Members and friends have put in many hours around the course and have it looking in great condition and it will only improve once we get some decent rain.
The Friday twilight series has come to an end following a successful run over summer. Fields have been great and we’ve had new members join the ranks. Rachel Smith and Samantha Hannigan have both taken to the game with gusto and have improved in leaps and bounds since picking up the clubs — both have been multiple winners during twilight, which is sure to continue in the season proper.
The final round of twilight was stableford off the front nine short course and the winner was Sam Hannigan who had a blinder with 22 points — word has it she’s had a lesson from Sam at Mooroopna so it’s definitely paying off! Well done Sam! Runner-up was Campbell Smith, who also played an excellent round to finish with 21 points.
Nearest the pin on the 5th was Campbell, while captain Jed Smith got the drive and pitch on the 7th.
The opening day for the 2025 winter season kicked off on Saturday with a two-person ambrose. The field was welcomed by vice president Bill Eddy, who invited Marlene Hull to open the course.
Marlene spoke fondly of playing golf at Avenel for over 40 years after being inadvertently introduced to the game, and described golf as a game that gets under your skin and finds a way into your heart.
After declaring the season open, she continued the tradition by making the first putt for the year. Many thanks, Marlene.
We were joined by visitors from Shepparton and Euroa and it was the Shepp pairing of Ymer Memhet and Colin Basham who won the scratch with a great score of 69. Runners-up were Scoota Donovan and Dennis (the Menace) Neville with 70, with Emily and Craig Flavel third on 74.
Handicap winners were Jed and Rach Smith with 70 net 60.25. Runners-up were Shane Myers and Corey Pilcher 73/65 and the threesome of Dave Fullager, Dee Wright and Marlene Hull on 78/65.67 were ball winners.
NTPs went to Marlene Hull on the 5th (and she got the putt), Colin Basham on the 8th, Corey Pilcher on the 14th and Rachel Smith claimed the 18th.
The Avenel Imperial hotel $50 voucher was won by Marcus Steers.
The Men’s Pennant team travelled to Broadford on Sunday to take on Woodend.
Unfortunately Broadford’s course is struggling and the game was tee up all the way, which was unfamiliar to most. The team went down 4-1, with Mark Hannigan being the only winner. Campbell Smith was unlucky to lose on the 20th.
Saturday’s game is par off the short course and then on Sunday we host pennant starting at 11am. If all members can bring a plate to share for afternoon tea it would be greatly appreciated.
15°C