Dear Members,

Last weeks semi final win elevated the team to division 2 next year, but there was still one more challenge remaining, bringing the Pennant Flag to Manly !

We went through the normal season undefeated as did Glenmore, we finished on 28.5 wins, they finished on 28 wins and yesterday’s result was 3 matches all and the No 1 match playing the 18th all square !!!

The Glenmore team was clearly another level up on the teams we had played to get to the final. All of their players were high quality and that was immediately evident by the tee shots of both teams off the first ! The day was perfect, the course in excellent condition and the greens running well so the atmosphere was set after our 1.5 hour bus trip. Our troops nailed a thousand bacon and egg burgers as necessary nourishment upon arrival. Now out for practise warmup and then into the contest.

The team for the final was :

  1.  Harry Peterson
  2.  Will Crisp
  3.  Chris Connolly (C)
  4.  Ryan Connor
  5.  Liam Jordan
  6.  Will Yeaman
  7.  Wayne Wright

Sam Gale and Andy Hugill were on standby .

Early on we seemed to be well down but after 9 holes we had 3 matches up, being Harry, Will Crisp and Ryan and the other 4 matches down. Wayne I recall was 4 down !!!!!

Will Yeaman and Liam both had wonderful seasons but went down to really solid golf by both of their opponents and proudly performed well on the day . Unfortunately Chris’s opponent continued his first class form and in defeating Chris went through the whole season of 8 matches undefeated : a rare feat in pennant ! Captain Chris can now sit back and take it all in .

We get the news Wayne is on the 17th and all square now having been 4 down. His opponent on the 400 meter par 4 is on for 2 and Wayne 15 meters short for 2 having come out of the trees. We know this is a crucial match and are aware we cannot win the pennant if Wayne loses his match. At this point Ryan is 2 up, Will Crisp is 2 up and Harry’s big lead had been tightened up to a very slender one, like 1 up !

Getting back to Wayne, he plays the most perfect chip from 25 odd meters to 2.5 feet (halves the hole) and so now heads down the 381 meter 18th with water on the right, his match all square. Wayne nails a drive, plays a 7 iron to 15 feet and holes the putt for birdie to win his match (what a finals series for Wayne).

It’s now 3 matches to our opponents and 1 to us with Will Crisp, Ryan and Harry still playing. 

Ryan is 2 up playing the 182 meter 14th and nails a 5 iron to 4 inches : 3 up with 4 to go and we can bank his win, now it’s 3 to them 2 to us ! Ryan was just superb and it was brilliant with his pop watching on so proudly.

Crispy is now a genuine high quality and experienced match play golfer. He continues to hit fairways, hit greens and wins the 17th hole to win his match 3 and 1 and the contest now 3 matches all. Oh and what a proud dad Darren was on his bag as he has been all season. His  win so valuable for us but so wonderful for Crispy !

As if the tension hadn’t begun, Harry (who loves a moment) is now all square, yes all square, playing the 18th ! His opponents tee shot trickles into the right water hazard by about 1 foot, but it’s in !!!!  Harry wisely ( a rare moment) aims way left and leaves himself 131 meters to the flag, laying nicely on the first layer of rough with a gentle breeze assisting. We know a par will likely be good enough. Harry plays the smoothest little 9 iron into 18 feet, his opponent misses his par putt and what is now left requires a 2 putt and Harry lags the putt to a foot, game over, Manly victors 4 matches to 3 !

Manly are bringing home that elusive mens major pennant flag home in only the second time in over 80 years !

This team would do anything for each other and our club can be so proud in their practise ethic through the pennant season, their match preparation and their course behaviour. It means so much to them to represent our Manly Club. 

The playing squad were all used and each enjoyed victories :  Young Rory Page what a year, Andy Tunny played many more roles in addition to his playing, Craig O’Hagan thank you, Andy Hugill 3 wins from 3 matches (what an anchor to have) and not the least Sam Gale who had a breakout year to remember. Craig Bernhardt unfortunately rules himself out early due to an ongoing back problem.

Caddies to thank yesterday and who devoted a whole day are Tony White, Darren Crisp, Andy Tunny, Rory Page, Michael Walker, Darryl Tweedale and Tony Smith. A massive thank you to Tony who also organised and drove the bus, there was a bit to put up with on the way home !!!!

A special thank you to Richard Evan’s and Paul Volke for there valued support throughout the season. 

To the members who came out and supported, (including Ricky) a massive thank you as it meant an enormous amount to the players. 

Now for 2025, but first lets enjoy our second men’s major pennant flag in over 80 years !!

 

What a day !

Dave Brown

(Team manager)

 

 

Promotion Semi-Final – Manly vs Maquarie Links @ Bayview

Dear Members

A day to remember !

The team were up at 4.30am for a 7.00 tee time at Bayview Golf Club playing Macquarie Links with a spot in the final, on the line and winning our semi would elevate Manly from division 3 to division 2 . This is closer to where we should be as a club and as a playing group.

Atrocious conditions with near darkness as the early groups teed off in the pouring rain. Oh and it was also cold !

The team in playing order was :

  1. Harry Peterson
  2. Will Crisp
  3. Andy Hugill
  4. Ryan Connor
  5. Liam Jordan
  6. Will Yeaman
  7. Wayne Wright (C) 

We were without our fearless leader and captain Chris Connolly, but remained confident in our squad, they each step up and play their part. By way of background and to provide some understanding, following the normal season of 16 teams in our division Manly placed first in the seedings and we are up against Macquarie links who won their section and placed 4 overall.

Wayne got off to a good early start as did Harry, Andy and Liam. Crispy, Ryan and Will Yeaman found the early going tough so it was in our favour but very tight right from the start. Liam was 7 up after 8, so we can bank that win (and won 8/6) which was an outstanding performance. After wonderful seasons both Wills were doing it a bit tough, with putts lipping out, shaving the hole, coupled with their opponents being relentless in the very difficult and challenging conditions. Everyone was soaked ! Its now 1 win, 2 losses. Wayne is battling on in a tight match, is one down after the 16th and we basically know his match is key, so what did we do, we told him. Very gently put, ITS ALL ON YOU WAYNO  !!!!!!! Ryan is up against a high quality experienced player and club champion but is staying gritty albeit 4 down early. He fights his way back to square and eventually goes down valiantly on the 18th in a fabulous match. Then Wayne holes a 15 footer on the 17th to win the hole and be all square, then both par the 18th . There is more, as under the finals playing rules they playoff off sudden death until a winner is decided !

We get the news Andy Hugill, playing number 3 wins his match on the 18th so it is now 3 matches to ML and 2 to Manly. 3/3 Andy and a wonderful contribution when needed this season. Harry passes on the great news that he had won his match at No1 (great stuff Harry) so its now 3 matches all and Wayne is now on the 20th and saves the hole by executing a wonderful chip and then holing an 8 footer ! All players, caddies and onlookers from both clubs are now bordering the fairways, a bit like Augusta but probably less people  !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The tension builds as they halve the 21st hole, then the 22nd then the 23rd and then our Wayne holes a 5 footer for the win on the 24th. We all go off and Wayne is remains his typical calm and relaxed self. Up to division 2 for next year, how good. Off to the finals we go with a 4-3 win. This squad is so tight, so competitive and all besties that look after each other. The Final is at Riverside Oaks next Sunday, 9.20 first tee time, against Glenmore Heritage.

A massive thank you to our caddies and helpers yesterday in horrible golf conditions (that is until Wayne nailed the putt on the 24th). To Darryl Tweedale, Linda Lee, Darren Crisp, Will Yeamans pop, Paul Jordan, Paul Volke, Ryan’s pop,  Andy Tunny, Jack Hugill, Charlie Smith, Sam Gale and Rory Page a massive thank you !

Next week provides an opportunity to experience playing in a final and play for a pennant flag for the Manly Golf Club.

I cant promise you an outcome but I can promise this group will make you all very proud.

Lets go champions.

 

Dave Brown

Manager   

Round 6 – Manly vs Brighton @  Brighton

 

Members

We headed out on our 40km drive to Brighton lakeside with the knowledge that we have already made the finals by winning our 5/5 matches and this being the last of the normal season.

Going through undefeated is the teams next challenge .

Our club champion/team Captain Chris Connolly and runner up Will Crisp are away and Harry Peterson playing at No1 this season is away in a tournament in Melbourne.

We selected a squad at the start of the year that would allow us to compete well knowing we would have 2 or 3 players out some weeks.

The team order for Brighton Lakeside was as follows :

Andy Hugill
Ryan Connor
Will Yeaman
Liam Jordan
Wayne Wright (C)
Andy Tunny
Sam Gale
Playing reserve : Rory Page
 

Brighton Lakeside is a very tight course, almost claustrophobic with hazards lining most fairways both left and right sides. The weather was very warm with reasonable winds blowing to make each shot into quite small greens even more challenging.

We were keen to introduce young Rory into our pennant squad this season knowing he will be an integral part of our future in the coming years. Apart from performing incredibly well at reserve, he has been respectful, polite and a lot of fun : oh and yes he won his match 1 up by parring the 18th yesterday.

 

Sam Gale had his first game in the playing team this year and what a cool cat he is. He demolished his opponent, which is no surprise to his team mates, wonderful season Sam and a great win yesterday.

Wayne Wight is ripe, coming off a scratch win at manly on Saturday he played terrific golf to win 6/5 !   His opponent, like all of us commented on his exquisite short game skills, a “magician” he said !!!!!! .

I had the pleasure to caddie for young Liam Jordan a wonderful young man and a talented golfer who works very hard on his game. He blew his opponent away with a convincing 4/3 win and there after devoured 2 massive hamburgers and 3 kg of chips ! At 193 cm he’s a growing boy !   

Ryan Connors has enjoyed 4/5 wins this season but deferred his best playing yesterday to next weeks semi !  You’re good Ryan .

Andy Tunny played terrific golf against a very consistent player and their current club champion but fell slightly short losing marginally on the 17th : again a solid effort Andy.

Will Yeaman was looking at an undefeated season which incidentally is rewarded by a medal from Golf NSW but couldn’t quite get there yesterday but what a season to date.

The situation at this stage was 3 matches all and Andy Hugill (loves the big moment Andy) 1 down playing the 15th : he miraculously halves 15th, then wins the 16th, halves the 17th and halved the 18th in pars to finish all square and from a team perspective 3.5 matches and all squared.

An undefeated season is a huge achievement when you are playing 3 opponents on their home track !

A massive thanks to Paul Volke for his support yesterday and young Jack Hugill for caddying for dad Andy.

Ok onto the semi finals next weekend and at this stage we are unsure where we are playing and who we are playing .

Part one of the seasons goals achieved, 2 to go.

Go Manly

 

Dave Brown

Manager

 

 

 

 

Round 5 – Manly vs Brighton @ Manly

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Round 4 – Manly vs Strathfield @ Strathfield

Dear Members,

With our indomitable manager of partying in Sin City, the reporting duties fall to yours truly, the humble captain of this mighty team. After starting with 3 straight wins, this is a team that isn’t short of confidence however they also have the maturity to know that the job is only half done.
After assembling at Manly GC at 5.30am, we headed off to Strathfield with the ever-reliant John Pankhurst safely navigating the mini-bus through the morose of Sydney’s western suburbs. While Panky drove, we watched the rugby as Scotland destroyed England (again…) and knew it was shaping up to be a good day.

During the warmup, we were warned by the 3 spectators loitering around that Strathfield had only lost once at home in the last 7 years. If this team needed any more motivation, that was it and we headed out ready to re-write the Strathfield record books.

Our team in playing order was:
1. Harry Peterson
2. Will Crisp (undefeated)
3. Chris Connolly (c)
4. Ryan Connors
5. Will Yeaman (undefeated)
6. Liam Jordan
7. Wayne Wright
Res. Sam Gale

After watching the Manly warm-up of soy lattes and avocado and toast, the Strathfield officials could sense the writing was on the wall. So, in a desperate bid to disrupt our concentration, they threw the curveball at us, that we would be starting on the 9th tee. Unfortunately, nobody told Sam that it was the 9th tee and not the first, and after studying my course notes diligently, he did exactly what the captain said for the first hole: “hit driver down the right, there is plenty of room”. Into the glare of the rising sun, Sam crushed driver down the right and watched it sail deep into the centre of the lake. That was one of the few blips of the day and Sam cruised to a comfortable 4&2 win.

Next up was the ever-reliable Wayne Wright, who by his own admission got off to a shaky start. However, Wayne has all the experience in the world and knew that all he needed was a change in ball from a Titleist 2 to a Titleist 3 to get his game back on track. It was game over for his opponent after that and Wayne eased to a 3&2 win.

Young Liam Jordan continues to impress in his first season playing for Manly and his putter was dialled in from the start. After rolling in a 30-footer on the first, he followed it with a 50-footer on 5 to race to an early 3 up lead. Liam was never troubled, trouncing his hapless opponent 5&4.

Playing at 5 is the unflappable Will Yeaman who possesses a golf swing and rhythm that is nothing short of flawless. Will has won his first 3 games this year and while not at his best this week, was still 2 up heading to the 13th tee. Unfortunately, his opponent made a string of birdies and Will found himself 1 down on the last tee. Mere mortals would have crumbled by this stage, but not Will, who found a way to win the last, secure the half and maintain his unbeaten record.

Ryan Connors is another Manly rookie this year although he has plenty of experience of playing Pennants for Macquarie Links.  Although he is only 20, Ryan displays all the maturity of a seasoned veteran and always looks in total control of his matches. This week was no different. Despite a misbehaving flat stick Ryan was rarely troubled winning 3&2. So, with 4 games finished we had 3.5 wins and were on the verge of a vital away victory, could the top half of the team deliver the goods?

Playing at 3, was your author who was 1 down after 5 and lucky to only be 1 down. Thankfully at that stage I was joined by my caddy, Paul Volck who was also performing the role of manager for the day. The man really has no limit to his talents and helped steady the ship as we pegged my opponent back to All Square at turn. A good caddy knows his player and Volcky delivered the goods with an emergency chicken sandwich on the 10th tee. That was all that was required and a strong back 9 saw the game end on the 17th green with a 3&1 win. With that we had the victory we needed, but the Manly boys could smell blood in the water with Crispy and Harry keen to join the party.

Will Crisp has been the rock of the team so far comfortably winning all his matches. That form showed no signs of slipping with Will making an unbelievable Eagle on 11 to go 3 up and seemingly unstoppable. His opponent, however, had other ideas and made 3 birdies in a row with the match back to All Square by the 16th.  Again, a lesser man would crumble in such a position, but not Crispy who flushed an 8 iron in close to a hazardous pin on 17 to win the hole.  A regulation par at the last was enough to secure the 1 up win. Never in doubt.

At number 1 is the Bega Bomber, Harry Peterson who has relegated Cameron Smith into number 2 in the ranks of “Best Mullet in Golf”. But don’t let the hair fool you, Harry has serious game and can play. While it may be party at the back, it is definitely business at the front and Harry had his game face on. In an extremely tight match, Harry found himself 1 down playing the 17th with the crowds gathering. A world class wedge to 5 feet looked to be enough to square the match, however the putt slid agonisingly by. A very impressive up and down at the last for birdie was though enough to win the hole and secure the half.

So Manly take the match with a 6-1 win. Winning an away match is hard, winning in this manner with nobody losing a match is almost unheard of!

We are now 4 wins from 4 and within touching distance of the semi-finals. We have Brighton Lakes at home on Sunday so hopefully as many of you as possible can come down and support the team.

Special thanks to our caddies Darryl Tweedale, Paul Jordan, Andrew Tunny, Oscar Smith, Paul Volck, Darren Crisp and John Pankhurst. Lastly, a big shout out to Panky for driving the bus and Volcky for doubling up as Manager. As players we really appreciate the support we get from all of you.

On we go to next week.
Chris Connolly
Captain

 

Round 3 – Manly vs Strathfield @ Manly

Dear Members,

Starting with 2 opening wins this is our best start to a season for many years. We have the chance to consolidate our season start with a victory at home in very warm and humid conditions. For the record Strathfield have had one and one loss.

Our team in playing order :

  1. Harry Peterson
  2. Will Crisp
  3. Andy Hugill
  4. Ryan Connors
  5. Liam Jordan
  6. Will Yeaman
  7. Wayne Wright (c)

Playing reserve this week is Sam Gale who has plenty of ability and today played a worthy opponent but led all day to win 3 and 1, great win Sam.

We had an interesting start to the day with our Captain, Chris Connolly withdrawing in the morning for family reasons,. In comes Andy Hugill who was 2 down on the 4th tee when his caddie and son Jack arrives (having just had his first hole in one on the 7th earlier in the morning ). Clearly Jack has a positive influence on dad because Andy won 7 of the next 11 holes to enjoy an emphatic 5 and 4 victory and particularly impressive when you consider Andy didn’t know he was playing until 8.30 on the morning of play.   

The Manly team captain of the day, Wayne Wright was 6 up at the turn with 6 early birdies and his opponent couldn’t go with him, Wayne winning comfortably 3/2.

Will Yeaman continues to impress playing consistent high quality golf and suffocating his opponents each week. Incidentally he was dormy 4 up playing the 15th when he lipped the cup with his tee shot, leaving it an inch from the hole. His opponent responded by hitting it to 1 foot, they halved in birdies with Will closing the match out there and then with a 4/3 victory and remains unbeaten.

One cannot but be impressed with the attitude and development of young Liam Jordan. If you haven’t met him, please introduce yourself, he is a terrific young man and at 14 years of age is allready 6 foot 5 inches tall. Our golf club sees a big opportunity and future with Liam not only because of his commitment to his game, his work ethic, his talent, his competitive spirit, he is first and foremost a great young man. He suffered his first defeat yesterday against a talented experienced golfer who by his admission, mentioned he had it all going well on the day, including holing a 50 foot putt on the 14th . Liam was valiant falling marginally short and losing on the 17h hole 2/1.

Our number 4 player, Ryan Connors continues to impress with quality and consistent golf each week. As tight as his match was all day, he gave me every impression that he had it managed right from the start and hung in their to win with a birdie on the 18th. A great win and members can meet Ryan as he works in the pro shop.

Our club champion runner up last year is known to many of you and what a season he continues to have. With dad Darren on his bag, Will (Crisp) looks really happy out playing pennant this year and it is showing in the way he is playing. All aspects of his game are so solid and as well as his opponents are playing, Will seems to have another gear when required, winning 3/1 and remains undefeated.

With 6 matches now completed,  Manly are 5 wins and 1 loss with only Harry still out on the course. His match is tight and he is 1 down playing the 18th. For the sake of the reader both Harry and his opponent are off handicaps of plus 3 !  Harry hits a wonderful drive on 18 to about 20 meters short of the green and plays his second shot to 5 foot past the blue flag and looking good as his opponent is in the left bunker for two. His opponent lips out his bunker shot to a foot and now Harry with 50 odd people watching has this 5 foot down hiller to win the hole and square his match. The Bega Bomber as we affectionately call Harry lips out and the end result for Manly is a wonderful and pleasing 5-2 team win !

Linda Lea a massive thank you to you for conducting a range of formal duties on the day and of course to our caddies Tony White, Darren Crisp, Darryl Tweedale, Jack Hugill, Andy Tunny, Oscar Richards and Paul Volke your efforts are greatly appreciated.

Thank you to the many members who came out and supported the players, they really get a kick out of you supporting them.

Next week we play Strathfield on their course and as we all know, an away venue provides a greater challenge.

One week at a time.

3 wins from 3 matches, its the start we wanted !

 

Dave Brown

Manager

,

Round 2 – Manly vs Roseville @ Roseville

Members,

We are a team that is delighted to enjoy a first round win at home last week, so critical to when you have some lofty expectations for the season

Roseville as you may know is short and tricky, local knowledge such a significant advantage. Roseville have lost only one pennant match at home in the past 5 seasons !

The team in playing order representing us at Roseville as follows :

  1. Harry Peterson
  2. Will Crisp
  3. Chris Connolly (C)
  4. Wayne Wright
  5. Ryan Connors
  6. Liam Jordan
  7. Will Yeaman

Playing Reserve was Rory Page. We have a very young team, which we as a club should be very proud of ! The average age of 5, 6 and 7 (Ryan, Liam, and Will Yeaman) is under 20 ! Before we get to how they went, young Rory at reserve played a capable golfer and won 7/6 : hardly raised a sweat and what a terrific smile he carried for the rest of the day !

Will Yeaman playing number 7 led the team out, followed by Liam and then Ryan : what a trio as they won their matches 3/1, 1 up and 5/4 respectively. Liam was 1 down playing the 16th and played 3 perfect holes under pressure !

Our stall warts in Wayne Wright and Chris Connolly didn’t necessarily appreciate the suffocating nature of the Roseville course and can’t wait until next week at home on Sunday. Likewise young Harry Peterson was challenged by the tight course that Roseville is and played an opponent who looked very happy on his own course and played high quality golf as their number 1 player : next week Harry !

At this stage it is now 3 games all and we have Will Crisp out there to provide the team a victory and at last count I heard he was 1 up around the 11th. We all rush out to watch him play a beautiful 8 iron into 6 foot on the 16th and saw his opponent shake his hand : Great effort Will.

We had won 4/3 and two victories to start our season.

All 7 players in the team had caddies, (Andrew Tunny, Oscar Smith, Richard Smith, Michael Walker, Darryl Tweedale and Will Crisp’s dad, Darren) and we thank them for their service and support.  

See you all next Sunday as we face off with Strathfield at Manly with an 11.00 start. The players really appreciate the members coming out and supporting them.

 

Onwards and upwards.

Dave Brown

Team Manager

Round 1 – Hosted at Manly vs Roseville

 

Members,

Always a good way to start a pennant year is playing at home. A perfect warm Manly day with a gusty nor-easter blowing  and a later tee time at 11.00 am and a well prepared course, should all go well for our first round match against Roseville. This year we are in Division 3 and have strong aspirations to be playing Division 2 next year, but one step at a time.  

The Men’s team this week in playing order as follows : 

  1. Harry Peterson
  2. Ryan Connors
  3. Will Crisp
  4. Chris Connolly (C) 
  5. Liam Jordan
  6. Will Yeaman
  7. Wayne Wright

Playing reserve was Rory Page.

We had 3 debutants this week being Harry, Ryan and Liam.   At the half way mark we had 6 of the 7 matches up and very encouraging. Over recent seasons we have started poorly at home and we found it very difficult to pull back there after.

This is a young team but the senior member of the team, young Wayne reminded us all that he still goes head to toe with the young ones winning 7/6. Convincing wins also to Will Crisp 4/2, Will Yeamen 4/2 and Liam Jordan 4/2. Chris Connolly our 2022 and 2023 Club Champion and our Pennant Captain this year was 2 down after the turn.  As Chris can, he turned the switch on and few can go with him and he birdied the 17th to win his match 2/1. A gritty Captains effort. Ryan Connors was playing the Roseville club champion and holed many admirable clutch putts throughout the round but fell  marginally short, losing on the 18th. He will have a terrific season.  As for Harry he did what he had to do to win and being Harry, thoroughly enjoyed the theatre that went with winning on the 18th !!! 

Manly win 6-1 !

Next week we head to Roseville to play our opponents on their home track and that will provide a much tougher test.  The team is practising there now as I write. Although young (14) Rory’s  match at reserve did not count he played fantastic carving out a 2 up win, great stuff Rory.

A massive thank you to caddies Richard Smith, Tony Smith, Richard Evans, Harrys mate, Darren Crisp, Michael Walker and Darryl Tweedale. Also thank you to the members who came down to watch and created a wonderful atmosphere for the players.

We couldn’t ask for more, one match at a time.

 

Dave Brown 

Team Manager