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2023 Country Week Round Up

MENS REPORT

From Greg Bishop – Team Manager

The country week squad of David Foster, Jake Longhurst, Ed Sargeant, Cam Bowers, Wayde Howard, TJ Leigh, Ian Wiseman, James Daglas and Luke Mirabile with Greg Bishop and Colin Gannon as team managers travelled over to West Gippsland to play on the picturesque courses of Yallourn, Trafalgar and Traralgon.

First day we were at Yallourn playing Golf Central in the morning with most of the contests very even with the final result being a 3.5/3.5 draw although Ed Sargeant played brilliantly to shoot 5 under the card and win his match 8/6.  In the afternoon we were up against East Gippsland and lost 4/3 but Cam Bowers and Ian Wiseman continued their morning form to have their 2nd victories.

Day 2 was at Trafalgar which all the players thought was the best of the 3 courses and we were up against South Gippsland. A good 5/2 victory which put us back into the hunt to win the division. The best result was Cam Bowers winning 8/6 but Ian Wiseman, Jake Longhurst and David Foster also had good wins. We had a bye in the afternoon.

Day 3 at Traralgon we needed a win for a chance to be promoted but a loss could have seen us relegated.  Jake Longhurst had a good victory winning 5/4. All other matches went to either to the 17th or 18th. With the games all even at 3 all and Cam Bowers playing the last at all square he nervously stepped up and drained a 10 footer for par to win the hole and give us a 4/3 win unfortunately this wasn't enough to win the division and so we finished 2nd.

We were blessed with the weather all 3 days and found the courses very well presented.

The camaraderie amongst the group was excellent and looking forward to next year with the purpose of winning Div 2 and getting promoted back to Div 1.

WOMENS REPORT

From Ann Lynch – Team Manager

2023 Country Teams was held in Gippsland over 3 perfect days with a re-jigged division and draw, we had a daunting 5 game schedule over the 2 1/2 days.  Our team consisted of 11 golfers from a number of clubs around the district with players, Sharyn Wallace, Kathy Naoumidis, Sue Horne, Fiona Watach, Jen Edmanson, Kylie Mytyk, Wendy Tottenham, Collen Manson, Jill Barker, Sam Breguet and Meg Pratt and Alycia Clarke (withdrew). Caddies & support crew included Fiona Scott, Angela Foott, Vicki Carnie & Georgie Sanders.

Our first match against West Gippsland teeing off at 7.30 was not to our advantage with a 5/2 loss, Jen Edmanson and Wendy Tottenham were the victors.

Monday afternoon we made a few changes and tackled the team of East Gippsland, once again we lost 5/2 our victors this round were Jen Edmanson and Colleen Manson in her first game for country week.

Tuesday morning with another early 7.30 start saw a determined team step out on the tee against Western, the 3/4 loss was another gut-wrenching outcome. The victors were Kathy Naoumidis and the inform Jen Edmanson once again showing her matchplay powers, Kylie Mytyk and Colleen Manson securing the other win by halving their matches.

Tuesday afternoon some changes were made and a couple of first-time players were brought in, this was against the in-form Ballarat. The champagne flowed that evening after giving them a thumping of 5/2, with our team were beginning their late stampede home, the victors of this thrilling match were Jen Edmanson, Kathy Naoumidis, Kylie Mytyk and Jill Barker in her first country week game who completed her win with a cartwheel on the green of the finishing hole.

Wednesday morning another 7.30 start and another change to the team, where we were up against South Gippsland. Our team hit their straps once again with a 5/2 win, the victors were Kathy Naoumidis, Sue Horne, Wendy Tottenham and our 2 debutants Fiona Watach and Meg Pratt.

Overall, in Division 2 competition South Western finished 4th. Although hoping to have done better the team spirit and camaraderie was a privilege to be a part of. Thankyou ladies for representing our district. 

On behalf of the SWGA Board & District, thanks to team managers Ann & Greg and their support crew for managing the very proud and competent South Western golf teams.  Terrific to see the men out at Yallourn on day 2 when the women were playing and they had their bye.  Whether they were checking out the course for their next round or supporting the women in their matches, either way a great look for the SWGA 

It was reassuring to see all first-time players not only get a game but manage their matches very competently.

 Wendy Tottenham – Golf Ops SWGA