Before moving to the Millenium Cup, the John Duncan Family 4 ball was played in conjunction with the Saturday 4 Ball event and won for the second time by Father and Son combination Jim Purves and Andrew Ogilvie with a score of 44 points – 2 points clear of Bevan Lawrence and Toby Lawrence. Thanks to the Gott Family for their sponsorship of the day.
Onto the main event over the weekend.
The Furness and Botello Families were to the fore again this year as sponsors of the 2023 Millenium Cup.
The first “Mixed Major” of the year attracted a field of 46 players (23 pairs) in the 4-ball par event. Unfortunately, the defending champions, Jill and Tony Morgan, were unable to see if they could make it two in a row.
Past winning combinations in this year’s 4BBB Par event included Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster (2018). Many other previous winners also played but with different partners. These included Honor Metcalf (2005), Susie Rich (2006, 2008 and 2010), Rhonda Moore (2009, 2015 and 2021), Joe Alexander (2011), Veni Tang (2011), Marty Morris (2015), Chris Wharton (2017) and Gavin Furness (2019).
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 Dennis Parker (Life Member).
Five couples finished between 5 and 7up and then there were three vying for championship honours, so we will concentrate on how they went about their day.
Starting from the 6th, the group of Mandy Sudlow-Brown (25 H’Cap) and her seasoned mixed event player Joe Alexander (16 H’Cap) played with another couple of Mixed Event supporters Krystyna Knotttnerus (21) and Tony Cowan (19).
It was a titanic struggle all day and with 2 holes to play (the 4th and 5th) the Sudlow-Brown/Alexander combination were 11 up and looking like winners as their playing partners trailed by 3. And then the leaders lost the last 2 holes and finished 9 up. Krystyna and Tony made pluses on the last 2 holes to finish 10 up and leaders in the clubhouse. And then the nervous wait.
Finally, the last group submitted their cards and the wait was over. Anne-Marie McNaughton (23) and Michael du Pont (11) combined for an excellent score of 12 up. Their card showed they were 7 up after 9 holes with Anne-Marie contributing 5 pluses. Over the last 9 holes another 4 pluses were attributable to Anne Marie. – making an incredible 9 pluses for the day. Michael was the ever reliable back up and contributed 3 pluses of his own during the day.
The wait was over and now Tony Cowan could now only dream about missing a 6 inch putt (according to Krystyna) and Mandy and Joe could rest a little easier after their disastrous finish.
Anne-Marie McNaughton and Michael du Pont have proved to be a formidable combination and worthy winners of the 24th Millenium Cup. Another new combination wins the cup and their names will now be inscribed on the trophy.
Appreciation once again is extended to the Sponsors of the day the Furness and Botello Families. And to the course, 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 28 and sponsored by Veni Tang and Gary Hing. The defending Champions are none other than the sponsors – Veni Tang and Gary Hing.
Finally, congratulations to the 2023 Millennium Cup Champions, ANNE-MARIE McNAUGHTON and MICHAEL DU PONT.
from Greg Fitzhardinge
| Runners up | Krystyna Knottnerus and Tony Cowan | 10up |
| Third | Mandy Sudlow-Brown and Joe Alexander | 9 up |
| Fourth | Jan Halliwell and Keith Halliwell | 7up |
| Fifth | Susie Rich and Richard Oates | 6up |
| Sixth | Chris Wharton and Andrew Bell | 5up |
| Seventh | Kath Fordham and Gerhard Saueracker | 5up |
