The 12th annual Pybar Mining Handicap Golf Shootout on Sunday has a majority field who have never contested this type of event. This will give the old heads plenty of leverage. The logical favourite appears to be the tried and tested Joey Van Opynen, a player who has encountered plenty of tough players in his day.
With the Cunninghams IGA Scratch Shoot under his belt from earlier in the year, Joey is aiming to be the first member to win both the scratch and handicap sections. His major opposition appears to be renowned fighter, big game player and one of the club’s most consistent putters Ian Phipps, while the tough and experienced Chris Goodie will be in the firing line too. The defending titleholder Ross Smith will find this a tougher field. Number 1 qualifier
Brian L. Hogan has finally achieved his aim in qualifying.
Players had to qualify from the six designated rounds that ultimately saw the leading 19 players reach the play off final. The final will start at 9am with one player eliminated at each hole – handicaps play a big part. If more than one player records the worst net score on a hole those players then contest a chip off that determines who stays or who goes and it is the player who finishes furthest from the nominated target who departs.
Players will enjoy a delicious sit down meal, courtesy of Pybar Mining, after the initial nine holes.
By Paul Thomas