38th ANNUAL Hawks Nest Ladies Golf Classic 2024

Congratulations to everyone involved in the successful staging of this prestigious golfing tournament. In its 38th year, the tournament raises funds for the Westpac rescue helicopter.

The Classic began at Hawks Nest Golf Club on Sunday, with a well-attended meet and greet function for all visiting players. An information session was followed by a fashion parade and the sale of raffle tickets. Thankyou to all those businesses that donated raffle prizes (see below).

Day 1: Playing conditions were pleasant for the 1st day’s play. Hawks Nest golf course was in excellent condition, thanks to Ben Mills and his team. Our visitors commented on the beautifully prepared course, loving its park like atmosphere and beautiful tree lined fairways.

Thanks to the outstanding organization by Captain Jo Buttrey, President Deb Matheson, Ladies Committee and Pro Shop staff, play proceeded smoothly. Volunteers on the course, led by Damien Ward, acted as starters, spotters and bunker rakers. 4 divisions hit off in the Classic: Div 1 & 2 playing stroke; Div 3 & 4 playing Stableford. Most groups were made up of players from different clubs, many of them Ladies Classic “veterans”, some who were back for their 10th year in the tournament, as well as some first timers. Some players are planning to return for events such as the Myall Classic in May, Ladies Open Day in July, Short Course Championships in July, and the Summer Classic in November.

Day 1 highlight – a magnificent hole-in-one, scored by Helen Haynes from Hawks Nest on the par 3, 10th hole. Congratulations Helen!

A fabulous “Let‘s Get Hawaiian” themed dinner was held on Monday evening. 205 ladies enjoyed a tasty meal provided by PK’s Restaurant, dancing to Sisters From Different Misters, and a charity auction by John Rumble from First National Real Estate, our event sponsor. This was bought by Sharon Bowers of Belmont whose son is a pilot for Westpac RH.

Day 2: Tuesday morning saw the golf, and the weather, heat up for the final day’s play. Fortunes fluctuated at this point in the competition, some playing out of their skins, others falling away as the pressure mounted.

By late afternoon the crowd had gathered in the clubhouse, where President Deb Matheson and her helpers drew the raffle which raised over $2,538 for The Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service. A huge thankyou to everyone who supported this fund-raising effort during the tournament. Captain Jo Buttrey announced that there were 260 players from 49 clubs participating in this year’s Hawks Nest Ladies Classic. Coming from all walks of life, the field saw a diverse mix of players young and old. It was a great event to hold in International Women’s Week, played in the spirit of good fun, good golf, and good friendship. There were many prizes awarded to top players on each day (a full list of results is available on the Hawks Nest Golf Club Home Page).

Results:

The Major Awards for the Classic 36 hole Event were presented by General Manager, Peter Davies:

36 Hole Competition	Club	Score	Name
36 hole Scratch    Winner	Newcastle	163	Jill Blenkey (84&79)
Runner Up	Easts Leisure & Golf	164	Katrina Skinner Oysten (80&84)
Third Place	Merewether	168	Dom Kelly (81&87)
Fourth Place	Belmont	169	Kylie Tape (86&83)
36 hole Nett          Winner	Kogarah	143	Anne Mc Clintock (74&69)
Runner Up	Belmont	145 C/B	Gillian Mowat (73&72)
Third Place	Bayview	145	Sue Poate (71&74)
Fourth Place	Pymble	147	Sandra Kimberley (71&76)
36 h Stableford    Winner	Hawks Nest	73 C/B	Rosarie Mullins (40&33)
Runner Up	Avalon	73	Sherryn Williams (41&32)
Third Place	Windsor	72	Christine Dennis (36&36)
Fourth Place	Everglades	71	Valda Stanford (35&36)

 

Congratulations to all our winners for 2024. We look forward to seeing everyone again in 2025.

By Dianne BOWES