PENNANT WRAP UP 2014

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1 PENNANT WRAP UP 2014 It's been another fantastic Pennant season for The Links Shell Cove in When we called for nominations, the number of members that wanted to represent the club was overwhelming, making it hard for the captains to select their teams. (A good position to be in really) At the pre-season uniform presentation the teams came together for the first time, there were some new faces and some with a wealth of pennant experience behind them. One thing was the same in all the players though, the excitement! And as the teams huddled in their corners of The Links function room...you could feel it was going to be a great season! Illawarra Pennants The Illawarra Pennant team got off to a turbulent start losing their first two games, both away from home. They fought back though and in their next two home games defeated Shoalhaven Heads 5-0 and Wollongong 4-1 putting them right back in the hunt. The boys had a bit of a Jekyll & Hyde season though, and another away loss to Shoalhaven Heads saw their chance at a finals berth all but disappear, mathematically they still had a chance but it wasn't meant to be, and the boys bowed out of the 2014 competition despite finishing strongly in their final round where they defeated Russell Vale 5-0. From the captain; "It's never easy defending a title and after 2 tough losses to start the year we made it even harder for ourselves. We bounced back strongly with a couple of wins (including a 4-1 beating to the eventual winners Wollongong) but in the end our fate was in the hands of another match that didn't go our way! Overall, we played extremely well at home but couldn't get the job done when playing away and that's what hurt us. With the talent in this side though, I'm sure it won't be long until we have another banner hanging from the ceiling!" 2014 Illawarra Pennant Team Danny Nesbitt Anthony Brunero David Oppert Nathan Whiteman Daniel Davies Grant Meredith James Hegarty

2 B Pennants The Links fielded two teams in the B Pennant Competition this year, LSC I captained by Michael Ashelford and LSC II captained by Owen Jones. Michael was put to work early in the season when injury struck a couple of his players. Several phone calls later though the team was organised and ready to go. Owen and his lads struggled finding their groove early in the season and quickly slipped to 0-4. They didn't give up though and in the final round defeated the eventual 2014 B Pennant Champions Shoalhaven Heads 3-2. The boys should be proud of that final round win, even though they were no longer in the hunt for post-season play they didn't give up, went out and gave it their all and got the "W" over the best team in the competition. From the Captain; "Unfortunately the results were not on our side this year despite the best efforts of the team. We had one half which felt like a win. Then in the last round we had a win against the top team in the comp and eventual winners of the pennant which ended the year on a high. Looking forward to going around again next year." For Michael and LSC I, a couple of halved matches and back end of season losses would see them just miss out on the finals. It was a great start to the season with a halved match and 2 wins positioning them in first place through 3 rounds. The second half of the season was not so memorable for the guys though, just the one win coming from their last 4 games saw them just miss out on a finals berth. A great effort by all the players, and a season they should be very proud of. Here's a word from the Captain; "LSC1 managed Equal 3rd in the Division, (6 points) with 2 Wins, 2 Draws, 2 Losses. A great season for some players who had not played or experienced match play competition for some years (the skip included). A fantastic opportunity to meet existing members with the same passion for golf, get kitted by the club, meet other golf club members in the region and help sharpen your game. Garry Barling and John Dinioa were keen reserves, but injuries prevented these two teeing it up. A very special thanks to Robby and Peter and LSC management for all their guidance, support and organisation in preparing the information packs, golf balls, team kits and clothing." The LSC I Team (as described by the skipper): Kurt Miller - "The Silent Assassin" - Quietly spoken, some very convincing wins as our #1. Daniel Sanese - "Billy the Kid" Likes to let his clubs do the talking. Hates to lose. Phil Oliver "Frankie" [Sinatra] - "If I can... make it there... I'll play anywhere... It's up to you..." Phil Ryan - "The Teacher" - Always kind words of encouragement and congratulations. Phil to get the red marker out and check the draw, next time at Moss Vale! Garry Barling "Cool Hand Luke" provided wise old words of wisdom to the skip and team in the 'art' of match play, in spite of not teeing it up. Robert Andreeski "One Hit Wonder" Rob was a great team inclusion, when a player short at The Highlands. Great Tee shot on the first, to start the day! Johnathon Murphy "Dr Snooze" - Slept in. Manages to drive Albion Park to Kiama GC car Park in 5 minutes, Johno casually strolled to the 1 st Tee, proceeded to win the match, Did not miss a game all season.

3 LSC I Pennant Team LSC II Pennant Team Michael Ashelford Owen Jones Phil Oliver Brad Corrie Johnathon Murphy Steve Wallace Kurt Miller Grant Crawford Robert Andreeski Tony Weston Daniel Sanese Paul Gates Phil Ryan Glenn Wale

4 WHC Pennants The links had so many players nominate this year that we also fielded two White Horse Cup Teams. WHC I captained by Mark Beale and WHC II captained by Jeremy Humphreys. Jeremy and the WHC II team were underdog's going into the season due to their team of low handicap players. Someone obviously forgot to tell them that! Giving away more than 30 shots combined most weeks, they continued to go out and get the job done. In round 3 they gave away a combined total of 53 shots, and got away with a 3 ½ - 2 ½ win over Moss Vale. Were they going to pull off the unbelievable? They certainly believed they could, and they came oh, so, close. A loss to Mt. Broughton in their final match saw them fall painfully short of a semi-finals start. It was still a season the whole team can be extremely proud of. Here's a bit of what Jeremy had to say to the boys regarding their season; "I've waited a few days...to let the disappointment go down a bit. We came so close to winning the group...only to fall at the last hurdle to a very competitive Mt. Broughton team on the day. I would like to offer my thanks and congratulate each and every one of you (WHC II team), for your support during the year, the way you have played and the way you have represented your club...given the amount of shots we had to give away during the year, I think you have every right to feel pride in the way you have played, and if nothing else, we proved the doubters wrong - that you can have a team of low markers in the White Horse Cup and still be successful." WHC II Pennant Team Jeremy Humphreys Josh Mann Scott Turnbull Mitchel Davies Graeme Riekie Daryl Burkett Adam Bailey The winning WHC I season through the eyes of the Captain; "During the regular season the team battled each round, with a semi-final berth coming down to whether we could hold onto a result of 3/3 or better in the final round at Port Kembla. Despite one of the team members having difficulty counting to 14 golf clubs, the team held onto a draw. The team then played well against the Highlands at Gerringong in the semi to win 4/2 and enter the grand final with momentum and a home course advantage. The fairy tale ending was not to be denied with a comprehensive 5/1 win over Sussex inlet. This was the first win in White Horse Cup in ten years. Well done to all seven team members who never gave up in every match." Mark lead by example in the final and he was the first point secured defeating his opponent 6&5. It didn't take long for the others to follow him home on their way to a 5-1 victory and are the 2014 WHC Pennant Champions. Well done to Mark and all the team.

5 Match Results Robert Lopich def. Jacob Harding 4&3 Mark Beale def. Nigel Watler 6&5 Steve Scullion def. Glen McKay 2&1 Peter Giorgianni def. Greg Dyer 2up Dave Circus lost to. Mark Watler 1dwn Keith Smith def. Peter Harding 4&3 Links Shell Cove I def. Sussex Inlet II 5-1

6 C Pennants - "The 3peat Champions" Fairytale endings do happen, and the Links Shell Cove's C Pennant team is proof of that. Led by Michael Healey, the guys have won the Pennant in 2012 & 2013 and were searching for the "3peat" this year. There have been a couple of personnel changes over that time, but the team's culture and camaraderie has always been maintained. They got through the regular season undefeated, however were tested a couple of times but fought hard in round 3 to earn a 3-2 win over Kiama on their home turf and then beat the Grange at Wollongong 3-2 in round 4. The stage was set and the guys were pumped up and ready for the Final against Port Kembla, although I'm sure there were a few butterfly's floating around for all the boys, especially for Mick. It was a hard fought match and once the boys had 3 games secured, word quickly spread across the course, out through social media and the celebrations began. From the Captain; "I'm very proud of all of the team. It's great to see the way they encouraged and supported each other and played as a team. A great effort from all the other Links teams also. We all hope to collect another Pennant Flag (4) next year. I am proud to represent the Links." Match Results Darren Sparks def. Andrew Coad 6&4 Mick Healey lost to. Ken Baker 4&3 Neil Rowlinson def. Ken Bright 4&3 Mark Wooley lost to. Kauri Piriki 2dwn Jack Petiquin def. Kane Edwards 5&4 Links Shell Cove def. Port Kembla 3-2 Fittingly, Mick was selected to represent The Links in the interclub shoot-out, and to top the day off, in front of a roaring gallery, up against some of the best players in the Illawarra (including Wollongong Golf Clubs number 1 & 2 players), and hindered slightly by a couple of celebratory ale's that had already been consumed, hit a gem into the 18 th green and took out the inaugural Inter-Club Shootout for The Links. So, when having a beer at the annual presentation night, be sure to thank Mick, because it's on him.

7 Junior Pennants The Junior Pennant side were hoping to win back-to-back pennants after taking out the 2013 Junior Pennant and the finishing runner-up in the Encourage Shield State Knockout. There was a couple of roster changes to the team that was fielded in 2013, but the group gelled well right from the start and got down to business. The addition of two female juniors into the side was great to see both for The Links Shell Cove as a club and for golf in general. Being able to give these girls the opportunity to play junior pennants has not only improved their games out of sight, but has hopefully given them the experience and the enjoyment needed to keep them playing the game long term. They both had fun and it was fantastic to see the way the boys accepted and welcomed the girls into the team. I know they will be back for the challenge again next year. It was a close regular season with the competition leaders changing from week to week. Even in the final round the team still had to have a win or a half to ensure they had a spot in the final and a chance at back to back pennants. Our juniors fought hard in that final round and earned a 3-2 win over Russell Vale. In the final they met Port Kembla, another strong club in the Illawarra for junior golf. The Links wanted this one though, and they went and got it. They didn't give Port a look in and went on to defeat them 5-0 to become back-to-back Junior Pennant Champions. A big thank you and congratulations to Anthony Charman for giving up his Pennant Season to manage the junior side, and thank you to all the other parents for their efforts in transporting the kids and looking after them throughout the season. Great team effort by everyone. Match Results Jamie Krzyszczak def. Thomas Popovski 2&1 Alex McPhie def. Jake Popovski 3&1 Cassidy Graham def. Mitch Lee 3&2 Brandon Charman def. Jeremy White 5&4 Kirra Dunn def. Alex Kessell 4&3 Links Shell Cove def. Port Kembla 5-0

8 I would like to thank all the Captains & Managers for their efforts throughout the season, you all did a fantastic job and ensured the season ran smoothly and was enjoyable for all the players. To the players, thank you for the way you have represented your club again this year. The staff and management again received praise for the way our players conducted themselves both on and off the course, your presentation and uniformity each week was fantastic and you were all great ambassadors for The Links Shell Cove. To all our members, pennant players and supporters who made it out to caddy or watch the teams compete, follow, interact with and encourage the players through our social media channels, the staff and management would like to thank you. The following and support the players received really added to their experience and I know it was appreciated by everyone. Finally, congratulations to Golf Illawarra on another well organised, well run season of Pennants. They had some really good initiatives this year with the finals all being held at the one facility, weekly reports on the weekends pennant results and their website kept everyone up to date on the seasons progress and helped maintain interest and excitement throughout the season. Another year, another 3 flags, a "3peat" and a back-to-back winning pennant side... Who could ask for anything more? We can't wait to see what The Links players can do in Peter Nascimento Golf Ops