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Upcoming Pennant rounds;
- Friday Women’s Pennant - 12th April: Vs Medway at Heidelberg GC - 8.00 am
- Youth Pennant - 14th April: Vs Rossdale at Heritage GC - 7.45 am
- Men’s Pennant - 14th April: Vs Settlers Run at Heritage GC - 12 noon
- Sunday Women’s Pennant - 14th April: Vs Gisborne at Box Hill GC - 11.30 am
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The Final at Gardiners Run Golf Club
Green Acres loses to Kew 4 & 5
The result above was not quite how I envisaged playing my 50th game of senior pennant for Green Acres. The pain of losing to your archrivals in sport cuts deep. It's a hollowness that lingers long after the last handshake is offered.
The hours spent training, strategizing, and visualizing victory all feel pointless in the face of defeat. It can be demotivating, making you wonder if all the effort was worth it. You might find yourself replaying the game in your head, analysing every mistake. Self-doubt creeps in, and anger simmers, both at yourself and your opponents who seemingly had the rub of the green.
But the sun did rise on Saturday morning!
Representative pennant is golf’s version of a team sport, the loss can extend beyond the players. The caddies, supporters, family, and members wear the defeat too, a golf clubs’ pride is bruised, and the celebratory beers left unopened.
However – turning up on the biggest day for 4 consecutive years is a massive achievement. After some reflection we will set new goals that will excite the squad, we will continue to master specific skills, refine our strategies, and focus on building an even stronger team-first culture.
Results as follows:- John Mansfield - WON
- John Vidovic - WON
- Graeme Harris - LOST
- Gary Seymour - LOST
- Michael Wood - LOST
- George Zhang - LOST
- Rodney Andersen - LOST
- Rob Mallard - WON
- Paul Downey & Roger Schmitt - WON
Our opponents Kew went undefeated throughout the season. We only lost two matches (inc the final). Both losses were at Gardiners Run. Our season was full of highlights and some incredible individual performances but alas pennant is a team sport. Team performance and individual performance are two sides of the same coin. They're both crucial for achieving success, but they focus on different aspects of achievement. For us to continue to be contenders we must focus on team performance and support each other in our individual goals. In a perfect world, strong individual performance fuels exceptional team results.
Now I would like to tell you about the team who represented Green Acres throughout the 2024 YCSP season.
In GA order:
John Mansfield
The anchor of our team. John stands on the first tee and says to himself “come on John” and then proceeds to take apart his opposition. Won all his 5 matches. The best player in the competition.
John Vidovic
What a season from Vido – played #1 for much of the season and is without doubt our most improved player. A stellar performance in the final when it mattered most.
Graeme Harris
Another player who has improved his game over the years and makes himself available each week for the team and rarely loses. A contender for this year’s MVP.
Gary Seymour
No one fights harder than Gaz in senior pennant. He has played at the top of the order for over 10 years and gives 100% every week. A true team player.
George Zhang
The heart and soul of our team. George would be the first to admit that his season was not to the high standards he sets himself. But George did everything we asked of him, and we are a better team for him being part of it.
Paul Thaw
It was the God of Thunders first season and for us to be in contention next year we need That back playing where he belongs – at #1. A big pre-season required. Sadly missed in the final.
Rob Mallard
A breakout year for RM in senior pennant winning all bar one contest. Also, an MVP contender who stood tall during the final.
Mike Wood
Another debutante who will be better for the run after his first season of senior match play. Like Thawy, Mike is our future, and we need to ensure that he is given every opportunity to improve his game.
Rodney Andersen
Another stalwart of our team - Rodney went through the regular season undefeated. Another contender for our MVP – thanks for your efforts over the years Rodney.
Bryan Harper
Another MVP contender, Harps is the quintessential match play golfer who gives it his all when he steps into battle. Found himself in the 4-Ball team once this year which goes to show how strong a team we can field when everyone is available. Another player who was sadly missed in the final.
Roger Schmitt
Another debutante who found his happy place in the 4-Ball and improved with every contest. Roger, like Thawy and Mike is our future and I for one saw firsthand some amazing shots played under immense pressure during the final. A long pennant journey awaits Roger.
Brian Wasley
A Captain in waiting if ever there has been one. Wasa has done it harder than most the past few years, but I know he loves senior pennant and 2025 can’t come quick enough for him. We missed you Wasa.
Steve Pryor, Cam MacSween, Brett Ryan, David Simpson
I can’t speak more highly of these gents. When needed they stepped up, played, and won. The reason we have made the past 4 finals is that our list runs deep with talent. Hopefully next year they can navigate their work/life/golf balance and play more games should their form demand it.Finally, I would like to thank the club for their invaluable support throughout the season. To our manager, Ernie Mensforth, thanks for a wonderful job herding all the cats each week in trying to find a winning combination and to Mark & Tristan from Golf Ops in ensuring we have every opportunity to improve our skills.
And then there is our caddies & supporters with special mentions to Brian Chappel, Travis Cox, Ron Ferrari, Martin Sheahan, Dicky Mole, Serge Sabbadini, Chris Bate, Bob Crowley, Warren Parkes, Richard Adezio, Peter Robinson, Paul Shannon, Wayne Ibbot, Dave Matotek, Garry Clarke & Stephen Dodds. You guys make it real for us and your commentary on our What’s App group is priceless.
To all the members at Green Acres who follow our fortunes each week, rest assured, the hunger for success remains strong. We'll be back, better, and stronger than ever in 2025.
See you all around our great club in the not-too-distant future.
Paul Downey - Captain
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