The recent bout of appalling weather has resulted in chaos for our golfing programme.  Hopefully that is all behind us and we can resume our normal golfing activities. 

One casualty of the big wet was the postponement of our official opening day.  That event will now be decided this Saturday with your original nominations for the day to stand.  If you are unable to play please withdraw your name from the field which will assist organisers greatly in conducting the event without any undue complications.  Another casualty of the wet conditions was the Bendigo Bank Summer consistency Cup with only best 4 round from 6 to count, not the original 6 from 8.  The overall winner with a great score of 155 points was Dean Hayes, no doubt helped by his 46 individual points recorded in round 2.  It was very close in 'A' grade with Lew Martin just edging out Terry Peisley by one shot 149 to 148.  There was no doubt who won 'B' grade, that was Fred Fouche with 154.  His nearest competitor was Peter Lane on 148 points.  Veteran golfers dominated 'C' grade with John Kliendienst recording a total score of 146 points with Merv Sharman claiming the runner-up position on 144.  Jim Peoples continued his recent winning form by clearly winning 'D' grade with 151 points.  It was no surprise to find John Dougherty in the runner-up position with 145 points.  Despite the intervention of the poor weather the series was a outstanding success.  So much so that the Bendigo Bank has confirmed its involvement once again with the 2012-13 series.  That is really good news for the Club in general and particularly those competing players.

The Grafton Veteran's season opening event is scheduled for next Tuesday.  The Grafton Travel Agency are supporting the event which guarantees plenty of prizes.  If you are playing together, riding, walking or require carts individuals should organise those carts through Mark Harvison our Golf Professional by phoning 66424143.  As normal the event will be a walk-up start, but all Veterans are especially invited to participate.

There may not have been much golf played recently, however there is one project which could use out help.  We refer to the "Growing the Game" venture promoted by performance golf through our local Profession, Mark Harvison.  This group has made a big commitment to take the game of golf to the remotest parts of Australia.  Mark Harvison was one of those teaching professionals who travelled to Alice Springs last year to further the game at which over 500 children attending that particular camp.  It was a great experience for Mark to be nominated as a participant in that campaign and he got as much out of the project as those on the receiving end.  This year Performance Golf Group and Mark Harvison have selected four new remote destinations across Australia to host similar events in 2012.  They are seeking assistance to raise funds and create awareness for the campaign.  To do this and demonstrate your support you can purchase a uniquely branded cap from Mark for just $10.  All funds raised will be placed into a special fund dedicated to this worthwhile cause.  If you can assist just contact Mark or Jo in the Pro-shop.

For those players looking for 2012 scheduled programme of events book, that should be available this week.  We can all then plan our schedule for the ensuing year.

Ray Hopwood