King
Tour News
King
Tour News
Melbourne 2002 Challenge to be one of the toughest
Hauser wins purple jacket on the Gold Coast
Courses decided for Gold Coast Challenge
Tudor goes back to back in classic finish
Player Profile - Is Tudor the next Tiger??
King Challenge Melbourne - Courses finalised
King Skins 2001 - Tudor grabs the cash
King Tour AGM decides 2001 schedule
Melbourne Challenge to be one of the toughest
King
Challenge Melbourne 2002 21st-24th February
29 January 2002
The King Challenge Melbourne 2002 is scheduled to be one of the toughest challenges ever. 7 players have confirmed to play in the Melbourne Challenge in February. Tour veterans Mike Hauser and Steve DaCosta, winner of the last Challenge in Melbourne Rohan Tudor, Simon Cummins, Andrew Bennett, Paul Baron and recently named as best player never to get a birdie in a King Challenge - Richard Bondietti. Kel 'The Jones Boy' Jones has not registered for the Melbourne Challenge and will be unable to defend his King Spoon title!
The Challenge will tee off at Eastwood as guests of AB, The tight Eastwood layout will be a testing opener giving AB a home ground advantage, the tough par 3 8th and long par 4 11th will help determine the leaderboard early. The event then returns to the Mornington Peninsula for the 2nd and 3rd rounds. Round 2 will be held on the Old course at the National as guests of Simon. This Trent Jones Layout features undulating fairways and greens, deep rough and the wind is always a factor off Bass Strait. The signature par 3 2nd and the tough par 4 16th the holes to watch.
After an overnight stay at the Pub, the challenge moves to the new Moonah Links layout. This Thompson links layout features huge pot bunkers, testing greens and British Open type rough. Again the weather will be a factor, the leader after the third round will have earned it, scores may be high! The challenge returns again to Kingston Links for the final round. There was drama aplenty last year at Kingston Links with leader Andrew Millar in trouble on the 10th as Rohan Tudor fired around the back nine for a classic win. Playing from the championship tees this year, the long par 4 5th and 15th holes are going to be crucial for the winner.
Tickets available from Kingticks 1800-KINGKINGKING.
Viking Tour Launched, First event - Viking Skins 2001
10 October 2001
King Tour management are proud to launch the Viking Tour - a new development tour to support the King Tour and provide Melbourne based tour players with valuable tour experience and possible exemptions to play in King Tour Events. The Viking Tour ('Victoria' and 'King') will include regular tour events played on Melbourne/Victorian courses.
The Viking Skins 2001 will be the inaugural event held on the Viking Tour. Teeing off on Saturday 13th October. The Viking Skins will be played at Hidden Valley Golf Club outside Melbourne. Confirmed players are Mike Hauser, Simon Cummins, Andrew Bennett and Paul 'Cosmo' Baron.
The
new Viking Tour Logo
Hauser wins purple jacket on the Gold Coast
King
Challenge Gold Coast 2001 15th-18th September
19 September 2001
A swing tip from Simon and inspiration from the Hawks sensational win over Port were keys to Mike Hausers King Challenge win on the Gold Coast yesterday. Holding a 5 shot lead going into the final round over the ever-consistent Steve DaCosta, Mike was haunted by the ghosts of 'Royal Monday' when he let a seemingly unbeatable 10 shot lead dissolve in a shocker at Royal Canberra. But this time he held the swing together over the tough Glades layout to win by 7 shots over Steve with Andrew Bennett finishing third. Steve was consistent throughout the tournament but a couple of water holes at the Glades proved costly, AB improved dramatically over his rookie spoon win, and may have been even closer if he had ditched the wood earlier. His cut 8 iron to the final hole at the Glades in the presence of golf journo Tom Ramsay, a highlight.
Paul started well and was in contention until a less than happy day at Robina Woods, 'Cosmo' used his Earl Grey, Muesli and Cottage Cheese plan well until the greens at Robina go the better of him. Reigning purple jacket holder Rohan never hit the form that secured his two purple jackets, though a lack of game-time following knee surgery was a factor in his attempt to go for the King Slam. Simon also struggled on the scoreboard but with a solid game off the tee and equal lowest putts his fairway play cant have been on form, he was unable to find Pammy which no doubt affected him!! Tour rookie Kelvin 'The Jones Boy' faced the full on pressure that is King Tour golf and was so psyched that his swing completely deserted him, the late night strategy used by Steve proved the final blow and Kel took the Spoon by 9 shots. The brain fade on 11 and 12 at Robina Woods was a disturbing sight!!
Final Scores (Nett) - King Challenge Gold Coast 2001
1. Mike Hauser 72,64,73, 73 (-5)
2. Steve DaCosta 73,70,71,75 (+2)
3. Andrew Bennett 79,73,72,77 (+14)
4. Paul Baron 75,76,85,82 (+31)
5. Rohan Tudor 82,81,83,75 (+34)
6. Simon Cummins 83,80,83,84 (+43)
7. Kelvin Jones 79,80,89,93 (+54)
Putting Trophy
As usual, the putting trophy was a close one with the greens varying from the flat Royal Pines to the rock hard elevated Glades greens. The trophy finished in a tie between Simon and Mike with the decision made to share the honour rather than going to a sudden death putt-off. Reigning putting title holder Rohan finished 4 putts behind with Paul taking the Inaugural King Teaspoon for most putts, in doing so he equalled Mikes 42 putts for a round (Royal Monday!!), Paul joins an illustrious group!
Putting - King Challenge Melbourne 2001
=1. Simon Cummins 131
=1 Mike Hauser 131
3. Rohan Tudor 135
4. Andrew Bennett 137
5. Steve Dacosta 138
6. Kelvin Jones 138
7. Paul Baron 149 (Winner: King Teaspoon)
King Spoon
The pressure of King Challenge golf is always high but the pressure on a tour rookie is immense. AB started rookie in the Melbourne Challenge and walked away with the Spoon, rookie tour starter Kelvin started the Challenge as equal favourite with the media giving him a huge wrap. Kel felt the tour pressure from Day One and with Steve using 'Operation Lateone' to knobble the tour rookie, he was always facing an uphill battle. After a brain fade going down the 11th at Robina Woods, Kel stood on the tee of the 12th unsure about whether he could swing the club again! (He parred the next three holes but then had a shocker at the Glades to take the King Spoon.
King
Challenge Gold Coast 2001 15th-18th September
6 September 2001
One week to go until the big one - The King Challenge Gold Coast 2001. We spoke to a leading golfing expert to assess the key contenders for the title:
Rohan Tudor - The form player of 2001 has already won the King Skins 2001 and King Challenge Melbourne 2001. 'Tiger' Tudor is now going for the King Slam after winning Sydney and Melbourne. A Knee operation last month could restrict Rohans swing but if he is getting onto the 3 wood......Lookout. Current Betting: 5-1
Kelvin Jones - The Jones Boy joins the tour as a rookie facing the daunting Gold Coast Challenge as his first event. Not much is known of his recent form but the word on the fairway is that he will give the Jacket a good shake and could emulate Andrew Millar by winning a Challenge as a rookie. Current Betting: 5-1.
Simon Cummins - A veteran of two previous Gold Coast campaigns, Simon is no stranger to the resort course challenge but can be easily sidetracked by outside influences. (PAMMY!) A new set of clubs has improved his showing and if he can regain the form from The Dunes in February he will be up there with the leaders Current Betting: 7-1.
Paul Baron - The big mover over the last week. The flying left heel is gone and the Baron is starting to put some good golf together, a nett 66 at the Portseas Classic during the week shows that the game is peaking, can he hold it together for four rounds of water, water , sand and more water!!!! Current Betting: 8-1.
Steve DaCosta - The tour veteran has something to prove after chasing down Tudor over the final 9 holes in Melbourne. A winner on the Gold Coast, he has the power to win and needs the purple jacket for dinner functions and formal engagements Current Betting: 8-1.
Mike Hauser - The third trip to the Gold Coast and walked home with the jacket last time. Patchy form is a worry and if the short game folds it could be all over. Had chances in his last start but couldnt capitalise. Current Betting: 10-1.
Andrew Bennett - Still the long shot but form has improved over the last few starts and he will not be keen to keep the Spoon. A return to Portsea was able to exorcise the demons from the Melbourne Challenge where he had in his own words a "Shocker"! A new lob wedge and more consistency could see the Ultimate turnaround - spoon to jacket! Current Betting: 12-1.
Courses decided for Gold Coast Challenge
King
Challenge Gold Coast 2001 15th-18th September
20 June 2001
The King Challenge Organising Committee has finalised the courses to be played for the Gold Coast Challenge. Bids were very competitive this year but the judges were ruthless and finally decided on the following schedule:
Round
1 - Royal Pines (East)
Round 2 - Lakelands
Round 3 - Robina Woods
Round 4 - The Glades
The Challenge will again stay at the King approved Peninsula Apartments
A record field will travel to the Gold Coast for the Challenge. To date, the following players have signed up:
R.
Tudor (NSW - Castle Hill)
S. DaCosta (NSW - Royal Canberra)
K. Jones (ACT - Royal Canberra) Rookie
P. Baron (VIC - Yarrambat Park/Royal Burnley)
A. Bennett (VIC - Eastwood)
M. Hauser (VIC - Yarrambat Park)
S. Cummins (VIC - no fixed address)
Tour regular, Bondie has not signed up to date.
Tudor goes back to back in classic Challenge finish
King
Challenge Melbourne 2001 22-26 February 2001
26 February 2001
Rohan 'Tiger' Tudor claimed a second consecutive Purple Jacket today following a classic final round that had everything. The final margin of 3 shots over Steve and Andrew hides the drama that unfolded over the four rounds. With 9 holes to play Andrew Millar was cruising but a costly mistake on the 10th surrendered the lead. From there Rohan's tiger instincts were on fire as he maintained his lead despite a fast finishing Steve! ......more
King
Challenge Melbourne 2001 - Player Profile
22 January 2001
With Rohan Tudor victorious in the last two King tour events, the rest of the King Tour are now keen to grab the purple jacket back from the classy Sydneysider. But he hasnt had it all his way since joining the tour in 1999. After having to withdraw from the Capital Challenge and a last place in the 2000 Murray Challenge earning the King Spoon, rumours of a John Daley-like addiction to alcohol and croissants were heard about the 19th hole. But Rohan was determined to one day wear the Purple Jacket. His wife Eileen can testify to this, "He was often up till 2 or 3am chipping around the backyard or putting on the livving room floor". The hard work paid off as Rohan finally broke through with a strong finish to win the 2000 Sydney Challenge. Tudor topped the 2000 order of merit with almost K$800,000 and is third on the all time earnings on the King Tour.
He
has since pocketed a lazy $K360,000 during the 2001 King Skins. Media are
now comparing him to Tiger Woods and predicting big things for 2001.
Tudor recently shot a 76 in the Bonville
Invitational, part of the Odyssey development tour and is clearly in form
with his new 3 wood. Though not on home soil for the next
Challenge, no Thomson Wolverige courses will be played which is a plus!.
Tudor will face one of the strongest fields on the King Tour to date.
Still, nothing that a good croissant won't fix!!.
King
Challenge Melbourne - Courses finalised
18 January 2001
The courses for the King Challenge Melbourne have been confirmed:
Feb 23 Round 1 - Portsea
Feb 24 Round 2 - The Dunes
Feb 25 Round 3 - Yarrambat Park (Dependant on Major status and drinks consumed on Sat night)
Feb 26 Round 4 - Kingston Links
King Skins 2001 -
Tudor grabs the cash!
2 January 2001
A class field assembled at Riverside Oaks near Sydney today for the inaugural King Skins event. Tour veterans Mike Hauser and Steve DaCosta were joined by Rohan '3 wood' Tudor and tour rookie Phil Bamford. Up for grabs was $900,000 King Dollars. $20K for the first 9 holes, $40K for holes 10-15 and $80K for the final 3 holes.
Tour rookie Phil was first to hit pay dirt with a win on the first hole. Mike and Phil both pocketed $120K by the 10th, Rohan with $80K and Steve had to wait until the 9th for his $20K with a sensational second to the Par 5 9th to set up a tap in birdie. The back nine provided more money for all but Steve with the final hole carrying a wopping $240K after 16 and 17 had been halved. Steve and Mike went left, Phil hit water right and Rohan drove straight down the middle. A bogey five was enough to grab the cash.
Final Scores
Rohan K$360,000 85 (73)
Mike K$240,000 87 (68)
Phil K$100,000 95 (84)
Steve K$20,000 100 (79)
King Tour AGM
decides 2001 schedule
7 November 2000
The King Challenge Organising Committee (KCOC) met last night in Melbourne to discuss the coming seasons tour championship venues and dates. The committee consists of King Tour Life Members, Mike and Steve. The following dates and venues have been planned for the 2001 season.
King Challenge Melbourne – February 22nd to February 25th Courses (tbc) – Dunes, Sandringham, Kingston Links A challenging mix of courses in sunny Melbourne.
King Challenge South Coast – April 12th to April 17th (Easter) Courses (tbc) – Narooma, Marouya, ……. Easter on the NSW South Coast,
King Challenge Gold Coast – Oct/Nov Courses (tbc) Hope Island, Robina Woods, The Palms, Lakelands The tradition continues - Four days of golf, drinking and Pammy!
Note these dates in your diaries now and get out onto the practise ranges to prepare for the next assault on the Purple Jacket.
Hauser
'tames' the Old Course
October 2000
During
their trip to Europe this year, Mike, Nicki and Rebecca found themselves in
Scotland and whats a trip to Scotland without a visit to the home of golf
itself, St Andrews. After queuing in the cold Scottish wind at 6:00am,
Mike made it onto the reserves list for tee times and finally succeeded in
getting a tee time.
Armed with a set of Titleist hire clubs including a Titanium 975D Driver (sensational club!!), the shot off the first was a snap hook luckily on one of the widest fairways in the world. Good recovery and a bogey for the first. The next 8 holes were amazing, every tee shot was hit well, irons worked well and the short game was good. Only the putter was luke warm. The 9th summing up the round with a cracking drive hitting the short par 4 in one, followed by 3 putts for par. (The first putt was the length of a soccer pitch though!!!!). But 42 for the front nine at the Old Course was a dream come true.
Bit of a brain fade over the next four holes saw 7 shots dropped before the game picked up again. Saved the best drive of the day for the notorious 17th, The Road Hole. A sensational fade over the sheds and onto fairway. Finished with a bogey. Then another great drive to 18. Faced with the Valley of Sin I desided to chip and run and duffed the shot! Tried it again with the third and almost holed the putt. Tap in for a par (pictured) and an 88. A truly religious experience.
| Hole | Par | Score | Hole | Par | Score |
| 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 6 |
| 2 | 4 | 4 | 11 | 3 | 5 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 4 | 4 |
| 4 | 4 | 5 | 13 | 4 | 7 |
| 5 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 5 | 6 |
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 15 | 4 | 4 |
| 7 | 4 | 5 | 16 | 4 | 5 |
| 8 | 3 | 4 | 17 | 4 | 5 |
| 9 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 4 | 4 |
| Out | 36 | 42 | In | 36 | 46 |
| Total | 72 | 88 |
Tudor
victorious in Sydney
7 June 2000
The
biggest sporting event in Sydney this year concluded last Monday with Rohan
Tudor taking the King Challenge title and purple jacket on the final hole at
Castle Hill. Rohans consistent play throughout the tournament made the
difference.
Richard Bondietti was the in-form player leading up to the event and looked to have it sewn up after 9 holes at Leura, starting with 4 straight pars (equaling a King record) and finishing +4 after 9. he held a 7 shot lead which was halved on the 10th after he went OOB twice. Steve was not feeling well at all and played well considering his condition! Rohan was on the par-double bogey train, while Mike came good on the back nine to finish with the clubhouse lead. Long drive to Rohan whose tee shot into the Jamison Valley is STILL going!
With Steve having to pull out of the second round the field was reduced to three. Pommy John joined the Challenge for the day to experience the Challenge first hand, Scoring at the short but tight Eastlake course was average but again Rohan was the consistent player. Bondys charge was halted on the 11th with a 10, Mikes lead was all but erased dropping 8 shots over the last 3 holes. Mike in front by one going into the final round.
Steve recovered enough to tee up for the final round at Castle Hill, Ports win obviously helped! Mike stormed away early, and was +2 after 5 holes, but after an 8 on the first, Rohan was at home and cruising. Bondy didnt enjoy the front nine and set his sites on the putting trophy. The dramatic back nine at Castle Hill saw Mike hit the water on 10,12,13 and 17, good recovery kept him in the lead but pars to Rohan on 16 and 17 bought him into a tie for the lead. 2 straight 4 irons saw Mike seemingly out of trouble but the short game faltered, Rohan seized the opportunity and the purple jacket was his. Congratulations Rohan, king king king oi oi oi
Final Scores (Nett) - King Challenge Sydney 2000
1. Rohan Tudor 76,75,78 229 (+19) K$590,000
2. Mike Hauser 70,80,81 231 (+21) K$330,000
3. Richard Bondietti 73,83,82 238 (+28) K$197,000
4. Steve DaCosta 76, --,84 ---
Putting was dominated by 3 new expensive Odyssey putters, but it was Bondys $25 putter that took the putting title! He set a record for 9 holes carding only 12 putts on the back nine at Castle Hill!!! Rich 34,32,31 97 Mike 33,32,34 99 Rohan 34,32,36 102 Steve 35, -,36 -
Millar
wins on the Murray
20 March 2000
King Challenge rookie Andrew Millar has taken out the first King Challenge of the new millenium held over three rounds on the Murray River. With rounds of nett 73,73, 67 Millar held off strong challenges from Mike Hauser and Richard Bondietti but it was a front nine of 41 off the stick on the final day that clinched the title for the boy from Coburg. Millars winning cheque totalled $580,000 King dollars for his efforts
Hauser finished 2 shots back and was left to ponder what could have been after a 10 on day two, hitting 4 trees on the one hole (Probably a King Tour record) and 2 triple bogeys on the front nine in the final round. Bondietti was also on fire on day one only to card a second round 83. Steve Da Costa, Rohan Tudor and tour rookie Paul Baron all had slow starts and faced an uphill battle to make up lost ground. Da Costa was back in it after a second round 70, but with Millar in form there was no catching him on day three.
Final Scores (Nett)
- King Challenge Murray 2000:
1. Andrew Millar(22):
73, 73, 67 - 213
$K580,000
2. Michael Hauser
(18): 68, 79, 68 -
215 $K313,200
3. Richard Bondietti
(23): 65, 83, 71 - 219
$K194,300
4. Steve Da Costa
(20): 82, 70, 73 - 225
$K174,000
5. Paul Baron (28):
83, 82, 67 - 232
$K156,600
6. Rohan Tudor (12):
78, 81, 80 - 239
$K147,900
The putting trophy went to Mike with 92 putts for the 3 rounds, followed by Steve on 95 and Richard on 96. Richard and Paul took nearest the pins and Andrew ripped a drive on 18 to take the long drive. Rohan was the inaugural winner of the King Spoon for last place!!
Steve
leads order of Merit
6 March 2000
Steve Da Costa currently
leads the King Challenge order of merit, narrowly from Mike Hauser.
Steve has earned K$1,672,800 in 5 events contested so far. Mike is
second on the order of merit with total earnings of K$1,641,600.
The King Challenge Murray 2000 will have a total prize pool of $2.9 million.
For more information
on the order of merit, click the ball....
Record
field of 6 to contest the King Challenge
20 February
2000
The King Challenge Murray 2000 will be the most fiercely contested Challenge so far with a record field of six players prepared to battle it out over 54 holes for the elusive purple jacket. With the closing date for entries almost here, the following players are confirmed for the Challenge in March.
Steve Da Costa:
Reigning
title holder and one of the favorites for the jacket this time
Michael Hauser:
A
previous winner of the Challenge, keen to regain the title
Richard Bondietti:
Finished
second last year and has what it takes to take the Challenge
Rohan Tudor:Unfortunate
withdrawl from the last Challenge, will go close
Andrew Millar:
King
Challenge rookie, a dark horse in the field
Paul Baron:
Another
rookie, has shown some form on the VTO tour
Ruthless
bandits nab the King!
15 February
2000
Tragedy
has struck King Tour veteran Mike Hauser in the lead up to the King Challenge
Murray. In what must have been a well planned and executed exercise,
Mike's King Cobra driver was stolen from his car in broad daylight.
Theives also nabbed a putter and wedge. A devastated Mike was unable
to comment on the callous attack. Police have a number of suspects
who are currently being questioned over the incident, media speculation
that it was a deliberate ploy by another King tour player are completely
unfounded!
Venues
finalised for the King Challenge Murray 2000
20 December
1999
The King Challenge Committee has finally ratified the venues for the King Challenge on the Murray in March 2000. A record field is expected to contest the Challenge with all eyes on the purple jacket. The Challenge will be played on the following courses:
Round 1 - Yarrawonga
Murray Course Par 72 (ACR 72), 6085 metres (Rated
89 in top 100 Aust courses)
Round 2 - Cobram
Barooga Old Course Par 72 (ACR 73), 6186 metres (Rated
68 in top 100 Aust courses)
Round 3 - Yarrawonga
Lakes Course Par 72 (ACR 71), 5957metres
Mike
does a 'Norman' as Steve wins the Purple Jacket
1 November
1999
After rounds of 71 (89) and 68 (86) Mike went into the final round at Royal Canberra with a 10 stroke lead over Steve and an 11 stroke lead over Richard. With Mike in form it was almost a matter of how much. But for those who know the King Challenge, it isnt over until the fat caddie sings. And it wasnt Mike who was doing the singing. Three opening triple bogeys had the gallery in shock. Meanwhile Steve and Richard were playing some solid golf. A par to Steve on the tough 6th hole bought him to within a couple of shots, but Mike parred 7th and looked to have steadied. Steves putter did the talking on the par 3 8th rolling in a birdie 2. At the turn Mikes lead was down to 2 shots.
Richard
parred the 10th with some super short game work and was eyeing off the
purple jacket too. On the toughest hole on the course (12th) Steve
took a bogey while Mike lost a ball and carded a 7. Steve took the
lead for the first time. Mikes short game deteriorated and some wayward
iron shots cost him dearly. "I wasnt focussed early on and just didnt
get into the game after that, I played some very ordinary golf out there
today" said Mike. After another triple on the 16th, Mike was pretty
much out of it. Steves consistent form showed no signs of pressure
and he played solid golf over the closing holes to take the King Challenge
title. Richards putter did the talking and he tied the putting
with Steve winning the putting trophy on a countback. Congratulations
to Steve on taking the purple jacket
Final Scores (Nett)
- King Challenge Capital 1999:
1. Steve Da Costa:
76, 73, 74 - 223
2. Richard Bondietti:
76, 74, 77 - 227
3. Michael Hauser:
71, 68, 90 - 229
4. Rohan Tudor:
83 (Withdrew)
Canberra
gears up for King Challenge Capital 1999
20 October
1999
Canberra
is gearing up for one of the biggest sporting events of the year as the
King Challenge build up continues. Locals are excited at the prospect
of seeing some truly inspirational golf over the weekend and tickets are
said to be selling fast. "I wont miss it for the world" stated the
Prime Minister, and opposition leader Kim Beazley was keen to play in the
Challenge until he realised he wouldnt fit into the purple jacket.
The itinery for the challenge is:
Round One:
29/10/99 Yowani Golf Course
Round Two:
31/10/99 Murrumbidgee Golf Course
Round Three:
1/11/99 Royal Canberra Golf Club
Yarra
Bend blitzed
17 October
1999
Mikes form for the
King Challenge continues to improve, though some sceptics are suggesting
he has peaked too early. An 11 over round of 81 (nett 63) at Yarra
Bend, Melbourne stunned Mike after going out in 39. It wasnt until
the 14th hole that Mikes swing faultered giving way to a triple bogey 7.
And a chance to finish sub 80 was ruined by 3 putting the final hole!
Potential King tour player Paul "Bogey" Baron witnessed this display but
preferred not to comment on his own form around "The Bend". With
just two weeks to go until the King Challenge, Mike will be hoping to maintain
his form to defend the purple jacket. Only time will tell.
Third
round exit for Da Costa
16 October
1999
After an inspiring start to the Club Championships at Royal Canberra, Steve made the final 8 and went into the matchplay third round full of confidence. An average game off the tee was supported by a solid short game and with local caddie Kel "Jones Boy" Jones was considered a real chance. But it didnt go to plan, in the press conference afterwards Steve commented "I hit the ball well, just not when it mattered", and it didnt help that his opponent was in good form. With the course at its toughest Steve came to the 12th hole down 7 holes and needing some sort of miracle. It wasnt to be and Steve went down 7 and 6. Caddie Kel remarked on the final hole "Nice drive, bit bloody late now!!" Steve is now preparing to host the King Challenge on home soil where he must be a big chance.
Steve
eyes off Club Championship
9 October
1999
A
class field is expected to attempt to take on Steve in the first round
of the Club Championships at Royal Canberra this weekend. The course
will be at its toughest for the event with lightning fast greens and US
Open style rough. Steve wasnt promising any miracles and he's
game plan was to take it one hole at a time!! Steve hopes to be taking
part in the victory celebrations at the clubhouse, seen pictured here.
Mike's
handicap plummets!
9 October
1999
Still
on a golfing high after taking the monthly medal, Mike was dealt a stinging
blow from the handicappers this week. After blowing out to an indifferent
21 as a result of a seriously crap short game, Mikes success in the monthly
medal has seen his handicap tumble to 18!!! "I'd expected my handicap
to drop but with only a month until the King Challenge in Canberra this
is not good timing!!"
Mike
wins monthly medal at Yarrambat
2 October
1999
Coming off a one
month break is usually the recipe for an ordinary round of golf, but Mike
had other ideas as he set the Yarrambat Park course on fire with a net
66 to take the October monthly medal by 3 shots.
After making a slight
change to his stance before the round Mike sent his first drive straight
down the middle of the fairway. A bogey on the 1st was followed up
by a good up and down for par. Another par on the fourth maintained
the consistency until disaster on the Par 3 8th. The tee shot was
blocked right into the trees, but took a right angle kick back across the
fairway into the water setting up a double bogey. A par on the 9th
made up for the hiccup on 8.
Another par on 11
was followed by disaster on 12th - the tough uphill par 3. A shocking
tee shot was duffed into the creek, scrambing golf saw Mike card a triple
bogey six. Bogeys on the next 3 holes and facing 3 tough holes to
finish the medal looked out of touch. A well hit 5 iron hit the centre
of the 16th green resulting in a strong par, a sensational chip sealed
a par on the 17th leaving only the tough 18th to play. Deciding to
go for the 210 metre water carry, Mike launched into the drive getting
under it too much and hitting left. The ball feel just to the left
of the water, and a par putt just lipped out. An 87 (nett 66) had
the official reaching for the swabs, but no drugs were detected and Mike
took the Medal receiving a pewter mug and gift voucher.
| Hole | Par | Score | Hole | Par | Score |
| 1 | 4 | 5 | 10 | 4 | 5 |
| 2 | 5 | 5 | 11 | 5 | 5 |
| 3 | 4 | 5 | 12 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 4 | 4 | 13 | 4 | 5 |
| 5 | 3 | 4 | 14 | 4 | 5 |
| 6 | 4 | 5 | 15 | 5 | 6 |
| 7 | 5 | 6 | 16 | 3 | 3 |
| 8 | 3 | 5 | 17 | 4 | 4 |
| 9 | 4 | 4 | 18 | 4 | 5 |
| Out | 36 | 43 | In | 36 | 44 |
| Total | 72 | 87 |