50 Women Members from Northern Golf Club played in the annual Curlewis Golf Trip.

This was the biggest number of Members participating in the event.

Thank you to Bev Leyden for organising our matching polos and credit to the Female Participation Committee.

2024 Curlewis Golf Trip Details Coming Soon

Saturday 18th Nov 2023

It was an amazing Junior comp last Saturday
We had a fantastic field of 12 Juniors attend the competition.

The sun was out with perfect conditions.
1st place with an amazing 37 off the stick and 24pts Sam Machado..
2nd place was Landon Field with 21pts
Sam also played the following day at Cape Schanck with an incredible 88 - 27hc - 61nett, well done Sam.

We a so excited to see all the kids enjoying playing the course and testing their skills

Can’t wait for this Saturday

Xavier Young who just turned 8 years old last month has achieved something all golfers dream about, with an incredible hole in one on the 9th at West Gate, Sunday 19th Nov 2023.

Xavier also broke 100 off the stick for the very first time with an amazing 95 nett 54

Well done Xavier (X Man)

Nadene Gole and James Lavender are the Australian Senior Amateur champions for 2023.

After three days of competition in Western Australia, Lavender and Gole both prevailed by slim margins at Lake Karrinyup Country Club.

This week marked a successful defence for Lavender, who also claimed the 2022 title. The Victorian from Northern Golf Club finished at eight-over, two ahead of Coomealla's Gregory Rhodes.

"It got a bit nerve-wracking at the end of the round," he said. 

"I didn't really know where I stood… probably just as well I didn't know actually!

"You had to be a bit more strategic, and I felt today instead of just getting driver, I started hitting 3-woods… I think it paid dividends."

For Gole, this title caps off an unbelievable year of amateur golf, after reaching world number one on the senior amateur rankings in March.

Gole, from Victoria Golf Club, not only claimed multiple state titles, but also had a top-ten finish at the US Senior Women's Amateur, and was runner-up at the R&A Senior Women's Amateur.

With The National's Sue Wooster vying for four titles in a row this week, Gole had a fight ahead of her to claim her first Australian Senior Amateur. She eventually finished at nine-over, three ahead of Wooster.

"It's a very strategic golf course, and it's very difficult to be aggressive and attacking so my scores are probably not reflective of how well I played," she said.

"I'm very excited. It's something that could have possibly happened last year but didn't, but I'm very grateful, I've had an unbelievable year." 

Results can be found here.

The work Northern Golf Club has done in the gender equality space is no secret to Golf Australia (GA).

In fact, the club, that resides just 12km from Melbourne’s CBD, was recognised by GA for its outstanding work towards breaking down barriers to women’s participation back in 2019 (see video case study).

Prior to this the club established a participation committee to concentrate on the recruitment and retention of women at the club.

This story reveals how the club continues to evolve and achieve in this area of work.

A new reason for celebration is the introduction of Carla Schulz.

For 16 years, Schulz enjoyed running on the path around the course, however never dared venture inside.

Schulz’ mindset started to shift however upon seeing a ‘this girl can’ sign along the track during Covid and by February 2022, she dared to sign-up and try golf.

“Being a private club, it was quite daunting and honestly scary,” said Schulz.

“Whilst the members were very friendly and welcoming, I felt I had more in common with the women in the clinic as we were all beginners.”

This prompted Schulz to establish a WhatsApp group named ‘Northern Newbies’.

This connected Schulz and the other beginners at the club.

Fast forward two years, and Schulz has joined the women’s participation committee, and Northern Newbies has over 50 WhatsApp users.

“Through the WhatsApp Group, we run lots of activities that help foster friendships,” said Schulz.

“As we know that these friendships keep women at the club, more so than the golf.”

Northern Newbies has now expanded from a simple chat group, to a platform that shares information about activities to keep women engaged.

This includes:

• A regular table for “newbies” at the club’s members draw evenings;
• Weekly Women’s Get into Golf clinics: hosted by PGA Professional Heath Bensted and his team;
• Get on Course programs for new players;
• Golf trips away;
• Rules and etiquette events with a social function to conclude;
• Thought-provoking messages encouraging women to think about leadership positions within the club.

These programs, in addition to the seamless pathway the club has evolved over years (from clinics to a step-by-step membership structure), has resulted in a four percent growth of full-playing women’s membership over four years.

Helen Moloney, board member and chair of the participation committee explains: “We have many women visit us from public courses who say they will do clinics and try the pathway membership, but will probably not join.

“However, once they start participating in the social activities, they thoroughly enjoy our club culture and stay.”

In addition to full-playing memberships, the club consistently has 40-50 women coming through the temporary membership and pro-rata at any one time.

The success the club and the participation committee is having with women’s participation can partially be put down to the fact that the committee engages the whole club.

A mix of female and male members sit on the committee, including the club professional, members of the board and at least one beginner golfer.

The board has also been supportive of the club adopting a special measure through the AHRC Guidelines to continue to waiver the women’s joining fee enabling us to attract more women to join.

Actively promoting opportunities for women to join the board or other positions of leadership remains a top priority of the club.

Pleasingly, the club has evolved from having no women representatives five years ago, to now having three sit on the board.

“This has been a really positive shift,” said Moloney.

“After updating our constitution a few years ago to ensure representation of at least two women on our board, it has been a positive for women to have a voice,” she said.

“Not only for women’s benefit, but the club as a whole.”

Northern Golf Club has been proactive in connecting with its national body to seek support and guidance having adopted all of Golf Australia’s gender equality programs.

The most recent are the R&A Women in Golf Charter. Women in Golf Charter | Golf Australia

“These programs have been phenomenal in getting our club started on the pathway to gender parity,” said Moloney.

“They have given us the information, the tools to continue evolving and the ability to report back to our board.

“I encourage other clubs to look into these programs and work with our state and national golf organisations to get more women playing our wonderful game.”

Learn more about Visionary of the Year, including what other clubs are doing in the gender equality space here Vision 2025 Resources | Golf Australia

Reprinted from Golf Australia - 10/2023

Scotland V Japan

Northern Golf Club hosted the second annual whiskey tasting night. This year the theme was putting Scotland against Japan. Two of the leading countries in the world for making whiskey. Members and guests were greeted with a Toki high ball paired with scallops on arrival. Once seated after pre drinks the 4 course and tastings commenced. Courses were paired with a tasting from each country while Tom Scott our whiskey expert from the Exchange talked about the origins, aromas, and intensity of each whiskey.

Set by the open fire in the members’ lounge, it was a perfect backdrop to enjoy fantastic food prepared by Ray Bonicci, NGC’s Executive Chef. At the conclusion of the night after sampling over 7 different whiskeys each person took home a bottle of Toki Whiskey, whiskey glass and mini whiskey samples.

Our Next Wine Night is Coming Soon

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Nathan Bratanata left Northern last August to take up a Golf Scholarship at a little-known American College at Cedar Rapids, Iowa and now he’s the toast of United States. Nathan and his team from Kirkwood Community College have recently won the NJCAA Men’s Golf Championship, Division II played at Swan Lake Resort in Plymouth, Indiana against teams from all over the United States.

Nathan’s team, the Eagles, included four international golfers mixed with five Iowans — from Cedar Rapids, Solon, Panora, Marshalltown and Eldridge. Nathan, a Freshman (1st year student) was one of the stars in the final finishing tied seventh in the four round stroke event helping his team to its first Championship win in 27 years and earning selection as an All-American together with Kolby Shackleford also from Kirkwood among the top eight finishers. A fantastic achievement by Nathan! Hard to believe, an Aussie All-American?

Nathan is back at Northern at the moment while his College enjoys a summer break. Nathan is studying Exercise Science. He thanks Heath who has been in constant contact providing coaching and advice on facebook and his supporters through gofundme who have made his experience possible.

FIRST TEAM ALL-AMERICANS

A Championship record score highlighted our 27th Annual Northern Junior Open.

A smaller field than normal but the quality was there anyway. A new format this year of stroke play for the under 20 handicappers and stableford for the over 20s. Northern is on the Junior order of Merit schedule; the Boys playing for the Geoff Ogilvy Trophy while Girls play for the Future Champions Award. The under 12s in the field also have the opportunity to win State Junior Squad selection. It’s a busy tournament and highly recognised by Golf Australia; a reputation earned over its 27 years.

The course was in outstanding condition for the event and numerous youngsters reported their enjoyment of playing at Northern; a credit to our Superintendent Ryan and his staff. Members who were there waiting for the Juniors to finish before they could play also said that they had never seen the course looking better. A fine sunny day after a weekend of almost winter weather might have contributed to the prospect but the work is there and our young visitors appreciated it with some excellent scores.

Xue You Ning (Cranbourne), my Aussie name Jack, shot the lowest score in the event’s history; 66 with 6 birdies to take the Boys Stroke Trophy. He was excited that he had played his best-ever game and even with his limited English and nervousness while speaking everyone enjoyed his special moment. Runner-up Angus Hoey (Latrobe) shot a 3 under 69, a winning score in previous years. The Girls 18 hole Stroke winner was Sophie Mann (Keysborough) with 75 by two shots from Georgia Schwartz (Medway ) with 77. Sophie was generous in her thanks to the tournament organisers and the course staff in receiving her winner’s trophy.

Charlie Baker (6) (Latrobe ) won the Boys Nett Event with 69 nett by one shot from Jacob Ngo (2) (Medway) with 70 nett on a countback from Meinke Shi (Northern). The Girls Nett was won by Grace Li (19) (Box Hill) by one shot from Elsa Sima (13) (Woodlands).

The Boys Stableford winner was Yubo Shen (34), a visitor from Thailand, with 52 points from Henry Vu (25) (Spring Valley) with 41 points. The Girls Stableford was won by Bonnie Sandri (23) (Medway) with 44 points from Olivia Jin (Eastern) and Ele Willis (Torquay) both on 38 points.

Northern was also represented in the field by Sam Clough and Zentis Meehan-Laurins and it was pleasing to see a former Junior member, Alessandro Tarantelli, now at Huntingdale, playing.

Special thanks to Luke Young, Northern’s Assistant Manager, who conducted the event on behalf of Golf Australia. Another successful Northern Junior tournament.

(Scoop Church) signing off.

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Our Juniors at Northern GC received their polo and hat to commence the new year.

Thank you to Essendon Mazda and Bon Meats for sponsoring our Junior Academy.

Congratulations to Greg McConnell for organising and running a fantastic Junior Academy.

Men’s Championships

Congratulations to James Lavender on his 24th Club Championship. James began the final round with a comfortable 10 shot lead over his nearest chaser and a 3 over 75 was enough to secure a 4 shot win for the title.

Meanwhile his challengers were fighting for second place; defending champion Alex Austin shot par to pick up 3 shots, first round leader Gerry Guinan with 70 moved 5 shots closer as did Peter McKay playing with a broken finger but none did as well as Dan Wright who shot 65, the low round of the tournament, to pick up 10 shots on James and finish in second spot.

It’s James again and now we’re checking GA records to see who has won more club championships.

Results:

• 289 James Lavender
• 293 Dan Wright
• 294 Peter McKay

Andrew Lazenby scored a come from behind victory in the Northern Cup with a final round 78 to win by one shot from Cliff Tumney and second round leader Tyson Jansen a further shot back. The event was set for a tight finish with just 4 shots covering the top 6 players and it remained close throughout the final round and Lazer, playing ahead of the final group and unaware of scores, won by the narrowest margin.

Results:

• 245 Andrew Lazenby
• 246 Cliff Tumney
• 247 Tyson Jansen

Liam Smith who started the final round in the Glenroy Cup with a 3 shot lead managed to hold out Stephen Cadigan and Russell Righton in a closely fought final round to win by 1 shot.

Results:

• 277 Liam Smith
• 279 Stephen Cadigan
• 280 Russell Righton

Women’s Championships

Congratulations Kerri-Lee Biesboer who with a final round 82 defended her title to win ahead of second-placed Joyce Agius and Leeanne Galtieri. Jan Hayes won the Northern Cup by two shots from runner-up Jan Boulton and second round leader Angela Villani. Yvonne Backerra was successful in the Glenroy Cup by 1 shot from Alison Nightingale.

Results:

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Sue Wooster won an historic third consecutive Australian Senior Amateur while another Victorian James Lavender, took out his first at Launceston Golf Club today.

Wooster’s hat-trick followed wins in 2018 and 2019 and was interrupted by two-years of pandemic-related absence of the national senior championship.

Today she was rock solid in a closing 1-under-par 72 to first catch the 36-hole leader, Victorian Nadene Gole, then surge ahead to win by three shots.

Gole, who defeated Wooster in the Victorian Senior Amateur and also won the South Australian Senior Amateur this year, led by two shots entering the final day but shot a closing 77 to finish runner-up.

Wooster, three times runner-up in the US Senior Amateur and a prolific winner at all levels, shot rounds of 75-78-72 to post 6-over par overall.

She becomes just the third woman in the Senior Amateur's history to win three times in succession.

“After travelling around the world throughout the winter, it is really special to come home and win my national title”, Wooster said.

"I have a lot of friends in the senior ranks so it's great to be able to share this with them".

Lavender’s elevation to national senior champion comes after a storied career at Northern Golf Club where he has been club champion more than 20 times.

The Melburnian had to survive a four-hole playoff against Drouin’s Mark Allen after the pair were locked together at 4-over through the three rounds, but Lavender came out on top. He had also bogeyed two of the last three holes to lose an opportunity to close it out, finishing up at 4-over par with rounds of 67-77-76.

"It's an honour to win this event," Lavender said.

"I am truly shocked, it was a great battle with Mark, he could easily be up here."

Kiwis Brent Paterson and Tony Chettelburgh were next best at 5-over, just a shot out of the playoff.

The Victorian team of Lavender, Gole, Greg Rhodes and Helen Pascoe took out the senior teams event by an impressive 33 shots from Tasmania.

The event was also the conclusion to the 2022 National Senior Order of Merit with Sue Wooster and Greg Rhodes crowned champions.

Click Here for the Results

Article reprinted from Golf Australia

The 2022 Dallas Building Pro Am is on Tuesday 13th December.

Tee times at 7:30am and 12:45pm.

Entry Fee includes:

• BBQ Lunch and Drinks included
• Play with a PGA Professional
• Great Prizes on the Day
• Huge Hole In One Prize

Click Here to downlaod the Entry Form

Hole sponsorship is now available

• Have your signage on the tee box
• 3 players in the 12:45pm field playing with a PGA Professional
• Option of booking extra players at $80 per player
• Your business logo will be displayed on our main sponsorship board, to be kept on display at the club for 12 months
• Lunch provided plus drinks and snacks after the game
• Be in the running to win loads of prizes and giveaways on the day plus a huge hole in one prize.

$1,250 + GST
Book by 2nd December to avoid missing out. Confirm your sponsorship by contacting:
Heath Bensted M: 0400 156 451 E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

My name is Nathan Bratanata, and I've been a proud member for the past eight years. On the 7th of August, I'm excited to let you know that I'll be leaving for the U.S to play college golf at Kirkwood Community College in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

There I will be living in a dorm on campus with my teammate. It's going to be sad leaving Northern as I have met so many friends, especially my coaches Heath Bensted, Matt Rogers & Greg McConnell, who have all helped me develop my game and prepare for this moment.

I want to thank the members & staff at Northern Golf club for their support and friendship. You can keep up to date with me by following my Instagram: nathan_bratanata or Facebook: Nathan Bratanata

Click Here for my Go Fund Me Page

Winners of the 2022 Sharp Brothers fourball Sunday Board Event

Mixed – Pete & Judy Gorman who defeated Andrea Rhodes & Javier Rojas
Open – Adnan Benhim & Keith Ross-Anderson who defeated Stephen McCann & Paul Dines

Congratulations

It’s not often that we hear of a Northern member winning a world trip in a golf tournament. But just this month one of ours won one with just a straight hit.

Ralph De Marchi, playing in the annual Mercedes Trophy at Sanctuary Cove, Gold Coast earlier this month, made it through the qualifying rounds to the final day when all of the big prizes were for the taking, and he was the lucky one.

Ralph didn’t win any of the top prizes of a trip to play in the final in Germany. They went to the first three who will represent Australia in the World Final at Stuttgart. Ralph finished 6th overall and might not have won anything but for a straight drive.

Ralph’s win in the straightest drive competition on the last day of the three day event won him the ultimate consolation prize; a trip to Scotland as a VIP at The Open at St. Andrews in July and some Loch Lomond whisky to go with it. Not a bad result and you only have to own a Merc to be in the event, and of course pay for your entry.

I’m not sure that Ralph’s fabulous win will have more Northern members out buying a Mercedes in the next few weeks. Just maybe! However I’m hoping that Renault has a similar event and I might give it a try.

Congratulations Ralph. I reckon that you won the best prize. Maybe we’ll see you in the crowd on the big screen at our British Open event at Northern

4 Pillars & Northern Golf Club hosted a Gin Tasting Night on Friday 20th May

30 Members and Guests had a unique opportunity to sample the latest and most popular gins from the 4 Pillars Distillery. Ella Neilson from Vanguard Luxury Brands and Ray Bonnici our Executive Chef paired a beautiful 5 course menu with each gin.

During each course, Ella talked through the history, processes and fine notes of each gin. She also educated the group on the best tonics, garnishes and methods to achieve the best experience.

At the conclusion of the night each guest took home a gift pack which included a bottle of the latest release Yuzu Gin. Guests also had the opportunity to purchase a bottle of their favourite gin from the tasting, at a special cellar door price.

There will be a Whiskey Tasting and a Wine Expo coming later in the Year.

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The Pink Charity Day successfully raised $5,000 to donate to the Mothers Day Classic. Thank You to major sponsor, Andrea's Bookkeeping Services and supporting sponsor, Jump on Board Travel for making the day successful.

The Mothers Day Classic was another success, with 80 players participating in the 2 ball ambrose event. Players from around Victoria dressed in pink and ventured to Northern GC to support and help raise much needed funds towards breast cancer research.

Winners - Lyn Kirkham & Leanne Spain
Runners Up - Suzy Calley & Anne Howe
Mixed Winners - Luke Young & Jenny Tobin

Thank you to our major sponsor, Andea's Bookkeeping Services for supporting our event and making it even more successful.

A big congratulations to the NGC Women's Committee and volunteers for all their work putting the event together.

Peter Senior was the highlight act when the Legends Tour visited Northern this week. With Peter were 60 other professional golfers including many who we might have seen in the Masters or Australian Opens played on our golf course. The field included Peter Fowler, Mike Harwood, Terry Price, Lucien Tinkler and many others who were Australia’s touring pros and in the fields when we followed the likes of Greg Norman, Craig Parry and Ian Baker-Finch around Huntingdale and Royal Melbourne in years past. The Herald-Sun described the field as the best collection of Aussie golfers assembled in many years. 

Northern was the premier course in the Victorian leg of the tour which also took in Mandalay, Portsea and Portarlington, Settlers Run and Gardiners Run. The Legends Tour is quite competitive with the old guys out to prove they’re not done yet and OOM is key for many just to get a game. However the winners still seem to be those who won in years gone by. 

Heath and the Pro Shop team put together a packed field of 165 amateurs including sponsors and their guests for the am and pm events. Many Northern members took up the opportunity and enjoyed the day with the pros and may have got some tips along the way.

Patrick Crabb was the best in the morning with 41 points, Ken Pengelly 40, Phillip Lane 39 and Laura Everett 39, and Kerry-Lee Biesboer beat all the men with the longest drive on the 13th. Greg Fagan 36 was best of the Northern players in the afternoon which was won by Matthew Hodgkiss from Kyneton with 37.

The 6th hole drew most attention for the day with a Mazda up for the hole in one prize and a camera-man there to film every shot. Everyone played from the Men’s tee with the flag at the back. No pressure on your shot with 15 or more watching closely and only one shot came close. The Mazda man took his car home again. Maybe next year.

Brad Burns and Peter Fowler played best in the windy conditions and were joint winners with 68s, Ben Jackson and Lucien Tinkler 70s and Peter Senior was among three others on 71. Peter Fowler speaking on behalf of the players congratulated Superintendent Greg Burgess on the quality of the course. Ray Bonnici and his team did a pretty good job with the meals too. Another successful Pro-Am at Northern.and special thanks to Bryan Milligan who ran the event.

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Wednesday 9th March 2022

MEAT TRAY

• Cosimo Patti
• Sam Godino

GOLF GLOVE

• Stan Pratt

GOLF LESSON

• Trevor Hill

BALLS/WINE

• Ken Gilbertson
• Peter Smith
• Mick Leyden
• Brain Watterson
• Laurie Rees
• Ray Hunt

Raelee Thompson, regarded as a trailblazer in Women’s Cricket has been named as one of this year's two inductees in the Australian Cricket Hall of Fame. She has been named alongside Justin Langer, current Australian Test Cricket Coach.

Raelee a Northern Golf Club member for many years and hailing from Shepparton, is one of the pioneers of the women's game.

A fast bowler who played 16 Tests and 23 One-Day Internationals between 1972 and 1985, she captained the team four times. Thompson is the oldest player – male or female – to take a maiden five-wicket haul in Test matches at 39 years and 175 days of age.

Her final Test match in 1985, the fifth and deciding Test match of the 1984-85 Women's Ashes series played in Bendigo, saw her lead the Australians to reclaim the Women' Ashes trophy after a 30-year hiatus.

Thompson took 57 Test wickets at an average of 18.24 and 24 One-Day International wickets at 18.66.

Thompson also represented Victoria on 45 occasions before serving as a selector for many years. She has continued mentoring future generations of female cricketers at her home club, Essendon Maribyrnong Park Ladies Cricket Club and accepted Life Membership from Cricket Victoria in 2018.

"Justin and Raelee are extremely deserving inductees and it is wonderful to acknowledge and celebrate the immense achievements and contributions of these legends of our game," said CA CEO Nick Hockley

Northern Golf Club congratulates Raelee on her magnificent achievement.

Congratulations to Josh Feil who won the first Mandalay Junior Open Championship last week. In hot conditions and the prevailing Mandalay winds Josh shot 76 to win by three strokes from another Northern junior and practice partner, Sam Clough who shot 79.

An outstanding performance by the boys, a Northern quinella; winner and runner-up. The course for the event was set up for championship conditions, playing from the blue tees and on fast greens.

Tournament organiser, John Seamons, ex-Northern, said that the boys were a credit to Northern’s junior program.

Their win follows closely on Alessandro Tarantelli’s success at Huntingdale recently.

A great month for Northern’s Juniors.

After the first round was cancelled due to rain the Club Championships was finally started. The Men’s event was reduced to 3 rounds for A Grade and 2 Rounds for B and C Grades, The Veterans, Super Veterans and Junior Championships were reduced to 1 round which was completed on Saturday 20th November. The Women’s Championships weren’t affected by weather and completed all rounds.

The Course and weather was perfect for the final 2 rounds of the A Grade Men and Women, but surprisingly some players struggle to get a good score going.

The lockdowns and restrictions made it hard for player preparation for the major event. Leaders had to take it hole by hole as any lead could quickly disappear with a few wayward shots.

James Lavender made a late charge in the final round with a 73 to put pressure on Alex Austin who held off to win the Men’s Club Championships by 5 shots. Kerri-Lee Biesboer went into the last round with a 12 shot lead over Lyn Kirkham. Kirkham chipped away at the lead while Kerri-Lee was trying to find her game. Kerri-Lee steady the ship and held on to win by 7 shots over Kirkham.

2021 Club Champions

2021 Minor Club Champions

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Friday 10th Dec Northern Junior Program is hosting a presentation and fun night.
Starts at 6pm finishes approx 7pm
All those kids that have participated this term are invited for a fun night.
We will have in age groups Boys & Girls
Age categories:6 & under, 7-9 years old; 10-11 years old; 12-13 years old; and 14-15 years
Longest Drive ,Nearest to the Pin & Putting Competition.
3 attempts at each category . Prizes will be awarded.
After this approx 6:30pm we will have snacks & drinks supplied
Presentations will follow
Hope to see everyone there.

Please RSVP By 1st Dec for catering purposes.

Thanks Janette, Bryan, Heath & Jack

Northern Golf Club has been successful in obtaining a girl’s junior golf grant. The grant will give up to 5 juniors girls currently in our junior program the opportunity to become a member at the club and receive weekly tuition from our resident professional Janette Borgolotto.

The initiative is a partnership with Australian Golf Foundation and Northern Golf Club with a goal to get more girls participating in golf, obtain a handicap, and learn to play in weekly competitions with members.

The program starts in February 2022 for 5 lucky junior girls between the age of 10 and 16 years. Each will receive a polo, hat, membership at Northern GC and 6 x 1 hour session each term from Janette Borgolotto. The juniors will be contacted shortly and inducted into the club. A picture of our new rising stars will be on the website soon.

Click link for more info

https://www.australiangolffoundation.org.au/vision-2025

Wildlife Emergency Services were called to Northern on Saturday to attend to a crisis situation. Two of our favourite residents on course displaced by the 110 kmh winds on Friday morning were to be taken to a safe refuge that they might recover from the trauma that they had suffered in the latest storm to hit Northern.

Our Tawny Frogmouth and baby, homeless after the wild weather, were found on Barney Sullivan’s seat at the 6th mens tee on Saturday afternoon, frightened and defenceless and probably at the mercy of the animals of the night. They were certainly the centre of attention for the afternoon players with their mobile phone cameras but their safety and well-being were first and foremost in everyone’s minds. We’ve never had the opportunity to see such reclusive birds close-up before.

Our members sincerely hope that the message from the Wildlife Emergency Agency “Mother and baby doing well” will be received.

Generations of Tawny Frogmouths have been resident, well camouflaged and hard to find, at the 6th tee for more than 40 years. It is to be hoped that they will one day return to their home and will be again a special and mysterious feature of Northern’s magnificent environment. Members wish the pair well.

Northern burst out of lockdown with a fabulous revival of the traditional Northern Melbourne Cup. The 2021 Cup Day at Northern was the best we’ve held in many years. Perhaps the best ever event since it all began in 1988. Locked-out members came in droves to enjoy normality at the club again. A full field of golfers and an overflowing clubhouse of diners demonstrated how much we’ve all wanted just to get back to the club. The money was there too as the Calcutta and the Bookie enjoyed a busy day of punting on the Cup.

More than 100 golfers played in the morning for the Hutton-Bliss Trophy and men’s and ladies fourball events in perfect golf conditions and good scores were returned.

Winners were:

• 1st Hutton-Bliss Trophy (Mixed) Rob Scott – Yvonne Backerra 46 pts
• On a Count Back / Runner Up – Ian Moore – Phyllis Mason 46
• Open Fourball – Paul Stepien – Andre Oliver (Corowa) 48 pts

The 2021 Calcutta was one for the ages! Might have been the first day that many had brought cash to the club and it was there aplenty and ready to buy a winner. In a fast-paced auction bids came like there was no tomorrow. Incentivise with all of its publicity and promotion as the new-Phar Lap topped the bill with $320 and there were several $200+ bids that made other runners popular too. The favorite wasn’t going to get it all on his own. Indeed $270 was paid for the Verry Elleegance considered the best challenger.

The auctioneer drew $3170 out of the punters at their tables both inside and out. Alan Kerr, Jeff Balmer and Charles Potter were keen bidders and, in the action, throughout, Michael Kleinig outstayed everyone to secure the favorite and Joe Jhoty and others kept the money rolling. Table One passed on Incentivise, maybe too hot to handle and favorites don’t always win, and snapped up Verry Elleegance to claim the $1307 first prize. Laurie, on the job again, and Paula were the wise heads and one purchase for the day was enough. Incentivise bought by Table Thirteen collected $594 and Spanish Mission returned $356 for Table Five.

Meanwhile Darcy in the bookies’ seat had a constant flow of punters and reported a moderate success from the day and Ray and his staff made us all feel elegant with a great meal and excellent and most timely service. They were all thanked for their part in making Cup Day an outstanding success. Credit too to Charles Potter for recognising the opportunity to get us all back to enjoying our club again and our clubhouse that has so much to offer. Most of the punters stayed on well after the event just enjoying the company of friends. Another great Northern day! Join us in 2022 when we do it all again.

Results Cups Sweeps

$10.00 Sweep

• FIRST – $140.00 – Verry Elleegant - Vicki Scarpa Peter Cope Young Table Peter Gorman
• SECOND – $60.00 – Incentivise - Phil Lane Phil Constable Brian Said Michael Kleinig
• THIRD – $30.00 – Spanish Mission - Allison Balmer Lorraine Kerwin Chris Robson Liam Beattie
• Last – $10.00 – Ocean Billy - Pat Crabb Joyce Agius Bev Leyden Mike Presland

$5.00 Sweep

• FIRST – $70.00 – Verry Elleegant - Ray Grech Joe Scarpa Joyce Agius Tony Feehan
  SECOND – $30.00 – Incentivise - Joy Ryan Jenny Brooks Helle Warming Herlina Burgess
  THIRD – $15.00 – Spanish Mission

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