LGSA Golf Day, Wednesday, 12th August 2009

The pre-conference Golf Day was held at the Novotel Vines Resort in the Swan Valley on the 12/8/09. The Vines is famous for holding the Johnnie Walker Classic over the last 2 years & prior to that, The Heineken for many years, before being stolen by Victoria.

19 groups had a shotgun start at 12.30pm for the 4 ball Ambrose Event. The day started very badly in regards to the weather, we had a severe storm at about 6.00am, which lasted for a good 2 hours. It eased to a few showers until 10.30 am, after which it cleared up to be a fine afternoon, for which all the players were most grateful. It happened to be the best afternoon of the whole week, weather wise.

The competition was scored a different way this year by having the course professional pick secret holes, so the sharks lost the advantage they thought they had. This made it fairer for the non-regular golfers to have a better chance at winning some of the prizes and the system worked very well.

The first place was won by a 3 ball team, as the 4th player failed to arrive - the team of Cameron Pascoe, Clint Cooper & Chris Reed was the successful team. Prizes were given for first, second, third & NAGA and also there were 8 novelty events.

I was glad to see Steve Robertson from MWOA manage to turn up for a game on a good golf course this year. He has always threatened to do so, but until this year never shown up for a game - maybe something to do with the Cats.

I would like to offer a special thanks to 3M Australia for again being our major sponsor for the day - this has been the 4th year in a row they have been the major sponsor. I would also like to thank all the other sponsors & prize presenters for all the money & goods provided, as without them it would not be possible to hold such an event.

After organising the last 7 annual pre-conference golf days, for which I have had a great deal of joy in doing, this has been my last, as retirement is looking real good & I may be able to improve my golf game in time for next years event, in case I get an invite. I am sure next year’s will be equally as good or even better than this one has been.

I would like to thank the LGSA for my time on Committee, it has been most enjoyable & I wish them all the best for the future.

Cheers, Maurice Lowe