delegates Warren Howard and Jim Treloar will welcome you to Wanneroo Golf Club on Monday 6^th February.

DRUMMOND VOUCHERS: Credits will carry over from the 2022 season and be added to your winnings throughout 2023. Your Drummond Credits can be viewed by clicking on the ‘DRUMMOND VOUCHERS ACCRUED SUMMARY’ above.

2023 PRIZE STRUCTURE: Similar to 2022 with the exception the best Net Score on the day, regardless of what Grade it is in, will receive a $75 Drummond Voucher in lieu of the normal $50 Voucher.

MEMBER CONTRIBUTIONS: I thank Tom Colella and Graham Bourgault for putting the following contribution together to remind us of playing etiquette and the need to work as a team to make everyones golf experience even more enjoyable. Please read and apply the following principles throughout our 2023 playing season:

ADDRESSING THE NEW VIEW ON SLOW PLAY.

It has long been a problem that the WA Vets are guilty of slow play.  Introducing penalties is not the solution most members will agree to and so a more constructive and encouraging approach is suggested.

This idea (suggested by Tom Colella) is to push a teamwork concept for every flight of golfers.  The focus is playing as a team not only on the tee box but watching and supporting each other on all shots throughout the game. How often have you asked, “Did anyone seen where my ball went.”

The Teamwork idea makes every player in the group responsible for keeping play flowing by working as a team.

This means:

*  Watch your teammates hitting off and comment on it’s location, and suggest hitting a

provisional if in doubt.

* “It’s all about me” focus only encourages Slow Play.

*  Let “Ready Golf” be the norm.

*  Assist by raking each other’s bunkers so to promote Continuity of Play.                           

* When it’s your turn to putt practice putting out.      

*  When falling behind discuss the first 2 to putt out should Go and tee-off.

*  IF YOU LOSE CONTACT WITH THE GROUP IN FRONT OF YOU, WORK COLLECTIVELY TO CATCH UP. 

*  Be considerate of your fellow golfer.

* Encouragement promotes good golf.

Vets love their golf and enjoy completing their rounds in under 4.5 hours.  This becomes upsetting when a round of golf approaches 5.0 hours.

Captain’s Update Friday 16 December 2022

Thankyou to our hosts – Western Australian Golf Club, for hosting the final fixture for the WAVGA 2022 season! Fantastic weather, the AGM was short and concise, the course was exceptional and the catering for the dinner was superb!

Gross Winner Calculations: For 2023 ‘Best Gross Winner and Calculation’ it was ratified at the AGM that calculation method was to be ‘Stableford score minus the players Daily Handicap’. It was felt that having players having to putt out and record a score on every hole was not conducive to ‘ready golf’ and slowed the pace of play for all.

2022 Order of Merit Winners:

• Congratulations to Fred Feucs on being the 2022 men’s winner and Kath Fordham (Nedlands GC) for being the most consistent with the women members.

WA Golf Club Fixture and Results:

• Club Delegates on the day, Graham Bourgault and Charlie Lancey once again a fabulous effort!
• Our sponsor for the day was the Westerna Australian GC WAVGA Members. Thanks to the members for the generous additional sponsorship:
  • Winners A, B and C grades $100 Drummond Voucher.
  • Runner-up A, B and C grades $50 Drummond Voucher.
  • Nearest the pins received (if they were present) 2 Bottles of wine, sett of Charlie Lancey’s handmade coasters and 2 golf balls.
  • Mystery Raffle, and
  • Ball sweep was 2 golf balls.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Biff Brody (Lakelands GC) with 35 points.
• Best Gross winner John Ryan (Mt Lawley) on 32 points with a 3 handicap.
• B Grade winner Allan Spooner (Chequers GC) with 40 points.
• C Grade winner Paul Ryan (Lakelands GC) with 38 points.
• OBE winner Gary Carter (WAGC) with 36 Stableford Points
• Charlie Lancey won the money on the Super Pin Hole 5 – $99.05.

Next Fixture 2023: Wanneroo GC on Monday 6^th February 2023

Wishing all members and families a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 7 December 2022

Sun City Country Club fixture:

Sea Breeze was fresh!

Robert Bennett did a fantastic job on the Delegates Registration Desk – though unable to play on the day he made himself available to make sure everything was prepared for the days golf event. Brett Flatters who was ready to assist Rob on the day unfortunately could attend because of Covid. I thank Rob and Brett for their assistance at Sun City throughout the year!

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Steve Potter (Melville Glades) with 37 points.
• Best Gross winner Charley Lancey (WAGC) with 84 Net,
• B Grade winner Ken Carson (Chequers GC) with 37points.
• OBE winner Peter Livingstone (Cottesloe GC) 29 Stableford Points
• Tony Viner won the money on the Super Pin Hole 17 – $63.

Next Fixture and last Fixture for 2022: WAGC – Charley Lancey and Graham Bourgault will be there to welcome you.

• AGM: 10.00am.
• Shot Gun Start: 12.15pm, and
• Buffet Meal: 6.00pm.

2023 Season:

Planning is underway and Golfing Venues for 2023 will appear on the WAVGA Web Site once confirmations have been received.

City v Country 2023 Challenge

See Information Below so you can plan and book accommodation early! 

WAVGA 2023 City Vets V Country Vets Southwest Tour

 Early Notification of Dates, Venues and Accommodation Deals Negotiated and available for a limited time for Early Bookings:

 The dates and Golf Course Arrangements for 2023 Southwest Tour:

• Monday March 13, 2023: City V Country Vets Challenge @ Sanctuary Golf Resort Bunbury (Shotgun start 10.00am)

Followed by a day of golf at the following golf courses for those who want to extend their stay in the southwest:

• Tuesday March 14, 2023: Donnybrook Golf Club (2 Tee start 10.30am)
• Wednesday March 15, 2023: March: Collie Golf Club (2 Tee start 10.30am)
• Thursday March 16, 2023: Harvey Golf Club (2 Tee start 10.00am)

Accommodation Packages Negotiated for City Vet Golfers:

1. Riverside Caravan, Cabin and Camping Park Bunbury: 5 Pratt Road, Eaton WA 6232. Phone (08) 97251234

Caravan Sites available for $34.20 per night. When booking simply say that you are a Member of the WA Veteran Golf Association, and the rate will be applied to the length of your stay.

2. Sanctuary Golf Resort Bunbury:

Currently on hold are for City Vet Golfers are:

8 x Two-bedroom apartments at $290/room per night. This is a Room only rate. The Sanctuary do also have the below package that they can offer as well.

Sanctuary Golf Resort are pleased to offer the following package option which would suit accommodation and golfing requirements, and have summarised the details below:

Please Note: The below packages do not include any cart or equipment hire, you will need to contact the Pro Shop directly for these items and prices

‘Sleep & Play Package’ which includes (Bedding can be either. 4 x Single beds, 1 x King and 2 x Single beds or 2 x King beds)

• Overnight accommodation in a standard Two Bedroom Apartment
• 4 x 18 Holes of Golf
•      4 x Small Buckets Driving Range Balls
• 4 x Fully Cooked Breakfast in The Sanctuary Bar & Restaurant
• Sunday – Friday Rate: $530 Total ($132.50 per person Quad Share)
• Saturday Night Rate: $590 Total ($147.50 per person Quad Share)

*Please note there is an additional charge of $20 per person per night if booking falls on a long weekend.

*Please also be aware that with Sleep and Play Packages that require 4 x single beds must be stated at time of booking as not all the apartments can have this specific bedding configuration.

Please do not hesitate to contact reception further assistance or you would like to make a reservation.

Kym (Guest Services Agent)

Phone (08) 97252777

Email: escape@sanctuaryresort.com.au

Lot 100 Old Coast Road, Pelican Point

Bunbury WA 6130

The Southwest Tour:

In conclusion,  I would like to thank the Southwest Veteran Golf Association and specific members: Peter Green, Ian Foot, Alan Perkins, Greg Bell and Jeremy lister who assisted putting together these Venues and accommodation packages for the City Vets.

I must thank Sanctuary Golf Resort who went out of their way to accommodate our golfing needs when Bunbury Golf Club suddenly cancelled our booking because of a better ‘corporate’ deal  and cancelled our 4-month-old booking! Other Southwest Golf Clubs were approached for the tour, but many like Capel and Margaret River had their courses closed for maintenance, coring etc and could not accommodate our needs – all venues selected will provide a high degree of hospitality making each day memorable.

Southwest Tours have been popular in the past and allow for wives, husband and friends to join you in a great southwest golfing event. Book accommodation early and support the companies that are welcoming us to the southwest. Put the dates in you ‘New Year’ Calendar now, and plan for a great week of fun and comradery in the Southwest March 2023!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 30 November 2022

Gosnells Golf Club fixture:

Isn’t it great to feel warm again while playing golf! The course was in excellent condition, the bar area was airconditioned and comfortable for presentations – all in all a great day enjoyed by all 92 starters

A special thanks to Terry Smith who temporarily returned from his annual Swan Valley holiday to man the Delegates Desk – a great effort Terry and much appreciated by all WAVGA members! No doubt Terry imbibed in a few more local ‘Reds’ when returning to the Swan Valley after finishing the Rego desk.

Richard Pace (Nuri-Mate Dog Rolls) was the sponsor of the day.  At presentation he was as generous and entertaining as usual, supplying members present at presentation with samples of his excellent product! I’m sure when the members got home their pets were appreciative of the ‘treats’ that were bought home that night. Thanks once again Richard for your generosity to the WAVGA!

At the Presentation we welcomed new members to the WAVGA:

• John Davis (Suncity CC),
• Stan Fetison (Sun City CC), and
• Ken Carson (Chequers GC).

They enjoyed the experience and featured in the prize list for the day.

Congratulations to Dave Falconer who had an Eagle on the 5^th!

Congratulations also to:

• A Grade winner Francis Forrester (Hartfield) with 40 points.
• Best Gross winner Lou Rigo (Kwinana GC) on a C/B from Francis Forrester with 31 Points.  
• B Grade winner Tony Viner – Alias ‘Aquaman’ – so named after showing his swimming prowess  at Pinjarra Golf Course last week while retrieving his buggy from the deep, (Geraldton GC) with 41points.
• C Grade winner Donald Lamont (Vines CC) with 37 points.
• OBE winner Denis Clarke (Kwinana GC) on a C/B From Peter Livingstone with 33 Stableford Points
• Craig Marshall won the money on the Super Pin Hole 4 – $70.

Next Fixture: Suncity Country Club. Rob Bennett and Brett Flatters, Suncity Country Club delegates,  will be on the registration desk and welcome everyone to the Club.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 22 November 2022

TWO POINTS – THAT’S ALL! 57 WA Veteran City Golfers took on 64 Country Vets for the Bruce Rowley Shield. Initially calculated on the day by the Country Vets it looked like we lost by a whopping 134 points, but Tim Hunter from the Country Vets checked his figures later that night and realised that the results were printed on both sides of the sheet, and he made an honest mistake of not turning over the page to add the scores of the top 20 players listed on the back. The revised scores were City 705 points to Country 707! The shield did go to the rightful winners on the day! What a close result – who missed a couple of putts on the day that cost us those valuable points? Regardless of the close finish – a great effort Team City!

DRUMMOND GOLF VOUCHER COLLECTION: Please check the Spread sheet located within ‘Captain’s Corner (Above) and check how much you have in credit. I will be at Gosnells early so please come and collect your vouchers if you have $25 and above owing while you are checking in with Terry.

PINJARRA FIXTURE:

• Club Delegates on the day, Stan Bartley and Mark Hales. Thanks Stan and Mark for making sure everything was organised for a 10.15 Shot Gun start.
• Our sponsor for the day was City Vets – supported by lots of prizes and balls left over from the AVGU Championships.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Jeff Heath (Country Vets) with 40 points.
• Best Gross winner Jeff Heath with 79 Net,
• B Grade winner Ian Foot (Country Vets) with 39 points.
• C Grade winner Ian Rowson (Vines – new member) with 40points.
• OBE winner Eric Curley (Mandurah CC) with 32 Stableford Points
• Peter Flint won the money on the Super Pin Hole 15 – $100.

Next Fixture: Gosnells Golf Club. Terry Smith, Gosnells Club delegate will welcome everyone to the Club.

Captain’s Update Saturday 19 November 2022

SAD NEWS: Ron Cole, one of our two life members, passed away on Thursday night. Ron was one of the pioneers of the WAVGA and for those who knew him know how passionate he was in regards the WAVGA.  Ron served in many roles within the organisation. He is to be remembered and acknowledged for his contribution to the WAVGA. Our sympathies are extended to Ron’s family. ‘Valedicere’ Ron Cole!

VINES (Lakes Course) FIXTURE:

• Club Delegates on the day, Doug and Kerrie Hudson, did a fabulous job with the organisation and registration at the Vines. All was in readiness as we all gathered for the 11.30 shotgun start.
• Our sponsor for the day was Real Estate Plus.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Chuck Macfarlane (RFGC) with 38 points.
• Best Gross winner John Ryan (Mt Lawley) with 75 Net,
• B Grade winner Fred Fuecs (Chequers GC) with 36 points.
• C Grade winner James Carslaw (Mosman Park GC) with 33 points.
• OBE winner Eric Curley (Mandurah CC) with 33 Stableford Points
• Chuck Macfarlane won the money on the Super Pin Hole 4 – $60.

Results and closure of the competition was completed on the Wednesday following our inability to load ‘score cards’ into the system at the Vines on the day. My thanks to Doug Hudson for having the Vines process Score cards and finally have everyone’s scores and handicaps complete in the Golf Link system.

Next Fixture: City v Country vets Challenge at Pinjarra GC. Wil March (City Vets) winners retain the Bruce Rowley Shield?  

Captain’s Update Thursday 3 November 2022

AVGU CHAMIONSHIP

Well, it has been a lot of organisation and planning, but the time has finally arrived for the big event. To all WAVGA members playing the AVGU — good luck!

CITY V COUNTRY VETS AT PINJARRA

Still lots of Vacancies – please make an effort to support this event as we are the current holders of the shield and we don’t like giving it back to the Country Mob! The booking sheet is open now! 

ROCKINGHAM AND ROYAL PERTH FIXTURES

My thanks to the Vice-Captains and the Delegates at each of the respective Clubs for their organisation and preparation for each of the events in my absence. Looking back on the results I can see that some fantastic golf was played and enjoyed. It is great to see our members supporting the clubs we play at – it is only because of the increase in numbers that host clubs can offer greatly reduced playing rates!

Rockingham Highlights:

• 67 players – a little disappointing as at one stage on the Booking sheet were 80 players!  
• Alan Baker and Don Hall welcomed members to the Club and provided all the information required to enjoy the course.

Congratulations to:

• A grade Winner Terry Smith (Gosnells GC) with 35 points and Best Gross.
• B Grade Winner Kath Fordham (Nedlands GC) with 38 Points.
• OBE winner Denis Clarke (Kwinana GC) with 35 Stableford Points
• Graham Bourgault (WAGC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 3 – $59.

Royal Perth Highlights:

• 95 players – excellent turn out!  
• Bob Howe and Rolf Kraus did a fantastic job on the desk!

Congratulations to:

• A grade Winner Darrell Lynch (Wanneroo GC) with 41 points and Best Gross.
• B Grade Winner Terry Scanlan (Pickering GC) with 38 Points.
• C Grade Winner Manfred Ruschmann (Royal Perth GC) with 41 Points.
• OBE winner Peter Livingston (Cottesloe GC) with 32 Stableford Points
• Terry Scanlan won the money on the Super Pin Hole 12 – $71.

Next Fixture after AVGU: The Vines!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 18 October 2022

PACE OF PLAY: This continues to be an issue! Please make sure you know the etiquette of ‘Ready Golf’ and keep the flow of play going. Basically, this requires you and you group to:

• Be at the First Tee at least 10 minutes before your start time.
• Keep up with the group ahead of you.
• 4½ hours should be the maximum time for a round to be completed.
• If getting behind, finish putting and move to the next Tee and play while the remainder of the group finish putting.
• If you are ready to play – play your shot where applicable.
• Putt out on the green – allowing for location of other players balls when necessary.
• Rationalise the time spent filling in scores – can be done while other players are Teeing Off.
• Use the MiScore App to speed up stroke recording!
• Time spent looking for a lost ball is STRICKLY 3 minutes – after that the ball is no longer in play (even if found) – move on ASAP to the provisional ball you have hit.
• Call through groups if you know they are waiting and you will be a while looking for multiple ball loses.

Only a few suggestions to keep our game enjoyable but achievable!  If we all adhere to these suggestions and reduce the sometimes, vented frustrations I receive regarding slow play it will add to everyone’s enjoyment and get us into the Club House to celebrate the game together.

ROCKINGHAM GC AND ROYAL PERTH GC FIXTURES

Vice Captains Doug Booth and Stan Bartley will be officiating at these event as I will be away for these fixtures. My thanks to the Delegates at each of these venues:

• Rockingham: Alan Baker and Don Hall.
• Royal Perth: Bob Howe and Rolfe Krause.

Who will welcome you to their respective Clubs and assist you at Registration.

SECRET HARBOUR GC FIXTURE SUMMARY:

• You can see the improvements at Secrets and in the next two weeks the quality of the greens will be in excellent shape for the Nationals beginning on November 7.
• Playing of the Blue Tees on Monday provided a good practice round in preparation for the Nationals. It was pleasing to see the ground staff had located the Blue Markers in places not usually utilised during our recent visits to Secret Harbour. I am sure of the WAVGA members playing the Nationals made good use of the experience!
• At the Nationals there will be a $1000 Hole-in-One prize at each course. For Secret Harbour it will be located on Hole Number 17 (over the water) – Mark Bill was the closest on Monday!
• Club Delegates on the day, Maggie Thatcher and Mark Bill welcomed everyone to the Club.
• Our sponsor for the day was Nutri-Mate Dog Rolls.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade Winner and Best Gross Brian Bell (Chequers CC) with 41 points and 81.
• B Grade winner Norm Thomas (Guilderton GC) with38 points.
• Peter King (WAGC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 7 – $73.
• The OBE on the day was won by Max Stewart (WAGC) with an impressive 37 points.

Next Fixture: Rockingham GC – In 2023 Rockingham GC will host the first Round of our Club Championships.   

Captain’s Update Wednesday 12 October 2022

YORK GOLF CLUB FIXTURE – Monday 10 October 2022:

• 54 WAVGA Members, Guests and Local YGC members enjoyed the hospitality of the York Golf Club! We even had a golfer from Ireland, John Dunne, who described it as one of the most unique and enjoyable golf experiences he had ever had!
• Congratulations to the York Golf Club and members for preparing the course so magnificently. Having been a member of a country golf club that relies on its members giving up their time to do all the maintenance on the course and facilities, I know how much effort locally has gone into this event to make it a success and I am sure we all appreciate this level of effort!
• Mick Nottle, Graham Hunt, Eddie Fong and Bill Wagner welcomed members to the Club and provided all the information required to enjoy the course.
• A huge thankyou to the ladies in the kitchen for keeping us well nourished during the day.
• It was the York Golfers who put on some additional novelties around the course and the winners received a 6 pack of beer for their efforts.

Congratulations to:

• Winner Stan Sexton (Melville Glades GC) with 34 points and Best Gross
• OBE winner Peter Livingstone (Cottesloe GC) with 30 Stableford Points
• Graham Bourgault (WAGC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 8 – $47.

Next Fixture: Secret Harbour – an excellent opportunity for those playing the AVGU to get some practice in at one of the courses being utilised for the championship!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 3rd October 2022

Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club Monday 3 October:

• The hospitality and Sponsorship commitment to WAVGA from Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club and in particular General Manager Scott Proctor are to be congratulated and applauded. The day produced some amazing golf results with the course in prime condition. The ‘Shotgun’ format provides a great social event at the end of the round, and I thank everyone for staying back and enjoying the prize presentation comradery!
• Congratulations and well played to our Grade winners: Mal Kent (A Grade) with an outstanding 38 points, Graham Bourgault (B Grade) with 37 point and Fred Feucs (C Grade) with an impressive 42 points. Mal, Graham and Fred each received a Voucher from Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club for 18 Holes of golf for 2 people including motorised golf cart!
• Well done Clint Cooper with the Best Gross of 78.
• Peter Livingstone was our OBE winner with 39 points and runner-up in C Grade.
• Peter Humphry was happy to pick up the ‘Super Pin’ cash of $78 for his effort on hole 16, though it was Mark O’Donoghue who won the ‘Nearest The Pin’ $10 Credit but however he was disappointed to find the $1 coin in his pocket that he intended to enter the ‘Super Pin’  with – but in his excitement to Play Meadow Springs forgot to enter!

Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Your current balance of uncollected accrued credit can be found on the Web under ‘Captains Corner’. Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain for you to utilise at Drummond Golf

Next Fixture: York GC

• See you there next Monday.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 27 September 2022

‘SPRING HAS SPRUNG’! After emerging from a wet Winter, the weather at Melville Glades was amazing and hopefully signifies the beginning of some great golfing weather to come.

YORK FIXTURE BOOKING: Numbers are building! Guests are welcome to enter this event.

If you want to book a guest or guests to attend the York event with you simply text a message to the captain (0438217065). Please include:

• Guest’s name,
• Golf Link number
• Tee Time and Hole Choice, and your quest will be booked in to play with you.

Guest competition fees will now be collected (Cash) on the day and paid direct to York Golf Club reps on the Registration Desk. For WAVGA members the usual Credit Card Payment will continue!

MELVILLE GLADES GOLF CLUB – Tuesday 27 September:

• 67 enjoyed great golf conditions with the course being challenging for some with 5 temporary greens in place while MGGC staff returf and redesign greens. Club Delegate on the day, Willie Henry provided a warm welcome to players, and it was good to see some of the local Melville Glades members fill a few of the vacant spots on the day – future Veteran Members we hope!
• Our sponsor for the day was Advance Care.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade and Best Gross winner Stan Sextant (Melville Glades GC) with 40 points and 79 off the stick – local knowledge used to perfection!
• B Grade winner Paul McShanag (Kwinana GC) with 39points.
• OBE winner Denis Clarke (Kwinana GC) with 35 Stableford Points and third in B Division – certainly hit a bit of form lately!
• Brian Bell (Chequers GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 5 – $59.

Next Fixture: Monday 3 October at Meadow Springs.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 20 September 2022

YORK FIXTURE BOOKING OPENS EARLY: Bill Wagner and the York Golf Club crew have been working hard over the winter months make this years WAVGA Fixture at York the best! The event has been opened for bookings a week earlier to usual so catering needs can be arranged and an opportunity for members to invite guests along so that we can fill the event and set a record attendance that will help the York golf Club enormously.

If you want to book a guest or guests to attend the York event with you simply text a message to the captain (0438217065). Please include:

• Guest’s name,
• Golf Link number
• Tee Time and Hole Choice, and your quest will be booked in to play with you.

Guest competition fees will charged to your Credit Card and it is up not you to recoup the Fee from you guest who will pay you direct.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Check the AVGU Web Page – the Preliminary 4BBB starters sheet has been released!

Search: avguchampionship2022.com.au – keep checking this web site for updates and player information.

ROYAL FREMANTLE GOLF CLUB FIXTURE – Monday 19 September:

• 95 players battled the strong winds on the day at a fantastically presented course. Club Delegates on the day, Clayton Gunning and John Lennon welcomed members to the Club and provided all the information required to enjoy the course.
• Big thankyou to the RFGC WAVGA Members who sponsored an Engraved Glass Tankard Trophy for the Highest Net Score on the day with the stimulation that the winner had to be present to receive the Trophy. Marc Arnold with 37 Points was present, received the Tankard and thanked to RFGC members for their generosity.
• I must thank RFGC for allowing us to play at their Club, there was speculation that out of respect for the solemn event and funeral for Queen Elizabeth II that the Club would close on the day – but this was avoided. At the WAVGA Presentation a ‘minute silence’ was observed as a mark of respect for our long serving Queen.
• I must also thank Clayton Gunning for his summation regarding RFGC’s long association with ‘Royalty’ at our Presentation that was entertaining and enlightening to all present.
• Our sponsor for the day was Drummond Golf and big thanks to Steve Herbert in the Pro Shop for his assistance with the competition on the day.
• Did you see Min Woo Lee on the driving range working with his coach during the day? I think I should have listened in – I might have done a bit better on the day!

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Marc Arnold (Kennedy Bay GC) with 37 points,
• Best Gross – Warren Howard (Wanneroo GC).
• B Grade winner Tony Haabjoern (Chequers GC) with 35 points.
• C Grade winner Ian Holding (Cottesloe GC) with 33 Points
• OBE winner John Hutchinson (Melville Glades GC) with 30 Stableford Points
• David St George (Mt Lawley GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 8 – $77.

Next Fixture: Tuesday 27 September at Melville Glades.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 13 September 2022

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS: done, dusted, completed, and celebrated for 2022! Congratulations to our new Gross Winner and Club Champion Brendan Curtain and all the respective Grade winners: Warren Howard, Mal Kent, Jamie McEwan, Mick Brazier, Kevin Essing and Paul Ryan.  A full list of Grade Winners and Scores is listed on the ‘Game Results’ section of the WAVGA web.

Thanks to all the players that participated in the Club Championships this year, and those that joined us for the Daily Comp at each Venue. We were extremely lucky with the weather and some wonderful golf was played.

NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS

Check the AVGU Web Page – the Preliminary 4BBB starters sheet has been released!

Search: avguchampionship2022.com.au 

WANNEROO CLUB FIXTURE:

• Club Delegates on the day, Warren Howard, Jim Treloar and assisted by Tom Grimston welcomed everyone Wanneroo and ensured they read the local rules and logged into AVGU on MiScore.
• Our sponsor for the day was Drummond Golf.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade and Best Gross winner Warren Howard (Wanneroo GC) with 77 Net,
• B Grade winner Barry Stewart (Mt Lawley GC) with 70 Net.
• C Grade and OBE winner Gary Carter (WAGC) with 36 Stableford Points
• Darrell Lynch (Wanneroo GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 15 – $73.
• Congratulations to Brendan Curtain who had an Eagle on Hole 10.

Next Fixture: Royal Fremantle Golf Club – at the present time all positions are full but join the ‘Wait List’ and you will automatically be placed into vacancies when they arise.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 7 September 2022

YORK FIXTURE: With the later fixture scheduled for York GC this year (10^th October), Bill Wagner (York GC) informs us that the Course is in magnificent condition following all the improvements the members have initiated throughout the year. York GC always welcomes the WAVGA members attending this event and is already planning the hospitality and catering to make this year’s York WAVGA fixture the best! Please mark this event on your calendar, join the York Members in supporting their Club on the day and experience Country Golf and Hospitality!

WAVGA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022:

• Round 1 Harfield: Completed! We were very lucky with the weather having no rain fall during the fixture, but the course was wet due to early morning downpours!
• Round 2 Wanneroo: Monday 12 September for round 2 of the Championships the GA for each division will remain as for Round 1: A Grade 0 to 12.4, B Grade 12.5 to 18, and C Grade 18.1 plus. However, the slope rating for Wanneroo will vary from Hartfield and you may be playing on a different handicap, but after Daily Handicap has been applied you will remain in the same grade as Round 1 regardless of GA variation and Daily Handicap

AVGU APP

The AVGU Site will be utilised at Wanneroo.

SLOW PLAY

If your round is more than 4hr 30 minutes and your group has been holding up play behind you, please try to streamline your play, and that of your group, so we don’t have rounds of 5 hours or more.

HARTFIELD COUNTRY CLUB FIXTURE:

• Huge thanks to Tom Grimston for making himself available for the day and ensuring scoring was successfully trialled using AVGU MiSCore App.
• Club Delegates on the day, Mike Stokes and Gordon Sherlock welcomed everyone to the Club.
• Our sponsor for the day was Hartfield Country Club, and I thank Brian Close for the bottles of wine that each of the nearest to the pin winners received.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade winner Neil Thatcher (Secret Harbour GC) with 71 Net,
• B Grade winner Jamie McEwan (Rockingham GC) also 68 Net.
• C Grade winner Ross Hancock (WAGC) with 38 Stableford Points
• Best Gross was 77 by Brendan Curtain.
• Tony Farrow (Mt Lawley GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 12 – $64.
• The OBE on the day was won by Denis Clarke (WAGC) with 36 points.
• Congratulations to Darrell Lynch who had an Eagle on Hole 17.

Next Fixture: The Championships Day 2 – Wanneroo.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 31 August 2022

WAVGA CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022:

• Round 1 Harfield: You can still play in the Championships if you are playing at Hartfield! If you were late registering for the Championship let the Club Delegates, Gordon Sherlock and Mike Stokes know at the Delegates Desk at Hartfield when you register. However, placement at Wanneroo cannot be guaranteed for Round 2 as the fixture may fill. My advice is register now for a spot at Wanneroo before all spots fill!   If you registered early for the Championship, you were automatically given the same booking at Wanneroo.
• Round 2 Wanneroo: Monday 12 September.

Based on numbers for the Championship the following GA Grade allocations will be utilised (This may change on the day depending if more Championship Players nominate);

• A Grade: 20 Players 0 -12.4
• B Grade 21 Players 12.5 – 17.4
• C Grade 21 Players 17.5 plus

This will determine the grade you play in but you will play off your Daily Handicap.

The same Grade Splits will also apply to the Day Comp, at present being:  25 A Grade, 29 B Grade and 36 C Grade Players.

AVGU APP

The AVGU location will be used for the Championship please load this venue (Add a Club) now for use at Hartfield and Wanneroo.

SLOW PLAY

It is important to be aware of your place in the field and consider your fellow players. Please:

• Keep up with the group ahead.
• Play Ready Golf
• Hit a Provisional Ball when in doubt and if your ball is not found within 3 minutes it is deemed lost and cannot be played – even if located later!
• If not keeping up, once you have finished putting moved to the Tee Box and hit off waiting for the rest of the group to finish.
• Use the MiScore App to speed up stroke recording!

 SUN CITY COUNTRY CLUB FIXTURE:

• Sun City Country Club had finished their Championships on Sunday ant the course was in magnificent condition – though some of the pin placements were interesting and challenging but a great day for golf!
• Josh and Tom in the Pro Shop were as helpful as usual and had everything prepared for the 83 WAVGA members who played.
• Club Delegates on the day, Robert Bennett and Brett Flatters welcomed everyone to the Club.
• Our sponsor for the day was Drummond Golf.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade Winner Rob Bennett (Sun City CC) with 36 points,
• B Grade winner Ian Hutton (Mosman Park GC) also with 36 points.
• Digby Barrett (Kwinana GC) was back in form being Best Gross winner with a gross score of 83.
• Barry Judge (Royal Fremantle GC) won the money on the Super Pin Hole 8 – $56.
• The OBE on the day was won by Max Stewart (WAGC) with an impressive 33 points.

Next Fixture: The Championships – Hartfield.

Captain’s Update Monday 23 August 2022

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022:

• Round 1 Harfield: Monday 5 September.
• Round 2 Wanneroo: Monday 12 September.

SPEEDY RECOVERY

For those who asked as to the where-abouts of our Club Secretary/Treasurer, I can assure you he is recovering well after his ‘Evil Knievel’ style bike accident that left him a bit sore and sorry for himself and he will be back on deck asap. I am sure we all wish him a speedy recovery!

ROCKINGHAM GOLF CLUB FIXTURE:

• How good was the course? Rockingham had just finished their Club Championships on the weekend and the course was in very good condition – 64 enthusiastic golfers enjoyed the trip south and it was pleasing to see a large majority of these players stay for presentations – one of the biggest groups to stay behind and enjoy the comradery of the occasion for quite a while! Scores on the day ranged from 18 to 38 Stableford Points so while some found it challenging others settled into a steady scoring routine!
• Rockingham General Manager, Shaun Malone addressed the group at presentations and extended a warm welcome to all WAVGA members with an open invitation to enjoy the facilities of the Club at future events.
• Club Delegates on the day, Alan Baker and Don Hall welcomed everyone to the Club.
• Our sponsor for the day was Rockingham WA Veteran Golf Members.

Congratulations to:

• A Grade Winner Brian Bell with 37 points,
• B Grade winner Ross Hancock with 38 points.
• Geoff Hope (Kwinana GC) was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 84.
• Neil (Maggie) Thatcher won the money on the Super Pin Hole 3 – $49.
• The OBE on the day was won by Peter Livingstone with an impressive 36 points.

Next Fixture: Sun City – time to head north for a bit of warmth with hosts Rob Bennett and Brett Flatters.  

Captain’s Update Monday 15 August 2022

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022:

• Round 1 Harfield: Monday 5 September.
• Round 2 Wanneroo: Monday 12 September.

Book now as the Hartfield Fixture is now open – please read ‘Conditions of Play’ attached to the fixture when entering. When you book Hartfield, and you are playing the Championships, you and your booking group and time will automatically carry through to the Wanneroo fixture.

ROCKINGHAM FIXTURE 22 August:

Course improvements, hospitality arrangements along with the appointment of a new General Manager for the Club have added greatly to the Clubs Membership growth and prestige over the last 12 months. Book in now for next week and you won’t be disappointed for the experience. Sponsors on the day are the Rockingham WAVGA Members – come along and support their efforts.

GOSNELLS GOLF CLUB RESULTS:

• My thanks to Vice Captain Doug Hudson for assuming Captain Duties in my absence due to ‘Covid Quarantine’. It was fantastic to see the event well supported and the weather remaining fine until play was completed – another perfect golf day!
• The AVGU National Championship MiScore App was trialled once more – huge thankyou to Tom Grimston for making himself available to successfully ‘trial and sort out the bugs’ prior to the use at the Nationals. The AVGU app will be utilised again during the Club Championships.

Club Delegates on the day, Terry Smith and Tom Grimston welcomed everyone to the Club.

Our sponsor on the day was Gadean Footwear.

Congratulations to:

•  A Grade Winner Carmello Salpietro with 38 points,
• B Grade winner Kevin Essing with 35 points.
• Terry Smith (Gosnells GC) was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 82 on countback
• Francis Forrester won the money on the Super Pin Hole 4 – $58.
• The OBE on the day was won by Denis Clarke with 30

Next Fixture: Rockingham (See above for details).

Captain’s Update Tuesday 9^th August 2022

AVGU MiScore Site to be Utilised at Gosnells next week: On the registration desk at Gosnells next week will be Gosnell’s Member Terry Smith as well as Tom Grimston. Tom will be available to assist players to ensure they can load and access the AVGU site that will be utilised to record your scores at Gosnells. This is another trial, similar to the Joondalup trial, that we will use during the National Veteran Golf Union Championships that we are hosting in November.

• Before playing at Gosnells go to the MiScore App and in ‘Add a Club’ type in ‘AVGU Nationals’. The AVGU Club is what will be used at Gosnells!
• Cards will not be printed and if not using the App make sure you know your GA so you can calculate your handicap with the Gosnells Slope Rating on their standard score card.
• Cards will need to be handed to Tom at the completion of the round so he can ‘manually’ enter scores on the computer.

Kwinana Golf Club Golf Club Monday 8 August

A few of the early starters experienced extreme wet weather but with those that persevered the afternoon conditions abated into very good golfing weather with 63 players enjoying the very well-presented Kwinana Golf Course and hospitality following the play. The Club was very accommodating in not insisting on payment for late withdrawals and for this fact I am very appreciative of Phil in the Pro Shop for accommodating us. Our next fixture at Gosnells will be on Monday 15 August.

Club Delegates on the day, Denis Clark and Peter Hayward welcomed everyone to the Club.

Our sponsor on the day was Westech Flooring.

• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Rolfe Kraus with 37 points and B Grade winner Graham Dore also with 37 points. David Falconer (Nedlands GC) was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 78. It was David St George who won the money on the Super Pin Hole 6 – $52. The OBE on the day was won by Peter Livingston with 30

Next Fixture: Gosnells, hosted by Club Delegate Terry Smith and Tom Grimston to assist with AVGU Scoring.

Captain’s Update Sunday 31 July 2022

Pinjarra Fixture CANCELLED: The ‘’Bureau of Weather’ has released  severe weather forecasts for the Pinjarra area for Monday and this, along with fact that the growing number of  player withdrawals left very few members still registered the fixture is cancelled. The Pinjarra Golf Club agreed and supported our decision to cancel this WAVGA fixture. My thanks to Pinjarra Club Delegate Stan Bartley for his assistance and communications with the Pinjarra Golf Club.

Next Fixture: Kwinana on Monday August 8 – let’s hope it is fine for this Fixture!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 26 July 2022

Late Withdrawal Notification: Please, if after registrations close and on the Day of the fixture you are unable to attend a fixture please message (preferred) or ring the Club Captain on 0436217065. Too many times late withdrawals are not known until the last minute and often it leaves a playing group of only 2, or it denies someone that was on the waiting list being denied an opportunity to play the event. If messaging, please make sure you sign off with your full name – thanks!

Joondalup Country Club 25 July.

75 players gathered at Joondalup to ‘Celebrate Christmas in July’ and enjoy a wonderful golfer’s course – The Quarry and The Lakes. Billie Little certainly enjoyed the day with 41 points and the highlight of his round being a Hole in One on the Quarry Par 3! He celebrated the milestone by ringing the bell at presentation and those present toasted his achievement! Well done Billie – in great form at the moment with a win at Meadow Springs and now this week a win at Joondalup!

Club Delegates on the day, John Dec, supported by Doug Hudson, Tom Grimston and Ron Ross –welcomed everyone to the Club and providing valuable information for the players. The biggest innovation was the testing of the MiScore AVGU Nationals App. I thank all players for trialling this innovation and it certainly was worth the trial as it exposed a few areas that needed to be researched but overall, it worked! We will trial the AVGU Site again at the Gosnell’s fixture on Monday 15 August. By the time of the Nationals, we should have worked our way through all the idiosyncrasies!

Our sponsor on the day was Brad Hutchinson Hearing providing Player Vouchers and a dozen Golf Balls for the Ball Sweep.

• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Billie Little with 41 points and B Grade winner Colin Thorniley with an impressive 37 points. Mark Hollis was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 81. Billie Little new which hole to Ace! It was the money hole with $52 in the ‘Kitty’. Peter Livingstone was in form and know doubt loves the Joondalup Course when he was a clear winner of the OBE Award with 36 points.

Next Fixture: Pinjarra where Stan Bartley will be on the Registration Desk to give you instructions on how to ‘birdy’ every hole at Pinjarra. Pinjarra will be the venue for City v Country Vets so use this opportunity to practice and familiarize yourself for the big event later in the year on Monday 21 November.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 19 July 2022

North of the River WAVGA Players Versus South of the River WAVGA Players:  This Inaugural event has been played and won at Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club. 92 golfers played (41 players South and 51 North) and after the top 20 Stableford Scores were added from each region the result was South 647 and North 675.

Congratulations to the Northern WAVGA Golfers on your win!

Many thanks to Tony Farrow for coming up with the concept and providing the now Perpetual Trophy that will carry on as a tradition into the future. The Trophy was accepted by North Captain, Doug Hudson on behalf of his team.

Joondalup next Monday: As is becoming the case more often these days, when events are booked, Clubs want upfront payment and are insisting that all players booked into a fixture regardless of late cancellation or no show are paid! This is now the case for Joondalup! It is important that you read the instructions of play that are posted above each fixture as you book so you are clear on information provided for each fixture.

Scoring at Joondalup: When playing at Joondalup next week don’t use Joondalup for scoring Mi Score! Go to ‘Add a new Club’ and put in ‘AVGU NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS’ and this will be where you will score at Joondalup. Tom Grimston will be there along with Joondalup Delegate, John Dec, to assist. Those not using the App will need to score using a card which must be handed to the Captain or Tom at the end of your round.

Meadow Spring Golf & Country Club Monday 18 July.

92 players turned up to play for the North v South Trophy Day and win ‘Bragging Rights’ as to where the best golfers play!  MSG&CC Manager Scott Proctor supports the WAVGA with great hospitality and sponsorship making it a great day!

Club Delegates on the day, Mal Kent, Alan Wiseman and John Holiday – great job welcoming everyone to the Club and providing valuable information for the players.

Our sponsor on the day was Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club with Manager Scott Proctor providing Player Vouchers and a dozen Golf Balls for the Ball Sweep.

• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Alan Wiseman with 37 points, B Grade winner William (Billie) Little with an impressive 43 points and C Grade winner Norm Thomas with 39 points (This week’s rooster was last week’s feather duster – a lot of solid training during the week no doubt!). Local member Billie Little was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 79. It was Neil thatcher who also won the money on the Super Pin Hole 16 – $74. Eric Curley blitzed his fellow OBE competitors with a solid 31 Points!

Next Fixture: Joondalup hosted and welcomed by local member John Dec.

Captain’s Update Tuesday July 2022

North V South Challenge: Only one week to go and we will know!  ‘North v South’ played at Meadow Springs fixture on Monday July 18 will decide if North of the River or South of the River has the best golfers! Book in now to support your territories reputation! The winner will be decided with the total of the best 20 scores from players from each area.

Joondalup Scoring: Club Secretary Tom Grimston, will utilise this fixture to test the MiClub system that WAVGA have purchased for the Nationals Events which we will host in November. Players will be able to use the MiScore App but importantly it will not be through Joondalup but using the AVGU National Championships club. There will be no printed cards and those members using a card will have to get their daily handicap from the lookup chart – there will need to be one on the registration desk. These cards will then have to be given to Tom after the game to manually enter

• Remember, enter “AVGU National Championships” as the host club and your scoring and playing partners will appear as per normal. We hope!

Gross Winner: A remainder that to win Best Gross you must record a score on all holes – even if you wipe a hole put in the score for the hole to ensure you record a total stroke record on the MiScore App which I utilise to calculate the Gross Winner!

Lake Karrinyup Country Club Monday 11 July.

104 players! This was less than was expected however there were a few late withdrawals and it was these that missed a very enjoyable golf experience! The day was perfect for golf – weather was ideal, the course was amazing, and the hospitality was outstanding.

Club Delegates on the day was Colin Thorniley who was thrilled to welcome everyone to his home club after a few years absence from our annual list of fixtures.  It was Colin’s liaison with LKCC that enable us to secure this fixture for 2022 and we hope it will continue as a reoccurring fixture into the future.

Our sponsor on the day was Drummond Golf.

• Congratulations to A Grade Winner David St George with 34 points, B Grade winner Mark O’Donoghue with 38 points and a spectacular (or lucky) C Grade win by Ron Ross with 35 points! Best Gross winner with a score of 80 was John Ryan. OBE winner this week was Peter Livingstone who returned to the winner’s circle to claim victory over fellow OBE competitors. It was Alan Godsell who also won the money on the Super Pin Hole 5 – $77.

Next Fixture: Meadow Springs, hosted by Club Delegates Mal Kent and Ted Holliday – David Scott gives his apology as he will be lazing around a pool in Singapore thinking of us and planning for the upcoming AVGU National Championships!!!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 5 July 2022

Welcome new members: Gee Lightfoot, Jayne Duffy and Tony O’Shea  were warmly welcomed as new members of the WAVGA at the Presentation after golf at WA Golf Club.

Registration Desk: I ask that all WAVGA members check in with the Registration Desk on arrival at each of our venues. This is our record of who arrives and plays – please don’t leave it up to other members to register your arrival. This information is important for charging credit cards and finalising the Comp Details. As I mentioned last week, it is important that all players submit their playing cards so the Comp be finalised and no time wasted trying to locate missing cards! 

North V South Challenge: Who has the best golfers – North of the River or South? This event was postponed when the Araluen fixture in May was cancelled due to stormy weather!  ‘North v South’ will now be played at our Meadow Springs fixture on Monday July 18! Book in now to support your territories reputation! The winner will be decided with the total of the best 20 scores from players from each area.

Western Australian Golf Club Monday 4 July.

112 players experienced a fantastic day of golf – a course in top condition and fabulous weather. The Club was very accommodating, and the support given by the WAGC staff in catering for us was exceptional – Nicole Martino (GM) and her staff deserve high praise! Our next fixture at WAGC will be on Monday 12 December – Golf and Presentation Dinner!

Club Delegates on the day, Graham Bourgault and Charlie Lancey welcomed everyone to the Club. Charlie going above and beyond by providing a WAGC Tee to all players and making an additional ’Nearest the Pin’ marker for the additional Par 3 that WAGC has.

Our sponsor on the day was WAVGA Life Members – Gary Carter and Ron Cole. Gary spoke at the Presentation and explained the reason for Ron Cole’s non-attendance due to health reason, but Gary certainly enjoyed the day by not only winning the OBE with 31 points but was also 4^th in C Grade!

• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Digby Barrett with 38 points, B Grade winner Lindsay Stagoll with 37 points and C Grade winner Graham Dore. Local member Ross Clarke was Best Gross winner with a gross score of 79. It was Ross Clarke who also won the money on the Super Pin Hole 5 – $88.

Next Fixture: Karrinyup, hosted by Club Delegate Collin Thorniley. There is a wait list, but as always seems to be the case lately, we end up with vacancies on the day and all those on the wait list get a game! 

Captain’s Update Wednesday 29 June 2022

Chequers Golf Club Monday 27 June

52 Players and a great course set up along with fabulous hospitality. Thanks for the WA Veteran Golfers Chequers Members who sponsored the day.

• Congratulations to Winner and Chequers GC Member Fred Feucs on a countback of 34. Best Gross was John Ryan.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; Dave Barton  and Graham Dore. Brian Milburn and Graham Dore deserve a special thanks for processing the comp and assisting with results.
• OBE: Jeff Watkins.  

Next Fixture: Western Australian Golf Club (Yokine). Club delegates Chalie Lancey and Graham Bourgault will welcome you to the Club. Don’t forget to let Graham know if you are available to assist at the Nationals in November!

At the present time we have 128 starters in the field and 20 players on the start list! We are unable to get anymore places as we are at the maximum allocation by WAGC. If you cannot play for any reason please take your name of the list early so other members are not disadvantaged! Charlie and Graham will be busy with this many starters!!

Score Submission: If for some reason you don’t complete a round and a NSA (No Score Associated) record needs to be awarded, please let the Pro Shop aware of your circumstances or the captain. All too often time is wasted trying to find these missing cards before a competition can be completed.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 22 June 2022

Vines Resort Monday 20 June

88 Players enjoyed the day with a leisurely drive around 18 magnificent, but tricky holes!

• Our sponsor on the day was Real estate Plus.
• Congratulations to A Grade Winner John Lennon with 35 points, B Grade winner Fred Feucs 36 points and C Grade winner Peter Stewart 29 points. Royal Fremantle member John Lennon was Best Gross winner with a of 84. It was Doug Hudson won the money though on the Super Pin Hole 5 – nearly a hole in one, hitting the flag stick and centimetres from the hole!
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; Steve Spenser and Doug Hudson welcoming us all to Vines Resort – Ellen Brook Course.
• OBE: Gary Carter.  Well done Gary in good form following last week’s win!

Next Fixture: Chequers Golf Club. Club delegates Graham Dore and Brian Bell will be your host on the day.

Travel Tip: For those who have travelled the USA you will be aware of the respect that their Military Veterans are awarded. Many businesses offer discounts to Veterans and in particularly Museums and Public Venues. It was one of the WAVGA members from Chequers GC who is presently in the USA who wore his WAGA Shirt to one of these venues and was immediately offered a 20% entrance discount and thanked for being a Veteran. The Tip: Wear your WA Veteran Golf Shirt when visiting USA! If you haven’t got a shirt see Tom Grimston to order one now!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 15 June 2022

Sun City Country Club Monday 13 June: 84 enthusiastic golfers played the event in conditions that began windy but ended up perfect – the course was in wonderful condition and Josh Gopupillot, Golf Operations at SCCC made sure everything was in readiness for our fixture:

• Our sponsor on the day was Drummond Golf.
• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Richard Day with 43 points and B Grade winner James Carslaw (39 points). Local member Brett Flatters was Best Gross winner with a of 77. It was Ian Gray won the money though on the Super Pin Hole 8.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; Robert Bennet and Brett Flatters welcoming us all to Sun City Country Club.
• OBE: Great to see so many of our OBE (Over Bloody Eighty) members joining us at SCCC, but it was Gary Carter who showed us all how to play with 36 points to be the best OBE scorer on the day and got second outright in B Division. Well done Gary!

Next Fixture: The Vines an 11.30 Shot Gun start – make sure you arrive no later than 11.00am for the briefing and time to drive out to your starting tee. READY GOLF will be essential to keep the pace of the game moving so that the round is complete well before sunset! This is the shortest day of the year, and the sun sets very early at 5.19pm!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 8 June 2022

 Vice Captains:  My thanks to Doug Hudson and Stan Bartley for stepping up and managing the Royal Fremantle and Mosman Park fixtures in my absence while away on ‘Fish Research’!

Results:

• Royal Fremantle: 102 starters and nice weather. Well played by grade winners: Warren Howard (gross winner as well), Terry Porter and Liam Burns. On the desk were Chuck Macfarlane and Clayton Dunning. Tony Oehme certainly knows the venues to win the nearest the pin picking up $80 for his effort! My thanks to the Royal Fremantle Members of WAVGA for sponsoring the addition prize for Best Nett Overall Player that was won by Stephen Duffy (winner had to be present to receive the trophy).
• Mosman Park: 48 starters and thanks to Ian Hutton and James Carslaw for again welcoming us to Mosman Park and congratulations to event winner (and Best Gross) Roland Scheffler.

Next fixture – Sun City Golf Club: My thanks to Sun City Members Brett Flatters and Rob Bennett for accepting the Delegate positions for SCGC.

Presentation Suggestion: When it does come to sorting out the Awards for Presentation it does take time to collate all the relevant information. However, one of the major hold ups is the finalization of the player results with the Pro Shop. All too often the delay is created by players who don’t use the MiScore App that are late in submitting their cards to the Pro Shop. The Suggestion (as proposed by some of our members): If you do not utilise the MiScore App please don’t book yourself into the last 2 or 3 groups!

Thanks to the members who suggested this action as a means of enhancing our golfing experience. If you have similar practical ideas that could help with the enjoyment of the comradery and participation, please drop me an email and I can share this with our members as well. Ron Ross, Captain.

Captain’s Update Sunday 22 May

Araluen Fixture – the decision has been made to cancel the WAVGA fixture for Monday 23 May. This decision was a difficult decision to make but many factors had to be considered in making this decision:

• Monday forecast for the Armadale Area is 30-60mm with very high (near 100%) chance of showers and thunderstorms predicted in the morning/afternoon.
• Low number of players remained in the comp and the fact that many more could drop of the starters list (as is the trend) when bad weather is eminent.
• The charging structure of Araluen GC – once numbers are set, WAVGA is expected to pay for all players listed (which would be on charged to members irrespective if they played or not.
• If the event was cancelled later than 10am Sunday WAVGA could be liable for a 10% cancellation fee of the original 80 player booking – a $400 cost to WAVGA. This could have also been the case if starter numbers on the Monday remained very low.

The North of the River verses the South of the River Comp will now be rescheduled to a later date and venue.

Again my apology to those few golfer who remained on the ‘Starters Sheet’ for Araluen but for golfer safety and financial reasons, as stated above, the decision to cancel was made. Thank you for your understanding of the cancellation in this instance and happy golfing!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 18 May 2022

ARALUEN North of the River V South of the River Challenge: Booking sheet is full but the weather forecast is not looking flash – just as well golf is an ‘all weather’ sport! Please read the important ‘Charge’ information for this event on the ‘Fixtures’ page. Once starters names/numbers have been reported to Araluen GC early Monday morning that is the number we have to pay for. So, if your name is on the sheet after the fixture closes you will be obliged to pay even if you do not attend! Sorry about this arrangement, but this is how Araluen GC operates as a business!

Captains for the Challenge will be Stan Sexton (South) and Doug Hudson (North) may the best team win!

Royal Fremantle: As predicted, the field has filled very quickly. Please add your name to the ‘Wait List’ if you have not been able to get a time slot. It is hoped that Fremantle will be able to provide some more playing places, but with the earlier sunsets sometime this may not be possible. Please consider your booking certainty and the needs of your fellow members. Please do not leave withdrawal from the event until the last possible moment preventing someone else taking your placement. Chuck Macfarlane and fellow RFGC Members will be the Delegates welcoming us to their Club.

Captain’s Apology: I will be absent for the Royal Fremantle and Mosman Park Fixtures as I will in Carnarvon on a fishing ‘research’ project for two weeks (better known as a Fishing Comp!). I am sure the Vice Captain’s, and the Committee will ensure the continued smooth running of the WA Veteran Golf Association during my absence.

Welcome: Welcome to new members of the WA Veteran Golf Association, and in particular John Jordan from Melville Glades GC, who joined us for his first game with WAVGA at Nedlands. I am sure he enjoyed his game and will enjoy the comradery of the WAVGA into the future.

Sun City Golf Club: Yes, we move north of the metropolitan area to sunny weather for this event on Monday 13 June! My thanks to Sun City Members Brett Flatters and Rob Bennett for accepting the Delegate positions for SCGC.

Nedlands Golf Club Monday 16 May.

A huge thankyou to Nedlands Golf Club and their GM Mellissa Castalidi allowing us to play at Nedlands after Rockingham GC had to cancel our planned fixture there due to Senior Pennant commitments imposed by Golf WA.  

• Our sponsor on the day was Gadean Footwear.
• After a few late withdrawals the field was reduced to 58 starters and therefore only a 1 Grade Comp. Congratulations to Winner Shaun Greenfield (41 Points) and runner-up Chuck Macfarlane (39 Points). Shaun Greenfield was Best Gross winner with 75. Darrell Lynch won the money ($46) on the Super Pin Hole.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegate; Richard Lee welcoming us to Nedlands Golf Club.
• Next Fixture: Araluen and then Royal Fremantle.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 11^th May 2022

ARALUEN North V South Challenge:  Bookings are now open and only a few spots left – so get in quickly! The number of entrants so far is looking a little ‘loaded’ from the north of the river players! North has 54 registered entrants and the South with 21. However, no matter what tactics the north players have planned, will quality rule over quantity on the day? Our Northam WA Veteran Golf Association Members have been deemed to be part of the South of the River Challenge as most of Northam Town Site is located to the South of the Avon River – welcome to the South Team Northan Boys!

VIEW FINDER: Secret Harbour Golf Club contacted me to report a View Finder was left in one of the later group carts utilised on the day. If you believe this is yours, contact the Pro Shop as it was left with them by the ‘Cart Staff”.

Secret Harbour Golf Club Monday 9^th May.

Fabulous weather for golf once again with 69 starters enjoying the course and hospitality!

• Our sponsor on the day was Richard Pace’s Nutri-Mate Dog Rolls.
• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Tim Turner (42 Points) and B Grade winner Barry ‘Shark’ Quigley (41 points). Darrell Lynch was Best Gross winner with a of 76. Doug Hudson won the money though on the Super Pin Hole, but it was Digby Barrett who won the Nearest the Pin on that hole – can someone lend Digby $1 next week and remind him to put his name on the Super Pin Sheet.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; Maggie Thatcher and Doug Hudson welcoming us to Secret Harbour Golf Club.
• Next Fixture: Nedlands and Club Delegate Richard Lee.  My person thanks to Nedlands Golf Club making their course available for our use on the day after the originally planned fixtured club cancelled due to their ‘Senior Vet Pennant’ commitments.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 3rd May, 2022

BIGGEST EVENT OF THE YEAR: Well maybe the most anticipated event of the year, but not necessarily the biggest, is nearly upon us! he big question is: who has the best golfers – those to the South of the river or to the North? The question will be answered on Monday May 23 at Araluen Resort Golf Club and let the bragging rights begin! When the event opens you will need to be quick to reserve your spot for the ‘defence’ of your territory’s reputation as it is limited to only 80 players! The Inaugural North v South Trophy will be presented at the end of the event! 

Wanneroo Golf Club Monday 2nd May:

Perfect weather for Autumn Golf!

• My thanks to Vice Captains Stan Bartley and Doug Hudson for hosting the presentation in my absence – from all reports a job well done! 
• Our sponsor on the day was Gadean Footwear.
• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Phil Wagner (38 Points) and B Grade winner Geoff Smith (37 points). Warren Howard was Best Gross winner with a of 77. Graig Shieles won $54 on the Super Pin Hole 15.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates: Warren Howard and Jim Treloar welcoming us all to Wanneroo Golf Club. The work that these Delegates do at their home club is invaluable to the WA Veteran Golf organisation and assists in making the visitors feel welcome at an event.
• Next Fixture: Secret Harbour Golf Club.  Secret Harbour has requested that there be no gaps in the field so please be aware that your requested Tee Off time may change prior to the event. If your time is affected you will receive an email advising of the change – however, for everyone please check your playing time on the morning of the event and allow travel time to arrive in plenty of time for your start time.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 27 April 2022

GROSS WINNER CALCULATIONS:  When using the Stableford Scores to calculate the Gross Winner, this method does not consider the holes that were recorded as a wipe (P on the MisScore App). In the future the Gross Winner Award will be calculated on the Gross Shots by the player. If a ‘P’ is recorded for a hole, the shots attributed to that hole will be the Par plus 3 shots – this will then be added to the total of strokes you played for the game. This will mainly affect A Grade Players. Therefore, it is advised that you record your shots for each hole up until the Par plus 3 score is reached. Eg: If you score 7 on a Par 5 and you would normally enter this as a wipe (low handicapper) put in the 7 score – otherwise the ‘P’ would be recorded as an 8 when the captain is calculating Gross Winner. Gross Winning Calculation was explained at the Mt Lawley Presentation and was utilised to determine the Gross Winning Score on the day. I thank the members that drew this ‘idiosyncrasy’ in the scoring app to my attention.  ‘Wipes’ will now be added for the calculation of Gross Score.

AVGU 2022 National Championship in Mandurah (6th to 11th November): Please read the notice on the fixture page ouling the assistance needed to host this event – let Graham know how you can assist!

 Mt Lawley Golf Club Tuesday 26^th April:

 Weather was perfect for some wonderful golf – proving the Weatherman wrong again!

• Our sponsor on the day was the Mt Lawley Vets.
• Congratulations to A Grade Winner Francis Forrester (40 Points and our winner last week at Melville Glades as well) and B Grade winner Robert Bennett (40 points). Warren Howard was Best Gross winner with a score of 77. Mal Kent won the money on Super Pin Hole 13.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; David St George welcoming us all to Mt Lawley Golf Club.
• Next Fixture: Wanneroo Golf Club.  

Captain’s Update Wednesday 20 April 2022

VACANCIES ON BOOKING SHEETS: At many of our recent fixtures there have been vacant gaps between tee times for groups in the field, and at other times only two players left in a group. Golf Clubs are a business and have requested that our field need to be compacted so they can free up valuable playing space and availability on their courses. Therefore, to ‘keep the peace’ and to have host clubs continuing support with discounted rates and use of their facilities it will, at times, require adjusting placements in the field. When a fixture is condensed, or your position altered, members affected will receive 2 emails: one detailing their cancelled position and a second confirming their new Tee OFF time and Grouping.  You will not lose a placement in the field but who you are playing with, or your start time may change.

Please ensure you check your booking on the Web Page prior to the day of the event to ensure you know when to arrive well in advance of your allocated start time.

Booking Hints:

• See a space, fill it with your booking.
• Booking a group – fill the next available line.

Melville Glades Golf Club Tuesday 19^th April:

• Our sponsor on the day was Jeff Watkins and his company ACTIVE CARE.

• Melville Glades was being prepared for their Club Championships was presented in great condition. Congratulations to A Grade Winner Don Hitchcock (39 Points) and B Grade winner Colin Thorniley (40 points). Dave Falconer was Best Gross winner with a of 80. Tim Turner won the money though on the Super Pin Hole 4.
• Huge thankyou and congratulations to the Registration Desk Delegates; Willie Henry and Jeff Watkins for welcoming us all to Melville Glades.
• Next Fixture: Mt Lawley Golf Club’sDelegate David St George will organise his fellow WA Veteran Golf Members to be the welcoming committee to Mt Lawley – thanks to their members for being the sponsors of the day on Tuesday 26 April.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 13 April 2022

The Cut Tuesday 11^th April:

• Our sponsor on the day was Drummond Golf. The Mandurah Drummond Golf Store Manager Ian Taylor was scheduled to play in the event but unfortunately business commitments meant a late apology. He hopes to be at one of our upcoming events to meet the WA Vet Members.

• The Cut – Fabulous conditions for the early starters but a down pour and thunderstorm for the later starters! Still a great course with a fantastic outlook of the Indian Ocean and challenging holes! Congratulations to A Grade Winner David St George (39 Points) and B Grade winner David Lamont with an impressive 44 points! Peter Sweetlove was equally impressive with a Gross Score of 77. Tim Turner won the money though on the Super Pin Hole 4.
• Next Fixtures: Because of Easter and ANZAC Days being Public Holidays on a Monday our next 2 fixtures, Melville Glades and Mt Lawley, fall on a Tuesday. At Melville Glades members Willie Henry and Jeff Watkins will be on the Delegates Desk to welcome you all to their course! At Mt Lawley David St George will organise his fellow WA Veteran Golf Members to be the welcoming committee to Mt Lawley – thanks to their members for being the sponsors of the day on Tuesday 26 April.
• Drummond Membership Cards: These have been given to Club Reps and will be handed out at your respective clubs by whoever received these from Tom. Remember, for those that have not yet received their card, when at Drummond you don’t need your Drummond Membership Card to receive a discount, you as a WA Veteran Golf Member are recognised on their system and will be treated as a Drummond Club Member and entitled to all the benefits!
• Order Of Merit Update: This can be found on the ‘Results Page’ and will be updated at various times through the season.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 5^th April

Araluen! What a golf Experience! Those who played the Ambrose Event on the Day certainly had an enjoyable time – though some had a few more shots than they bargained for. Full results of the day are listed in the ‘Game Results’.

South of the River V North of the River: This event will be played at the Araluen Golf Resort on Monday 23 May. Bookings will be limited to 80 players, and it will be a Stableford Event.

Event Bookings: When booking into a fixture, and all fixtures, please make sure you read the information concerning the particulars of your booking. If your name is on the sheet after bookings close, Clubs are charging us for your ‘no show’ and the cost will need to be credited to your account! So – if you are not able to play, remove your name as soon as possible to avoid charges! Also, if you remove your name at the last possible time, you are not allowing those on the waiting list an opportunity to access to the fixture and all too often a playing groups are reduced to only 2 players on the day.

Variations in Playing Times: With some fixtures there are big gaps in the field. Clubs do not like to have these gaps between playing groups and as Captain, at times I will make changes to eliminate these gaps. You will receive an email, if changes have been made.  Please check the Booking Sheet’ on the morning of a fixture to ensure you have the correct time and arrive in time. Thanks!

See you at ‘The Cut’ next Monday (11 April).

Captain’s Update Wednesday 30 March 2022

Hartfield GC Monday 28^th March:

• Club Delegates: Lynton Piggott, Mike Stokes and Gordon Sherlock were our Gosnells Delegate this week. A bit of a ‘Hic Cup’ to begin with but a strong field got away OK! Harfield was in wonderful condition after a week of events celebrating their 50 Year Anniversary and the course was certainly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Harfield Golf Club for their Sponsorship and support of the event. Congratulations to Grade winners: Jeff Pace and Ross Hancock. Best Gross:  Maggie Thatcher. Great Eagle on the 9^th by Francis Forrester!

• Araluen 2 Man Ambrose Event
• How to play: Two players work as a team! Each player hits off the tee, the best shot is selected, and the other player picks up their ball and place it, within one handspan, alongside the best ball. Each person then hits a second shot from the same spot. Off the fairway, ball is dropped and played where it rests.
• Scorecard: Ambrose is scored in stroke.
• Handicap: A team handicap is calculated by adding the team members’ individual handicaps together then dividing it by four for a two-player team. This is then subtracted from the Gross Score of the Team to arrive at the Net Score. Please make sure you arrive knowing your current GA to calculate your Araluen Handicap.
• Member Bookings: I realise urgent matters do arise which prevent attendance at a fixture but if you know you can’t play on the day, please remove your name from the fixture ASAP so others can fill your spot! Removing your name late on Sunday evening, shifting your placement or adding your name makes it difficult to notify host clubs of changes on the Golflink scoring procedure and becomes annoying for them when I have to send through numerous ‘player updates’ for our event!
• Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain/vice captains for you to utilise at Drummond Golf

Captain’s Update Friday 25 March   …..back from Southwest Tour.

What a great week down South for WA Veteran Golfers and their partners:

• BRUCE ROWLEY SHIELD: Played at Bunbury Golf Course on Monday 21^st of March retained and won by ‘Team City’. Well done all those who assisted in the win. A notable performance by new City Vet Member Rob Bennett who top scored with 41 points on a c/b from Michael Hardless who also scored 41 points. The WA City Vets were off to a great start and after the top 20 players’ scores from City and Country Vets were added it left little doubt that ”Team City’ had retained the shield with a score of 723 to 706.
• CAPEL GC: Notable Scores: Judy king (41pts) and Stan Sexton (40pts).
• Collie GC: Notable Scores: Doug Hudson (38pts) from Richard Day on C/B (38pts).
• Harvey GC: Notable Scores: Peter King (36pts) and Brett Flatters (33pts).
• Overall Combined Score Winners for the 3 days: 1st:  Teresa Smart, 2nd:  Judy King, and 3rd: Peter King

MiScore: Have you see the new feature on MiScore? A 3-minute timer has been added to the App to make the determination of the time spent looking for a ‘lost golf ball’ clearer and precise! Once a player begins looking for their ball and the 3-minute time allowance expires, that ball is no longer in play and players need to move on!

Hartfield is the Next event and thankyou for the delegates of Lynton Piggott, Mike Stokes and Gordon Sherlock making themselves available to welcome players to Hartfield on the registration desk.

Araluen 4^th April: Bookings are filling fast for this ‘2 Man Ambrose’ Event. Please ensure if you do book that you commit to the booking – all too often members withdraw, or don’t arrive,  at the last minute preventing members on the ‘wait list’ to fill a vacated spot!

Captain’s Update Wednesday 16 March 2022

Gosnells GC Monday 14^th March:

• Lodging Round Score: Can I remind members that at the conclusion of your round it is your responsibility to ensure that your score is entered into the golf link system. For those using MiSCcore this is easily done via the App. If still using a card system, enter score on the facility provided by the Host Club (If unsure check with the Pro Shop – and ensure your score is entered into the system). Presentation is unduly delayed because players cards are missing or not entered – thanks for your assistance.
• Club Delegates: Terry Smith was our Gosnells Delegate this week and it is pleasing to see that we now have several Gosnells Members indicating they will now be joining the WA Veteran Golf Association. Thanks Terry, for a job well done!
• City V Country Vet Challenge: Peter Green, from the Country Vets Association is already ‘crowing’ about a Country Win – we will have to see about that when we gather in Bunbury to decide the winner!
• For those staying the additional days for golf at Capel, Collie and Harvey. I am sure you will enjoy the hospitality and experience offered by these hosting clubs. Please make sure you check the web page for your starting times. The Country Delegates hosting our visits are:
• Capel: Peter Lange (First Tee Off time 8.45am)
• Collie: Greg Bell ((First Tee Off time 10.30am)
• Harvey: Jeremy Lister (First Tee Off time 10.00)

                Check the web site for the cost, comp fee and hospitality offered.

• New Members: At Gosnells we welcomed 4 new members to the WA Veteran Golf Association: Steve Duffy (Royal Fremantle), Steve Elias (Lakelands), Gary Lightfoot (Melville Glades), and Barry Judge (Royal Fremantle).
• Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain/vice captains for you to utilise at Drummond Golf
• After returning from the Southwest Tour, we meet at Hartfield on Monday 28^th March.
• Please be advised that the first Araluen fixture scheduled for Monday 4^th April will be a 2 Man Ambrose event – so get your partner organised so you can book in together when the event opens on the web.

Captain’s Update Wednesday 9 March 2022

Mosman Park GC Tuesday 8^th March:

• Club Delegates: What a welcome, to a fabulous golf course, local members Ian Hutton and James Carslaw offered to our players on arrival. The extensive and precise ‘players notes’ equipped everyone for a great round of golf.
• The only hiccup on the day was that Mosman Park Golf Club had set the comp up as ‘Stroke’ – but with the assistance of MiClub this was converted back to ‘Stableford’ as originally requested. Once everyone had completed their round this conversion was completed leaving another problem: the winner’s card of 38 points was missing, and once verified by playing partners the omission error was corrected and prize allocation allotted accordingly.
• Congratulations and well played to our winners: Brian Bell and Warren Howard as Gross Winner with 77.
• Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain/vice captains for you to utilize at Drummond Golf
• Gosnells next week!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 1^st March 2022

Royal Fremantle Monday 28^th February:

• Club Delegates: ‘Team Fremantle’ Delegates: Chuck Macfarlane, Clayton Gunning and John Lennon thanks for a job well done
• Lost and deleted Cart Bookings proved to be an annoyance and distraction for many on the day! However, after lengthy discussions with Fremantle I am confident this will not be a problem for our members for future playing dates at RFGC. If you were affected, as I know a few were unable to play because of lack of carts, I hope this will not deter you from booking at our next visit to RFGC on Monday May 30 – but keep contacting the Pro Shop to make sure you cart booking is saved and secure!
• Fremantle Members sponsored the ‘Best Nett Score’ on the day and Graham Dore with 37 points, won a RFGC Shirt for his outstanding score. Congratulations and well played to our Grade winners: Chuck Macfarlane (A Grade), Neil Munroe (B Grade) and Bruce Burns (C Grade).  
• By the way, Chuck Macfarlane recorded the best gross – well done Chuck! 
• Country v City Challenge in Bunbury: Sill some ‘City’ places to fill!
• Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain/vice captains for you to utilise at Drummond Golf.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 22^nd February 2022

Meadow Springs Monday 21^st February:

• Apologies for the mix up of Grades at the Presentation – however, this has now been changed back to the correct required 2 Grade results and winners are correctly listed in the ‘Game Results’ section of the WA Veteran Golf Association Web Site.
• Congratulations and well played to our Grade winners: Rolf Kraus (A Grade) with an outstanding 43 points and Bruce Burns (B Grade) with an equally impressive 36 Points. Rolf and Bruce received a Voucher from Meadow Springs Golf and Country Club for 18 Holes of golf for 2 people including motorised golf cart – exceptional prize donated by Meadow Springs!
• Well done Peter Sweetlove with the Best Gross of 77.
• Country v City Challenge in Bunbury: Please book into the remaining available spots in this fixture! We are challenging the Country Vets on their hoe ground at the Bunbury Golf Club, and we need all our positions filled so we can have the best possible representation to retain the title, prestige and shield.
• Club Delegates: The expertise and organisation skill of the club delegates for each of the clubs played so far this year has been exceptional. At Meadow Springs it was Mal Kent, Alan Wiseman and David Scott being our hosts. Congratulations on a job well done!
• Drummond Voucher Balance of Credits: Your current balance of uncollected accrued credit will be listed in this ‘Captains Corner’ in future. Once you have reached increments of either $25 of $50, vouchers can be obtained from the captain/vice captains for you to utilise at Drummond Golf

Royal Fremantle 28^th February

• See you there next Monday – our largest field of players ever, so please keep the pace of play moving so our late starters finish at a suitable time.

Captain’s Update Tuesday 15^th February 2022

Cottesloe Monday 14^th February:

• Congratulations and well played to our Grade winners: Digby Barrett (A Grade) with 38 points – resting from the Wanneroo fixture must have inspired Digby, Tony Viner (B Grade) 36 Points and Ian Gray (C Grade) with 34 points.
• Well done Brendan Curtain with the Best Gross.
• PACE of PLAY: As mentioned at Presentation, please be aware of the need to keep up with the group in front of you. Please ensure, that when looking for a lost ball, that the group adheres to the 3-minute rule time.  If the ball is not located within the 3 minute time limit. move on quickly or preferably hit the ‘provisional ball’ to ensure continuity. Please note: if you find the ball after the 3 minutes search time that ball is NO LONGER in play!
• Club Delegates: Outstanding work by Geoff Smith and Peter Livingstone. It was fantastic to hear Geoff speak at presentation about Cottesloe GC and his passion for the Club and progress of the club and facilities.

Meadow Springs 21^st February

• Club Delegates Mal Kent, Peter Scott and Alan Wiseman will be Club delegates and hosts for this event.
• Shot Gun Start: Please arrive early to ensure we get away on time!

Captain’s Update Tuesday 8^th February 2022

Wanneroo Monday 7^th February:

• Congratulations and well played to our Grade winners: Michael Hart (A Grade) with 41 points and he revealed his secret to everyone at presentation as having minimal putts, Michael Van Drunen (B Grade) 35 Points and Dave Brown (C Grade) with 36 points.
• Well done Warren Howard with the Best Gross.
• PACE of PLAY: Those groups that played of the 10^th had an average round of 4 hrs 30 minutes, however for those beginning off the 1^st were complaining that the average round was 5 hours! With large field it is important for all of us to be aware of the reasons for slow play and encourage our group to always play ‘ready golf’ and keep the flow moving!
• Club Delegates: My personal thanks go to Warren Howard, Jim Treloar and Darrell Lynch for setting up and running the registration desk – fantastic organisation with all the relevant information available for visiting members.

Drummond Golf Sponsorship

• Our new Platinum Sponsor who will bring many benefits to our members – including membership to Drummond Golf Discounts at all their stores and online.
• Presentation Prize Values will now be as follows utilising ‘Drummond Credit Vouchers’: Best Gross $15, OBE $10, Nearest the Pin $10, Each Grade will have Vouchers for 1^st to 5^th place: 1^st $50, 2^nd $25, 3^rd $15, 4^th $10 and 5^th $5. (1^st and 2^nd on the day will receive vouchers – the other values will be recorded by the Captain and once the member wants to redeem accumulated values can request a vouch from the Captain/Vice Captain. Ball Sweep will continue with 1 dozen balls to be given out at presentation. Super Pin continues.

Booking Guests

• Please contact/text the Captain on 0438217065 or email if you wish to book a guest. The guest will not be booked until the Saturday before the fixture as Members have preference to the fixture and will only be booked if vacancies are available. In the Text message please include: name, guest’s home club and golflink number.

Cottesloe 14^th February

• Huge thankyou to Club Delegates Geoff Smith and Peter Livingstone (filling in for Peter Stewart in his absence) for your organisation in preparations for hosting the event.
• Waiting List: We have now secured more Tee Off times for Cottesloe as there was a large waiting list. Please keep checking the waiting list as your name is uploaded to the starters list.

Apologies For ‘No Show’

• If for unforeseen circumstances, if you cannot attend a fixture on the day, please contact the Captain or Vice-Captain to let them know. Preferably we would prefer you to take your name out before the fixture closes at 6.00pm on Sunday Evening to enable other members to fill the vacancy.

Booking Opening Time

• Bookings for the next event in a fortnight open on the web site at 7.00pm on Monday evening.

Country Week Bookings

• Open now! Guest (including partners) can be booked for the Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday events by contacting the Captain now,