THE drift of players to festive season commitments have seen declining numbers at events this past week. 

The lack of numbers however did not dampen Parklands’ competitive spirit and there were three keenly contested events held; two at Parklands and one away from home.

Saturday stableford

SATURDAY’S main event was an 18-hole stableford played on a rapidly drying course. 

Barry Elvery had the round of the day with an impressive 37 points. 

Three shots away was Sue Irvin on 34, while Graeme Torney finished third on 32.

Nearest the pins went to Torney on the fifth, Mitch Miller on the 11th, Elvery on the 13th and Peter Irvin on the 15th. 

Longest putters were Torney on the first and Stewart Turner on the 17th and 18th.

The birdies and ferrets’ draw was won by George Donaldson.

Turner took out the longest straight drive, thereby proving that he is not just handy with the putter.

Volunteer Workers’ Perpetual Trophy

THE competition for this highly valued piece of silverware (it’s plastic) was held at the Mt Difficult course in Halls Gap. 

The course was in immaculate condition and the weather perfect, as players vied for the trophy over a nine-hole stableford.

Alex Walter was a narrow winner with his exceptional 23 points, edging out 2019 winner, Turner, on 22. 

Irvin was four shots back in third place, also collecting the nearest the pin on the fifth, while the other nearest the pins went to Miller on the sixth and Bernie Cook on the ninth.

The longest putts went to Irvin and Walter on the fourth and seventh respectively.

Walter and Miller shared the birdies and ferrets’ award.

Wednesday 12-hole stableford

MILLER blitzed the field in this event, scoring a remarkable 31 stableford points over the 12 holes. 

Cook and Barry Oldaker both finished on 23, with Cook relegating Oldaker to third on countback.

Nearest the pins went to Oldaker on the second and Miller on the 15th.

Miller capped off a remarkable day by claiming the birdies and ferrets’ draw.

The weeks ahead

THIS correspondent will take a break until late January when Parklander candour will return.

Those Parklands’ members who need their competitive fix of golf can rest assured that events will continue through this period.

The next scheduled event is Wednesday’s 13-hole stableford.

We will all connect with family and friends over the coming weeks and no doubt learn more about what it means to live with Covid, as the omicron variant continues its steady march across the globe.

In the meantime, I bring my Christmas wish for you via a paraphrase of some lovely lyrics written by John Denver.

May peace on earth fill up your time, may happiness surround you, and may you know the warmth of love and wrap it all around you.