THE Nichol-Read Memorial Shield is the trophy up for grabs each year in the Parklands-Mooralla Challenge after it was initiated by the families of Geoff Nichol and Bruce Read.

Both were active members of Parklands Golf Club for many years and Nichol joined Mooralla Golf Club as well for a period.

Both players were avid golfers supporting many district clubs’ tournaments and special events.

Following their passing, their families decided to organise a shield in their memory, to be played for each year with hosting rights alternating between the two clubs.

Members of the two clubs arrived at the Parklands course on Saturday, suitably kitted out with umbrellas and wet weather gear for the eighth running of this event. 

Regular passing showers ensured a collection of lowly scores. 

The home-ground advantage proved the deciding factor, as Parklands prised the shield from Mooralla’s grasp with an average stableford score of 26.66 points, well clear of the visitors on 21.83.

The best score of the day was returned by Mooralla’s Andrew Lewis with 35 points, an exceptional score in challenging conditions, while next best were Parklands’ Mitch Miller (32) and Stewart Turner (31).

Mooralla’s Lynn O’Brien featured in the novelties, holing two long putts on the 16th and 17th, and landing the longest straight drive on the ninth. 

Nearest the pins went to Tim O’Brien on the second, Lewis on the third, Barry Oldaker on the fifth and Bruce Taylor on the 13th.

Longest putts on the first and 18th went to Liz Nichol and Taylor respectively. 

Miller took out the birdies and ferrets draw.

Friday

THE first round of our modified fast five events took place on Friday in glorious golfing conditions.

A group of Parklands’ regular players was joined by several visitors and those somewhat new to the game, keen to experience golf in a relaxed atmosphere. 

Rhonda Scullion returned the best score amongst the visitors/newcomers group, closely followed by Helen Morrison, Frances O’Brien, Meg Watson, and Rhonda Taylor.

John Wilkinson headed the regulars, followed by Les Pye, Bob Warburton, Marie Cook and Sue Irvin.

Longest putts went to Stewart Turner on the first and ninth, Rhonda Taylor on the 10th, Heather Wilkinson on the 11th, Taylor on the 12th, Cook on the 14th and Pye on the 18th.

Wednesday

STEWART Turner won the 13-hole stableford event with a score of 27 points, two clear of Taylor on 25. 

Oldaker had a day out with his irons, taking out nearest the pin awards on the second, fifth and 13th.

Peter Irvin holed the longest putt on the first.

This week

THERE will be events on today, Friday, Saturday, and Monday.

The main event on Saturday will be the Macarthur-Parklands challenge to be held at Macarthur.

Round two of our fast five modified golf takes place next Friday at 1pm. 

Those new to or interested in experiencing the game are especially welcomed.