Clem Cochrane, Hilton Barnett and Russell Graham winners at Kempsey Veterans Golf Club

Reason for the sudden outburst of such good scores remains unknown, however being such a fine day and the Melbourne Cup on their minds could well have been the right tonic for success.

The three grade winners - Clem Cochrane (A), Hilton Barnett (B) and Russell Graham (C) - showed scant respect for the 56 par rating for the 14-hole course.

Reversing the order of what has just been written, it was Russell (aka "Charlie") the truly outstanding one, for his 48 nett was an 8-under round and they don't come much better than that (so to speak).

This ex-Kiwi has had an outstanding stay with the Club since arriving early on in the current pandemic and unless the handicapper catches up with him severely "Charlie" is set for a longer run, albeit in a higher grade.

Then Hilton's 7-under 49 nett was his best yet since joining up last year and one can say that this fellow from well south of Sydney and now residing between Kempsey and Crescent Head does face a lift, too.

A noted rugby league player - was he a St George Dragon and I think he was - has been sort of a quiet achiever since emerging from the pack (sounds good) up here. Concentration is his major asset.

You see, to have just 18 putts for the 14 holes does tell of something special in hand and that performance comes only from someone whom does study what is simply a challenge. "Putt for dough and drive for show," is fashionable, really!

Now to our A-grade winner, Clem Cochrane, a truly newcomer to the Club, but he is a local of old and brought to play on Tuesday by good mate Robert "Feral" Baker.

The latter, who had just teamed up with prolific performer Graeme Dyet to become the 2021 Foursomes Champions, was shown a thing or two and just how to post a 5-under 51 nett.

There was no Gold Medal qualification by Cochrane, but the next best in top grade, Graheme Martin with a 53 nett gained a reward and so, too, did Milton Riggs as "Charlie" had already tasted Monthly Medal success.

Must announce that Mr Riggs, our 95-y-o elder, is in the big one following his 52 nett score and maybe he could do a Verry Elleegant (so to speak) come the first Tuesday of December.

Hilton was decorated for his fine performance and must be at short odds for that precious medal.

"Charlie" added the putting prize to his day's winnings with a more respectable 25 count.

Joining Dyet and Martin as ball competition placegetters were Kevin Hopping, Terry Smith, Peter Hatton, Robert Dykes, Peter Garty, Peter Thompson, John Inder, Paul Dykes and Mr Riggs.

Nearest the pin at the Alan Macdonald Memorial $100 Third Hole-in-One were Martin (A), Dykes (B) [Robert] and Rod Maher (C). There was no doubting Graeme's shot was well inside the mythical metre circle that surrounds the flagstick; six brand new Srixons the prize!

Chip-ins were performed by Ron Ingall, Leo Wright, Dyet, Martin and Dykes (Paul).

Tuesday's event is a 14-hole Individual Stableford dominated by the back nine and visitors to our Nature's Wonderland are welcome to take part. Tee-off is 9am and a call to the Club on 65626291 to book a start and/or cart is sound advice.

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