Former Australian test cricketer Jeff Thomson proved a big attraction for players and guests at Sunday’s fundraising day sponsored by John Holland Construction. The 3 Person Ambrose event was in aid of the Central West Autism Awareness & Special Needs Awareness Group. Significant funds were raised to enable the organisation to erect ten Buddy Benches at schools in Parkes, Forbes and Peak Hill, as well as a bus shelter and a new 22-seater bus with specialty equipment fitted for wheelchair use for school outings.
In his address to the large crowd Jeff Thomson had a lot to say about the current system of team selections and its administration. He accepted questions from the crowd and proved to be a great ambassador for the game. However on the golf course it was the team of Matthew Duffy, Scott Hendry and Tim Magill who dominated play as they returned an excellent round of five under par 66 for a nett 54 ½ to finish nearly three shots ahead of the field.
The runners-up team consisted of Michael Dumesny, Mark Dwyer and John Davies on 57 1/6 nett, and in third place
it was Phil Smith, Paul Murray and Matt Spedding on 58 nett. The much sought after Bradman’s award saw the schoolteachers team of Sherree Rosser, Judy Elliott and Elaine Bright record a narrow victory. The Nearest the Pin awards saw Andrew Huntly take out the 1st hole at 585cm, Michael Hunt the 4th hole at 55cm, Jack Murray the 6th hole at 359cm, Luke Cross the 11th hole at 93cm and on the final Par 3 the 15th, it was Michael Dumesny who excelled at 300cm.
The Long Drive competition was won by Nathan Munday at close to 300m on the 8th hole. The general consensus was that all players enjoyed the day’s golf and they were full of praise for the sponsors and the event organisers, in particular the efforts of Jodie Goonrey and David Whitfield. Tomorrow members will contest an 18 hole Stableford for the Court Press trophy, while the Ladies will also contest an 18 hole Stableford competition for a Club trophy.
By Paul Thomas