IT WAS back to full throttle competition on the Nambucca Heads Island Golf Course and the pluck of the Irish was in full swing.
Yes, we’re assuming heritage, as 23-marker Paddy Byrne soared with 38 points to win the Macksville Mitre 10 medley stableford on Saturday, 21 June.
Play is still limited to the front nine after the F-word (flood) put The Island under, but golfers are just enjoying getting back out there and the bunkers have been replenished with sand.
Byrne had five pars, including twice on the revamped and tough 375-metre fourth.
Runner-up was Deidre Fletcher (12 handicap) who carded 36 points in a purple patch that shows no signs of stopping.
First in the ball run was Club President Geoff Harris (18) who revealed his score including a birdie on the third was much to do with sinking putts from places beyond the bent grass greens.
Ross Morpuss snagged the Ecomist longest putt on the 1st, and the pins went to Graham Watson on 5, Peter Thompson on 7 and Stuart Johnson on 8.
Club Champion Troy Herbert (2) absolutely dialed it with 14 pars and a bird to win the Macksville Mitre 10 medley stableford Div 1 with 36 points on Thursday, 19 June.
Herbert squeaked home on a countback from Daniel Wassens (14) who scorched home in 40 off the stick around the back, which was actually the front.
Paddy Byrne made it back-to-back, sweeping Div 2 with 36 points to lead Leeds United tragic Trevor Hopkins (24) on 32.
It was a day out for the A-Graders as Nambucca guns Kai Burkinshaw (2) and Greg McCoy (3) each returned 35 points.
Burkinshaw – who had three birds in his round – also pocketed $50 for the Pro Pin on 5. McCoy saluted on 7, Ken Marriott took the 8th and Peter Miller snaked the putt from afar on the 1st.
Long-marker Wendy Avery (45) headed home a pleasing 31-strong field with 35 points to win the women’s stableford competition on countback on Wednesday, 18 June.
Deidre Fletcher had to make do with the runner’s-up sash after a round which included eight pars (unlike the tv sitcom from the late ’70s, it wasn’t enough).
Club Captain Sue Brooks was in a mood as she took the $33 Pro Pin on 5 and was also nearest on 7 while Kerrie Eichorn wrote her name on the card on 8.
Catchya on The Island, where the clock is ticking for those who become alarmed and agitated on crossing the bridge at the turn as head greenkeeper Greg and his team can now access the back nine with all things motorised.
By Chris KNIGHT
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