2024 Men’s Champions and Captain Campbell Thomson with Silverware
Before moving on to the final the semi-finals of the Men’s Club Championships were played on Saturday 26th of October with the following results.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP – SEMIS
The number 1 seed and defending Champion, Tristan Geerlings did not have everything his way and his opponent, the number 5 seed James Pluske, tried valiantly and had his opportunities but finally lost at the final hole.
In the other Semi- Final the number 3 seed, Brendan Jones took on the number 7 seed, John Mckay.
And as with the first semi, Brendan overcame his determined opponent finally winning 3/2
So, it’s no 1 Tristan Geerlings vs no 3 Brendan Jones in the Final.
MNOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Matt Dumble outlasted Dylan Morgan winning the final hole to advance to the final. This could have gone either way but the unforced errors count went in Matt’s favour – Matt 10 – Dylan 13.
And then my old mate “Sir Grumbles” John Samuels won an intriguing encounter with Joe Jones. Winning 2 up to advance to the final which would draw a considerable following – “Sir Grumbles” John Samuels vs Matt ‘Have a chat” Dumble.
“A” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP – SEMIS
First up we had the no 1 seed, James Russ, against the no 4 seed Luke Bai. Once again this went to the wire with the 2023 CG Dudley Champion and 2023 “B” Grade Champion Luke Bai.
In the other Semi the no 3 seed Gus Elliot took on the no 10 seed, Greg Polla. What was expected to be a close encounter did not eventuate with Greg posting a convincing 4/3 victory
A tantalising final awaits us Luke Bai vs Greg Polla
“B” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP – SEMIS
The no 1 seed, Oliver Bisschops, who lost his semi-final in 2023, was out for revenge, but first up he had to win against talented Junior Harry Alcock, the no 13 seed. Unfortunately, Harry did not bring his “A” Game and Oliver prevailed 6/5.
The no 11 seed “The wily” John Sheridan was up against the no 15 seed Don O’Brien who was determined to make a fist of it and progress to the final. Courtesy of getting a shot on the 20th hole “Sherro” progressed to the final.
The final will see the no 1 seed take on the no 11 seed and 2001 Champion.
“C” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP – SEMIS
No 1 seed and favourite, Tony Cowan, took on the no 4 seed Angus Johnson– Both were former Champions – Tony in 2018 and Angus 10 years earlier This time it was Tony who prevailed at the 18th hole. Courtesy of a walkover from John Clarkson, his opponent in the final would be Ron Edenburg a former “B” Grade Champion himself – in 2009.
FINALS DAY
The Men’s Club Championships Finals were played on Sunday October 27th and it was another perfect Spring Day.
As with the CG DUDLEY the Men’s Club Championship was sponsored by SHAW and PARTNERS courtesy of Mark Palmer and Stuart Beattie.
CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP
Tristan Geerlings and Brendan Jones with Captain Campbell Thomson and Greg Fitzhardinge
The leading qualifier Tristan Geerlings was looking to successfully defend his title and make it 4 Championships in 5 years.
His opponent, pennant teammate and no 4 qualifier, Brendan Jones was looking to win his first title.
After 18 holes. Tristan was 4 up and looking the likely winner. Coming out fresh after lunch a determined Brendan Jones set out to reduce the deficit quickly – an Eagle on the first hole saw the margin reduced to 3.
But that was as close as he got and apart from the “a conceded Eagle “on the 11th two holes later victory went the way of Tristan – 6/5.
Result (1) Tristan Geerlings def (1) Brendan Jones (3) – 6/5
MINOR CHAMPIONSHIP
Minor Championship Finalist – Matt Dumble and John Samuels with Captain Campbell Thomson
The Minor Championship looked to be an evenly matched affair between Matt Dumble and John Samuels
Ater 14 holes John was 1 up but made mistakes on holes 15 and 16 – Matt 1up with two holes to play – back to square after 17 and then a superb approach shot on the final hole from Matt to 3 metres put an end to John’s spirited effort.
Matt Dumble claims the Minor Championship – 1up
Result Matt Dumble def John Samuels– 1up
“A” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP
“A” Grade Finalists – Luke Bai and Greg Polla with Captain Campbell Thomson
Now this was billed as the match of the day –. The 2023 “B” Grade Champion, Luke Bai, was now in “A” Grade and looking for a victory against the 2017 Champion Greg Polla and it was a close encounter until the concluding stages.
Greg was 1up after 14 and then Luke birdied 15 and 17 to hold a 1up lead going to the eighteenth. Just as Matt Dumble had done moments before him a superb approach to 3 metres spelt the end for a gallant Greg Polla.
Not even Greg’s caddy, Wifred Ong a double champion himself, could help.
Congratulations Luke Bai, a worthy winner of the John Roberts Trophy.
Note – Luke’s handicap was 20 in the 2023 final and 11 in the 2024 final. Hopefully it will be less for the 2025 Championships. He has the potential to become a future Club Champion.
Result (4) Luke Bai (11 H’cap) def (11) Greg Polla (12 H’Cap) –2up
“B” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP
“B” Grade Finalists – Oliver Bisschops and John Sheridan with Captain Campbell Thomson
The number one seed, Oliver Bisschops did not want to repeat his mistakes from the 2023 semi-final which he lost.
On the other hand, his opponent, John Sheridan was looking for a win after many close finishes since victory in 2001.
Oliver asserted his authority early and after 9 holes was well in control. John could not seize the opportunities that arose early in the final 9 and Oliver prevailed 5/4 to get his revenge after 2023 and take out the John Duncan Trophy – well done and bad luck “Sherro”
Note – Oliver reduced his handicap by 3 strokes over the last 12 months – it would be nice if he could set a goal for 2025 – “A” Grade and emulate Lue Bai and win that as well. Now there’s a challenge
Result (1) Oliver Bisschops (17 H’Cap) def (11) John Sheridan (19 H’Cap) – 5/4
“C” GRADE CHAMPIONSHIP
“C” Grade Finalists Tony Cowan and Ron Edenburg with Captain Campbell Thomson
It was no 1 seed, Tony Cowan, vs no 2 seed Ron Edenburg in the final.
Both players were eager for more Silverware with Ron winning “B’ Grade in 2009 and Tony “C” Grade in 2018.
Who was going to come away with The Fred Symons Tray?
With no strokes changing hands it was a war of attrition and as you would expect close all day.
It got to the 17th hole and Ron could not seize an opportunity he was given by Tony who was 1 up –
Tony over the back for 4,
Ron 50 metres short on the left for 3
Ron hits near perfect shot but the tree gets in the way and ball goes in short right-hand bunker
Ron joins Tony over the back for 5
Ron has a near unplayable lie and just manages to get the ball away from tree.
SITUATION – Tony lies 4 Rod lies 6
Both players chip onto green and have 2 putts – match over Tony wins 2/1
Congratulations Tony on a hard-fought and well-earned victory.
Result (1) Tony Cowan (22 H’Cap) def (2) Ron Edenburg (22 H’Cap) – 2/1
SUMMARY
The Men’s Club Championships are over for another year and-;
Tristan Geerlings won his 4th Club Championship in 5 years.
Luke Bai won both the CG Dudley Cup and “B” Grade Championship in 2023 and now the 2024 “A”: Grade Championship
A number of Juniors and Intermediate members qualified this year which is good for the future of the club.
Congratulations to all the winners, and also to all of those who made it through to the Match Play.
Appreciation is once again extended to our sponsor SHAW and PARTNERS for their support of the club – for the “Dudley”, Club Championships and nearest the pin “golf balls” each Wednesday.
The course staff did a great job in their preparation of the course for both the Men’s Qualifying rounds and the Championships. Andy Gott and the pro shop staff are acknowledged for their assistance over the last three weeks as are the house staff, led by Sean Tobin, and Ben Unbehaun and Karen Wilson in the office.
Their efforts together with the member’s support made for a successful 2024 Club Championship.
Roving reporters’ comments-;
There were too many walkovers some of which could have been avoided if players had done the right thing.
Disappointingly-
Only 15 players out of 32 made themselves available for 16 spots in the Match Play in “B’Grade
Compared with-;
in “A” Grade 43 out of 52 players eligible for 24 spots
in “C” Grade 15 out of 25 players eligible for 8 spots
From – Greg Fitzhardinge
