SIMPSON CUP

Report from Norm Slator, Team Manager

The final round for our Southern team was played at Royal Adelaide golf course against fourth positioned Glenelg, our Southern team needing a halved match to remain in the top division.  Two late withdrawals from the selected team resulted in a tactical shuffle of players to try and offset the strength of the Glenelg side.

Matt McDonald had a very evenly matched tussle with his opposite #7 with only a hole or two going either way throughout the duration of the game.  Matt was trailing two down after 15 holes and managed to claw one back at the par 3 16th to only be one behind, but unfortunately could not manage to change the eventual result going down by one on the eighteenth green.

Matt McDonald drives on the first tee

Stevie Williams playing at #6 fought hard all day with another game fluctuating by only a hole or two throughout the match.  Being all square going down the 18th, Steve drained a 20 ft putt on the last to really put the pressure on his opponent to drop his putt. He missed the putt resulting in a win for Steve at one-up and one match each for Southern and Glenelg.

Steve Williams driving on the third hole

Jase Hyland was hoping to recapture his outstanding performance of the week before and had a flying start going 3 up after 8 holes.  Unfortunately small mistakes and a surge of pressure from his opponent saw a complete turn around of play and Jase could not stop the bleeding losing the next seven holes to lose his match 4/3.

Jase Hyland drives on the first tee

Jackson Arthur playing at #4 started very confidently and quickly put pressure on his opponent leading 3 up after 12 holes.  Typical of this standard of play his opponent managed to turn the game around over the next few holes with the result that the match ended in a draw.

Jackson Arthur drives on the eighteenth tee

Captain David Ling knew he needed to bring his top game after a couple of poor results from the last couple of weeks.  True to his nature and fighting spirit “Dinga” performed outstandingly and ran out winning his match 3/2.

David Ling’s second shot on the 6th fairway

Jamie Burt was thrown to the wolves playing at # 1 against Glenelg’s Harry Burner who convincingly beat Billy Cawthorn from Royal Adelaide 7/6 the previous week.  Jamie quickly went 5 down after seven holes but managed to turn the tables winning the next 3 holes to be two down after 10.

As one would expect from a top player, Harry settled and pulled back to eventually win 4/3.  A great effort from Jamie.

Jamie Burt’s second shot on the 10th, which he won

With the overall standings now at 2½ games each, the battle of game #2 between Phil Chapman from Southern and Zac Bray from Glenelg strung out the tension.  Southern had everything to play for as a win for Phil would halve the match and keep Southern in the top Division next year.

An even match all day with Zac going 1 up with a birdie at the first, and Phil hitting in close for birdie at the 2nd and back all square.

Phil was in trouble on the fourth with the rain coming down but a 3 putt from Zac halved the hole.

A great up and down after being short sided behind the front right bunker on the fifth and another 3 putt by Zac and Phil was 1 up.

Phil missed opportunities at getting up and down from the front of the 6th green and a missed side hill putt from 3 feet at sloping 7th green from extending his lead.

A missed fairway at 8th by half a foot into a bad lie led to a bogie and all square.

Halved holes followed even on the 11th where Phil hit a great 2nd shot to 5 feet only to watch his opponent sink a putt from over 20 feet for birdie to halve the hole.

Good opportunities for birdies by Phil and the win on the  thirteen from 15 feet and again on fifteen from 8 foot both slid past the hole.

A fifty-foot putt by Phil on seventeen lipped out and the match was still all square after 9 straight halved holes.

Zac with the honour on the last hole teed off with a strong left to right wind and sprayed his tee shot wide of the right-hand side fairway bunker.

Chappie also lost his drive to the right on the wind in the middle of the fairway bunker and near the face with no chance of reaching the green in two. The shot out of the bunker left him a 66m shot while Zac’s second shot ended up in the front right bunker.

Phil played a beautiful pitch shot to 8 feet while Zac’s bunker shot ended up a good 10 feet away from the hole.

Zac played first and missed his putt opening the door for Phil to hole out and win this match, obtain the half that Southern needed to avoid regulation and possibly deny Glenelg of making the finals.

Tension was in the air for both sides as Phil stalked his putt, lined up with the crowd all silent, stroked his putt which broke right and missed on the low side. A halved match which unfortunately meant the team narrowly lost 4 games to 3, and ultimately finished bottom of the ladder by half a match!

Phil Chapman putts on the 17^th green (waiting, waiting, waiting) The ball emerging from the 17^th hole after a fifty foot putt lip-out.

SIMPSON CUP WRAP-UP

Next season Southern will be relegated to Division 2 and the squad is determined to post early wins to get back up!

My thanks for the support of the SGG Board and particularly the players who tried their utmost to produce a more positive result.

I would like to make particular mention of Jamie Burt for his enthusiastic and untiring efforts in getting players to commit to play for the Southern team.

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT

Combined Junior Districts – Sharp Cup team results

 The Southern team wrapped up the minor round with a draw against Royal Adelaide at Tea Tree Gully on Sunday.  The team finished last of 6, only half a match and 1 ½ games behind Tea Tree Gully in fourth place.

Due to the vagaries of Matchplay events, the team actually won more individual games than 5^th placed Kooyonga (9 vs 6.5) but were a crucial half a team match less than them.

Given that the Sharp Cup competition is off-the-stick and most of the CJD team were well behind on individual handicaps every week, a very credible outcome from the team.

Combined Junior Districts – Division 2 team results

The Southern team finished the minor round with a disappointing 5-0 loss against The Vines at Tea Tree Gully on Sunday.  The team finished 7th, only half a match and 4 games behind fourth-placed Kooyonga.

From left to right, Ollie Riggs, Sam White and Lily Harris (all from Victor Harbor Golf Club) with Sam Jericho & Andy Kariuki, (both from Barmera Golf Club).

Country District Junior Team Wrap – Up

A great effort by all the players and Team organiser Allan Telford from Golf Australia and Team Manager, long-time SGG Junior stalwart Helen Schulz. Also to all the clubs, course officials and parents who provided support during the Pennant season.

The SGG is pleased that it was able to provide the Combined team with a group of young talented golfers who will greatly benefit from this year’s experience and thanks the clubs for the ongoing junior development of our youth.

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP AT LOXTON (Boys and Girls)

The SGG already has 9 players registered for this event – 2 from Aston Hills, 4 from Victor Harbor and 3 from Willunga Golf Clubs. But there is room for more! Register by 5pm next Monday!

Parents / Grandparents who have promising young golfers (17 or under on 18th of July 2022) in their family and who fancy a few days staying in the Riverland might consider the two-day Junior Country Championship being held at Loxton Golf Club next school holidays (Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July).

Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

 (Online registration is essential and is now available – Entries close 5pm 4^th July)

Players must be accompanied during travel and accomodation by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford.

Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford and Presentation

FOR INFORMATION on this event, email :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

Victor Harbor Junior Open and Encouragement Cup – Tuesday 4th October

Sponsored by Harcourts and the Southern Golf Group

Entry for Fleurieu Peninsula  junior golfers Aged under 18yrs as of 30th October 2022 welcome

Categories

• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  girls with a GA handicap
• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  boys with a GA handicap
• Encouragement cups:- 9-hole Orange Tee Maximum Score format for girls and boys with or without a GA handicap. (Junior rules supplied at the club prior to the game  – suitable for young juniors who are more comfortable with playing a short course)

Entry fees payable to The Victor Harbor Pro shop Duard Nel

Entry fees :- 18-hole stroke event –  $20.00  ; 9 hole event $10.00

All participants  receive prizes

Tee off times :-

18hole stroke – 10am from Red and Blue tees

Optional 9 hole MyGolf training and skills session – 10am from the orange tees

9 hole Max Score event – 11am from the orange tees

(All equipment for 9-hole participants can be borrowed at no cost for this day)

Parents are welcome to walk with their golfer but not carry the players’ bags and are restricted to caddie rules as set by Golf Australia.

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel or Linda Hodgson at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week

Registrations are now open for the 2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week :-

https://mailchi.mp/golf/sa-events-06062022?e=b3ca6b3e4b

Silver Salver: GA to 16.0 at Murray Bridge Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Salver: GA 16.1 to 21.4 at Tumby Bay Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Shield: GA 21.5 to 28.0 at Victor Harbor Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Place: GA 28.1 to 54.0 at Maitland Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Please Note:

Silver Salver includes the Women’s Country Championship

Bronze Salver includes the Bronze Country Championship.

2022 South Australian Men’s Country Week

See: https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3251916/info

The post Newsletter 8 – 1st July 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

SIMPSON CUP REPORT

As reported by Norm Slator, Team Manager

Round 6 – The penultimate round with relegation on the line against the only other team who hasn’t had a win so far in Flagstaff Hill.

Matt McDonald playing at #7 started well and led all day being 3 holes up with three to play after claiming the long par 3 15th.  He sliced his tee shot left into the trees on 16th which resulted in a loss on that hole so needed to square either of the final two holes. Unfortunately on some days you can play your best golf only to see your opponent build momentum and outplay you. Matt finished square on the day for a valuable half.

Matt McDonald drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Number 6 Jackson Arthur copped an ex PGA Pro for an opponent and with no luck going his way and overall consistency of his opposition, finished with a 3/2 loss.

Jackson Arthur drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Jason Hyland at #5 played a great round with some superb iron shots into the greens all day, giving him a well deserved 4/3 win. Jason felt he played the best three approach shots of his life, one of those was on the13th from 175m into a stiff breeze with a 4 iron which finished 2 feet from the hole…what would then become his final three holes and the pressure of matching them would be too great for his opponent.

Jason Hyland drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Number 4 Matt Overall coming out of retirement and a bit undercooked took some time to get his game going trailing most of the match, but persevered to go 1 up at the 17th needing only to halve the final hole for an inaugural win. Unfortunately his chip out from the left rough did not make the 18^th fairway and he just missed the green on his approach which resulted in a loss but still managed to square his match.

Matt Overall drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Nathan Separovitch also playing his first game for Southern at #3 started well and was leading 3 up early.  However his opponent fought back well and Nathan was 1 up at the turn. A battle over the last few holes saw him 1 up going down 17 and holding that lead on 18.  His approach to the green was just a bit strong with his ball finishing in the thick rough at the back of the green.  A great chip to get out of the rough couldn’t help to halve the hole and another match squared.

Nathan Separovich drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Playing at #2, Captain David Ling just out of isolation from his second bout of Covid had pressure put on him from a consistent Jack Williams from Flaggy who ran out winning 5/4.

David Ling drives on the 11th at Kooyonga

Phil Chapman needed all his skills against a tough opponent in Brad Manton, trailing 4 down after four holes.  A great pitching wedge from the fairway bunker to 4 feet and birdie at the sixth started a three hole winning streak to turn only 1 down.

A blocked drive at 10 took the pressure off his opponent and back to 2 down. A good 2nd shot into 12 for a 4 foot birdie, 1 down, a poor tee shot on 14 and 2 down with 4 to play. Up and down on 15 from the front left bunker and 1 down, then his opponent 3 putted the 16th to be all square.

After hearing that a win for Southern may well depend on the result of his match, the pressure was all on Phil.

His drive on 17 started just right of the bunker drifting back over the middle landing over the bunker on top of the hill and running down the fairway to be 61m from the flag, pitch to 4 feet and birdie, Phil was 1 up.

Both players drove well on the 18^th, both in the middle of the fairway. Phil’s opponent played first and missed the green right of the bunkers, with the pin tucked back left.  Phil played to the middle of green, and a lag putt to 3 feet was all that was needed to win 2up.

Next Sunday’s final round at Royal Adelaide next Sunday in the final round is the team’s last chance to avoid relegation. Southern need to get at least a half against Glenelg as well as hoping Flagstaff Hill lose against Royal Adelaide at home.

Simpson Cup Team Captain DAVID LING has added a personal appeal for as many supporters as possible to come and watch the game on Sunday.

This is a great opportunity to provide support to our Simpson Cup team at a very important match, and to possibly share the euphoria of an unlikely win with them.

Team morale and confidence have been building through the season and there’s a very good chance it might bear fruit this coming Sunday.

SIMPSON CUP Southern team list for 26^th June 2022 vs Glenelg at Royal Adelaide

ROYAL ADELAIDE GC – 1^st  Tee 10:15am

1          Phil Chapman
2          Jackson Arthur
3          David Ling (Captain)
4          Nathan Separovitch
5          Matt Overall
6          Jason Hyland
7          Steve Williams
Res.    Matt McDonald, Matt Hage, Jamie Burt

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT

Combined Junior Districts – Sharp Cup team results

The Sharp Cup team was ravaged by Covid and unavailability this week, with Golf Australia’s Allan Telford still ringing around for replacements late on Saturday.  The team eventually lost 4 and 1.

The final Sharp Cup round will be held at Tea Tree Gully this Sunday.

The Combined Districts team will be playing Royal Adelaide, teeing off on the 10^th Tee at 12 noon.

Royal Adelaide, currently sitting in third place, have 2 ½ wins with Combined Districts sitting last in sixth place, with only ½ a win. Although only 2 individual match wins behind fourth placed Tea Tree Gully, the fact they are playing at home will most probably ensure them a win and consolidate their hold on a finals position.

Combined Junior Districts – Division 2 team results

The Division 2 team had a victory over the home team, Glenelg.

George Longbottom won 3 and 3, Oliver Riggs 3 and 2, Damien Hodge 7 and 5, Sam Jericho 4 and 2, while the only loss was team number 1, Lily Harris, losing on the 18^th. Well done to all.

This Sunday, 26^th June is the final Division 2 minor round match. The Combined Districts team will be playing The Vines at Tea Tree Gully, teeing off from the first tee at 11:45am.

The Vines currently are third on the table with 4 ½ wins, with Country Districts in 6^th place having only 2 ½ wins. Even they are only 2 individual match wins behind the Third placed team, Kooyonga, it would take a prodigious effort plus two other matches to  finish the right way for them to make the finals on July 3^rd at Kooyonga.

Victor Harbor Junior PGA training session – Saturday 25^th July 1 pm start

Please see the following flier for more details. All training conducted by PGA professionals/accredited trainers.

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel or Linda Hodgson at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week

Registrations are now open for the 2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week :-

https://mailchi.mp/golf/sa-events-06062022?e=b3ca6b3e4b

Silver Salver: GA to 16.0 at Murray Bridge Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Salver: GA 16.1 to 21.4 at Tumby Bay Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Shield: GA 21.5 to 28.0 at Victor Harbor Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Place: GA 28.1 to 54.0 at Maitland Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Please Note:

Silver Salver includes the Women’s Country Championship

Bronze Salver includes the Bronze Country Championship.

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP (Boys and Girls)

Parents / Grandparents who have promising young golfers (17 or under on 18th of July 2022) in their family and who fancy a few days staying in the Riverland might consider the two-day Junior Country Championship being held at Loxton Golf Club next school holidays (Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July).

Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

(Online registration is essential and is now available – Entries close 4^th July)

Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford.

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford and Presentation

Note that juniors have to compete in this event to be eligible for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play) to be held at Berri Golf Club on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st July.

The Southern Golf Group is entering a team of 5 players and 2 reserves for the Brett Ogle Cup which will be held at Berri following on from the Country Championships.  Selection for this team will be based on last year’s team topped up with any new talent identified in the coming weeks.

 Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Berri Golf Club – Two divisions, based on G.A. handicap 17.9

• Wednesday 20^th July
  • Round 1 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap)
  • Round 2 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
• Thursday 21^st July
  • Round 3 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
  • Presentation

FOR INFORMATION on both events email here :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

Victor Harbor Junior Open and Encouragement Cup – Tuesday 4th October

Sponsored by Harcourts and the Southern Golf Group

Entry for Fleurieu Peninsula  junior golfers Aged under 18yrs as of 30th October 2022 welcome

Categories

• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  girls with a GA handicap
• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  boys with a GA handicap
• Encouragement cups:- 9-hole Orange Tee Maximum Score format for girls and boys with or without a GA handicap. (Junior rules supplied at the club prior to the game  – suitable for young juniors who are more comfortable with playing a short course)

Entry fees payable to The Victor Harbor Pro shop Duard Nel

Entry fees :- 18-hole stroke event –  $20.00  ; 9 hole event $10.00

All participants  receive prizes

Tee off times :-

18hole stroke – 10am from Red and Blue tees

Optional 9 hole MyGolf training and skills session – 10am from the orange tees

9 hole Max Score event – 11am from the orange tees

(All equipment for 9-hole participants can be borrowed at no cost for this day)

Parents are welcome to walk with their golfer but not carry the players’ bags and are restricted to caddie rules as set by Golf Australia.

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel or Linda Hodgson at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

The post Newsletter 7 – 24th June 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

SIMPSON CUP –Cancelled
SHARP CUP – Cancelled
DIVISION 2 – Cancelled

So, no surprises there! And with a scheduled bye next weekend due to the long weekend, our elite senior and junior representatives should be well rested as the SA Pennant seasons wind up.

The Sharp Cup and Division 2 teams play their last matches at Glenelg on the 19^th June, while the Simpson Cup team can look forward to two more rounds on the 19^th June at Kooyonga and the 26^th at Royal Adelaide.

The Vines last Sunday where the Simpson Cup was cancelled without a ball being hit.

MIXED GOLF – A new focus

In the absence of Senior and Junior SA Pennant results due to extreme weather conditions, this might be a good time to provide an update on one of the SGG Board’s long term directions.

Please don’t tune out just yet, just roll your eyes and read on, there might be something of interest to you. Like steak knives!

MIXED Handicap Competitions

For decades, the Pennant competitions have been the glue that holds our Southern Golf Group together.

A sobering statistic however, is the decline in our Men’s Pennant competition. In 2010 the SGG had 2769 male members. This year we have 2690, roughly the same number. Yet in 2010 we fielded a total of 44 teams. In 2022, we had a total of 36 teams.

During the same interval, women’s Pennant has thrived. Some reasons for this may be their matches are held on weekdays, and possibly because the women’s events are more social.

The SGG’s Women’s Network committee is a very active and well organised group. The network fosters a very active inter-club relationship fuelled by immense enthusiasm. Undoubtedly the activity and organisation of this very inclusive group has a very positive effect on promoting a range of very popular activities.

The SGG Board recognises our responsibility, under Golf Australia, to grow overall participation and diversity in golf participation in our area. As such, later this year we will be asking our Clubs to suggest ways that we can foster these aims, and what assistance, including financial, the SGG can provide to the Clubs to better utilise their assets.

One evident growth area we can pursue is MIXED golf, which dovetails nicely with GA’s diversity aims and also can leverage the obvious success of the existing women’s network.

Zone Cup

Later this year the SGG is introducing a new competition, the ZONE CUP which we hope will become an annual feature. The Victor Harbor GC will be hosting the inaugural event, which is intended to be a celebration of the Southern Golf clubs.

Due to uncertainty about numbers for the inaugural event, the exact format is yet to be decided. It will definitely be a competition between MIXED PAIRS, possibly 2 person Ambrose, possibly Pinehurst / Foursomes.

It will be held on **Monday the 7th November**. The asterisks? Well, you should consider marking the date in your calendar in pencil, not ink because there is a catch. At least one member of each pair must be an official or committee person of the club (or life member).

The reasons for this are that the Board expects numbers to be over-subscribed and will need to limit numbers somehow, and also and more importantly to acknowledge the hard work that the very few put in for the betterment of the very many. Without willing volunteers, our clubs would struggle to exist and the Board thinks we should recognise and reward their importance to not just our individual clubs, but the Group as a whole.

Invitations will be extended to all clubs to nominate teams once details are finalised.

Mixed Handicap Matchplay

Another initiative the Board is pursuing is to hold a Group-wide Mixed Handicap Matchplay competition in coming years. This would be purely complementary to the existing Pennant competitions, definitely not a replacement.

Given the crowded golfing calendar and unknown popularity of any new competition, the SGG will be inviting up to 3 SGG clubs to host invitational Social events in the next 12 to 18 months.

Hopefully club members will support these trial events and provide feedback on making the event a permanent annual fixture.

Due to the lack of weekend availability, the events will necessarily be held during the working week.

The Board recognises that mixed and mid-week golf is not necessarily for everyone, but better utilisation of Club resources means more income for clubs and either lower membership fees or more money spent on courses!

As well as avoiding squeezing more competitors onto already crowded courses on a weekend, holding the events on working days will enable clubs to better utilise their courses and dining rooms. Provision of meals in a social atmosphere will be essential for all hosting clubs.

It is anticipated that the competitions will be biased towards social enjoyment rather than strict rules of eligibility/order of play, etc. that is part and parcel of the Pennant competitions.

For example, smaller clubs will be able to enter only one mixed pair, as results will be calculated on average score for each club.

Pairs can be chosen on compatibility rather than based on comparable handicaps (choose your partners, Ladies).

To avoid handicap and hole length complications, the preferred format will be Pinehurst Foursomes. All 18 holes in each match will be played out as winning margins will count towards the final result.

Oakbank GC has volunteered to hold one such event, more details in coming weeks.

BUT WAIT, there’s more!

Is there? Well, that really depends on our Clubs and their members.

The SGG Board is prepared to consider financial backing of any event that promotes our goals. There is no set criteria or amount, each proposal will be decided on its merits.

So, if you have an idea for any SGG-wide golfing event which increases participation and encourages diversity, please feel free to suggest  it to your Club Board / Match Committee and get them to formalise a proposal.

No extra set of steak knives, (someone explain that to the kids) just a lot of extra fun and enjoyment for as many people as we can include.

2022 Strathalbyn Women’s Gala Day

On Friday May 27th the ladies of Strathabyn Golf Club held another very successful Gala day with the theme of ‘Black and White’.

64 ladies from 13 clubs across the Fleurieu, Hills and City joined in for the fun of the day. It was great to see the ladies dressed in their black and white attire.

They all started in cool but pleasant weather with a little drizzle occurring at various times during the day. However, it didn’t deter the ladies one bit.

As the groups passed the clubhouse, they were treated to pumpkin, minestrone or mushroom soup which some ladies commented that this was part of the reason for coming to the day.

One of the most exciting places to be on the course was the 6th/15th hole as that’s where the men set up their betting hole with enticement of Port and chocolates beside the fire pit. The idea was to hit over the creek without hitting Cal who bravely stood in the creek to retrieve any balls that went astray.

Winners of the day with a nett score of 75.25 were Kim Tucker and Lyn Kiddey from Thaxted Park. Runners up with a score of 77.12 were Gail Stringer and Robyn Hosking from Links Lady Bay. The gross winners with 86 were Jane Stewart and Carol Collins from Willunga, followed by runners up Jenny Sandow and Di Traeger from South Lakes on 93.

The longest drive on the 3rd /12th for ‘A’ Grade was Jane Stewart and for ‘B’ Grade was Gail Stringer. NTP for ‘A’ Grade on the 17th hole was Di Traeger and ‘B’ Grade on the 9th was Sue Gibson from Aston Hills.

‘Nearest Dolly the sheep’ was not the best place to be as she was very close to the dam and was won by Di Traeger. ‘Nearest Cal’s calf’ was a more disastrous place to be as it meant that the creek came into play and was won by Gail Harris from Thaxted Park.

The best dressed team was a pair of unlikely zebras roaming our golf course hiding Jane Stewart and Carol Collins.

Simone Coonan from Aston Hills won best dressed single player shedding her black boa feathers as she went.

Our generous sponsors had our raffle table brimming with goodies from local businesses and the trading table was a roaring success.

A huge thankyou to all the volunteers who helped make this day such a success – preparing and decorating the course and the clubhouse, organising the trading table, gathering raffle prizes, preparing the delicious food, serving the tables, manning the bar, organising the carts, running the betting hole and doing the washing up.

Thank you must also go to our Captain Jenny Drury and Vice-Captain Sue Hall who managed the day’s competition without a hitch.

2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week

Registrations are now open for the 2022 South Australian Women’s Country Week :-

https://mailchi.mp/golf/sa-events-06062022?e=b3ca6b3e4b

Silver Salver: GA to 16.0 at Murray Bridge Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Salver: GA 16.1 to 21.4 at Tumby Bay Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Shield: GA 21.5 to 28.0 at Victor Harbor Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Bronze Place: GA 28.1 to 54.0 at Maitland Golf Club

Monday – Welcome Cocktail

​Tuesday & Wednesday – 36 Holes Strokeplay

Wednesday night – Dinner ($40pp – optional)

Thursday – 18 Hole Foursomes & Lunch

Please Note:

Silver Salver includes the Women’s Country Championship

Bronze Salver includes the Bronze Country Championship.

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP (Boys and Girls)

While on the subject of Southern Group Junior golfers:-  Parents / Grandparents who have promising young golfers (17 or under on 18th of July 2022) in their family and who fancy a few days staying in the Riverland might consider the two-day Junior Country Championship being held at Loxton Golf Club next school holidays (Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July).

Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

(Online registration is essential and is now available – Entries close 4^th July)

Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford.

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford and Presentation

Note that juniors have to compete in this event to be eligible for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play) to be held at Berri Golf Club on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st July.

The Southern Golf Group is entering a team of 5 players and 2 reserves for the Brett Ogle Cup which will be held at Berri following on from the Country Championships.  Selection for this team will be based on last year’s team topped up with any new talent identified in the coming weeks.

Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Berri Golf Club – Two divisions, based on G.A. handicap 17.9

• Wednesday 20^th July
  • Round 1 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap)
  • Round 2 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
• Thursday 21^st July
  • Round 3 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
  • Presentation

FOR INFORMATION on both events email here :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

Victor Harbor Junior Open and Encouragement Cup – Tuesday 4th October

Sponsored by Harcourts and the Southern Golf Group

Entry for Fleurieu Peninsula  junior golfers Aged under 18yrs as of 30th October 2022 welcome

Categories

• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  girls with a GA handicap
• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  boys with a GA handicap
• Encouragement cups:- 9-hole Orange Tee Maximum Score format for girls and boys with or without a GA handicap. (Junior rules supplied at the club prior to the game  – suitable for young juniors who are more comfortable with playing a short course)

Entry fees payable to The Victor Harbor Pro shop Duard Nel

Entry fees :- 18-hole stroke event –  $20.00  ; 9 hole event $10.00

All participants  receive prizes

Tee off times :-

18hole stroke – 10am from Red and Blue tees

Optional 9 hole MyGolf training and skills session – 10am from the orange tees

9 hole Max Score event – 11am from the orange tees

(All equipment for 9-hole participants can be borrowed at no cost for this day)

Parents are welcome to walk with their golfer but not carry the players’ bags and are restricted to caddie rules as set by Golf Australia.

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel or Linda Hodgson at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

12 and Under School Golf Qualifier:- To be held on 16th June at Willunga GC.

The next available event for 12 and under schoolkids in our area is a qualifier to be played on 16^th June at Willunga GC.

The event is open for boys and girls 10 to 12 years as at 31 Dec 2022 with or without handicaps.

Primary or Secondary school students are eligible. ($10 cost per student on-line)

On-line registration at:- https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3284542/info

ENTRIES CLOSE at 5pm 10^th JUNE – Get in quick!

Golf Australia sponsored events such as these are great entry points for aspiring school children in our area – some of whom will be SGG Club members in the future – help them get an early start!

If anyone wants to know more about Golf Australia’s involvement with the sporting schools grant initiative and would like to encourage/help their local school apply to participate, more information is available here:- https://www.sportaus.gov.au/schools/schools/sports/golf

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Peterborough 11th and 12th June

This is a Golf Australia  event for individuals.

Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

Peterborough Junior Open & SA Junior Sand Greens Championship

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Peterborough Golf Club

Open to boys & girls who are aged 17 years and under as at 11th June 2022.

The event, conducted by Peterborough GC & Northern District Golf Group, will include:

• SA Junior Sand Greens Championship – 36 holes
• Peterborough Junior Open – 18 holes
• Peterborough Sub Junior Events (no handicap required)

The post Newsletter 6 – 9th June 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

The SGG Board has a set of objectives and one of those is Communication : Articulate and promote the role of the SGG through enhanced communication with affiliated clubs and adding value.  The SGG sincerely thanks all the clubs for their assistance in publishing these newsletters via email forwarding or links from their own newsletters direct to their members. (The Board has other objectives which will be touched on in coming newsletters.)

At this busy time of year with ongoing newsworthy events such as the Simpson Cup, Junior competitions, etc. we have been publishing weekly newsletters. This is unlikely to continue all year which might cause problems in finding the “latest” edition if you use a link to your club webpage. You can get around this problem by direct SUBSCRIPTION for emails straight to your own inbox : SGG.Direct@gmail.com

SIMPSON CUP WEEK 4

Report from Simpson Cup team Manager, Norm Slater

 The weather forecast for our ‘home’ event was decidedly ominous with high winds and heavy showers anticipated.  Fortunately those predictions were delayed and the day turned out nice and sunny with all matches completed before the front came through about 6.00pm.

Our luck in the coin toss for playing honours has not changed – so far lost every one!

Steve Williams (Willunga) pushed his first tee shot off the first wide which put immediate pressure on him to sort out his game.  He battled on well getting to four down at one stage, then back to one down with three holes to play.  Unfortunately he couldn’t maintain the pressure eventually losing 2/1.

Jamie Burt (Echunga) matched his opponent for most of their match but a couple of missed putts left him struggling eventually going down 4/3.

Matt McDonald (South Lakes) struggled with his short game against a pretty consistent opponent Matt Lawson, which eventuated with a 3/2 loss.

Jason Hyland (Echunga) kept up with his playing partner all day but pressure mid game had him five down playing the 13th hole. He fought back to be 2 down playing the 17^th, needing to win both holes to halve the match. Jason hit a good tee shot down the middle while his opponent hit into the trees to the right, then pitched out down the fairway with his second shot. Jason had about 100m to the flag which was on the middle tier.  His pitch shot landed just above the tier and then agonisingly spinning back down to the bottom tier and eventually off the front of the green down the slope. His opponent then hit onto the bottom tier. Jason played a chip and run up the tier past the flag to the tier behind and rolled his ball back down to about 7 feet from the pin. His opponent hit a good putt up the slope for a gimme second putt, leaving Jason with a chance to win the hole and force the match to the 18th hole. The putt slide past the hole with Jason losing 2/1.

Matt Hage (Willunga) was matched with an intrepid opponent in Louis Fuller playing at #3.  Never really in the hunt, he finally succumbed 7/6.

‘Mr Consistency’ Phil Chapman (Aston Hills) had his game back on this day and “scrambled” really well all day with the highlight being on the par five 12th hole. Phil blocked his tee shot right which ended up on the other side of the trees where he played down the 13th hole to the furthest side of that fairway and some 135m away from the flag with a clear line to the flag through a 5metre gap in the trees which were about 30m in front of him. An exquisitely executed punched 3 iron flew between the tree trunks and then along the ground flirting with the bunkers protecting the front left of the green and running his ball up to 15 feet below the hole, which he coolly rolled into the cup for birdie and to go five up. Phil finished with 3 up and downs over the last three holes for par, birdie and birdie to win 6/5 against Will Arnold who struggled for consistency in his game.

Our captain David Ling (McCracken) playing at #1 came up against an in-form Billy Cawthorne who put pressure on from the get go.  Dinga missed two or three lip out putts to halve holes which only heightened his frustration on the day and struggled going down 7/6.

L to R on Victor Harbor GC First Tee: Norm Slator (Team Manager), Matt Hage, David Ling (Captain), Elliott Willgoose (Reserve, Echunga), Matt McDonald, Jason Hyland, Phil Chapman, Jamie Burt and Steve Williams,

So to next week at The Vines against The Grange Golf Club, teeing off the 10th at 12.10pm.  A week off for the Queen’s Birthday weekend then a potential battle for relegation against Flagstaff Hill at Kooyonga on 19th June.

Simpson Cup Southern team list for 5^th June 2022   vs The Grange

The Vines GC – 10th  Tee 12:10pm

1          David Ling     (Captain)
2          Phil Chapman
3          Jackson Arthur
4          Nathan Separovitch
5          Steve Williams
6          Hayden Massey
7          Jamie Burt
Res.    Matt McDonald, Elliott Willgoose

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT – Combined Junior Districts – Sharp Cup team results

The Sharp Cup team played their ”home” match for the year at a well organised, well presented Willunga GC last Sunday against Tea Tree Gully. Thank you to everyone involved in the course preparation and organisation. Given the weather forecast, it was an excellent day to play golf at Willunga. The first nine was competitive for all our players, but they couldn’t maintain the pace all day. Aston Hill’s Robbie Hill, 2up after 17, pushed his drive right onto the adjacent fairway, and calmly proceeded to draw his second shot over the trees to finish just to the right of the 18^th green. He played the hole out for a half to become our only winner, 2 up after 18.

The other four matches were decided on the 16, 17, and 18^th holes. The team eventually lost 4 and 1.

L to R Max Jericho, Joshua Goldsworthy, Cainton Stanley-Grace, Robbie Hill (Aston Hills) and Charley Moseley, (Aston Hills)

Robbie Hill (Aston Hills) shows his power on the first tee at Willunga GC for an excellent start

Robbie Hill’s second shot to the 18^th green, a lofted draw over the trees, setting him up to halve the hole and win the match.

Charley Moseley (Aston Hills) tees off on the 10^th hole at Willunga GC with an interested team Manager, Helen Schulz (seated) looking on.

The Sharp Cup team for next Sunday, 5^th June against The Grange is at Royal Adelaide, 8:40am start.

Max Jericho – (Barmera)
Mitchell Angel – (Kingston SE)
Cainton Stanley-Grace – (Streaky Bay)
Charlie Moseley – (Aston Hills GC)
Andy Kariuki – (Barmera)

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT – Combined Junior Districts – Division 2 team results

The Division 2 team went down 4 to 1 against The Grange GC.  The only winner for our team was Sam Jericho (Riverland) who won 3 and 2.

Gabriel Aitken (Aston Hills), Lily Harris (Victor Harbor), and William Burt (Echunga) all played well on the day but were beaten by players in better form.

Lily Harris (Victor Harbor) with a relaxed follow through at Willunga GC

William Burt (Echunga) drives the tenth for his first CDJT appearance at Willunga GC

 The Division 2 team for next Sunday, 5^th June against Tea Tree Gully at Royal Adelaide.

Division 2 Handicap Team – starting at 10.25am

Sam White – (Victor Harbor)
Sam Jericho – (Barmera)
Damien Hodge – (Port Augusta)
Oliver Riggs – (Victor Harbor)
George Longbottom – (Naracoorte)

School Golf Qualifier at Echunga GC – Results from Wednesday 1^st June

Thank you to all who took part in this qualifying event. Congratulations to the top 5 players who are eligible to advance to the State-wide playoff.

Thank you to Echunga GC for providing the venue, also to Allan Telford (Golf Australia) and Esther and Jamie Burt who devoted their time to run the event.

 As usual for the primary schools events, the participants warmed up with a 90 minute skills session, had some lunch and then played the 9-hole competition in the afternoon.

 Harrison Burt (Littlehampton Primary School) qualified with a score of 39

 Brock Bezzina (Echunga) qualified with a score of 47

 William Burt (Littlehampton Primary School) qualified with a score of 48

 Sophie Membrey (St Mark’s Lutheran School Mount Barker) qualified with a score of 59

 Dante Stubbs (Littlehampton Primary School) qualified with a score of 59

 Leroy Doeltgen (Meadows Primary School) participated but unfortunately failed to qualify.

Given that he had only tried golf for the first time 6 days earlier, Leroy put up  an outstanding performance.   Esther and Jamie Burt met Leroy when they visited the Meadows school on what was the first day of a 5 week golf coaching program being funded through the sporting schools grants funding initiative.

If anyone wants to know more about Golf Australia’s involvement with the sporting schools grant initiative and would like to encourage/help their local school apply to participate, more information is available here:- https://www.sportaus.gov.au/schools/schools/sports/golf

Sophie, Dante, Harrison, William, Leroy, and Brock warm up at Echunga. Allan Telford (Golf Australia) and Esther Burt (Echunga GC) look on.

More pictures from the day :-

The next available event for 12 and under schoolkids in our area is a qualifier to be played on 16^th June at Willunga GC.

The event is open for boys and girls 10 to 12 years as at 31 Dec 2022 with or without handicaps.

Primary or Secondary school students are eligible. ($10 cost per student on-line)

On-line registration at:- https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3284542/info

ENTRIES CLOSE at 5pm 10^th JUNE – Get in quick!

Golf Australia sponsored events such as these are great entry points for aspiring school children in our area – some of whom will be SGG Club members in the future – help them get an early start!

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP (Boys and Girls)

While on the subject of Southern Group Junior golfers:-  Parents / Grandparents who have promising young golfers (17 or under on 18th of July 2022) in their family and who fancy a few days staying in the Riverland might consider the two-day Junior Country Championship being held at Loxton Golf Club next school holidays (Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July).

Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

(Online registration is essential and is now available – Entries close 4^th July)

Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford.

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford and Presentation

Note that juniors have to compete in this event to be eligible for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play) to be held at Berri Golf Club on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st July.

The Southern Golf Group is entering a team of 5 players and 2 reserves for the Brett Ogle Cup which will be held at Berri following on from the Country Championships.  Selection for this team will be based on last year’s team topped up with any new talent identified in the coming weeks.

A training/skills event for interested juniors for this and future years will be held at Victor Harbor GC starting 1pm on the 25^th June featuring a 1 hour training session with Duard Nel and Simon Pope (PGA members) plus community coaches as well as 9 holes of golf from Red/Blue tees with support regarding tactics and course management  from Coaches.

$5 entry  start time 1pm

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Berri Golf Club – Two divisions, based on G.A. handicap 17.9

• Wednesday 20^th July
  • Round 1 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap)
  • Round 2 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
• Thursday 21^st July
  • Round 3 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
  • Presentation

For information on both events email here :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

Victor Harbor Junior Open and Encouragement Cup – Tuesday 4th October

Sponsored by Harcourts and the Southern Golf Group

Entry for Fleurieu Peninsula  junior golfers Aged under 18yrs as of 30th October 2022 welcome

Categories

• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  girls with a GA handicap
• 18-hole Championship Stroke event for  boys with a GA handicap
• Encouragement cups:- 9-hole Orange Tee Maximum Score format for girls and boys with or without a GA handicap. (Junior rules supplied at the club prior to the game  – suitable for young juniors who are more comfortable with playing a short course)

Entry fees payable to The Victor Harbor Pro shop Duard Nel

Entry fees :- 18-hole stroke event –  $20.00  ; 9 hole event $10.00

All participants  receive prizes

Tee off times :-

18hole stroke – 10am from Red and Blue tees

Optional 9 hole MyGolf training and skills session – 10am from the orange tees

9 hole Max Score event – 11am from the orange tees

(All equipment for 9-hole participants can be borrowed at no cost for this day)

Parents are welcome to walk with their golfer but not carry the players’ bags and are restricted to caddie rules as set by Golf Australia.

For Information / registration, contact Duard Nel or Linda Hodgson at:- proshop@vhgolf.com.au

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Peterborough 11th and 12th June This is a GolfSA event for individuals.  Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

Peterborough Junior Open & SA Junior Sand Greens Championship

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Peterborough Golf Club

Open to boys & girls who are aged 17 years and under as at 11th June 2022.

The event, conducted by Peterborough GC & Northern District Golf Group, will include:

• SA Junior Sand Greens Championship – 36 holes
• Peterborough Junior Open – 18 holes
• Peterborough Sub Junior Events (no handicap required)

The post Newsletter 5 – 2nd June 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

Report from Simpson Cup team Manager, Norm Slater

The team faced a difficult draw again this time against Kooyonga at Glenelg golf course, eventually going down 6/1.

Steve Williams playing at #7 had a close tussle all day and ended going down the last hole all square which justifiably was the final result.

Jackson Arthur was slipped in at #6 which again turned out to be a thrilling match against a young fired up Josh Grundel who lives alongside the course and was obviously familiar with the layout.  Two down with two to play Josh pulled his drive on 17 left into a penalty area which gave Jacko the advantage which he used to be one down playing the 18th. The highlight of the day, a great chip in for an eagle on the par 4 gave Jacko his well deserved half for the match.

Matt McDonald plugged away all day but could not get the better of Will Summerfield and eventually went down 3/2.

Matt Hage was put in the firing line against Kooyonga’s very consistent Heath Riches to finish 6/5 down.

Phil Chapman couldn’t seem to get his game going against a very talented Joel Durnford who was 2 under the card through the first 10 holes and had Phil 5 down at that stage. However, Phil fought back well on the back nine but ran out of holes, eventually losing 2/1.

Jamie Burt was given the unenviable role at #2 against a much higher credentialed player in Freddie Cassell but played his heart out with eldest son Harrison on his bag.  Unfortunately again just not enough holes and finally went down 2/1.

Captain David Ling gave Kooyonga’s #1 Kyle Hayter a fantastic battle having to create birdies just to win a hole.  Another match down to the wire with Dinga eventually going down 2/1.

The team spirit is strong and we all feel it is just time before a win will happen.

SIMPSON CUP SOUTHERN TEAM LIST FOR 29 MAY 2022 Vs ROYAL ADELAIDE               

This Sunday our home game at Victor Harbor GC is against current 2nd position on the table, Royal Adelaide. It is a great opportunity for golfers in our area to come out and not only support our best players as they compete at the highest levels, but to pick up a few pointers about MATCHPLAY along the way!

The guys listed below look forward to seeing you at Victor Harbor GC at 11am on the first tee!

Victor Harbor – 1st  TEE 11.15 am

1          David Ling     (Captain)
2          Phil Chapman
3          Matt Hage
4          Jase Hyland
5          Jackson Arthur
6          Jamie Burt
7          Steve Williams
Res.    Matt McDonald

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT – Combined Junior Districts – Sharp Cup team results

The Sharp Cup team, somewhat depleted due to Covid, played their first match for the year at Grange West last Sunday against a very strong Kooyonga team. The Sharp Cup is played off-the-stick so it was always going to be a struggle for our team who would have received extra strokes in handicap matchplay. Nevertheless the players put up a credible showing, eventually going down 2 and 3.

The two victors, Cainton Stanley-Grace (3 and 1) and Charlie Moseley (1up after winning the final hole) played solidly all day while team captain Mitchell Angel, 3 up in the early stages could not quite manage to hold it together on the last nine holes, finally going down 3 and 1.

(L to R) Mitchell Angel (Kingston), Lily Harris, (Victor Harbor), Cainton Stanley-Grace (Streaky Bay), Charley Moseley (Aston Hills) and Robbie Hill (Aston Hills).

The team for next Sunday, 29^th May against Tea Tree Gully is at Willunga, 11:15am start, has 3 representatives from Aston Hills Golf Club. Supporters are welcome to attend.

Max Jericho – Barmera GC

Cainton Stanley-Grace – Streaky Bay GC

Robbie Hill – Aston Hills

Charlie Moseley – Aston Hills

Lochie Moyse – Aston Hills

 JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT – Combined Junior Districts – Division 2 team results

 After a hard fought match, the Division 2 team went down 4 to 1(two halves). Two matches were decided on the 17^th hole while the other 3 went to the wire, finishing on the 18^th. SGG competitors Gabriel Aitken (Aston Hills) lost 3 and 1 on the 17^th while Oliver Riggs (Victor Harbor) lost 2 down on the 18^th Hole.

The team for next Sunday, 29^th May against Tea Tree Gully is at Willunga, 11:15am start, features Gabriel Aitken from Aston Hills and Lily Harris from Victor Harbor Golf Clubs. Supporters are welcome to attend the CDJT’s “home” game.

Joshua Goldsworthy – Loxton GC

Gabriel Aitken – Aston Hills GC

Lily Harris – Victor Harbor GC

Andy Kariuki – Barmera GC

Sam Jericho – Barmera GC

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP (Boys and Girls)

While on the subject of Southern Group Junior golfers:-  Parents / Grandparents who have promising young golfers (17 or under on 18th of July 2022) in their family and who fancy a few days staying in the Riverland might consider the two-day Junior Country Championship being held at Loxton Golf Club next school holidays (Monday 18th and Tuesday 19th July).

Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

(Online registration is essential and is now available – Entries close 4^th July)

Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford.

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford and Presentation

Note that juniors have to compete in this event to be eligible for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play) to be held at Berri Golf Club on Wednesday 20th and Thursday 21st July.

The Southern Golf Group is entering a team of 5 players and 2 reserves for the Brett Ogle Cup which will be held at Berri following on from the Country Championships.  Selection for this team will be based on last year’s team topped up with any new talent identified in the coming weeks.

A training/skills event for interested juniors for this and future years will be held at Victor Harbor GC starting 1pm on the 25^th June featuring a PGA coach and nine holes of golf for $5.

Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Berri Golf Club – Two divisions, based on G.A. handicap 17.9

• Wednesday 20^th July
  • Round 1 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap)
  • Round 2 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
• Thursday 21^st July
  • Round 3 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
  • Presentation

FOR INFORMATION on both events email here :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

2022 Men’s Pennant Champions

B1 GRADE PENNANT

This report thanks to SGG Secretary Chris Harrison

Perfect golf conditions – fine weather, a very well presented course, two top teams – thanks from all contestants to Aston Hills Golf Club for their course presentation and organisation on the day.

Victor Harbor GC were too strong for South Lakes GC on this occasion.

Jason Date (South Lakes) can thank the bench on the 18th tee and the bench on the 10th tee for saving him on the 18th hole – although the result was a lost hole and 2 up for Victor Harbor.

The result of 4 1/2 and 2 1/2 does not reflect the true competition on the day, as two matches went to the 18th which could have led to a very different result.

The spirit of true Pennant competition was evident from the 1st tee as the two neighbouring clubs set out. Victor completed the session after a pure season with wins throughout.

Congratulations to both teams and well done to Victor Harbor for taking out the shield this year.

Back row L to R: Andrew Hall, Tom Hancock, Brad Ruge, Luke Drummond, John Gilbert, Dean Towill. Front row: Nelson Depledge, Mike Howard

B2 GRADE PENNANT

Report courtesy of SGG Board member Sue Gibson.

It was an exciting day at Echunga GC for the Men’s Division B2 Pennant final.  Murray Bridge played against Aston Hills and were victorious winning 5 matches to 2.

The matches were played in very good spirit and came down to the wire with 2 matches going to the 18th green finally deciding the result.

Murray Bridge were up 3/2 and were able to win the last 2 matches on the 18th giving them the Pennant Shield 5/2.

Front Row: Corey Dahlitz, Mark Sappenberghs, Steve Angove (Captain), Greg Schmidt Back Row: Brett Altschwager, Damien Moloney, Shane Aldridge. Other team members not present – Michael Perry, Tony Carter, Greg Lannan and Peter Erickson

C1 GRADE PENNANT

Oakbank defeated Echunga  5½ to 1½ at Willunga Golf Club to claim the 2022 trophy. The final result belied the closely fought contest, with all but two matches being completed on the 18^th and 19^th holes.

Team Captain Barry Conole (won 3 and 2) was appreciative of the presentation of the course and congratulated the Willunga representative and referee, Jack Firth, on behalf of both teams.

Barry also made special mention of young Henry Harvey’s effort.

Henry was originally left out of the team but was eager to come and participate as a caddy. Late on Saturday, Henry received the call up when another team member pulled out with a sore knee.

Henry had lost to the same opponent 7/6 during the minor round and in the final he overturned the previous result to win 3 and 2. Two down after 9, he won 5 straight holes including a birdie on the par 3 16th on what became the last hole in his match.

Neville Clarke triumphed on the 19th hole while Anthony Bell and Matt Judd both won 1 up on the 18^th hole.

Ian Dohnt squared his match and David Lees lost 1 down after 18.

(L to R) Neville Clarke, Matt Judd, Anthony Bell, Captain Barry Conole, David Lees, Ian Dohnt and Henry Harvey.

School Golf Qualifier at Echunga GC –  Wednesday 1^st June

This event is open for boys and girls 10 to 12 years as at 31 Dec 2022 with or without handicaps.

Primary or Secondary school students are eligble. ($10 cost per student on-line)

On-line registration at :- https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3304019/info

ENTRIES CLOSE 5pm 31^st MAY (next Tuesday)

This Golf Australia sponsored event is for aspiring school children in our area – some of whom will be SGG Club members in the future – help them get an early start!

The top nine qualifiers from this area will progress to a state-wide playoff.  There is one other opportunity to register for a qualifier to be played on 16^th June at Willunga GC.

William Burt practices for the Schools U12 competition – The Echunga GC event will be his first Sapsasa event.

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Peterborough 11th and 12th June This is a GolfSA event for individuals.  Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

Peterborough Junior Open & SA Junior Sand Greens Championship

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Peterborough Golf Club

Open to boys & girls who are aged 17 years and under as at 11th June 2022.

The event, conducted by Peterborough GC & Northern District Golf Group, will include:

• SA Junior Sand Greens Championship – 36 holes
• Peterborough Junior Open – 18 holes
• Peterborough Sub Junior Events (no handicap required)

The post Newsletter 4 – 27th May 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

SIMPSON CUP WEEK 2 

Last Sunday was the Simpson Cup Round 2 – A tough day at the office; unfortunately the office this week was the host course and our opposition Tea Tree Gully.

On a cold windy start that threatened rain all day, the boys started well keeping in touch with their opponents within a hole or two for most of the first half of their matches.  All commented on the difficulty of reading the greens.

Newcomer to Simpson Cup Elliot Willgoose played his heart out but found it a little overwhelming towards the end and went down 5/4.

New starter Hayden Massey kept pace well pretty much all day but succumbed eventually to lose 4/3 while Matt McDonald playing at 5 found little luck going his way falling away at the end 2/1.

Jackson Arthur got off to a good start but came tumbling down with missed putts and lack of local knowledge which led to a 5/3 loss. Jack was frustrated by not knowing which side of the fairway to favour. He would hit fairways with a little draw that would bounce off into the trees while his opponent was spraying it onto the other side of fairways and having clear shots coming in, over or through trees.

Another new member to the squad, Jase Hyland, led by a couple of holes most of the round but for some solid opposition by his playing partner who fought back to hold a one hole lead going down 18th.  Jase toughed it out and managed to win the hole and square the match for the team’s only non-loss.

Steve Williams (pictured) was thrown to the wolves at #2 against quality opposition and ex State player Chris Austen, but stayed with him valiantly eventually going down 5/4.

Captain David Ling had an epic battle with TTG’s #1 Sean Park frustratingly missing out 1 down. He regrets missing 4 10 foot putts on the last four holes which might have given him the win.

Simpson Cup Southern Team List for 22 May 2022 vs Kooyonga

Glenelg GC – 1st  Tee  10.15 am

1          David Ling     (Captain)
2          Jamie Burt
3          Phil Chapman
4          Matt McDonald
5          Jackson Arthur
6          Steve Williams
7          Hayden Massey
Res.    Matt Hage

JUNIOR S.A. PENNANT – Division 2 results

There are two Combined Districts Junior teams competing in the Golf Australia S.A. Pennant competition which are ably managed by Helen Schulz, a long-time member at Willunga and Junior Coordinator for the SGG.  Seven out of the twenty players in the squad are members of SGG Clubs.

All 5 players in the CDJ Division 2 team that played at The Vines on Sunday are members of SGG clubs. Ironically, their opponent, Royal Adelaide, fielded two players originally/also from SGG clubs. The wind was tough all day and a large cloudburst of rain in the closing holes made play difficult for all. Although the Div. 2 team lost 4 1/2 to 0 1/2, every match on the day was keenly contested, with all games finishing on either the 17th or 18th holes.

L to R: Gabriel Aitken, Lily Harris, Sam White, Oliver Riggs and Robbie Hill

Robbie Hill (Aston Hills GC) started well but was eventually outplayed due to the excellent short game of his opponent, Isabelle Watson (also a member of Victor Harbor GC).  Robbie unfortunately went 1 down on the 18th hole.

Robbie Hill

Gabriel Aitken (Aston Hills) and his opponent swapped the lead all day, but with 3 holes to play Gabe found himself 2 down. Wins on the 16th and 17th holes set up an interesting finish, but he could only manage to halve the hole and therefore the match.

Gabriel Aitken

Lily Harris (Victor Harbor GC) lost to Mitchell Zander (ex Aston Hills GC) 3 and 1. Lily & Mitchell had a tight round. She never let him get any more than 2 up until unfortunately the 17th hole which determined the end of play. Considering Mitchell had the lower handicap it was tough but a good learning experience and both enjoyed the competition. Both players played very well considering the weather conditions, displayed great sportsmanship towards each other and admirably represented their home clubs.

Lily Harris

Sam White (Victor Harbor GC) lost the final hole to finish 1 down after a close match all day.

Sam White

 Oliver Riggs (Victor Harbor GC) lost the 17th hole to finish 2 and 1 down. Ollie matched his opponent shot for shot most of the day, but ultimately was let down by a misfiring putter.

Oliver Riggs

 JUNIORS S.A. PENNANT – Sharp Cup and Division 2 matches

 Next Sunday both CDJ teams are playing at The Grange West course.

The Sharp Cup team is drawn to play Kooyonga.  Representing SGG clubs are Robbie Hill (Aston Hills GC), Charley Moseley (Aston Hills) and Lily Harris (Victor Harbor GC).

Gabriel Aitken (Aston Hills) and Oliver Riggs (Victor Harbor GC) are both playing in the Division 2 team which will be playing against the Mid North.

2022 Men’s Pennant Champions 

C2 GRADE PENNANT – Normally in such an important competition as the SGG Pennant, you would expect the A grade premiers to be the main feature.

This year however, at least for this newsletter, last becomes first and so that honour belongs to the Yankalilla C2 team, for reasons which will become apparent.

In most Pennant handicap matches, the lowest handicapped pair in each team tees off last (seventh), and the highest tees off first. The idea is that the best player in each team should be the one to bear the burden if the seventh match will determine which team wins.

However, on this day the number seven Echunga player rang to say he was delayed.

Rather than accept a forfeit, the Yankalilla team were adamant that they would wait for however long was necessary, they would prefer to play the match out. As it is, the Echunga player arrived late but within the allowed period, so the match proceeded with the number sevens playing as the last group.

As usual at McCracken, the teams battled wind and water all day and after the first 6 matches were completed, scores were tied 3 all. So, it came down to the number sevens, where Colin Green eventually triumphed 3 and 2.

Both captains were complimentary about the good sportsmanship demonstrated by both teams and were grateful to McCracken GC in presenting the course in great condition.

It had been 29 years since the last occasion Yankalilla had won the Bruce Newman shield, so the team managed to put down their beers long enough for their photo to be taken.

L – R: Colin Green (7), Lazlo Ballaton (2), Rob Lokan (4 and Captain), Damien Burns (3), Steve Jannson (1), Dennis Saaborg (6) and Alex Molynox (5)

A1 GRADE PENNANT

Report courtesy of Rob Zinnoeger, Zone Coordinator :-

The Men’s A1 Pennant final between Willunga GC & Aston Hills was held at the Links Lady Bay golf course which was in pristine condition.

With the wind up around 20kph the test was going to be challenging for the best 2 teams in the SGG for 2022.

Aston Hills are no strangers to the finals over recent years with a great record of success, while Willunga on the other hand had not held the trophy aloft for 14 years.

Whilst a couple of matches looked like being decided early neither side was in a dominant position throughout the contest, until, with the score at 3-3 it was left to youngest members from both teams to decide the result.

Aston Hills 2 up with 3 to play.

Aston Hills 1up with 2 to play.

All square going to the 18th.

Willunga had a very long putt for eagle but would have to eventually settle for par.

Aston Hills made a bold attempt at birdie which caught the edge of the cup leaving a 3-4ft putt above the hole.

Sadly, the return putt to halve the hole and extend the match was not made, and Willunga finally got their hands on that shield after 14 years.

Personally, I would like to congratulate and commend both teams for the level of play they produced and the spirit in which the contest was played. I found it thoroughly entertaining and would urge everyone to go and watch a pennant final in 2023 if they can.

L to R – Steve Alderson, Ben Pearce, Brad Steele (Captain), Scott Murray, Dave Pateyjohns, Paul Standfield. Absent Stevie Williams (had to rush off to a wedding)

A2 GRADE PENNANT

South Lakes defeated Oakbank 4 ½ to 2 ½ at Victor Harbor Golf Club to claim the 2022 trophy.

Matt McDonald (#1 – 3 and 2), David Smelt (#2 – 6 and 4), Nick Talbot (#3 – 4 and 2) and David Raymond (#6 – 7 and 6) all won their matches. Chris Smith (#5) finished square, while Tom Longbottom (#4) and Travis Roach (#7) lost.

The South Lakes Team was subdued after their win, having lost long-time colleague and Pennant stalwart Steve Ross only two days before the first Pennant Match. Although the win itself seemed somewhat anticlimactic on the day, Matt McDonald felt it was a fitting tribute to Steve Ross and his legacy.

Captain David Raymond was grateful to the Victor Harbor golf club for the excellent condition of the course and sympathised with their Covid-ravaged opponent, Oakbank, who were forced to play two of their B1players in the higher grade. He said the result felt much closer during the match than the scores indicated.

The Oakbank Pennant Captain Scott Schulz thanked South Lakes for the spirit in which the game was played, and paid tribute to Club Captain John McInnes (retiring from Pennant with a win) and Matt Steinbeck (felt like cannon fodder) and Grant Parker who both were upgraded from the B1 team and aquitted themselves admirably.

(L to R) Chris Smith, Nick Talbot, Tom Longbottom, David Raymond, Matt McDonald, Travis Roach and David Smelt.

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP
(Boys and Girls)

Junior members of Golf Australia affiliated Clubs (17 or under on 18^th of July 2022) are invited to register their interest in nominating for this event.   Any eligible junior can play in this two-day event, for more information follow this link :-

https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

(Online registration is essential and will be available on the 23^rd of May)

Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult and must have a GA handicap.

G.A. Handicaps 17.9 or better will play Stroke, 18.0 plus will play Stableford

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 17^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 18^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap
• Tuesday 19^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes Stroke or Stableford based on handicap and Presentation
• Results in this event determine District Team standings for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play)

The Southern Golf Group is entering a team of 5 players and 2 reserves for the Brett Ogle Cup which will be held at Barmera following on from the Country Championships. All players must compete in the Country Championship event at Berri. Maximum handicap G.A. 50

Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Berri Golf Club – Two divisions, based on G.A. handicap 17.9

• Wednesday 20^th July
  • Round 1 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap)
  • Round 2 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
• Thursday 21^st July
  • Round 3 – 18 holes match play (Div 1 off-the-stick, Div 2 handicap
  • Presentation

There will be one or two team selection/practice events for the Brett Ogle Cup Squad in late June, venues and times will be advised in coming newsletters.

FOR INFORMATION on both events email here :- SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Peterborough 11th and 12th June This is a GolfSA event for individuals.  Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

Peterborough Junior Open & SA Junior Sand Greens Championship

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Peterborough Golf Club

Open to boys & girls who are aged 17 years and under as at 11th June 2022.

The event, conducted by Peterborough GC & Northern District Golf Group, will include:

• SA Junior Sand Greens Championship – 36 holes
• Peterborough Junior Open – 18 holes
• Peterborough Sub Junior Events (no handicap required)

For event information & entry form – Click Here

The post Newsletter 3 – 20th May 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

SIMPSON CUP WEEK 1

Southern group lost their opening match against last year’s finalists, The Vines, 6 to 1 on Sunday at Flagstaff Hill.

David Ling driving at the 10th Tee, Flagstaff Hill

Skipper David Ling lost 2 and 1 in a tight tussle all day.  He had a chance to win or halve his match at one down with two to play, however his opponent put his approach into a green side bunker, whereas David placed his approach shot high and left of the green, leaving  a difficult shot off a skinny lie over a bunker.   His opponent played out of his bunker to within 5 feet of the pin leaving an uphill putt which he triumphantly holed.  Lingy produced a great chip which just missed the pin leaving a two foot sideways putt back, which he unfortunately missed for the loss.

Jackson Arthur lost  3 and 1. He had battled hard all day, missing many gettable putts early to get behind, lagging 4 down at one stage. Jack’s putter started firing late in the day, allowing him to fight back to have a chance to halve the match by winning the last two holes, but lost the 17th and the match.

Phil Chapman won 3 and 2. Phil was 1 down after the two opening holes, but with 9 straight pars was 3 up after 9 holes. A birdie at 10 put him 4 up, but his opponent sank a long birdie putt on the 2nd and with Phil making bogey on their 14^th hole after a poor drive it was only 2up with the match tightening.

However, two pars on 15 and 16 was all it took to close his match out 3 and 2. Phil played consistent golf with 1 birdie and a single bogey.

It’s hard to argue with results, so these words from Phil about his philosophy. “Years ago, when first playing match play pennants at Simpson Cup level and State amateur I was focused too much on what my opponent was doing which affected my game.    So, I changed my thought process to playing the course and if I could shoot even par or better, it would go a long way to winning matches. Also, if I was even par or better and lost, then congratulation to my opponent as he’d played well and had a good day.   With this focus I started playing a lot better and winning a fair share of my matches.   Now don’t get me wrong I still want to know how my opponent is going on any given hole as there’s times you’ll have a risk/reward shot and need to make a good decision but ultimately, I play to my strengths.”

Matt McDonald felt he played well most of the day, being only 4 shots over the card after nine holes but somehow 7 down! After birdies on 10 and 11 to get back to 5 down he rated himself a good chance in the closing holes, but couldn’t maintain the run to keep pressure on his opponent, eventually losing 4 and 3.

Steve Williams battled a wayward driver all day. After a bad start he was 5 down after 6 holes. Steve plugged away, eventually losing 3 and 2. Typical of his day, he chipped in from off the green on his 14th hole only to see his counterpart chip in from a green side bunker to halve the hole and stop Steve’s momentum. Steve sportingly walked 20 metres to fist bump his opponent after the bunker shot went down.

Jamie Burt’s match was close all day, with the lead alternating but never more than a 1 hole advantage all day. A couple of poor shots in the closing holes cost him dearly, losing two consecutive holes and going down 2 and 1 in the end.

Chris Barker lost 1 down after leading most of the day, being 3 up after nine. In the closing holes he lost confidence in his ball after two perfectly hit seven irons fell well short and his opponent seized the chance to gain the lead. Dormie with one to go, Chris’s halving putt agonisingly lipped out on the final hole.

This Sunday the team plays at Tea Tree Gully, off the 1st tee at 11:15am

1          David Ling     (Captain)
2          Jase Hyland
3          Jackson Arthur
4          Matt McDonald
5          Hayden Massey
6          Steve Williams
7          Elliot Willgoose

Reserves       Jamie Burt & Matt Hage

JUNIORS S.A. PENNANT – DIVISION 2

Golf SA manages a combined team of junior players called Country Districts which competes in the Sharp Cup and Junior Pennant division. Seven out of the twenty players in the squad are members of SGG Clubs.

Last Sunday, Country Districts defeated Kooyonga 3 ½ to 0 ½, but the result was helped by receiving two forfeits from their opponent.

The Sharp Cup team do not play until 22^nd of May. This Sunday the Division 2 team plays Royal Adelaide at The Vines, Reynella. The team consists of 3 players from Aston Hills and two from Victor Harbor .

2022 WOMEN’S PENNANT CHAMPIONSHIPS

A GRADE PENNANT

L – R Jess Reynolds, Kath Layton, Helen Pengilly (captain) Karen Rama , Anna Watson and Ebony Riordan. Not in photo is Anne McDonald.

 Willunga Golf Club were undefeated in the minor round and beat Aston Hills 4 and 1 in the final round. Pip March reports :

Willunga women golfers are riding high on the success of their Pennant teams this year. From a player base of about 50 women we were able to achieve wins in both the new Division 1A playing and Division 2 – second year in a row!

The commitment and support by members of the Div 1 team was extraordinary  – Ebony  a new member to the Club in 2021 had her Mum travel from Clare to Adelaide on several Mondays to baby sit for her so she could play. Her husband changed work rosters to take on babysitting too    – all to ensure a commitment to the Willunga team.

Three other members of this team work full time and all juggled rosters and took holiday leave to be able to represent the Club. Winning all their matches was just reward for the effort, commitment and skill of this pennant team.

The club was really fortunate this year to have Ebony Riordan join and manage to play most games, thanks entirely to family support. Ebony’s husband changed shifts and her mother travelled from Clare to allow her to participate. Anna Watson has always been reluctant to play but this year filled in and enjoyed her games. All in all, a very strong team effort all year.

A great Pennant year for Willunga with two wins and a top two finish for all three pennant teams.

A1 GRADE PENNANT

L – R: Heather Grace (South Lakes), Sally Graham (Parndana), Deb Christie (Lameroo), Anne Hunter (Oakbank), Pauline Rowsell (Parndana) and Joy Page (Oakbank).

The Kombies, a combination team with members from various remote clubs, won the A2 final 4 and 1 after an undefeated minor round. They were especially grateful to their opponent, Victor Harbor, for their sportsmanship and good spirits and congratulated the Willunga Course management for their fine presentation of the course. All thanked the SGG Pennant organisers for the chance to play in this year’s high level competition. Sally and Pauline (Kangaroo Island), Heather (Clare) and Deb (Lameroo) all travelled long distances for the chance to compete in this year’s event.

DIVISION 2 PENNANT

L – R: Annie Owen, Leonie Jamieson, Jane Stewart, Carol Collins (captain) and Jane George. Other member not in photo – Pip March

The Willunga team beat McCracken in the final, 4 and 1.

Pip March again: Back-to-back wins by the Division 2 team was in part due to tactics!   The new Captain, Carol Collins, supplied a bag of lollies to each player before the last two games to ensure they had a sugar kick to help them win – and it worked!!

The team was also able to convert Club women’s President Jane Stewart to the Pennant competition – maybe it was the lollies again – but Jane has never played pennants before despite being a golf tragic –we hope she is now going to be a regular pennant player in the future.

DIVISION 2 (HILLS) PENNANT

Pam Gray, Sue Telfer, Elizabeth Handsaker (Captain), Jill Sommerlad, Jeanette Rayner, Robyn Eibisch (photoshopped).

Echunga beat Lake Albert in the Division 2 (Hills) competition 3 and 2.    Captain Elizabeth Handsaker reports : Robyn Eibisch unfortunately couldn’t play (Covid) in the final, a big disappointment as she had won most of her minor round matches.

Scores on the day were very close, and it came down to the last stroke on the 18th by Jeanette Rayner. Sue Telfer and Jill Sommerland won their games, but Pam Gray and Elizabeth Handsaker unfortunately lost. In all it was an enjoyable season and our finals opponents, Lake Albert, played in good spirit.

HOLE IN ONE

Julie Crafter and “That Ball”

Congratulations to Julie Crafter for acing the 5^th hole at South Lakes GC in the opening A grade Pennant match against Aston Hills. South Lakes went on to win 4 and 1.

DIVISION 3 PENNANT

L-R: Rennie Williams, Ruth Waterman (didn’t play due to a muscle complaint), Shirley Cain, Ann Morton, Di Foster and Jill Williams. (Reserves Janet Petherick and Kathy Clark not shown).

In Division 3, Echunga finished top with 10 points, Willunga 8 points, Victor Harbor 6 and South Lakes last.

This report from Ruth Waterman, the Echunga Captain is a good reminder of why we play the competition (enjoy, compete, celebrate win or lose):

Echunga is a very small club and it is quite difficult to find players willing to commit to six ongoing weeks of pennant competition.

Our team comprised two “oldies”, both of whom played during the merry days of the (now defunct) Belair Park Golf Club, and the other three being “newbies” to the competition. Because of this, our mindset from the start was to just enjoy ourselves and let the results fall as they may. We had a fabulous six weeks. The competition was very well organised, our opposition teams (Victor Harbor, Willunga and South Lakes) were extremely welcoming and friendly, the courses were beautiful and well maintained, and to have a closely contested win (only finalised on the last week of the round robin) was the icing on the cake.

I have a feeling my ‘Thank You” speech may have come across as rather garbled and incoherent on the final day (the shock and euphoria of taking home the trophy) but I would like to sincerely thank the Southern Golf Group for their support and management of the competition, and also the opposition teams for their hospitality, kindness and good fellowship. The five members of our team (with reserves) are totally committed to returning next year to try and defend the 2022 result.

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS & BRETT OGLE CUP

Junior members of SGG Clubs (17 or under on 18^th of July 2022) are invited to register their interest in nominating for this event.   The SGG is entering a team of five players and two reserves. Players must be accompanied by a responsible adult. Players must have a GA handicap, and we would generally expect handicaps of around 27 or less, although we are also interested in talent for future years, so all applications are welcome.

Email SGG.JuniorCoordinator@gmail.com to register interest.

Event 1 – Country Championships at Loxton Golf Club

• Sunday 16^th July is available for a practice round at Loxton
• Monday 17^th July – Round 1 – 18 holes stroke play
• Tuesday 18^th July – Round 2 – 18 holes stroke play and Presentation
• Results in this event determine District Team standings for the Brett Ogle Cup (Match Play)

Event 2 – Brett Ogle Cup at Barmera Golf Club

• Wednesday 19^th July
  • Round 1 – 7.30am start – 18 holes match play
  • Round 2 – 11.00am start – 18 holes match play
• Thursday 20^th July
  • Round 3 – 7.30am start – 18 holes match play
  • Presentation

There will be one or two team selection/practice events in June, venues and times will be advised in coming newsletters.

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Peterborough 11th and 12th June This is a GolfSA event for individuals.  Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

Peterborough Junior Open & SA Junior Sand Greens Championship

Saturday 11th & Sunday 12th June at Peterborough Golf Club

Open to boys & girls who are aged 17 years and under as at 11th June 2022.

The event, conducted by Peterborough GC & Northern District Golf Group, will include:

• SA Junior Sand Greens Championship – 36 holes
• Peterborough Junior Open – 18 holes
• Peterborough Sub Junior Events (no handicap required)

For event information & entry form – Click Here

The post Newsletter 2 – 13 May 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.

Welcome to our first 2022 Southern Golf Group newsletter. We will be covering many topics of interest to our Clubs and members, and hope you will join our direct mail subscription list by emailing under the subject SUBSCRIBE at SGG.Direct@gmail.com.

X-Golfing the SGG to SIMPSON CUP glory?

This first issue features our SIMPSON CUP team, managed by the ultra-capable Norm Slator and enthusiastically assisted by Jamie Burt. The Board considers our continued Simpson Cup participation as a great honour and opportunity to showcase our best players and deserves more recognition by our members..

Southern were first invited to form a composite team in the 2008 Simpson Cup season to help GolfSA expand the competition into 2 grades. Southern won the A2 final in 2016 which earned our promotion to A1 and have retained our place since. Combined with the strong SGG Pennant competition, participation in the Simpson Cup can only strengthen our top players’ competitive spirit and abilities under pressure.

A team bonding and motivational night was held at the X-Golfing venue on Marion Road, Marion :- https://www.xgolf.com.au/locations/marion-sa/
Unfortunately not all players were able to attend due to work and family commitments, however those present enjoyed the evening, discussions and chance to compare techniques. The players chose to play the difficult Pebble Beach course, sacrificing many virtual balls to a watery grave on the way.

To begin our coverage a short discussion with the ‘Legend’, Phil Chapman.

Phil “Chappy” Chapman shows his driving technique at Pebble Beach

As an outstanding golfer and long term Simpson Cup and Pennant competitor it is difficult to go past Phil Chapman from Aston Hills Golf Club.  Chappy began his Pennant career in his youthful days at Kooyonga.   Of course he has played Simpson Cup many times for Southern since then, as well as regular A1 Pennant appearances for Aston Hills squeezed between work and family commitments.

“In early 1987 I was at a State junior development program at Glenelg GC and was invited to play in a 9 hole Ambrose competition over at Kooyonga afterwards with a mate of mine who had recently joined Kooyonga. I was introduced to the junior coordinator as being interested in joining the club.  Our group shot 7 under off the stick for the 9 holes, so I was asked to try out for the Kooyonga Pennant team. I had just turned 17 years old, playing on about a four handicap. The first trial match I beat an old stalwart Vern Kingshot 6 and 5, then won my second match and third matches. On the back of this result I was selected straight into the Kooyonga Simpson Cup team.

Back then you played home and away games and after 5 matches I had won my 2 home games but lost my 3 away games when a break from pennants happened with the May long weekend. That weekend was the Royal Adelaide Invitational which was a National Trial Event so Kooyonga’s best 2 or 3 players were away playing that tournament, missing out on Kooyonga’s Club Championship.

The Championship was a 36 hole Stroke qualifying event on the Saturday, with quarter and semi Matchplay finals on the Sunday. The 36 hole Matchplay final would have been on the holiday Monday. I won my quarter final and came up against Bruce Kingshot who I lost to on the 22^nd. Interestingly if I had won that match I would have had to come with a cheque on Monday to pay the junior membership ship fees which I hadn’t been invoiced for at that stage.

With that result, Bruce got asked to play pennants and I was pushed out of the Simpson Cup team.

In my second season, 1988, I played a mixture of games for the A1 and Bonner Cup teams, but from 1989 to 1994 I played every Simpson Cup match usually in the No.3 or 2 position behind Neil Crafter at 1 and Andrew Schleiker at 2 and in my last year behind Justin Cooper at 1.

1989 was my first Simpson Cup final so it was one of my most memorable games, where I can still remember almost every shot. We were up against Grange at Glenelg GC, Grange had a strong team and were favourites going into the match. I was playing at number 3 and surprisingly drawn to play against Shane Roberson who had just returned back from representing Australia in the Eisenhower Cup Team (top 4 amateurs in Australia).

We hadn’t even teed off the 1^st and I had a member walk up and say ‘commiserations’. Anyway after 11 holes I was only 1 down and then the 12^th was the uphill par 3. Shane hit the bunker on the right and he took 4 shots for the hole. My tee shot was left of the green but I got up and down in regulation, so all square.

The 13th was a par 5, I hit a three iron approach shot and sank a 3 foot putt for an eagle and the win, so was then 1 up. The par 4 14th, I holed a 40 footer for the birdie and another win, so 2 up. On the 15th I was on the green close to the hole for another 3 while Shane went from greenside bunker to bunker and conceded the hole. So 3 up and dormie.

On the 16th, a par 3, I hit onto the green and 2 putted, Shane also made a 3 and conceded so I won 3 and 2. Our number 1 and 2 lost that day but my match was the pivotal match and Kooyonga won 4 and 3.

The following year we backed it up and won the Simpson Cup again:

Briefly, Phil’s career as a youth
1987 – State Schoolboy team
1988 to 1990 – State Junior team
1990-1996 – State Amateur team

Phil considers himself as unlucky not to make the 1989 State Amateur team (a team of 8). That year he won the SA Medal and came 6th in the Vardon Trophy and finished high up in the Royal Adelaide Invitational and SA’s second best player at the event.

“I can understand why I didn’t make the team as I would have been the youngest player, and I did come from the clouds with my Vardon Trophy position. Because I played most of the Vardon events, my overall score was readjusted to ignore my worst scores. Anyway, it was the first and possibly the only time they announced a reserve for the State team!

 TEAM SELECTION for the first A1 Simpson Cup  match, this Sunday, 8th May – our opponent is The Vines club, to be played at Flagstaff Hill Golf Course – 10th Tee, 11:15am.

All are welcome to come along and cheer our players on.

1 David Ling (Captain) (McCracken)
2 Phil Chapman (Aston Hills)
3 Matt McDonald (South Lakes)
4 Jackson Arthur (Oakbank)
5 Hayden Massie (Aston Hills)
6 Steve Williams (Willunga)
7 Jamie Burt (Echunga)

Reserve Chris Barker (McCracken)

JUNIOR COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIPS (Boys and Girls)

The SGG is interested in receiving nominations for selection in this team.
( SGG.Juniorcoordinator@gmail.com )

Juniors need to be 17 and under on the 18^th July 2022 and are available to travel (accompanied by responsible adult) to the Riverland for four days of golf from Monday 18^th to Thursday 21^st July. The SGG will subsidise some travel costs.

Players must have a Golflink number and be able to travel with a parent or approved responsible adult.  Ideally, GA handicaps will be under 20 and have some Matchplay experience.

LOXTON GC :- https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167645/info

• Sunday 17^th – practice round
• Monday 18^th and Tuesday 19^th – 18 holes of Stroke Play each day

BARMERA GC – BRETT OGLE CUP :- https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3167660/info

• Wednesday 20^th – The top 40 players from Loxton play two rounds of Matchplay
• Thursday 21^st – 18 holes Matchplay, Presentation and prizes

JUNIOR PENNANT – Sharp Cup and Junior Division 2 – GolfSA Country Districts team.  This year 7 players from SGG clubs are participating in the two Country Districts combined teams. The Division 2 team is playing against Kooyonga at Sandy Creek this Sunday, May 8th. The Sharp Cup team’s first game is at Grange on Sunday the 22nd May, also against Kooyonga. Helen Schulz (Willunga) is helping Alan Telford from GolfSA manage this team.

JUNIOR SAND GREEN CHAMPIONSHIPS – Peterborough 11th and 12th June This is a GolfSA event for individuals.  Refer https://www.golf.org.au/events#/competition/3200815/info for entry details

The post Newsletter 1 – 6th May 2022 first appeared on Southern Golf Group.