16/12/2024

THE Lady Veterans colourful Christmas event was a 4 person drop out Ambrose, played with 2 clubs and a putter to add to the fun. None of the 60 players seemed to miss all the other clubs they cart around with them every other game though, so it was a close finish with the leaders just over half a point ahead of the rest of the field. Some individual highlights included Sharon Barwick’s great putt for birdie on the 10th; Deb Dummett’s amazing chip in on the 12th; Donna Clemens chip in for par on the 13th; Marlene Stokes getting her team in for birdie 2 on the 16th; and team Elsa, Rosarie and Carol scoring 5 pars in their round. Well played, ladies.

Results: 9 Hole 4 Person Ambrose 12/12/2024

1st: Pauline Barham, Dawn Nealon, Colleen Inskip, and Maxine Mitchell on 31 points

2nd: Ann Morris, Jeanette Kemp, Viv Ballinger and Dawn Gough on 31.62

3rd: Debbie Andrews, Marlene Stokes, June London and Mim Murdoch

Lucky Card Draw: Darelle Rowe, Janet Moore and Janet Merryweather

NTP Hole 3: Trish Sattler, Helena Wilton, Trish Collins and Marcia Smith

NTP: Marlene Stokes, Mim Murdoch, Debbie Andrews and June London

Presentation Day followed the golf on Thursday, with 65 ladies enjoying lunch and dancing the afternoon away to Mungo Jacks in the clubhouse. It was a fantastic celebration of everything Lady Veterans golf is about: fun, pleasure and enjoying your day at golf.

Lady Vets Presentation Day Awards

Champions

Division 1 Gross Denise Sainty; R/U June Biddle; Div 1 Nett Robyn Keegan; R/U Sue Kovacs

Division 2 Gross Di Smith; R/U Donna Clemens; Div 2 Nett Dawn Gough; R/U Janet Moore

Division 3 Gross Pam Keegan; R/U Pat Dodd; Div 3 Nett Robyn Henshaw; R/U Gene Prigg

There were many other awards (a full list will be available on the club website shortly) including:

Lady Vets Trophy: 1st Marcia Smith; R/U Annie Benton

President-Captain’s Trophy (best gross over the year): Deb Matheson

Grandmother’s Trophy: Jo Buttrey

Encouragement Award: Di Russell

Broken Handicap: Jo Scott

This year sees the retirement of 3 key members of the Lady Vets Committee, after 9 years in the role: Captain Fran Henderson, President Pat Dodd, and Committee Member Di Smith. In her farewell speech, Fran paid tribute to the founding members of vets golf in 1986, and to all those who encouraged her through the years as the group grew to what it is today. She is rightly proud of the points system, which rewards participation and is a great equalizer. Fran, Pat and Di all said they wouldn’t miss the 6am phone calls on Thursdays, but look forward to being able to enjoy the pleasure of playing with all the ladies in the friendly game of Lady Vets golf.

Our Golden Girls, lady vets who have reached their 80’s and 90’s throughout the year, were also celebrated with beautiful flowers from Sharon Barwick and Sue Forde. Pam Kelly, who at 91 is one of the original lady vets golfers, had the honour of cutting the Christmas cake made by Di Smith. We also farewelled Sandra Hargraves, who is leaving us for Brisbane after spending 20 happy years of golfing and friendship in Hawks Nest. She hoped we would all enjoy the same experience here, quipping that “You only realise how good it’s been when you’re gone, and that’s not under!” That’s the spirit!

Hawks Nest Lady Vets Golfers wish you all a safe and happy Christmas, and look forward to 2025 when competition will resume on January 16th.

By Dianne BOWES