Vanessa Ward and Tim Murray are the New England Mutual Armidale Golf Club Champions for 2013, taking the honours on Sunday in bleak conditions.
On a rain sodden course, Club President Vanessa Ward recovered from a four-stoke deficit to claim victory from rival and Ladies’ President Amanda Carr under very difficult conditions.
This is the fourth Championship Vanessa has won.
“Both Amanda and I had a terrible front nine today but I was lucky in the back nine – I was having some good luck and she was having some bad luck,” said Vanessa.
“My driving and my irons were solid today with the conditions really heavy out there underfoot.”
Long distance advice from son Baxter currently on a golfing scholarship in Texas (USA) paid off.
The message was short but firm: stay cool and stay calm. Vanessa won by three shots from last year’s winner Amanda Carr.
Nett winner Candice McCann with Pennie Glock second.
Div 2 winner Kay Ireland second place to Judy Docksey.
Div 2 Nett winner Mandy Richardson.
Winner of Div 3 Pat Moore was eight shots ahead of her nearest rival Gretel Kempster.
Nett winner Amanda Nagle.
The Men’s Championship proved to be a very tight finish with two shots separating the first three players.
Tim Murray won by one shot from Steve Chapman, followed by Derek Shirlaw. Tim is a multiple winner of the Men’s Championship.
“I played really well in the first round last weekend, with a 73 and a 74 and this weekend on Saturday I had a 75 in the rain, which was good; however today was a totally different ball game in the final group,” said Tim.
“The conditions were difficult but there was also a bit of pressure and I choked a bit.
“Derek Shirlaw was tough competition out there, along with John Schuman; and Steve Chapman played really well at the end, it was tough all the way but it makes you play better.”
Nett winner John Schuman.
B Grade winner David Baylis by one shot from Matthew Brown.
C Grade winner Duncan Arthur by two shots from Ken Docksey.
Callum Butler won the junior event.
A big thank you to New England Mutual for the generous sponsorship.
Brett and the ground staff did an amazing job to have the course playable in such wet conditions.
Andrew from the pro shop showed his expertise with running the championships smoothly.
Tim from his managerial position, a big thank you.
