Life memberships are not handed out lightly.
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Typically, the person who earns one has dedicated themselves to many years of unpaid volunteer work in various capacities or shows a selfless attitude to one or more commitments for the love of their club or organisation.
So it was with great delight that Rochester Golf Club president Ian Clark and captain Des Gallagher awarded Bruce Bryant his life membership to the club at last Friday’s annual presentation night.
Moving to Rochester almost 30 years ago, Bryant joined the committee in various capacities and soon became a popular member of the club. His duties included holding down the important treasurer's portfolio for 10 years as well as an ongoing role as tournament secretary.
Bryant has also participated in working bees, and helped to put out the field on play days, including recording scores for handicaps.
However, it wasn't until Bryant retired and the club later purchased a new Toro Fairway mower that Bryant’s true passion emerged.
Bryant can be seen most days in all sorts of weather conditions, happily trimming the fairways to perfection from dawn to dusk.
Accepting the life membership, Bryant thanked the members of the club who had assisted him across the years and gave special thanks to Eileen, his ‘Uber Eats lunch delivery lady’ for keeping him well fed when mowing.
Ladies’ captain Karen Taylor congratulated Louise Williams on winning her second consecutive ladies’ championship (total 272), with Williams also taking out the ladies’ handicap win.
Barbara McCarty was thrilled to receive two prestigious awards, including the Vera Speer trophy which is awarded for the best two rounds of par during the season (-1).
McCarty also took home the Joy Blackman trophy for her three Stableford rounds of 44, 41 and 37 for a very credible total of 122.
Ladies’ captain Karen Taylor was also happy to receive the trophy for the least number of putts over three rounds.
Jake Wright was again crowned the men's 2021 Club Champion from an unlucky Shane Bywaters.
Mark Walsh won his first B-grade trophy from Graham Willis and new life member Bruce Bryant.
Peter Anderson was the A-grade handicap winner from Bywaters.
Willis defeated Laurie Radley in the final of the singles matchplay, winning 3/2, while the veteran pairing of Ian Pollard and Ap Kuiper were the popular 4-ball matchplay champions over the big-hitting pairing of Jake Wright and Andrew Purdy with 2/1.
Bryant's good night was capped off by winning the par championship over the course of the season, ahead of Radley.
Anderson won the trophy for the best Stableford rounds over the season.
Every year the club presents `The Laurie Jackel’ which is awarded to the most consistent golfer, and also who the captain of the day considers to be a good team player in other aspects during the season.
This year Peter Anderson was thrilled to receive the award from life member and popular personality Laurie Jackel on the night.
Please remember the club's annual general meeting is scheduled for Monday, November 22 in the clubhouse at 7 pm.
Attendance is requested as many changes to the committee will be announced due to several members leaving the district.
Campaspe
The club had a great turnout for the 3-person Ambrose on Sunday, which was surprising considering the wet and wintry conditions.
The winning team of Shane Bywaters, Kevin Burrow and Laurie Radley came in with a net score of 67⅙.
Close behind, the team of Shane Wolfe, Jeff Carnie and Denise Pappin had a nett score of 68⅙ to be runners-up.
There was a ‘NAGA’ award too, just for fun. This went to John Oakley, Frank Broucek and Wayne Robinson.
Nearest-the-pin on number five is still whistling for a winner.
Laurie Radley copped a win on the seventh with the second shot, Shane Wolfe had the straightest drive on number four and the lucky card was Denise Pappin.
This Sunday is a stroke game and monthly medal.