Fred Wehr and Club Captain Shane Maloney.
On a glorious sunny Autumn Day, the first “Mixed Major” of the year attracted a field of 52 players (26 pairs) in the 4-Ball Par event.
Nikki and Fred Wehr sponsored the day and their support is acknowledged with appreciation from all who participated.
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).
Previous winning combinations in the field were-;
Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster – 2018
Vanessa and Bill Stephen – 2020
Jill and Tony Morgan – 2022
Others who have won with different partners included–;
Honor Metcalf (2005), Rhonda Moore (2009, 2015 and 2021), Joe Alexander and Veni Tang (2011), Marg Doyle (2013), Martin Morris (2015 with Rhonda Moore), Gavin Furness and Joan Brown (2019), and Anne Marie Macnaughton (2023)
It was a very closely run affair with the scoring fairly low. After 9 holes it was a keenly fought tussle with 2 combinations 3 up and 2 one shot adrift. But it was anyone’s game as there were at least 10 couples 1 up or better. So, who would finish the best?
The 2018 Champions, Cath Bellemore (8 H’Cap) and Paul Baster (13 H’Cap) joined 2023 Champion Anne-Marie McNaughton (21 H’Cap) and Vice-Captain Rehan Alikhan (10 H’Cap) on 3up.
On 2 up were the 2022 Champions Jill Morgan (26 H’Cap) and Tony Morgan (17 H’Cap) along with, multiple time champion, Rhonda Moore (17 H’Cap) and Jeff Hamdorf (17 H’Cap).
So, the title was up for grabs over the last 9 holes.
Starting their final nine from the 13th the Bellemore/ Baster combination played consistently for 2 up over the final 9 holes with only one blemish on the 15th hole – TOTAL 5 up and in the clubhouse.
The McNaughton/Alikhan pairing starting their last nine from the 14th hole did the same – 2up with the only blemish on the 15th – TOTAL 5 up and leaders in the clubhouse on a count back.
The Morgans did not have a good final nine holes and were not going to become 2-time Champions.
The Moore/Hamdorf were sitting one out and one back with the final nine to negotiate.
Starting the concluding nine from the 16th 3 “wipes” on their final 9 were costly and they finished square and 2 up overall.
And just when Anne-Marie and Rehan were thinking about celebrations up popped the combination of Jamie Wehr (37 H’Cap) and Rob Kneale (10 H’Cap) who after 9 holes were in the chasing pack at 1 up.
Starting the last nine from the 18th they were flying starting with three “pluses”. Three halves followed and then 2 more “pluses” which put them in the lead with only the 8th hole to negotiate – a sigh of relief, a half and the title was theirs with a score of 6 up.
Amongst other combinations in contention were Carolyn Browne (20 H’Cap) and Mackenzie Buck (7 H’Cap), whose first nine cost them their chance – Square. They came home 4 up but the horse had bolted.
Winners Jamie Wehr and Rob Kneale 6 up
Runners up Anne-Marie McNaughton and Rehan Alikhan 5 up
Third Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster 5 up
Fourth Mackenzie Buck and Carolyn Browne 4 up
Fifth Joan Brown and Timothy Tan 3 up
Sixth Louise and Jeremy Walsh 3 up
Seventh Jane and Stuart Waters 3 up
Best Previous Winner Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster 5 up
Appreciation once again is extended to the Sponsors of the day Nikki and Fred Wehr (who must be very proud of their daughter) and thanks to all the club staff who made it an enjoyable afternoon and evening.
The next “Mixed Major” is the O and S Allom Bowl, scheduled for Sunday May 25 and sponsored by Veni Tang and Gary Hing. The defending Champions are – Vanessa and Bill Stephen.
Finally, congratulations to the 2025 Millennium Cup Champions.
JAMIE WEHR and ROB KNEALE
from Greg Fitzhardinge
2025 MILLENIUM CUP
The Millennium cup was inaugurated by Darrell Arnett in 2000 and the trophy was presented by Life Member – the late Dennis Parker.
So, this year was the 25th anniversary of the playing of the Millenium Cup a 4Ball Better Ball Par event that was proudly sponsored by Nikki and Fred Wehr and we thank them for their support.
Previous winning combinations in the field were-;
Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster – 2018
Vanessa and Bill Stephen – 2020
Jill and Tony Morgan – 2022
Others who have won with different partners include
Honor Metcalf (2005), Rhonda Moore (2009, 2015 and 2021), Joe Alexander and Veni Tang (2011), Marg Doyle (2013), Martin Morris (2015 with Rhonda Moore), Gavin Furness and Joan Brown (2019), and Anne Marie Macnaughton (2023)
