The greens were at their slickest and there was a distinct winter chill in the air as a westerly wind swept across the course

when Round 2 of the Men’s Championships got underway with a field of almost 40 contesting three grades on the morning of Saturday 28 May 2016.

After 36 holes Garth Bailo, playing off a handicap of 2, cemented a place in local golfing history as Maleny Golf Club’s inaugural Men’s Champion by carding a gross score of 151 (net 147). Brian Rickaby and wife Val, who donated the perpetual trophy in honour of Maleny golfing ancestor Ron Rickaby, were on hand to present the replica Old Claret Jug to Garth. (Brian on left is pictured here presenting Garth with the Silverware).

“I want to thank my playing partners over the past couple of weeks and commend Superintendent Mick McCombe and all those who’ve been working on the course,” he said. “I’ve played on a lot of good golf courses over the years and Maleny is up there with the best in such a short time and will only get better from here.”

Garth joins Karen Heading to become the club’s first Champion golfers. Garth is a proverbial chip off the old block as his father Rob, a Committee-man who was out on the course at 6:00am mowing the greens, was the A Grade runner up on 164 – one shot ahead of our esteemed Superintendent Mick McCombe. Rob still emerged though as net A Grade winner on 144 with Mike Finley the Runner Up at 147 on a countback.

Greg Childe-Freeman burst out of the pack to claim honours as our B Grade Champion after carding a gross score of 172, including a net 68 on the day which was good enough to secure the Maleny Property Rentals Division 1 Monthly Medal for May. Gross Runner Up was Peter Gilbert with 178 on a countback from Alan Ward who still took out net honours on 144.

Our Club Manager Richard Owen earned C Grade Championship honours after carding a gross score of 188 just two shots ahead of Paul Viertel who still carded the best net score of 143 – four shots clear of Richard who was the runner up on 147.

Our Division 2 Monthly Medal winner was Perry Garcia with a net 69 – two shots clear of runner up Noah Childe-Freeman with a 71 on a countback from our illustrious President Max Whitten.

Max applauded the efforts of Mick McCombe and all the volunteers involved in maintenance of the course and the development of temporary clubhouse.

“In glorious weather, and before a small but appreciative crowd sitting on the slopes of the practice green, the final four made their way up the magnificent 9^th fairway, onto the superb green and confirmed with some excellent putting, that Garth Bailo was to be our first Club Champion,” he said.

“Playing out here today was just magnificent and it is a tribute to a lot of people who’ve been involved over the years and particularly Mick who as you know recently won the Queensland industry’s Superintendent’s Achievement Award and we hope there are more awards ahead for Mick,” he said.

Maleny Golf Club would like to thank all our sponsors including Drummond Golf Maroochydore, Maleny Jewellers, Simply Stylish – Fashion & Lingerie, Nans’ Seafood Café and Maleny Botanical Gardens for all their support.

Special thanks on behalf of members go to Club Captain Robin Hay and members of the Match Committee (including Margaret Trigger, Tom Bertwistle and Jenny Oxenham) for their considerable organising skills and dedication behind the scenes in keeping the show on the road and running like clockwork over the two weekends.

Thanks also to Garry Mayer for help with setting up the computer templates and extracting the data, John Pottage for a great job spotting for players on the 4th Tee during both rounds and to Jenny Oxenham who put in a full day at the clubhouse and operated the barbeque to ensure that everyone had sufficient sustenance.