From Tony Durkin
LISA’S THIRD: Lisa Ramen has won her third Headland Women’s Championship, but concedes she ‘almost blew it’. After leading by two shots going into Thursday’s final round, Lisa found herself two behind after shooting 47 on the front nine, while her closest rival, Annabel Harris, fired 43. “I honestly thought I’d blown it, yet again,” said the Champion of 2006 and 2007, who has finished runner-up in the Championship eight times, including last year. “But I stood on the tenth tee, chastised myself, and said ‘dance like no-one is watching’, and enjoy these next nine holes.” And that she did, coming home in three-over 40, despite a triple bogey seven at the 17th hole. Conversely Annabel, who Lisa said had played superbly on the front nine, shot 46 on the back. “Even though I love to win, I am just not a competitor,” quipped Lisa, the lowest handicapped woman in the club, on a GA of eight. “So even though I played terrible golf for half the final round, I am relieved and honoured to have won again, and stoked that I was able to fight my way back while actually enjoying my golf. Even her triple bogey at the par-four 17th did not fluster Lisa. “I hit a great drive, up the middle, between the bunkers. Then I decelerated through my next shot, hit it in the hazard on the right and took four more,” she explained. “But I then birdied 18, which was a great way to finish. I relished that feeling.” Lisa’s back nine was six pars, interspersed with a bogey at 13, before her dramatic finish of triple, then birdie. Lisa finished on a four-round total of 354, with Annabel Harris on 358. Annabel, who was the first-round leader, won the 72-hole nett with 302, from Vicky Sheridan (308). Lisa also won the Amy Pincott Senior Championship, while Annabel was awarded the Rene Hedges Trophy for the best nett score over the final 36 holes. B Grade Champion is Wil Sprake (394) from Kirsten Kaergaard (400), with Gail Young (306) best nett from Gwen Nancarrow (309), while Sue Briffa (435) is the new C Grade Champion, two shots clear of Sue Harris (437), with the pair turning the placings in the nett, Sue Harris (313) and Sue Briffa (315). Event sponsor, yet again, was Jodie McDonell, of Century 21 on Duporth.
CHAMPION LEADS: Defending Champion, Sam Fichera, will take a four-shot lead into the second and final round of Headland’s 2025 Junior Championship, to be played in two weeks. A runaway Champion in 2023 and 2024, Sam did not have things all his own in Sunday’s first round, with 12-year-old Chase Lear firing a one-over 37 on the back nine and throwing out a strong challenge, to finish on 78. Sam was hot with the putter, blading just 24 in his round of two-over 74, his second-best round at Headland. In a somewhat rollercoaster round, Sam penned five birdies, six pars and seven bogeys, while Chase was more conservative – one birdie, 11 pars, five bogeys and a double. Toby Halliday is third, after shooting 81, with youngsters Max Faulkner and Dom Manning on 85. Paige Prosser, the only female in the field, returned the best nett, with 68.
HANNA MANNA: ‘Out of the clouds’ was how Sean Hanna described Saturday’s round of four-over 76, giving the 11-marker a seven-shot win in the A Grade Monthly Medal for June. “It was my one unicorn round for the year,” he quipped, revealing that the Medal was his first in A Grade, and his score his best from the black tees. Sean, whose company Image Business Furniture has furnished Headland over the years, has played scant recent golf. Work, and two young children, have curtailed the rounds of the 2002 member to an average of one a week for ‘quite a few years now’. Starting on the back nine, Sean shot three-over 39, with bogeys on holes 14, 15 and 16. And while his front nine included birdies at the par-three fifth and eighth holes, a double at the ninth resulted in a one-over 37. Mark Garcia (68) won the B Grade Medal, Marcus Mesic (66) saluted in C Grade and Josh Holbrook shot one-over 73 to return the best gross.
PTAK IS BACK: Leeanne Ptak has put a sorrowful 12 months behind her to score her best-ever win as a nine-year Headland member. Leeanne scored 90 from her handicap of 22 for nett 68, and a one-shot victory over Kirsten Kaergaard to win Saturday’s Monthly Medal for Women, her sixth. “It was an incredible round – my best for a long, long time,” revealed Leeanne, who lost husband Henryk back in April, following a prolonged illness. “It has been tough, but I am back playing three to four times a week and that result has given me a real boost in confidence.” Her steady round of six pars, seven bogeys and five doubles was highlighted by seven one-putt greens, and was only beaten for the best gross by Annabel Harris, who two days earlier was runner-up in the 2025 Women’s Championship. But after what she described as some ‘terrible’ rounds during the Championships, Leeanne is hoping for much more consistency in her game after Saturday’s win.
MIRACLE MAN: ‘Modern miracles do happen’ quipped Ian Robinson after he played his best round at Headland ‘by a country mile’ to win Wednesday’s Medley Single Par. Still a provisional member after four years of waiting, the former Canberra Public Servant scored plus seven from his 14 handicap, breaking 80 for the first time at his new club. “Headland has been doing my head in,” he lamented after his 11 pars, six bogeys and one double won him B Grade with the best score of the day by two shots. “I really like the course, but until today have been finding it really difficult. Previously, I have never been within a bull’s roar of that score.” After retiring to the Sunshine Coast in 2018, Ian joined Pelican Waters, but like so many others was left high and dry when the course was sold. “I’m hoping to obtain full membership at Headland later in the year, play more often and become more consistent,” he said. Peter Gablonski (A) and Alan Deller (C) won their respective grades, with plus five.
PRESIDENT TRUMPS: After ‘calling in the troops’, Headland President Peter Raymond trumped a field of 74 on Thursday to win the Men’s Single Stableford event. “I have to thank the guys in the Pro Shop,” said Peter, who revealed he had recently bought a new set of Mizuno irons, and had switched to the broomstick putter. Shane Muller was outstanding with the fitting of my irons, and it was his idea I go to the long putter.” Peter revealed a case of the putting yips was doing his head in, and even though it had taken a while to master the broomstick putter, the stick was now a ‘permanent’ in his bag. “I have had this win, two seconds and two thirds in the past month, so something is obviously working,” he said. Peter scored 38 points to beat Gary Rugless and Neil Oxley on a countback, with a birdie at the par-five 13th in his 20-point back nine the deciding factor. A member for 43 years, Vice-President for three and President for the past two, the retired hotelier is justifiably proud of the ‘new and improved’ course. “Our course is in magnificent condition. The ground staff have done a brilliant job following the recent spate of rain, and in my time here I have never seen it look better,” he praised.
THE SMITH FAMILY: Headland’s Smith family – Marg and David – are usually very charitable people, but on Monday they were takers, not givers. The husband-and-wife team combined superbly to win the Vets Fourball Best Ball Stableford, scoring 48 points. In his best round for three years, David shot 78 for an individual return of 44 points, and Marg contributed to the winning score with a four-point birdie and three three-pointers. “I know people always say this when they win a fourball, but it was definitely a genuine team effort,” said David, who described the day, and the result, as unbelievable. “Golfers usually have one day out a year, and this was my one day out in 365.” And not content with winning the competition, the couple respectively snared the women’s and men’s NTPs at the fifth hole, while Marg won the women’s long drive at 12. Marg acknowledged her husband had played ‘a brilliant round’ of golf, but divulged ‘he, at long last, took my golfing advice’. David disclosed that since the bunker restoration work on the course had been completed, his handicap has increased by three strokes. “And I believe that is the average across the entire Headland membership,” he said.
HAPPY JENNY: ‘Stoked’ might be a cliched term to describe her feelings after Jenny Stokes won Tuesday’s Single Stableford for Women, but that is precisely how she felt. “I think my form has finally returned,” beamed the former Australian Hockey player after scoring 38 points, which included a birdie for five points at the tough par-four 17th. “My second shot landed 15cms from the hole, and was almost an eagle.” Following a six-week lay-off following surgery, Jenny’s handicap has crept out from 24 to 29 since November, but the 2019 SWING graduate hopes her days of ‘not playing well’ are over. And a recent trip to Fiji to play in the Fiji Legends Classic, might just have been the elixir. “That was a terrific experience, and I will certainly be doing it again,” she said. Apart from her five-point birdie, Jenny penned a four-pointer and three three-pointers, with just the one wipe, which, sadly, followed her birdie. NOTE: Jenny backed up two days later to win Thursday’s Single Stableford for Women, with 34 points.
TWO GOOD: Steve Eggins cannot recall the last time he had two good rounds of golf within a month, but remains cautious that a poor one is always likely. Former NSW Public Service Senior Executive Steve scored a superb 42 points on Tuesday to win the Men’s Single Stableford event, which followed an even better 44 points back in May. “But just last week I scored 18 points,” revealed Steve, who confessed concentration during a round was not always his forte. “But on Tuesday I felt in control of my game, and was in a positive frame of mind.” He carded two four-pointers and five three-pointers, but his start to each nine typified what he called his sometimes ‘all over the place’ golf. “I wiped my first hole, then started the back nine with a par at the tenth for four points,” he disclosed. “It has been a really long time since I have put two good rounds together.” Eleven-year-old Finn Darlison continued his recent run of brilliant form with 40 points from his nine handicap, scoring five over 77.
MR ACCURATE: Many at Headland know 32-year member Justin Walsh as ‘Juddy’, but in just 10 days he has earned himself a new moniker. ‘Mr Accurate’ may now be his more relevant nickname following two NTP shots, a Pro Pin and an ace since June 11. And, to add to the sublime form with his short irons, on Saturday Justin fired his first round under 80 since he scored 44 points in December, to win the Men’s Single Stableford, with 41 points. “I’m just hitting it straighter at the moment,” was the understated reason for his recent bout of accuracy. “I’ve been working on a few specific drills since Christmas, and obviously that is paying dividends. Since Wednesday June 11, Justin has won the NTP at the 14th (40cm), a feat he repeated on Saturday (115cm), aced the eighth last Saturday week and won the Pro Pin at the par-four sixth hole on Wednesday (115cm) for a total collect of $142.50. Add $60 for his win on Saturday to the $15 he collected for third place in A Grade on June 11, and his House Account has been boosted by $217.50. “But that hasn’t covered what I spent when shouting the bar after my hole-in-one,” he jested.
THANKS, BUFFALO: On Sunday Rob Chaplin played his best golf for ‘maybe three years’, and thanked Headland’s Head Pro, Adam Norlander – aka Buffalo. “He raided my wallet last week and took $650 for a new Scotty Cameron putter, and it worked a treat,” said Rob, who won Sunday’s Medley Single Stroke with 64 nett. “Buffalo said the putter was the club most used in a round of golf, and buying a good one was an investment in my game. And I proved that today.” Formerly a member at Kew Golf Club in Melbourne, business owner Rob moved north and joined Headland in 1989. “I haven’t been a regular player for a while, but I’m getting back into golf,” he said after shooting ‘close to his best round’ on Sunday – 83 from his 19 handicap. Rob is a regular Headland sponsor with his company, Chaplin Cranes and Excavators.
MEN’S PENNANT: Headland has kicked off the 2025 Men’s Sunshine Coast/Glasshouse Pennant competition with two strong wins, both over Maroochy River, and both matches played at Tin Cay Bay. B Grade won 4-2, with Damien Moelands (6&4) and Tony Mesic (4&3) scoring impressive individual victories, while Headland’s two Fourball teams, Michael Thomas and Brad Williams (4&3) and Ryan Tomlinson and Sam Schefe (7&5) won their matches easily. Headland’s No.1 and No.2 players, Brendan Duncan (6&4) and Steve Bell (2&1), respectively, were beaten. Masters also won 4-2, with stand-in skipper Chris Pace winning 4&3, Rob Van Delft 3&1 and Peter Perrett 1-up in the singles, and Andy Whitmore chipped in at the last to win his Fourball match, with partner Col Pledge, 1-up. Wayne Taylor was beaten 1-down in the singles, and Peter Dunn and Wayne Cassidy lost their Fourball, 6&4.
WEEKLY RESULTS:
Monday, Vets, Prostate Awareness Day, Fourball Best Ball Stableford (130 players) – Marg Smith and David Smith (48 points), Colleen Sarquis and Jan Langdon (47), Brian Hermeston and Peter Leggo (46), Simon Whittle and Ian Crombie (45), Ken Stone and Nick Mandaru (44).
Tuesday, Single Stableford, Women (43 players) – Jenny Stokes (38 points), Denise Hutchinson (37), Lesley Wilson (36).
Men (68 players) – Steve Eggins (42 points), Finn Darlison (40), Garry Holmes (39).
Wednesday, Medley Single Par (212 players) A Grade, Peter Gablonski (plus 5), Peter Perrett (+3), Gavin Rooney (+3); B Grade, Ian Robinson (+7), Doc Fleming (+5), Ivan Fortman (+5); C Grade, Alan Dellar (+5), Marty Briedis (+4), Brian Hermeston (+5).
Thursday, Women, 2025 Club Championships – sponsor, Jodie McDonell, Century 21 on Duporth, round four (37 players) – A Grade, gross – Lisa Ramen (87), Annabel Harris (89); nett – Josie Ryan (75), Vicky Sheridan (77); B Grade, gross – Wil Sprake (92), Kirsten Kaergaard (98); nett – Jill Nixey (73), Gwen Nancarrow (76); C Grade, gross – Sue Harris (106), Bev Barnes (106); nett – Sue Briffa (76), Ali Lamond (77).
Single Stableford (57 players) – Jenny Stokes (34 points), Marg Howard (33), Sue Jones (33).
2025 Women’s Championship final results – A Grade, gross – Lisa Ramen (92,85,90,87 – 354), Annabel Harris (90,92,87,89 – 358); nett – Annabel Harris (302), Vickey Sheridan (308); B Grade, gross – Wil Sprake (101,99,102, 92 – 394), Kirsten Kaergaard (101,98,103,98 – 400); nett – Gail Young (306), Gwen Nancarrow (309); C Grade, gross – Sue Briffa (109,107,112,107 – 435), Sue Harris (113,114,104,106 -437); nett, Sue Harris (313), Sue Briffa (315).
Senior Champion – Lisa Ramen; Senior 36-hole Champion – Annabel Harris.
Men, Single Stableford (77 players) – Peter Raymond (38 points), Gary Rugless (38), Neil Oxley (38).
Saturday, Monthly Medal, Women (24 players) – sponsor, Jodie McDonell, Century 21 on Duporth – Leeanne Ptak (68 nett), Kirsten Kaergaard (69), Narelle Hollowood (70); Best gross, Annabel Harris (89).
Men (129 players) – sponsor, Ryan Tomlinson, Century 21 on Duporth – A Grade, Sean Hanna (65 nett), Michael Zeckomske (72), Peter Perret (72); B Grade, Mark Garcia (68), Neil Oxley (71), Marco Di Nardo (71); C Grade, Marcus Mesic (66), Max Pasterfield (71), Gary Martin (73). Best gross – Sean Hanna(76).
Single Stableford (77 players) – Justin Walsh (41 points), Finn Darlison (40), Ken Wedmaier (40).
Sunday, Medley Single Stroke (44 players) – Rob Chaplin (64 nett), Ty Pilcher (68), Ryan Jones (69).
