J.Varrica (Revesby) receives the “PIGS ARSE” from C.Brown (Goulburn)
The “Pigs Arse” Challenge is a bi-annual event between Revesby Workers and Goulburn Workers, where the average stableford score for each club determines the holder of the “Pigs Arse” trophy (that is, the loser gets the “Pigs Arse”)!
Lucky for Revesby, Goulburn received some rain over the last couple of weeks to green up their drying fairways and recently cored greens.
The practice putting green was smooth and slick and judging from appearance, so too were the greens out on the course – gulp !
The twelve Revesby visitors all arrived on time for their 7:30 am hit off from the first tee. The weather was mild and comfortable, with little to no wind to hinder shot making, and with ten out of twelve Revesby players electing not to walk and travel by cart, every one was keen to get started.
Goulburn sent the Revesby team in to bat from the blue tiger tees, which meant the course was going to be played at its longest distance. Fortunately or unfortunately, Goulburn is well above sea level (702 metres to be exact, which is surprisingly higher than Canberra at 580 metres), so judging the right club will be a problem as the ball travels much further in the thinner air.
With “preferred-through-the-green” rule invoked by the host club, expect good scores from those who chip and putt well.
The course was in great condition, though some players had difficulty adapting to the firm fairways with their short matting of grass. The jewel in the crown was the fantastic Goulburn greens, they were like felt on a snooker table, the putts ran true and very fast and were receptive to high pitch shots and well struck chips.
Naturally, down-hill putts were extremely dangerous to putt, in particular, the par3 15th bringing back nightmarish memories of the notorious par4 10th hole at Hurstville 🙁
The mostly shallow bunkers were well groomed with a not too deep layer of brown sand whose consistency enabled more successful bunker play. Even Revesby’s bunker expert, George Lattouf, gave the thumbs up when he extracted himself from the sand pits in one shot on several occasions – what a relief 🙂
After the quick round, the players returned to Goulburn Workers Club for drinks and fed themselves by devouring the delicious chicken schnitzels/roast lamb lunch.
The Revesby score cards showed the slick greens combined with the extra length from the back tees were indeed too much to handle, with only two playing to handicap or better.
On the other hand, the Goulburn boys used their home town advantage to produce more consistent performances, so it was no surprise when Craig Brown announced that Goulburn Workers (avg 31.28) had defeated Revesby Workers (avg 30.83) for the Pigs Arse trophy.
A despondent Revesby President, John Varrica, stepped up to receive the trophy to a thunderous applause from the Goulburn Workers, followed by anonymous advice that “it couldn’t be in better hands” 🙁
Stars for Goulburn today were Aaron Kershaw and Nathan Townsend who took Outright winner and Runners Up with scores of 42 and 41 points, respectively. A top effort fellas on such a demanding course, you were head-and-shoulders above the rest.
Also, commendation goes to the consistent Ray Miller for another fine performance with 39 points.
It was surprising to see so many Revesby power-hitters crash and burn today on a course that should have suited them. Most likely Post Traumatic Syndrome from the diabolical slick Hurstville greens kicked in when confronted by more super fast greens.
Even Revesby’s best player on the day had a 5 putt on the first green. That’s right, outright winner was Wally Trad with a score of 39 points. Good bounce-back Wally, all that putting practice on the first hole held you in good stead for the remaining holes 🙂
Revesby’s Runner Up was Wayne Coleman with a good score of 36 points. Rock solid without any embarrassing putting displays, Wayne did the club proud with his good performance today 🙂
The most noteworthy shot was John Lovett’s terrific three wood into a slight breeze on the very long par3 17th hole (200 metres). Landing approximately 2 metres from the hole to grab nearest the pin, he nonchalantly knocked the putt in for a rare birdie on this tough hole 🙂
Another noteworthy performance was the fine putting display exhibited by Gary Privett, who had to constantly remind his playing partner, George Lattouf, that everyone in the group (Greg Robertson, Ken Little and Gary) were better putters than George 🙂
Finally, congratulations must go to all players for showing up today to represent their club and for the good spirit and friendliness they exhibited both on and off the course.
In this regard, special thanks must go to Gary Privett, Craig Brown, Greg Robertson and the Goulburn Workers social committee for their hospitality, time and effort in organising the event, it was a very successful outing and pleasurable experience for all.
Until we meet again for the next challenge in Sydney, just remember Rossco’s prediction – “Pigs F@#king Arse they’ll leave it in Sydney” 🙂
PIGS ARSE CHALLENGE Results:
Goulburn Workers (avg 31.28 pts) defeated Revesby Workers (avg 30.83 pts)
Goulburn Individual Results:
Winner: Aaron Kershaw 42 pts
Runners-Up: Nathan Townsend 41 pts
Revesby Individual Results:
Winner: Wally Trad 39 pts
Runners-Up: Wayne Coleman 36 pts
Nearest To Pins: John Varrica (8), Aaron Kershaw (15), John Lovett (17)
Drive & Pitch: Wally Trad (4)
BRADMANS: Ian Travis (Goulburn) 16 pts, Ryan Johnston (Revesby) 25 pts (c/b)
Goulburn Individual Results:
Aaron Kershaw 42
Nathan Townsend 41
Ray Miller 39
Ray Grant 34
Terry Riley 34
Brian Larkin 33
Gary Privett 33
Peter Freebody 33
Daryl Robertson 31
Brian Webb 30
Greg Robertson 29
Terry Druett 23
Geoff Rudd 20
Ian Travis 16
Revesby Individual results:
Wally Trad 39
Wayne Coleman 36
Ken Little 34
Louis Tasaico 34
George Lattouf 33
John Varrica 31
Rossco Hamer 30
Mark Connolly 28
John Lovett 28
Ryan Cassin 27
Joy Mesuria 25
Ryan Johnston 25
