Harden Golf News

2019 Australian 2 Man Ambrose a Success
The 29th edition of the Bendigo Bank - Bruce Ware Australian 2 Man Ambrose has been run and won, with scoring by the leaders in testing conditions not too far off the record scores.

The platinum naming rights sponsors were Bendigo Bank Harden, the community bank who not only put the prizes on but had staff and board members on hand manning their impromptu Hole in One sponsorship for the par 3, 18th on both days. The ladies were there with wide smiles and helpful advice on the 18th tee watching some impressive approaches to 17 and sharp shooting on 18.

Board member Ev Shea in her sponsors speech at the end of the weekend, confirmed that Bendigo Bank were on board with the tournament next year and that, being the 30th edition, some special arrangements were already being contemplated. Exciting news and confidence for the special event was well received amongst the participants and tournament organisers. Heartfelt thanks go out to the bank that is really making a difference in the community.

Associate sponsors for the weekend were 4 Pines Brewing (by Carlton United) and Yenda Ales (via Coca Cola Amatil) and they are thanked for their generosity through provision of all the Nearest The Pin and Longest Drive trophies.

Cochrane & Hellier Australian Champions No stranger to the big title, Nick Cochrane and Kris Hellier have blown away the field with a marvellous effort at 61 off the stick both days (10 under) for a combined 20 under par weekend of 122 shots. Considering the wind, the mud storm and the weather that kept on giving, these are just out of this world scores.

Runners up in the Open division, 3 shots back on 125 after very respectable scoring, were Mark Buick and Michael Peard. The A Grade 36 hole nett went to Peter Annetts and Adam Twyford from Cootamundra with 124.5 nett. Runners up nett 36 hole A Grade went to Dave McGilvray and Josh Read only 0.5 shots back on 125.

In the B Grade Division, the champions were brothers John and Steven Hollie who shot a very tidy 4 under for the weekend with 70/67 to claim the weekend result. George Morigiannis and Stephen Williams were 2 shots back for runner up in B Grade with rounds of 68/71 for 139.

B Grade nett winners for 35 holes were local cunning ambrosers Tom Poole and Mark Parker with 124.5 nett, whilst the runners up were 1 shot back with 125.5, being Ben O’Loughlin and Phil Manwaring.

The Veterans Cup for over 50’s went to last year’s Open Runner UPS Wayne Evans and Gary Cooke who shot a tidy 127 off the stick showing the young bucks how to rock with some condition and style.

Daily Winners
Saturday
A Grade Scratch John Blackman and Joel Hart (63)
A Grade Nett Tom Crockart and Jarryd Clarke (64.75)
B Grade Scratch Peter Elliott and Ron Fuller (69)
B Grade Nett Andrew Jones and Ewan Pollock (63)

Sunday A Grade Scratch Jackson Fennell and Luke Cincotta (62 c/b)
A Grade Nett Steve Panetta and Matt Stretton (59.75)
B Grade Scratch Mitch Deep and Youthful Clarrie Powers (61)
B Grade Nett Kevin Hoppe and Tam Kennedy (64)

Extra Events
Saturday
Long Drive A Greg Sheaves
Long Drive B Kevin Hoppe
NTP 5th Mike Barlow (1.8m)
NTP 10th Jake Davies (1.38m)
NTP 16th Geoff Byrne (1.33m)
NTP 18th Jarryd Clarke (1.06m)

Sunday
Long Drive A Paul Deep
Long Drive B Ewan Pollock
NTP 5th Joel Hart (1.2m)
NTP 10th Bill Buttriss (0.77m)
NTP 16th Bryan Kelly (1.4m)
NTP 18th Adam Twyford (1.27m)

Thanks Extended
Events like these only enjoy the longevity the tournament has from a unique combination of the employed staff in unison with the team of volunteers. Greenkeeper Ben Glover received praise for the course condition, despite the ever-present drought and recent course upgrade works.

Hospitality staff were praised for their broad smiles and helpful attitudes all weekend.

Volunteers on course assisting Ben, in the BBQ assisting the food preparation and in the event management team were all roundly thanked by all for making the weekend work so well. To Karen Glover in the entries and scheduling section, to Jeanette Elliott for her marshalling and scores/results and to the dog’s body with a flat thumb, Ron Page, thanks are extended.

Next Year
It will be the 30th year and by far and away the longest standing National Title of its type, this tournament goes from strength to strength. Over-subscribed most years and with a waiting list, it really pays to respond when the entries go out in the last week of June each time. The Community Bendigo Bank is back on board and special things are planned - see you there.

This Week
The gents will be playing for the Harden Tyre Service trophy in an Individual Stableford whilst the ladies too will be playing a Stableford but for a Club Trophy.

See you on course,
Alby

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