Round 5 – Away vs Northbridge
Northbridge (4 – 3) The Coast
On Sunday, we embarked on our final away trip for the sectional matches, a short journey across the harbour to Northbridge. The team gathered for the briefing, ready to battle in what would be a decisive match for the table standings.
Northbridge rested some of their seasoned pennant players, choosing instead to field their young, talented golfers. We knew our practice rounds and course research would be put to the test, giving us every chance for another away upset. Here’s how it all unfolded.
Match 7 – Wayne Smyth, with Caddy Pete by his side, led the team and continued his stellar performance. His precise shot placement and deft touch around the greens quickly established a 2-up lead through the first six holes. Despite his opponent’s efforts to challenge him, Wayne responded with even more accurate shots, leaving no opportunity for a comeback. By the 10th hole, Wayne had extended his lead to 5-up and maintained the pressure, ultimately securing an impressive 7&6 victory. The match concluded so swiftly allowing him to cheer on the rest of the team.
Match 6 – Merv Danne, accompanied by Caddy Kev, faced off against Northbridge’s rising star, Zach France—definitely a name to remember. Merv struggled to find his rhythm, as even his best shots were outmatched by Zach’s professional-level accuracy. By the end of the first six holes, the local talent had established a commanding 4-shot lead. Zach’s performance from tee to green was remarkable, and with just 19 putts, he managed to close out the match despite a late surge from the determined Wicklow native. Merv ultimately lost 3&2.
Match 5 – Conrad Weber, with Caddy Wacho by his side, was moved up to the middle order to secure a win. Conrad’s familiarity with the away course surprised his opponent, allowing him to take an early 4-shot lead. The Northbridge club champion fought back, narrowing the gap as they approached the challenging par-3 section from holes 15 to 17, testing both players’ short game skills. With a Dormie 2-shot lead going into the 17th, Northbridge hit a block to the right of the green, and Conrad responded with a precise shot to 4 feet. Just when the match seemed over, the local champion chipped in his second shot for a miraculous birdie. Conrad, maintaining his composure, sank the winning putt to secure our second match of the day with a 2&1 victory
Match 4 – Tony Podvorec faced off against Steve from Northbridge in a closely contested match. Both players made impressive recoveries, keeping the scores level. However, a few unlucky bounces put Tony in a tough spot, and a near miss allowed Steve to take a lead that Tony couldn’t overcome. As they moved into the back nine, the match concluded with Tony losing 5&4.
Match 3 – Cooper Smith, accompanied by Caddy Pat, entered his match brimming with confidence. The front nine showcased our captain’s skills, as he capitalized on his left-handed opponent’s errant shots to take a 2-up lead at the turn. However, the match shifted against Cooper, and by the 15th hole, a precise shot from his opponent put him 1-down. As the crowd grew with other matches concluding, the tension mounted. Thriving under pressure, Cooper nailed a 9-iron to within 2 feet on the 16th, winning the hole. The 17th was halved with both players making solid two-putts, setting up a dramatic finish on the 18th. After two long, straight drives, both players reached the green. Northbridge narrowly missed the first putt and the remainder was conceded. Cooper and Pat carefully discussed the line, and with their plan set, Cooper confidently sank the putt, securing a 1-up victory. With three matches won, the away victory was within reach, with two matches still in play
Match 2 – Ray Macey, with GFG, returned to the top-order position, setting the stage for an exciting match. Northbridge introduced a rising star, Harry Deitz, and the two players exchanged early blows. Ray took a 2-up lead after 11 holes. However, the young local found his rhythm and levelled the match with a fine approach on the 13th hole.
As they entered the par-3 section from the 15th to the 17th, both players missed opportunities to take the lead. The match came down to the 18th hole to determine the winner or if the points would be shared. Both players found the center of the fairway, with Ray reaching the green 20 feet from the hole. His opponent hit a high draw, landing within 8 feet.
The crowd gathered to witness the final showdown. Ray’s putt fell short, leaving the Northbridge player with a chance to win. With a steady aim and his pistol grip, he sank the putt, eliciting roars of relief from the home team as the matches ended with Ray losing 1down. The overall scores was in at 3-3 tie.
Match 1 – Jack Hickey returned to his familiar number 1 position and faced off against the home side’s top player. The match was incredibly close, with no more than a single shot separating the players through 17 holes. Jack was trailing by one shot as they approached the final hole, needing a win to tie the overall match score.
Jack’s drive on the 18th was long but slightly off target, giving him a chance to reach the narrow green. His opponent played it safe, landing his shot at the front of the green. Jack’s aggressive approach fell just short, rolling back to the side of the green. His chip-in attempt missed, and Northbridge secured a 1-up victory, bringing their tally to 4.
Our players gave it their all, earning 3 crucial away points and securing our position at the top of the table with a narrow lead over the competition. This sets up a must-win scenario for our final match at The Coast in Round 6 to ensure we advance to the semifinals.
A huge thank you to our sponsors and travelling supporters. We look forward to showcasing our incredibly talented team this Sunday back at The Coast
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
Round 4 – Home vs Palm Beach
The Coast (7 – 0) Palm Beach
We welcomed Palm Beach to Little Bay for Round 4, marking what can be considered moving day in the second half of the section season. Despite a strong performance last week, which ended in a loss, we were determined to demonstrate that our team is in top shape. This week, we made a few changes, with Wayne replacing Pete, while Palm Beach attempted a switch-a-roo in their order to sneak a win. However, this strategy doesn’t always work, and this week proved to be one of those times.
The confident visiting team, who only warmed up on the 18th green, were in for a surprise. Some of them wouldn’t get to revisit this green, and here’s how it all unfolded.
Match 7 – Wayne Smyth, accompanied by Caddy Pete, returned to the side this week and was paired with the Palm Beach Captain and number one player. This was one of the strategic switches hoping to secure a valuable point.
The match started well, with Wayne maintaining a one-shot lead into the back nine. However, this slight advantage only lasted a few holes, turning into a two-shot deficit after 12 holes. Wayne gathered himself and, with a masterclass in shot-making and chipping, levelled the match heading into the 17th hole. With a strong downwind, the Palm Beach number one bombed his drive into the hazard at the bridge, leaving Wayne to steadily finish the hole with a win. Heading into the 18th with a half point secured, another superb up-and-down ended the match with Wayne securing a 2-up victory.
Match 6 – Kev Isch, with Caddy Ben O’Neill, was matched against a returning Palm Beach player who seemed very nervous, resulting in numerous shanks. This allowed Kev, with his precision accuracy, to move into a 5-up lead after nine holes. However, Kev seemed to relax a little too much and surrendered his lead, bringing the match back to 1-up after 13 holes. A stern word from his caddy, who is also this year’s hat and ball sponsor (O’Neill Strata Management), might have been the motivation Kev needed. He kicked back into gear, resumed his early form, and closed out with a solid 3&2 win.
Match 5 – Ray Macey, with Caddy GFG, moved down the order this week and, by luck of the draw, was matched against the taller bomber from Palm Beach once again. Revenge was written all over Mr. Macey’s face. The start didn’t go as planned, with the away team taking an early 2-up lead. Despite being 30 meters behind on most of the longer holes, Ray began to execute his plan of attack and muscled his way into the lead after the 12th hole. Ray finished off a fine round with a solid 2&1 win to prove its not how long you hit it it’s how you get it in the hole that matters.
Match 4 – Jack Hickey, with Caddy Merv, also had a rematch to add some spice to the day. From the outset, he showed that he wasn’t going to give his opponent much to enjoy besides the views and sunshine. Jack started off quickly, taking a commanding 2-shot lead for most of the first nine holes. He then applied the pressure to hold a 4-shot lead with little to worry about. A few stray shots gave his opponent hope, but it was all over soon enough, with Jack signing off with a 3&2 win. That’s the 4 matches won and day won for The Coast.
Match 3 – Conrad Weber, with Caddy Wacho, continued where he left off last week, taking an early lead and playing steady golf. A few unorthodox shots from the tee left his caddy scratching his head at times, but the follow-up recovery shots were made for the TV cameras. Conrad never let the young Palm Beach player settle, showing why he is a serial winner on our home course. Holding onto a 3-up lead at the turn, Conrad eased his way home and finished with a 3&2 victory, maintaining his unbeaten run this season. 5 nil up and 2 more to finish.
Match 2 – Tony Podvorec, with Caddy George Neou, arrived with only one thing on his mind: to win. After a slow start, Tony homed in on his shot-making strategy, leaving his opponent trailing by 2 shots at the turn. This lead was never really under threat and was closed out on the 17th hole, securing a 2&1 victory. That’s 6 wins secured now.
Match 1 – Cooper Smith, with Caddy Scott Knowles (an ex-PGA member), was pumped for Round 4 and eager to continue his unbeaten run. The match was close over the first six holes, but Coops moved into a 2-up lead after nine. However, he allowed his opponent to square the match after finding trouble on the wind-affected 12th hole. Sensing the secured matches, the captain stepped up his game to seal a 3&2 win.
This secured a 7-0 win for The Coast! This is a rare achievement in major pennants, something only one other manager I know of, Mr. Maurie Rivett, cherishes dearly, and now I can too.
All matches were played in great spirit.
Thank you to Tony and Deb, the Greens staff (shout out to Stephen for the late pin change), Kitchen and Bar teams.
Thank you to all our amazing supporters who came out, and to our three major sponsors, Bruce, Shaun, and Ben, for being part of this memorable day.
Next week, we head to Northbridge to close out the away matches with everything to play for, but in the best possible position. So please come out and cheer on our awesome team as we continue to chase our goal.
Round 3 – Away vs Palm Beach
Palm Beach (5 – 2) The Coast
The team travelled north to the Palm Beach with a chilly fresh breeze to greet us upon arrival. Opponents this week were expected to bring a much more contested match overall after their strong start at home. The line ups proved that our opponents did some homework making a number of changes to try and match our teams great start to the season.
Reserve Match 8 – Pat Thornton’s match was a tale of two 9s, Pat taking an early lead with some fine steady play got him ahead at the turn which then seemed to spur his opponent into action with a string of wins to level the match. Pat slipped behind with holes running out and eventually losing 2&1.
Match 7 – Ray Macey (with Caddy GFG) faced a tough opponent from the beginning, going up against a longer hitter who managed to avoid much of the tree trouble. This allowed Ray to demonstrate his determination and consistent play, keeping the match close. The greens were hard and very fast, creating numerous challenges throughout the game. As they moved into the back 9, the match remained competitive, but unfortunately, Ray ended up losing 2Down on the 18th hole.
Match 6 – Kev Isch (with Caddy Merv) made his season debut against a home player who was also making his Pennant debut. The match was consistently close, with a few fortunate breaks favouring the home team. The greens were particularly challenging for Kev, affecting his approach shots. The battle continued into the final few holes, but ultimately, Kev fell short, losing 2&1.
Match 5 – Pete Baigent (with Caddy Chris) faced a strong start from his opponent, who was eager to dominate their match. Palm Beach quickly took a 3up lead after the first 6 holes. Pete fought back, narrowing the gap to just one shot. However, the opponent’s local knowledge proved advantageous in the following holes, and Pete ultimately lost 4&3.
Match 4 – Conrad Weber (with Caddy Wacho) faced the undefeated Palm Beach no.1, with the home team aiming to unsettle our ever-cool Club Champion also on his own winning streak. The match was very tight, and Conrad took an early lead, surprising the local no.1. This spurred his opponent to make some big shots, reclaiming the lead after the turn and putting Conrad 1 shot behind after 12 holes. However, Conrad devised a plan of attack, making his move on the 14th to regain the lead and holding onto it all the way to the 18th, ultimately winning 1Up. First point of the day secured.
Match 3 – Cooper Smith (with Caddy Wayne) faced the undefeated Palm Beach no.2, making it a highly anticipated match between two in-form players. The match was incredibly close, with only 1 shot separating them through the first 15 holes. Despite some finely executed shots, Cooper’s trusted putter struggled with the fast and slick greens. However, the captain showcased his accuracy in the final holes, securing a 2&1 victory and banking the second point of the day.
Match 2 – Tony Podvorec (with Caddy Rob Simpson) played in a closely contested match where the lead never extended beyond 1 shot. Both players skilfully navigated the tricky tree-lined holes and slick greens, but a few unlucky bounces made the difference. Tony fought hard, taking the match to the 17th hole, but ultimately fell short, losing 2&1.
Match 1 – Jack Hickey, closing out the order at no.1, started off well in a match that remained close throughout. Jack managed to pull back a 2-shot lead, challenging his opponent as they entered the final 5 holes. However, a wayward tee shot on the 16th hole proved costly, leaving his opponent dormie with 2 to play. The 16th was halved after both players made the green, but Palm Beach ultimately secured the win, 2&1.
All our players should be very proud of their effort and overall performance on a very tricky setup on the greens against strong opponents. We are still in a great position heading into next Sunday’s return match at The Coast.
All matches were played in great spirit. Thank you to Palm Beach for being wonderful hosts. Thanks also to our caddies and everyone who supported us from afar with good luck messages.
We hope you can come out this weekend to support the team as we head into the final three games of the season
ROUND 2 – AWAY VS LEONAY
Round 2 took place at the challenging Leonay course. A huge overnight rainstorm dampened the course and the expected heatwave. The team looked very focused on the tasks ahead, and the atmosphere was positive from the start.
Reserve Match 8 – Kevin Isch led the team this week and continued his fine form, dominating early to secure a great 6&4 win.
Match 7 – Ray Macey (+ Caddy GFG) got off to a great start, taking a solid lead at the turn. His opponent then pegged him back to all square after 12 holes. After making a great half on the 13th, Ray pressed hard and finished off with the shot of the day on the 17th from the left treelined side to seal a 2&1 win.
Match 6 – Merv Danne (+ Caddy Wayne) had a rematch with the same Leonay player who edged ahead early and maintained the lead into the back nine, eventually closing out the match with Merv losing 3&2.
Match 5 – Pete Baigent (+ Caddy Pat) traded blows all day in a match that swung up and down by a shot. Pete fought hard, taking it to the 18th but unfortunately lost 2 down.
Match 4 – Conrad Weber (+ Caddy Wacho) provided a masterclass in match play golf against an opponent who spent more time over his ball than Conrad took to play out the entire hole. Conrad got into an early lead and played deadly shots to secure a great 4&3 win.
Match 3 – Cooper Smith © (+ Caddy George) took on Leonay’s 15-year-old left-handed upcoming star. This match was very close from the start and finished on the 18th with Cooper’s crucial up and down to level it, ending the match All Square. This could be a very valuable 0.5 point by the end of the season.
Match 2 – Tony Podvorec was moved up the order this week and faced the Leonay Captain and their #1. Tony’s preparation and practice rounds at Leonay paid off, taking a 2-up lead into the back nine. He made his opponent try shots that just couldn’t happen, finishing with another great 4&3 win.
Match 1 – Jack Hickey was selected as our #1 this week and produced a round to savor. Under par and with 3 wins secured, we needed one more to make it a memorable away trip. Jack showed his class, winning the 15th and 16th, leaving his opponent with all to do. Jack got the halve on the 17th to close out with a 2&1 victory, giving the Coast that elusive away win we set out to achieve.
All matches were played in great spirit. Thank you to Leonay for a great match.
Thanks to our caddies and amazing supporters Dawn, Rob, Maurie, and Bruce, who came out today to help our players. This was a huge part of the win. Shout out to our sponsors for uniforms and balls; this seems to be a great winning combination so far.
Next week, we are away again, taking on Palm Beach.
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
Round 1 – Home vs Leonay
The new season of Major Pennants kicked off in very still and warm conditions. Once again, the wind machine was not turned on, welcoming our opponents, LEONAY, to Little Bay in perfect conditions.
Reserve Match 8 – Leading the team out for his first taste of Major Pennants in the Reserve match was Pat Thornton, who continued his fine form from Club Champs and Matchplay with a very comfortable and commanding 4&3 win.
Match 7 – Wayne Smyth lost 4&3 to an opponent making his Pennants debut for the visitors, who made the most of the conditions to claim a maiden victory. It was a tough day for Wayne against a very meticulous player.
Match 6 – Mervyn Danne had a solid 3&2 win in a close game on the front nine and used his experience on the back nine to claim his win.
Match 5 – Pete Baigent picked up where he left off last season with a great 3&2 win. His opponent kept him close right into the back nine, but Pete applied the pressure to stay ahead for his victory.
Match 4 – Tony Podvorec, a player in fine form, continued this with a 2up victory. Tony had a hot start, taking a commanding lead into the back nine. He seemed to have let his opponent back in, who pegged him back after 16, making the match all square. Tony proved that his course knowledge would take out the final 2 holes, earning him a hard-earned point.
Match 3 – Jack Hickey lost 1up in a very up-and-down match. The Leonay player, 15 years of age, laid down the challenge from the 1st with a monster drive down the middle. Both players traded blows all the way to the 18th, with Jack falling just short.
Match 2 – Conrad Weber once again proved to be too strong and dialled in a 5&4 win.
Match 1 – Cooper Smith © took on the Leonay captain also their team number 1. This match was contested with scores fairly close all the way. Cooper muscled his way to a 2up victory.
All matches were played in great spirit. Thank you to Leonay for what was a great first match of our season.
Thanks to our caddies who came out today to help our players. It’s a vital part of the team and very much appreciated.
Thank you to our sponsors, club operations team, kitchen team, greens team – the course was perfect, the members who came out to support on the course, and Club Captain Tony & Deb.
This Sunday, Round 2, we are off to Leonay GC. Tee time is 10:00am. If you are available, please feel free to come along and provide support. We look forward to seeing you there.
Paddy Kelly
Team Manager
