Club results for February 20, 2021

Barry Rhodes added another piece of silverware to his burgeoning trophy cabinet by capturing the Pat Melville Memorial on Saturday (Feb 20) but only after a putt-off with last year's winner Andrew Craig.

Playing the blue tees off a 31 handicap, Barry shot an impressive nett 66, which was later matched by Andrew (handicap 26), who repeated his fine form at the Westland Classic in Greymouth the weekend before where he finished third in the junior division.

In a sudden death putting contest on the No 9 green, Barry bashed his effort from 30 feet well past the hole, however Andrew left his woefully short up the slope to cede the trophy to the older man in a competition open to those 55 and over which is held in honour of our most recent past president who died in 2019.

There was further sadness this week with another former club president, Stuart Milne, passing away at the age of 87. Stu served for many years on our management committee and as president from 1989-92 and will be remembered as a passionate golfer, a loyal club member, a excellent and meticulous administrator and a true gentleman. For much of the 1980s and early 1990s the Milne family was instrumental in running the club, with Stu's wife Bev and their two sons Euan and Andrew holding positions of responsibility. We pass on our deepest condolences and gratitude to the family.

Peter Watson, who spoke at Stu's funeral on Saturday, teed off early and enjoyed the still conditions to top the third round of the Stubberfield Cup, which was also played on the day. In the nett plus putts format, he totalled 95. It consisted of a nett 71 (78 off the stick) and just 24 putts, which included 11 up and downs and a chip in. It could have been even better because he three-putted one green and missed two from 4-5 feet. Peter's nett 71 was also good enough for third in the Pat Melviile Memorial.

Andrew Craig (66 + 32) claimed second on countback from Keri Kotua (73 + 25). Barry Rhodes (66 + 36) finished fourth on countback from former club man James Campion (73 + 29) and Steve Russell (74 + 28). Jack Denton (73 + 30) snatched the last Fedex point with a seventh place finish.

Steve Turnell - with the only two of the day - had a good collect.

Next Saturday (Feb 27)  is the fourth and final round of the Stubberfield Cup off the white tees, while the Sloan team plays its second round match against Totaradale at Golden Downs on Sunday (Feb 28).