Campbell Thomson, Nikki Bellemore -Thomas, Don O’Brien and Gavin Furness
The Furness and Botello Families continued their affiliation with the 2024 Millenium Cup, and we thank them for their Sponsorship and support of the event for the last 15 years.
The first “Mixed Major” of the year attracted a field of 48 players (24 pairs) in the 4-ball par event.
Past winning combinations in this year’s 4BBB Par event included Chris and Stewart Wharton (2017), Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster (2018), Joan Brown and Gavin Furness (2019), and the defending Champions Anne-Marie McNaughton and Michael du Pont. Many other previous winners also played but with different partners. These include Susie Rich (2006, 2008 and 2010), Rhonda Moore (2009, 2015 and 2021), Joe Alexander (2011) and Jill Morgan (2022).
The Millennium Cup was first played in 2000. The inaugural winners were Darrell Arnett and his daughter Renee who won again in 2003. Darrell also partnered Rhonda Moore in their victory in 2009. The Perpetual Trophy was donated by the late Dennis Parker (Life Member).
Eight couples finished on 6 up and in positions 6 to 13. Perhaps the hard luck story of the day belonged to Jane Frazer (32 H’Cap) and Matt Dumble (5 H’Cap) who had 10 pluses but will rue their 3 lost holes – 5th on 7up.
And then there were 4 –
Starting from the 7th the group of Jane Waters (45 H’Cap) and Stuart Waters (9 H’Cap) played alongside seasoned campaigners Patricia Noske (17 H’Cap) and Steve Noske (5 H’Cap). Both couples looked anything like winners after 9 holes as they were both 3 up and even after 12 holes they were only 4 up – but then they got moving. The Waters had 3 pluses in their next 3 holes to move to 7up. The Noskes only had 1 plus and were now 2 behind.
2 pluses and a half over the concluding 3 holes saw the Waters move to 9 up. 3 pluses to the Noskes was not enough and they finished 8 up. The Waters combo was in the lead. Would they end up winners? Would the loss on the 13th prove costly?
The partnership of Sally Wehr (28 H’Cap) and Matt Hayes (31 H’Cap) started from the 5th and after 9 holes were 4 up and, with consecutive pluses to start the back nine, moved into contention. They improved by 2 and ultimately finished in 3rd position on 8 up.
Then there was the combination of Nikki-Bellemore-Thomas (25 H’Cap) and Don O’Brien (16 H’Cap) who flew out of the blocks after starting from the premier hole – the first. Don started with 3 pluses and then it was Nikki’s turn – 4 up after 4 holes. Two more pluses to Nikki and one to Don saw them 7 up after 8 holes. What a start!! Another at the 10th and another at the 13th and again at the 15th saw them 10 up with 3 holes to negotiate. Two halves followed and then disaster with both not able to score on the 18th – 9 up. Would that be enough? Time would tell.
And the moment of truth arrived. Nikki and Don prevailed over Jane and Stuart – on a countback. The 8 up front nine of Jane and Stuart and one up back nine was defeated by Nikki and Don, -7up on front nine and 2 up on final nine. A close-run thing.
Runners up Jane and Stuart Waters 9 up
Third Sally Wehr and Matt Hayes 8 up
Fourth Patricia and Steve Noske 8 up
Fifth Jane Frazer and Matt Dumble 7 up
Best Previous Winner Joan Brown and Gavin Furness 6 up
Appreciation once again is extended to the Sponsors of the day the Furness and Botello Families. And to the house and proshop staff thanks for making the day an enjoyable occasion.
The next “Mixed Major” is the O and S Allom Bowl, scheduled for Sunday May 26 and sponsored by Veni Tang and Gary Hing. The defending Champions are – Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster.
Finally, congratulations to the 2024 Millennium Cup Champions
NICKI BELLEMORE-THOMAS and DON O’BRIEN.
from Greg Fitzhardinge
