The mid-December date for the event, although probably not the best time of year, was a consequence of changes forced on the organisers because of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions during the year.
The Shepparton Open which was a Victorian Order of Merit event brought players from many golf clubs around the state together. However, it was very interesting to note how well those from the local GMGA District played.
The result of the women’s championship was extremely pleasing as it was won by Cobram-Barooga’s Rowena Wallace. Wallace has not been enjoying the best of health in recent months but committed to play in what can only be described as a truly determined and gutsy effort. Playing fairly well for the first nine holes Wallace tired on the last few holes but managed a credible finish to take the traditional cup.
Three strokes behind Wallace was GMGA Women’s Captain Mandy Faram who took home the runner-up prizes.
In the handicap division a member of the Shepparton Visionary of the Year team Lynley Eadie took home the historical silver cup and associated prizes with a 77 net. Closely followed in second place was Shepparton women’s captain Kerryn Pickworth on 78.
The men’s championships was won by Tatura-Hill Top’s Matt Miller with a gross score of 70, two under the card. Playing off a handicap of plus one, Miller did not start well; being three over after his first six holes. He then settled and started a blitz of birdies. Square with the card with three holes to play Miller rattled off another two birdies, of his seven for the day, to finish two under.
This is a great achievement for a young man who celebrated his 21st birthday just a few weeks ago and puts him in a special class at his home club, being only the fifth man from Hill Top to win this event since it started in the district in 1931. Miller not only won the district championship but was too good for all others from around the state to win the Shepparton Open scratch and handicap events.
Runner-up in the championships was previous two-time winner Andrew Storer from Numurkah Golf Club who shot a 74 scratch score and looked a bit tired at the end of the day, after three days of golf in the Port Phillip Amateur at Commonwealth Golf Club over the last few days.
In the men’s handicap division (Miller could only win one event in the GMGA section) Bob Shields from Shepparton won with a 72 net just ahead of Liam Ridd on 73. Well done to these Shepparton members not only for your results, but for supporting your club’s major event.
The GMGA events for 2021 are now done and dusted, as we prepare for the start of the four-ball Sunday pennant season starting in January.
— David Roberts
