Albany Golf Club Clubhouse

The 2023 Wittenoom Cup Carnival was played from Saturday January 14 to Sunday January 22 at Albany Golf Club. The 9 days of golf included a variety of individual and mixed events and culminated on the final two days with the Wittenoom Cup and Brenda Wittenoom Open. One hundred and fifty-nine (159) men representing 41 clubs and seventy-nine (79) women representing 29 clubs set out in their quest for victory.

This year Nedlands representation was the highest it has ever been with some 42 members participating during the eight days with 29 in the two cups – 14 women (more than any other club including Albany) and 15 men (2nd only to Albany)

Albany Golf Club is a links golf course established in 1898 as a Nine Hole Course and became an Eighteen Hole Course in 1963 when it was officially opened by Charles Wittenoom a past President and Patron of the club. In 2010 it was listed in the state’s list of Heritage Places.

In 1927 Charles Wittenoom donated a silver trophy to the club and this became the Wittenoom Cup and from that year on was played as a 36 Hole Stroke Event – as was his wish.

2003 saw the introduction of the Brenda Wittenoom Open (Brenda being the daughter in law of Charles) an event played for ladies in conjunction with the Wittenoom Cup.

BRENDA WITTENOOM OPEN

Vanessa Stephen (Champion in 2021) and Cath Bellemore (Champion in 2020) were looking to win their second cups

After the first day Mandy Sudlow-Brown was in equal 10th position with a nett score of 73 with Vanessa Stephen one adrift on 74 in equal 17th position

In the second round Vanessa came home strongly with 72 (2nd best on day 2) and an overall total of 146 and equal 6th overall. Mandy’s second round 76 saw her finish in 10th position overall. Well done to both of you.

Cath Bellemore was awarded the Best Gross with a 2-round total of 169.

The Top ten women were – Vanessa Stephen (=6th on 146), Mandy Sudlow Brown (10th on 149) Patricia Noske (=14th on 152), Cath Bellemore (155), Rhonda Moore (155), Nikki Wehr (157), Janette Coni (159), Kath Fordham (160), Jan Halliwell and Sue Kelly (162).

WITTENOOM CUP

After the first day none other than former Captain Joe Alexander was the best of the Neddies boys with 73 and a share of 7th position. Brian Hanna was next in equal 19th position with 76 – not much can be said of the rest, but judging from some of the scores they were obviously enjoying themselves off the course.

Both Joe and Brian recorded excellent even par rounds of 72 in the second round with left Joe in outright 7th position and Brian in equal 11th position – a great result when you consider the field size of 159 players.

Scott van Heurck also recorded an even par round of 72 on the second day – a big improvement from his disappointing first round 81.

The Top ten men were – Joe Alexander (7th on 145) Brian Hanna, (=11th on 148), Keith Halliwell =20th on 151), Scott van Heurck (153), Paul Baster (153), Gavin Furness (157), Brett Thompson (157), Steve Noske (158), Bill Stephen (161), Michael Bruce (163).

HIGHLIGHTS

Keith Halliwell and Fred Wehr were victorious in the Men’s Fourball event winning on a countback with 10up.

Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster won the Mixed American Foursomes with a great score of 66.5

In 2022 the IRISH MIXED 4 BALL STABLEFORD event on Friday was won by a Scot, and three people with heritages from Brunei, Russia and Poland???? – Tony Cowan, Krystyna Knottnerus, Steven Noske and Patricia Noske.

Could they successfully defend the title?

The answer is no, but they gave it their best shot finishing 3rd with 88 points – well done.

Editor’s Footnote – I am unable to cast aspersions about my fellow members so am unable to name the winning “STONE MOTHERLESS LAST” (SML) team of four but suggest you might like to enquire with the President OR The Captain OR a past Captain OR a former House Director.

OTHER GOOD NEDLANDS RESULTS

  • Sunday 15th January – Mixed 4 BBB S’Ford – Jan and Mike McFarlane – 47 points lost on a countback and finished 3rd.
  • Monday 16th January -Half Ambrose – Jan and Mike McFarlane – 65 and 3rd

Patricia and Steve Noske – 65.75 -and equal 6th

Vanessa and Bill Stephen – 65.75 -and equal 6th

Chris and Stewart Wharton – 66 and equal 9th

  • Tuesday 17th January – Men’s 4 BBB S’Ford – Mike McFarlane and Dave Burges (Margaret River- 7up and equal 5th.
  • Tuesday 17th January – Women’s 4 BBB S’Ford – Vanessa Stephen and Jacqui Parker (Albany) – 7up and 7th.
  • Wednesday 18th January – Women’s Stableford – Patricia Noske -37 points – 5th.

– Cath Bellemore – Best Gross 25 points.

  • Thursday 19th January – Mixed American Foursomes – Mandy Sudlow- Browne and Joe

Alexander – 71 and 6th.

Veni Tang and Gary Hing – 72.5 and equal 10th

  • During the course of the week Mike McFarlane, Fred Wehr, Steve Noske, Veni Tang, Cath Bellemore, Paul Baster, Carlo Bevilacqua, Joe Alexander, Brett Thompson, Marg Doyle and Scott van Heurck were the recipients of novelty prizes on offer.

 

NOTE – These results have been taken from the information provided by Albany Golf Club which may not include all the novelty winners. From the information provided those finishing in the top 10 have been included. Apologies if the Nedlands Results are not all included.

Congratulations once again to Albany Golf Club for presenting a course in excellent condition and for their organisation of the carnival of golf. The weather was also a contributing factor to the enjoyment of the week.

It was also apparent from those in attendance from Nedlands that the week was a great social occasion and everyone enjoyed the hospitality of Albany Golf Club.

Who knows how many will be at the 2024 Wittenoom Cup Week of Golf but many of those who went this year will no doubt return next year.

Happy New Year to you all and best of golfing for 2023.

 

From Greg Fitzhardinge