Report by David Hilton
Monday 14th April saw the inaugural MPGC Masters breakfast. Activity started early at 6AM (earlier for the organisers). Participants were met on arrival at “Butler Cabin” by Committee members resplendent in their club jackets and ties. A minor exception was our refugee from a nearby island who at least managed the jacket. Coffee and orange juice were the main heart starter beverages at this time of day, but Lynda was on hand to dispense some of the harder refreshments to those who had already finished work for the day.
The TV’s held the gaze of the crowd and while the Oz challenge fell away early, much interest was on the leaders, particularly from those whose hard earned was riding on some of those still in the hunt. The non-punters found Freddy Couples as their sentimental favourite.
7:00AM saw the start of the eating component of breakfast (and the perfectly timed arrival of the MPGC President). Our chef provided a huge selection of toast, bacon, mushroom, sausage, tomato, hash brown, scrambled egg and various condiments. More than enough, even for the biggest appetite.
Post-breakfast the attention was on the final holes with the challenges quickly falling away. In the ad breaks, the group was given the chance to show their vast knowledge of Augusta National GC and the Masters history with trivia questions challenge. One of the fun games during the TV viewing was the game of “spot the Rosillo”. Unfortunately he could not be found in the gallery and we suspect, given the failure of the Oz challenge, he was probably cozying up to Condy Rice in the bar.
Following the tearful end of the real golf and only 1 punter collecting on Bubba’s win, we were out on the course for our own poor interpretation of the Scottish game. Here we were expected to play the front 9 of Massey Park masquerading as the back 9 of Augusta National, pars, indexes etc. Great fun and those of us who were putting for Albatross on the par 5 6th hole were very happy. Many of Augusta’s iconic signage appeared on the course with the bridges identified, and the palm tree becoming the Eisenhower Tree (resurrected).
After golf, we headed back to the cabin for lunch and presentations, and a few libations. Lunch was beautifully served in Yum Cha style by the lovely Trolley Dolly’s (Johanne & Lynda). While lunch was consumed, the Trivia results were announced highlighting the participants’ gross ignorance. The winner, with a bare pass of 7 from 12 questions, was the team of Magpie Mick Liubinskas, John “Kero” Carrington, Noel “the Punter” Jamieson and Ray ‘Blisters’ Emery.
Messrs Bowyer and Andreoni then conducted the real presentation. Firstly the winner of the day’s individual event was Ray Emery with a great score of 22. On to the major event where each player had the chance to select one
of the Master’s professionals to be their partner. The professional’s front 9 hole Stableford score was combined with the local player’s score to form the 18 hole score. Excitement mounted as the highest score was overtaken by the next highest score until James Rogers (pictured), posted an insurmountable total by adding Bernard Langer’s 21 points to his own 21 points for the final winning score of 42 points. James treated us to a wonderful Churchillian acceptance speech, although we think he was a little peeved by not being presented with the promised green cardigan.
Everyone had a great time and thanks go to those who organised and conducted the day’s activities. Special mentions to Bill Hobbs, David Bowyer, Robert Andreoni, Johanne Stapelfeldt, Lynda Lester, Carlo Morandin and Carolina Velez and the absent GM who did much organisation before taking off for his world tour.
Everyone had a great day and the word should spread to ensure a bigger crowd next year.