R O T A R Y C L U B O F W A R R N A M B O O L E A S T I N C. A 0 0 1 6 4 1 9 C S P E C I A L P O I N T S O F I N T E R - E S T : Raining holes in one finally Premier joins in the fun on course Corporate Challenge sees keen competition Rotary Club Projects for 2013-14 Sponsor s Events in the New Year D I A R Y D A T E S HiO 26 Dec Starts Ladies 1 Jan Qualifying 8 Jan 15 Jan 22 Jan Corporate 10 Jan Challenge 17 Jan 24 Jan THE ACE V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 3 WEEK 3 COMPETITION HEATS UP After two weeks of competition it is starting to rain holes in one. There were plenty of golfers trying their luck but early on holes in one were elusive. The placing of the hole changed routinely but it seemed as though no one was ever going to score a coveted ace. One of our major sponsors, Mark Conlan - New Select Homes - broke the ice last Thursday. It seemed as though this break-through was all that others were waiting for and we ve seen three more follow on consecutive days. First it was Dylan Cumming who celebrated in style with his mate Harry Ponting who took the nearest the pin award on the same day. High fives were delivered with enthusiasm as it dawned on them that Dylan s ball had gone into the hole. Matt Hinkley followed with his ace on Saturday and then Matt Chisholm followed up his earlier nearest the pin with a hole in one on Sunday. A hole in one qualifies the golfer for a place in the Shootout alongside those who score holes in one. Our finalists to date are as follows: Premier Proves Hit At HiO J A N U A R Y, 2 0 1 4 Gerard Eccles 145mm; Dushan Richardson 100mm; Jacob Morris 165mm; Greg Simmon 140mm; Karl Brooker 285mm; Leigh Stacey 375mm; Gerard Eccles 9 7 0 m m ; D i G o r d o n 1170mm; Brent Hawkins 380mm; Lowell Hunter 275mm; Dion Smith 100mm; Chris Thomas 205mm; Doug McRae 390mm; Clyde Sheppard 245mm; David McMahon 370mm; Gerard Peoples 370mm; Di Gordon 910mm; Matt Chisholm 485mm; Mark Conlan HiO; Harry Ponting 110mm; Dylan Cumming HiO; Jarrad Obst 115; Matt Hinkley HiO; James McLear 115mm; Matt Chisholm HiO; Brian O Leary 330mm. Shootout Sponsors BBQ 26 Jan 17 Jan The HiO hosted Victorian Premier Denis Napthine last Thursday. the time to support this local Rotary/Warrnambool Business summer activity. Club Wednesday TBA While protesting his lack of golf prowess, he managed to make reasonable contact! At one stage he was overheard lamenting that he seemed to be sliding to the left with his shots. We were delighted that he could find Also in Warrnambool for a break, Dave Hughes was spotted on course trying his luck. Unfortunately neither Hughsie or Denis have qualified for the Shootout so far!
P A G E 2 Corporate Challenge Hits Off Thirteen businesses registered for the first round of the Corporate Challenge. They were playing for the weekly prize donated by Northpoint Liquor and for the chance to play off during the Shootout for the perpetual trophy and naming rights to next year s event. After enjoying a barbeque the teams were given their 40 balls and it was game on. It was hard to predict the winner as all teams had their strong points. For Clinton Baulch Nissan, Steve Vickers a previous HiO finalist loomed as a likely winner. Dale Ballinger representing Fagan Signco also drew attention while big things were expected of Don Murphy representing Wannon Water after his colourful debut last season. Of course there were the usual jibes about the time accountants/financial planners are purported to spend playing golf with clients but by and large sledging was kept to a minimum. Silvan Ridge set a difficult target first up and despite the efforts of the Owen Build team and the relaxed performance of Cobb and Co were the best placed team after round one. Rounds two and three saw Paul Clarke from Crowe Howarth and the strong Wannon Water contingent hit some terrific shots to over-shadow Battery World. Warrnambool Buslines, firing last, pulled out all stops in a consistent effort but fell just short of the 535mm set by Silvan Ridge. Looking forward to the next round on 17 January with anticipation to see which other two businesses will join Silvan Ridge in the Shootout on Australia Day. Dave Hughes looking the part at the HiO last week. Hughsie looks as though he s spent a bit of time on the couse judging from the grip and stance. Unfortunately he didn t qualify but there are still two weeks to go... T H E A C E
V O L U M E 1 I S S U E 3 Stories Out of School: P A G E 3 Everyone who hits a golf ball dreams of a hole in one regardless of whether you re a low handicapper, occasional golfer or pro. Golfers of all abilities line up for their chance at glory at the HiO but every so often one stands out from the crowd. One such golfer was Clyde Sheppard who, along with about 180 other golfers, lined up to try for a hole in one. Clyde is 80 years of age and loves his golf. Amazingly, he still plays off a handicap in the low teens in local competition. He is well known in Warrnambool and Pt Fairy golfing circles and has served as Captain of the Warrnambool Golf Club. Clyde is retired now from his business - Sheppard s Carpet Cleaning - giving him more time to pursue his interest in golf and to encourage his grand children to enjoy the game that has given him so much pleasure. For the record, Clyde hit his ball to 245mm to win the day last Tuesday. We wish Clyde all the best for the final and for many more years of golfing! HiO - A Summer Phenomenon The HiO has developed over the years to become a major summer attraction. Last weekend, over 400 golfers tried their luck and between 150 and 200 played on a daily basis. The project that was started by the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East (RCWE) some nine years ago has this year changed fundamentally. The HiO has become an event that Rotarians run on behalf of local business for the benefit of holiday makers, local and visitors alike. The number of business partners has grown steadily over the years until in 2013-14 over 120 businesses combine with RCWE to put on the HiO. ONE STOP CONVENIENCE STORES
P A G E 4 AROUND AND ABOUT THE COURSE... An unlikely outcome The HiO is never boring and continues to throw up surprises and good stories. Yesterday, in the heat, was no exception. Gavin O Leary took advantage of the relatively cool conditions of the morning to take his chance at securing a place in the final. He d tried earlier in the competition to no avail but yesterday was his day. After peppering the green, finally he produced the day s winning shot. While that was a terrific effort, what made it a highlight was the fact that his father Brian qualified for the Shootout the day before. Congratulations to both of them and best wishes for the final. The Wimmera/Mallee has been well represented by HiO participants. Jarred Obst, originally from Jeparit, has qualified for the Shootout and yesterday we had competitors from Horsham and Hopetoun try their luck. A couple from Hopetoun had driven from Melbourne via Warrnambool before heading home to Hopetoun today. Perhaps what we in the south-west see as a heat wave is only a hot spell for these hardy folk! A wedding in Warrnambool was not enough to stop members of the family from Heywood from taking time out to have a hit at the HiO. Their decision was vindicated with two members being successful. New mats prove a success. After trialling artificial turf, the decision was made to purchase a further two pads. Golfers have enjoyed the smooth, sure surface the pads provide. They are used at driving ranges and many prestigious golf courses. The month of the HiO seems to be flying past with attention turning to putting on the showcase Shootout on Australia Day. We look like having one of our best credentialed fields ever to follow on from our most popular event ever. None of this is possible without the wonderful support of Warrnambool businesses who partner the Rotary Club of Warrnambool East in coordinating this event for holiday makers - local and as mentioned above, from many other areas of Victoria and inter-state.
AJ Waterson Glassworks SHOOTOUT Hole in ONE JANUARY 26TH BROUGHT TO YOU BY SUNGOLD MILK WARRNAMBOOL BUSINESS AND ROTARY CLUB OF WARRNAMBOOL EAST FINAL OF CORPORATE CHALLENGE BEST JUNIOR GOLFER BEST LADY GOLFER AND SHOOTOUT FOR THE NISSAN MICRA