Welcome to the new golfing season and a special Coast welcome to all our new lady members. On 28 January, we had a meet and greet function, where 12 of the new ladies attended to meet the committee and lady members – thank you to the club for providing the refreshments.
This year the Summer Bowl was won by Lorna Foley – weekend, and Kerri Blyth – midweek. Congratulations to those two ladies and well played by everyone in the heat and humidity – unlike last year, which was all but washed out, only one round was cancelled due to the rain.
On 30 January, Jess Ryan, as Club Champion, played 36 holes at Manly in the Champion of Champions Tournament. With Kerri Blyth as her caddie, Jess had a great round but was beaten on the day. Who cares? We think she’s great and she is our champ!
Our new season opened on 2 February with the Gwen Crichton Salver – Lois Worsley had a fantastic score of 72 and was awarded the trophy by Maggie Crichton. For the benefit of our new members, the late Gwen Crichton (née Gilchrist) was a local businesswoman who ran a small department store (“Gilchrist’s Haberdashery”) in both Maroubra and Kingsford. We celebrate her memory with an ongoing bequest from her son and daughter-in-law, Greg and Maggie Crichton.
On Saturday 4 February, the ladies participated in the Foundation Cup. At presentation, Titia Curtis provided background on The Coast course, with stories of the nurses and staff who campaigned to have the course created and those early lady golfers whose names appear on the trophy. Thanks also to Gail Earle, a Prince Henry Hospital Nursing School alumnus, who assisted with the history and biographies. We took this opportunity to commemorate our late friend and long-time Coast member, Therese Manning. For many years, Therese sponsored this trophy on Presentation Night, so she will be forever associated with that opening day round. This year, Gail McFadyen was the winner – also with a wonderful score of 72. The actual cup is showing its age, so it will be sent off for some expert restoration work and return to the Trophy Cabinet polished and with a new base.
Our Pennants’ Silver, Bronze 1 and 2 teams are shaping up and we are rearing to go for the 2023 season.
In the meantime, don’t forget the ladies’ meat raffles held on the second Friday of each month at the club – tickets on sale from 6pm, with the call of the numbers at 6.30 pm. Come along, bring your family and friends – enjoy the hoopla, stay for dinner and relax.
Margaret Grundy
Ladies’ President
