Round 9
Sunday, 4th May, 2025
Devilbend: Stableford @ 8.04 am
The day was to get off to a fine start for one of its members, Barra. He was relieved of his normal driving duties by Hubba who turned up in his neighborhood blasting the ‘happy birthday’ tune and delivering a birthday cup cake and a wee mix of Belvedere to start his day off.
The final outing of the 24-25 season had the troops converge at Devilbend. Previous seasons had the organisers and members quite content with both the value and condition of this venue. Unfortunately, this year didn’t bear the same fruit with a sharp price increase and the condition of a couple of greens, including the closure of its signature hole (5) leaving a bit to be desired.
However, there is always much to play for in the month of May including Player of the year (Ann Lee trophy), Naga of the year and the perpetual Animalia Cup. There was also a wee side bet between Clayton and Billy Mac for a crisp $20 to see “who was the worst player in the club”. These two would be matched up in group 4, the feature group alongside stalwarts Barra and Hubba.
As all the groups teed off it appeared not many were keen to use the fairway on hole one. None more so than Hubba, who appeared to be overwhelmed by the stakes involved around him, who swung and missed the ball by a clear two inches to start the day off with a freshie.
But there was not much too worry about in the NAGA competition as Ryan was to have all bases covered, carding a poor 23 points for his days’ work.
With the NAGA taken care of, all eyes turned to the Animalia Cup and the $20 side bet.
The seasons form player Billy Mac, thought he’d get in amongst the mind games, and throw a wee curve ball at Clayton early doors, telling him he’d cost himself dearly with a handicap cut the previous game, with the Macster holding a 5 shot handicap advantage, 46 to Claytons paltry 41. Macster also indicated that a solid performance from his good self would see the Ann Lee Trophy heading to his Karingal headquarters. He was not to disappoint either, playing some solid golf to post a very tidy 37 points.
But the Welsh Wizard had plenty up his sleeve, and boy did he take it to the Macster, 3 points here, 4 points there and then a birdie 2 on a par 3 for 5 points early on to have the Macster reeling. There was no catching Clayton as he had his hands all over the Animalia Cup 2025 with a score of 42 points.
This score would also see Clayton relieve the heartbroken Macster of 20 notes, this presentation took a while, but was eventually handed over. But only after Clayton refused to accept a cheque payment from Macster.
With half of the feature group (4) shooting the lights out, the other half of Barra and Hubba were getting a wee bit concerned with the lack of points on their own cards. Barra’s anxiety was eased considerably when Hubba putted on the green and hit Macster’s ball, incurring a two shot plenty, to loud cries of laughter from Barra, which he knew would see him safe.
Nearest the pins went to Baby Koala (3rd), Scott (8th), Stork (11th), and Scott (13th)
Secret six could go nowhere else but to Clayton with 15 points.
All that was left were the annual awards, these were not without controversy either.
NAGA of the year was almost a done deal before the day’s tee off and would take a miracle for it to divert from the familiar hands of Sutho. The miracle didn’t happen, and just like last year Sutho was a no-show on the last game, but the goods had his name all over them.
Player of the year was a much tighter affair, with 6 people still in the mix. Much depended on the place getters to accumulate points too towards their season’s tally. But the outright win from Clayton would catapult him to the top of the leader board to take out The Ann Lee trophy, a very popular winner.
This came as shock to Macster, as he was sure, with his 3rd place today, he had it in the bag. Macster was to sound the protest siren, citing the Claret jug was his before today even started and he wanted to see the season’s record books for clarification. The club organisers always play with an open book and the printouts of the scores for both annual trophies were placed on the tables for all to see. Macster quickly put away his acceptance speech for another day, and scooped these up and took them home for his lawyers to go over in the cold light of day. A few days later, Macster told the organisers that he made a mistake and that he accepted the records as true and correct and that no further action would be required.
The annual MGC gift was cancelled due to lack of interest; this event will be reviewed by the organisers for any future races.
Clayton’s win would see him cut from 41 to 39. Handicap slides to finish the season went to Ryan 22 to 21, Hubba 23 to 24 and Baby Koala 20 to 21. Clayton was also keen to point out that only one member was still handicapped in the 40s.
Event management on the day was taken care of Redder and Hubba who stood in again for the absent Sutho (serial offender).
Thanks to all the organisers for another stellar year, and to all the members and subs who took part.
Group 1; Joe 13, Billy A. 14, Winker 31, Girdy 6
Group 2; Tommy 28, Koala 28, Baby Koala 20, Stork 13
Group 3; Ryan 21, Red 15, Mitch 22, Scott 14
Group 4; Billy Mac 46, Barra 18, Hubba 23, Clayton 41