From Tony Durkin

KEN AGAIN: Proudly wearing his Broncos-monogrammed polo in Wednesday’s Monthly Medal, Ken Anderson bettered his age for an amazing 11th time. The 77-year-old signed for a four-over par 76 which netted him 68 from his eight handicap and a one-stroke win in A Grade from Roosters fan Andrew Fisher. The ever-consistent Ken, who claims the secret to his long-term success has been practise, had 11 pars, four bogies, two birdies and a very rare double bogey on his card. He first beat his age in a five-under par round of 67 in 2011 when he was 70, with his most recent before Wednesday back in April – when also 77 – he shot 74 to beat a star-studded field that included victorious A grade Pennant players Scott Walker, Sean McGill and Mat Walkenhorst.

AMY RETURNS: She is one of Headland’s most decorated lady golfers and, at 92, Amy Pincott is still no quitter. Amy, who drove from Bairnsdale in Victoria for a month-long visit to the Sunshine Coast and arrived on Monday of last week, saddled up for the Monthly Medal on Thursday and despite some intermittent rain and a rampant scorecard that recorded 159 strokes, she completed her round. Once a four-marker at Headland with 20 championship titles to her name, Amy says she enjoys stablefords nowadays more than the demanding stroke event which she once relished. A golfing pioneer at Headland, she won the very first Mixed Foursomes championship – with husband Ian – and also the first Ladies Foursomes title. Amy was Ladies Club Champion six times, won the Mixed Foursomes on eight occasions and the Ladies Foursomes six times, was Ladies Captain for nine years and is one of only four Headland lady Life Members.

HOUSE RULES: Want to live just a driver, three wood, pitching wedge from Headland Golf Club? Want a luxury modern home with ocean and coastal views, five bedrooms and four bathrooms? If the answer is yes, two-decade Headland member Chris Pace may be able to fulfil your dream. The home for sale – owned by another Headland member – is listed with McGrath Estate Agents of Buderim, of which Chris is principal. McGrath is a club sponsor and Headland Headlines urges our members to support those who support our club. And, if a Headland member does purchase the property, McGrath Estate Agents will donate $1000 to the Headland Future Fund. Chris Pace can be contacted on 0417 196 600.

DROUGHT BROKEN: It has been a long, dry spell between wins, but Del Whittaker enjoyed a celebratory tipple on Thursday after winning her first Monthly Medal in eight years. A former champion tennis player in Pittsworth before she and husband Richard moved to the Sunshine Coast 22 years ago, Del signed for a 72 nett, recorded the best score among the 80 starters and won the B Grade medal. The win, plus some good news on the health of Richard, gave the 51-year married couple a much-needed boost.

WHOOPS: Unless closely supervised, remote-controlled golf buggies can become a dangerous weapon on the golf course according to two-day-a-week regular Headland member, Geoff Montgomery. Geoff recently acquired a flash new model from the Headland Pro Shop, attached the L plates and proudly stepped out for his first round with his new acquisition. By the fourth hole the novelty of his on-course companion had slightly worn off and when concentration on the game took preference the buggy, seemingly, reacted. Walking in front of his self-propelled machine, Geoff maintains it suddenly came ‘flying at him’, struck him on the leg and kept going. Although he has since graduated to P plates, Geoff says he remains very mindful of the capabilities of his buggy.

ROUND OF THE WEEK: New member Richard Thurgood wasn’t deterred by the heavy conditions underfoot, the threat of a storm or the intermittent rain on Saturday when he scorched around the course for a stunning nett 66 to register the best score in the July Monthly Mug for men. The septuagenarian, who played off a handicap of 20, shot a five-over 41 on the front nine, came home in 45 and slipped with just three double bogeys on a card that included five pars and a birdie. The C Grade winner was joined on the victory dais by Graham Smith (A Grade) and Mike McQuarrie (B Grade). The best gross round of the day came from former club champion Adam Richards, with a superb one-under par 71.

RULES WORKSHOP: A workshop for lady members on the rules of golf will be held in the Headland clubhouse after play on Thursday (July 12). Former Australian Open and PGA rules official Ian Hepburn will conduct the introductory workshop and will explain and discuss various issues pertaining to the rules. As well as explaining current rules – some well-known, others a little abstract – Ian will also enlighten members on impending rule changes. Afternoon tea will be served during the session, which will be held from 2.30pm to 4.30pm.

NEWTON’S LAW: Popular member Barry Newton has long lived by the motto that golf is a game to be enjoyed, and for him enjoyment is traversing the course each Wednesday and Saturday in his flashy red cart. But with carts banned from the course on Saturday because of the extremely wet conditions Barry was forced to walk – for the first time in more than decade. And while he was a reluctant starter – as were more than the 100 who withdrew – the five-marker managed to break 80 for a nett 74, and record the third best gross score in A grade.

WEEKLY WINNERS:

Tuesday, Vets, Single Stableford, Ladies (35 players) – Donna Rose (36 points), Vicki Maynard (34), Robyn Boreham (33); Men (65 players) – Graham Meyers (37), Gerald Hurst (37), Kevin Howe (35). Medley Fourball Stableford (94 players) – Kevin George and Stephen Woodcroft (71 points), John Jamieson and Bruce Germon (70), Andrew Ferguson and Russell Ferguson (68).

Wednesday, Men, Monthly Medal (191 players) – A Grade, Ken Anderson (68 nett), Andrew Fisher (69), Brian Kesby (70): B Grade, Bernie Green (72), Jim Saunderson (72), Bob Lane (73); C Grade, Graham Pitt (70), Steve Browne (70), Drew Walker (71).

Thursday, Ladies, Monthly Medal (80 players) – A Grade, Helen Fraser (75 nett), Sandra Whittle (76), Kathy Atkins (79); B Grade, Del Whittaker (72), Mary Dowling (77), Gay David (77); C Grade, Trish Marsden (74), Sue Keays (75), Coralie Walsh (75). Men, Single Stableford (74 players) – Mark Dolan (42 points), Ed Hoey (40), Ray Stonehouse (39).

Saturday, Ladies, Monthly Medal (13 players) – Kirsten Kaergaard (78 nett), Sue Keays (81), Maggie Fitzpatrick (81); Men, Monthly Mug (142 players) – A Grade, Graham Smith (70 nett), Terry Ward (70), Adam Richards (71), Ashley Reck (71); B Grade, Mike McQuarrie (72), David Cekulis (74), Stephen Woolcott (74), Greg Stray (74); C Grade, Richard Thurgood (66), Mathew Duncan (67), Graham Pitt (71), John Christmas (74).

Sunday, Medley Monthly Medal (49 players) – Brett Johnstone (38 points), Matt Prince (38).