From Tony Durkin

DUCK’S DEBUT: A new monthly event, sponsored by Director of Golf James Kidd and his company EKO Financial, made its debut yesterday and five players won on the day. Named the Wood Duck Challenge, any player breaking their handicap in the stroke event to be played on the third Sunday of each month, will share in the prizemoney. Yesterday Joe McQuirk (67 net), Neven Daniel (69), Adam Richards (70), Chris DeBruyn (70) and Mathew Duncan (71) each had $48 added to their house account. For Neven Daniel, who parred the back nine for a gross score of 78, it was an extra special day – he was celebrating his 55th birthday. And Adam Richards, whose finished one-under par, capped off a successful weekend. On Saturday he had an eagle and four birdies in his round of 74, and also won the won the Pro Pin on six, worth $61.

SWING SUCCESS: With the SWING – Starting Women In Golf – program for 2018 to kick-off next Monday (February 5) it is timely that a 2016 graduate won her grade on Wednesday. Lynn Hayman, playing off 44, returned the excellent score of 43 points, seven better than her handicap. On the way to winning C grade by a runaway six points, Lynn amassed 29 points on just nine holes with seven three pointers and two four pointers. Although a member since 2007, Lynn has been playing golf for just two years and has tasted success previously – 41 points and a hole-in-one during another special round in December. And with 40 newcomers registered for the free ‘Come and Try Morning’ next Monday, SWING co-ordinator, Laurel Opray expects the 85 graduates who have joined the club as playing members since the SWING program was initiated five years ago, to most certainly grow. Anyone keen to join Headland’s SWING program for 2018 should email swing.golfing@gmail.com.

 ADMIRED, LOVED: Headland lost a greatly-admired and much-loved member on January 20 with the passing – following a lengthy illness – of Liz Palmer. Liz and her husband John joined Headland when they moved south from Darwin in the mid-90s, where Liz had been a five-time Northern Territory Open champion and had played a vital role in the formation of the NT Golf Association. As a Headland member she was victorious in two winning Pennant teams and also served on the ladies’ match committee. But her most-valued and appreciated contribution was researching and meticulously compiling the Headland Ladies’ Pennant records. Liz was suitably saluted during her wake – at Headland, naturally – on Thursday.

 GORDON PEAKS: Former Headland director Gordon Peak, who held the position of treasurer for a decade, has returned his best golf score in ‘at least four or five years’. His gradually-improving form peaked on Wednesday when he won the single stableford event in C grade with 41 points. A birdie on the first was the perfect start and the former bank manager turned on 20 points. But it was the first four holes on the back nine – harvesting him 13 points from three pars and a second birdie – that was the highlight of the round. Gordon said his form has been gradually improving in recent weeks and 39 points in the fourball aggregate a week earlier had been an encouraging sign. But, playing off a 24 handicap, he concedes he still has further room for improvement if he is to return to his lowest-ever Headland handicap of 14.

PENNANTS START: Sunshine Coast Zone Pennants kick off on Sunday, with the Masters division (aged 50 plus) first cabs off the rank. Headland will play defending champions, Caloundra, at Mount Coolum, with tee times from 8.30am, and supporters encouraged to attend. The Headland team is: Brian Kesby, Ian Moore, Peter Holt, Burgess Stephenson, Warren Selvage, Brent Dalby and Tony Killey.

 WEEKLY WINNERS:

 Tuesday, Vets, Single Stableford, Ladies (54 players) – Rhonda Parry (37 points), Althea McLean (35), Dominique Paice (35); Men (67 players) – Warren Gee (40 points), Wayne West (37), Tony Briffa (36).

Wednesday, Single Stableford, Men (195 players) – A grade, Peter Dickens (38 points), David Munns (38), Andy Whitmore (38); B grade, Doug Bannam (41), Roscoe King (36), John Keating (36); C grade, Gordon Peak (41), Graham Pitt (39), Kirk Hardy (37).

Thursday, Single Stableford, Ladies (88 players) – A grade, Kate Wilkie (40), Colleen Berger (35), Sharon Thomas (35); B grade, Kathy Petrie (36), Coline Cofton (35), Susan Wake (35); C grade, Lynn Hayman (43), Kay Campbell (37), Kerrie Tibbits (37); Men (78 players), Ray Stonehouse (39), Grahame Denovan (38), Kevin Williams (37).

Saturday, Single Stableford, Ladies (26 players), Kate Wilkie (37 points), Sharon Purnell (36), Kathy Atkins (35). Men (205 players) – A grade, Peter Holt (40 points), Lawrence Hireme (38), Scott Bromfield (38); B grade, Russell Thistlewood (37), William Heggarty (37), Matt Macaulay (37); C grade, Dave Westmore (41), Ian Fleglar (40), Rick Popik (39).

Sunday, Wood Duck Single Stroke Challenge (58 players) – Joe McQuirk (67 nett), Neven Daniel (69), Adam Richards (70), Chris DeBruyn (70), Mathew Duncan (71).