MANLY & GNSW CHAMPION O...

MANLY & GNSW CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS
Manly golf Club has hosted a champion of champions event for over thirty years. GNSW also held a champion of champions event. To broaden opportunities an amlagamtion of the two resulted with the inaurgral Champion of Champions being played on Monday 10th November at the magnificent Manly Golf Course.
Whilst searching for information on GNSW website Rosemary Orr (Narrandera) discovered the event details and entry form and encouraged her friend, Margaret Naseby (Colembally) to join her. Competitors needed to be on a handicap of 20.4 or less and be their home club’s champion. Two very brave Riverina club champions qualified and decided to give it a go!

Margaret and Rosemary giving each other encouragement before the 7:30am tee off time.
Manly’s slope rating being 131 and 36 holes of stroke played in the one day would challenge any golfer. Riverina ladies were ready for their new challenge. Margaret, with doctor’s certificate in hand, was permitted the use of a cart. Rosemary on the other hand was permitted a caddie. Margaret Playford got the job and tagged along making a threesome.

Margaret drawn in the 2nd group had time for a group photo before being called to the tee.
According to the course guide book Hole 1, “is probably the friendliest of par 4’s at Manly Golf Club to open your account and settle any nerves”. Somehow the country lassies needed a few extra holes to settle their nerves. And settle they did. After a quick lunch, provided by the hosts, it was back out to do battle. Second time around the fairways, greens and hazard areas looked more familiar. Course wasn’t nearly as daunting as the first 18 holes.
All too soon the 36 holes were completed. Players and caddies were welcomed into the club house with a complimentary glass of champagne. Manly women’s captain, Barbara Maggs, gave a brief history of the event followed by Sue Fabian, Deputy Chair GNSW and event rules official, spoke warmly of the amalgamation and her hope that the Champion of Champions event would continue to grow.
Presentations commenced and we didn’t have to wait long to hear a familiar Riverina name. Winner of the second 18 Holes nett Margaret Naseby, Coleambally. The crowd roared and leapt to their feet. Maybe just the two Riverina ladies ignored decorum, leapt to their feet and cheered.

Photos: Sue Fabian GNSW official, Margaret, Barbara Maggs, Manly women’s captain. An elated Margaret Naseby displays her winner’s 18 holes nett envelope
Margaret and Rosemary were thrilled with their golf on the day. Caddie Margaret was very proud of their achievements too. Surprisingly those in attendance who knew little about the Riverina and sand greens have been enlightened!
Both ladies are determined to put every effort into again winning their respective club championships to enable them to qualify for the 2015 Champion of Champions at Manly. Margaret Playford, already booked as a caddie recommends to all if a club champion you cannot be put your hand up to caddie for your club champion. All three ladies encourage those fortunate enough to win their club championship seriously consider entering the Champion of Champions. The experience, camaraderie among competitors, friendly Manly welcome and immense fun is amazing.