The Twelfth AUTUMN CUP was played over the weekend of April 27 and 28. The weather over the two days was more like weather one would expect for the Spring Cup – warm and light breeze– perfect weather for golf. Seventy-five players set out in their quest to become the 2024 Champion and be presented with the trophy by the sponsors of the day, THE GALLERY, a fine body of men whose designers came up with a new Shirt to be worn on GALLERY DAYS. One would suggest they appoint a new designer(s). You decide!!
ROUND ONE
In the perfect conditions scoring was very good in he first round where 14 players could match 36 points or better – compared with 4 in 2023.
In the morning, Matt Dumble (5 H’Cap) shared the lead with Shane Maloney (12 H’Cap) both having 39 points. One point adrift were Callum White (3 H’Cap), Callum Lindsay (11 H’Cap) who wiped his final hole, the 4th, and the 2021 Champion Dave Southam (4 H’Cap).
In the afternoon Marcus McRostie (19 H’Cap) and 2022 Champion James Pluske (10 H’Cap) led the way with 41 points. James started with a wipe on the 6th hole but from then on there were only 2,3 and 4 pointers on his card. Marcus built on his front nine of 19 points with 5 2 pointers and 4 3 pointers on his back nine. – an excellent comeback.
Adam Thomson (18 H’Cap) played well over his first nine – 19 points, A slight glitch on the first hole of his second nine (0 points) did not seem to faze him and he went 3 points, 3 points, 3 points. his final 8 holes saw 4 3 pointers and with a final 9 of 20 points he signed for 39 points.
Lurking back on 35 points was the defending Champion Wilfred Ong (11 H’Cap)
The best gross belonged to none other than Alister Miles (+4 H’Cap) with an outstanding 67 off the stick and nett 37 points.
ROUND TWO
Another lovely day greeted the players and we will follow the fate of the overnight leaders and then anyone making a charge from the chasing pack.
After a first round 39 points, Matt Dumble had 2 wipes in his first 3 holes and 11 points for his first nine – chances gone. Signed for 26 points and 65 overall.
Shane Maloney also went backwards over the first nine with 14 points, ultimately having 31 points and 69 overall.
The 2021 Champion, Dave Southam, started with a wipe on the 6th and really did not make an impression on the leaders with 32 points and 70 points overall.
Callum White was looking for a good start from the 6th hole and got his wish with 11 points after 5 holes – then he hit a speed bump with one point over the next 2 holes and work to do. This did not eventuate and he signed for 32 points and an overall total of 69 points.
Callum Lindsay also started well with 3 3 pointers in his first 6 holes and 13 points which put him well and truly in the mix. However, 19 points over the next 10 holes undid his early good work -a strong finish with 6 points in his last 2 holes saw him finish with 32 points and 70 overall.
After playing in the morning on Saturday, Oz Cooke (30 H’Cap) after amassing 35 points switched to the afternoon on Sunday. First nine – 20 points including a wipe. First hole of second nine – wipe. The last 8 holes produced 18 points and he signed for 38 points and 73 in total. Into the lead he went.
Marcus McRostie started slowly and with only 3 points in his first 5 holes he looked anything but a winner. Whilst there was some improvement the slow start cost him any chance – 26 points and a total of 67 points.
Adam Thomson turned for home with 20 points and kept up the good work. With 4 holes to play he was looking a likely winner. But 2 one pointers over the final 4 holes saw him have 35 points and 74 overall – an excellent score. Would that be enough to secure a “Major)”victory?.
Rehan Alikhan (10 H’Cap) bounced back from a quiet time over the last 3 months and after 35 points in the first round started like a winning prospect with 21 points over his first 9 holes. He missed a golden opportunity to win his first major. 3 one pointers in his last 6 holes saw his dream lost – 38 points and 73 overall.
So, what was James Pluske doing? His target was 74 points
Starting from the 6th a front nine of 18 points was a good start. After 13 holes he had 26 points and on target for his second Autumn Cup victory. One point on the first and third threatened his bid but 5 points on his last two holes was enough to secure victory – second round 35 points and 76 overall and a clear winner by 2 points from Adam Thomson.
The defending Champion, Wilfred Ong limped home with 26 points and 61 total – 35th position.
Captain, Campbell Thomson finished 13 points behind the runner up, his son Adam, with 61 points. Bragging rights Adam!!!
Best Gross went to Alister Miles with rounds of 67 and 72 = 139 – outstanding scoring.
Runner up was Brendon Jones with scores of 73 and 74 =147
FINAL LEADERBOARD
JAMES PLUSKE 41/35 76 points
Adam Thomson 39/35 74 points
Oz Cooke 35/38 73 points
Rehan Alikhan 35/38 73 points
Brendon Jones 37/36 73 points
Callum White 38/34 72 points
Callum Lindsay 38/33 71 points
Dave Southam 38/32 70 points
Shane Maloney 39/31 70 points
Steve Noske 34/35 69 points
Andrew Frazer 34/35 69 points
Alister Miles 37/32 69 points
BEST FIRST ROUND Marcus McRostie 41 points
BEST SECOND ROUND Noah Keren 39 points
Best Past Champions James Pluske (of course) and David Southam 70 points -8th
Best of THE GALLERY Greg Polla and Brian Stuart 65 points =24th
Appreciation is extended once again to our sponsors THE GALLERY and it would be appropriate to acknowledge the past commitment of Joe Alexander and the late Ron Parkin to the Autumn Cup.
The course staff did an excellent job in their preparation of the course
The Pro Shop staff, House staff and Kitchen Staff made it a most enjoyable two days for all players.
Congratulations James Pluske on winning a second Autumn Cup
from Greg Fitzhardinge
EDITOR’S FOOTNOTE
Just in case anyone was wondering or even cared “Sandy Collingwood” Furness was unable to win the “Grand Slam” of Season Cups due to a wrestling accident.
