The most prestigious event on the Men’s Calendar, THE CG DUDLEY CUP, was played over 36 Holes of Stroke Play over the weekend of October 15 and October 16. MORGAN STANLEY continued their support of this year’s “Dudley” and Club Championships and our appreciation is extended to members Stuart Beattie and Mark Palmer for their support of the club, not only for the past 5 Dudleys and Championships but for their sponsorship of Wednesday Nearest the Pins.
2022 marks the 72nd playing of “THE DUDLEY”, and a field of 92 players started on Saturday in their journey to be crowned champion on Sunday evening and to qualify for the Club Championships.
Just a little bit of history about the man who the trophy is named after, for those who do not already know.
CYRIL DUDLEY – President for 27 years (1932-1950 and 1955-1962)
In 1933 he was made a Life Member and in 1963 “President Emeritus” which literally means “one who has retired with honour”.
In 1975 he was awarded a C.B.E.by the Queen for services to Real Estate, Sport, Politics and Community Service.
Family–
His wife Pam was a Founding Member and Life Member.
Tom Dudley, one of his six children, was a member of the first winning “A” Grade Pennant team in 1960. Son John was also a member and handy golfer.
Cyril himself played on a handicap as low as 6 and was a member of a winning “B” Grade team.
His daughter, Anne, married Herb Elliott in 1959.
Some of Cyril’s other achievements
President of WA Golf Association
President of Subiaco Football Club
President of the Real Estate Institute – both the state and national bodies
Life Member Real Estate Institute of Australia
Involved in organizational committee for the 1962 Empire Games (now Commonwealth Games)
Past champions in the field included – David Falconer 1976 and 2003, Brian Hanna (1989), Timothy Tan (2009), Reegan Cake (2014), and Brian Stuart (2017).
ROUND ONE
A beautiful Spring Day greeted all players and there was no excuse for any of the player not to have a good score – except of course it was the DUDLEY and the curse would no doubt get some players, including some of those who had set themselves for the weekend – but we will get to them later.
In the morning the first group out included James Bai (16 H’Cap) playing in his first Club Championship and he set the early pace with an excellent score of 69.
Then came along Dylan Morgan (11 H’Cap) who cruised around the first seven holes 3 under the card before a bogey and double bogey on the last two holes. Nevertheless, his net 31 was an outstanding start. He was still square with the card after 12 holes and headed for a big lead after round one. A double bogey on the 17th followed four bogeys. An excellent par on the final hole saw him close with 78 off the stick and a net 67.
Zach Nielsen (22 H’Cap) followed with a net 70, which could have been a little better if it wasn’t for double bogeys on the 16th and 18th.
Callum White (1 H’Cap), Simon Smith (19 H’Cap) and Matt Dumble (6 H’Cap) were a further stoke adrift on 71.
The afternoon players could not match it with the best of the morning field with Damon Watkins (8 H’Cap). Tim Tan (6 H’Cap) a couple behind on 70 and the 2021 “B” Grade Champion Wilfred Ong (11 H’Cap) on 71.
In the battle for the Best Gross Callum White with 72 led from Ben Cullinan and David Falconer on 76.
In the “over 55’s” the favorite, and winner for the past four years, David Falconer was the first-round leader with a Gross Score of 76.
Now who were the favorites and where were they after the first round?
Greg Paddon was in cruise control until the 8th where he was struck by the “Curse of The Dudley” with a 10 and a 9 followed on the ninth. The curse stuck with him for the remainder of the weekend.
Bevan Lawrence started reasonably but then the Curse got him with 2 triple bogeys and two double bogeys during the last 5 holes of the front nine which all but put paid to his chances. His fate was finally sealed with a double bogey and a quadruple bogey on his last two holes.
Gavin Furness was looking everywhere for excuses for his 91 – net 83. – except himself. On one occasion he had to stand aside until an ambulance on Canning Highway turned its siren off.
So, three of the fancies were languishing in 67th, 77th and 82nd positions after round one.
Whilst there was some improvement by some in the second round they finished in the bottom half of the field.
ROUND TWO
Once again, a beautiful Spring Day greeted the players.
Could the morning players continue their form or would the afternoon players climb over the top of them?
After an excellent 69 in round one, James Bai started with a birdie but after that two double bogeys and a triple bogey during the front nine coupled with a double and triple during the final nine saw him fall out of contention – finishing his weekend on 146 and 9th position.
Dylan Morgan was on top of the world after 14 holes in the second round where he was 8 under his handicap for the weekend – then disaster struck on the 15th hole where an out of bounds led to a triple bogey and he closed out with a net 72 and an overall total of 139.
Zach Nielsen turned for home 1 under his handicap and not really threatening Dylan as he was 3 behind at the time and even with 4 holes to play, he still trailed by 3. Zach played the last 4 holes three under his handicap whilst Dylan was 4 over his handicap – a 7 stroke swing.
Zach finished with a Nett 66 and put that with his first round 70 put him leader in the clubhouse with 136, four to the good of Dylan Morgan.
Also playing in the morning was John Sheridan (18 H’Cap) and whilst he was probably out of contention after his first round 74, bounced back with a fine nett 68 to take out the best second round and finish in 3rd position. Matt Dumble played consistently over the two days with scores of 71, 71 and finished in 4th position.
So, the afternoon players had their work cut out to overhaul the two leaders.
After a first round 70 Damon Watkins(8H’Cap) blew any chance after a front nine of 42 A steady back nine of 40 for an overall nett 74 saw him finish in 6th position on 144.
Past winner, Timothy Tan, also did not fare well over the opening nine and had run out of shots. He finished the day with nett 75 and 145 overall, level with Ajay Dhadli who put together rounds of 73 and 72.
After a first round 71, the ever-consistent Wilfred Ong set out in chase of the leaders only to come unstuck early in the round with a double and two bogeys early on. He finished the day with nett 73 and overall 143 to finish in 5th position.
No one else made any impression and Zach Nielsen ran out a comfortable winner of the 2022 C.G. Dudley by 4 shots over Dylan Morgan with John Sheridan and Matt Dumble a further 2 shots back the only other players to be under par for the two rounds.
Best of the Past Champions was Timothy Tan on 145.
The Pascoe Cup awarded to the winner of the Best Gross was won by Tristan Geerlings on 153 on a countback from Ben Cullinan and Callum White. Both Tristan and Callum made birdies on the final hole. Callum double bogeyed the penultimate hole which proved costly.
Once again David Falconer won the best over 55’s with a score of 157 – his 5th consecutive win.
Runner-up was Damon Watkins three strokes behind.
Given the problems we are currently experiencing, the course staff are to be congratulated on the way the course was presented over the two days.
Thanks to the Pro shop and House staff for their efforts over the weekend.
Once again appreciation is extended to Mark Palmer and Stuart Beattie from MORGAN STANLEY for their continued sponsorship of the CG Dudley and Club Championships.
Finally, congratulations to Zach Nielsen for a richly deserved victory in the 2022 CG Dudley Cup and best of luck to all players in the forthcoming Club Championships.
From Greg Fitzhardinge
