01/06/2026
21 golfers competed in the year's second stroke round on Saturday for a trophy donated by Daniel and Rachael Watson. It was also the second round of the Hudson Family 54 Hole Event, where the first 3 of 4 rounds count.
Golfers are certainly enjoying a course in excellent condition, especially for this time of year. During president Tim's speeches he thanked everyone on the grounds crew for their efforts to present it in such fine fettle.
Surprise filled the clubhouse during captain Graeme's presentations when it was announced that Tom Huf had shot an 80, which when his ever-expanding handicap of 13 was deducted meant he scored a nett 67.
He won on a countback from Steve Hinckley who clearly enjoyed accompanying son Brock on his first round of golf at Hopetoun on his way to 92-25-67.
A Rays Painting golf ball went to Twine Hallam for a good score of 94-23-71.
One match of the Singles Knockout competition was played between the equally wily competitors Jack Flavel and Daniel Watson. As you would expect from these matchplay masters, a tight tussle ensued with neither able to amass a meaningful lead.
After 18 holes they couldn't be separated and so to a sudden-death playoff they ventured. This was familiar to both as they found themselves in the semi-finals courtesy of playoff wins in the first round.
However this time it was Jack who prevailed on the 19th, with Daniel unable to recover from an errant tee shot into the pines.
Nearest the pins for the day went to Graeme Puckle on the Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel 1st hole, to Luke Mitchell on the 11th in his first round at the club for the year, and to Leighton Hateley on the Norrie Poulton sponsored 15th hole.
Sunday saw the men's pennant team rise before dawn to journey to Horsham accompanied by lingering thoughts of Pennant finals glory. The team of 5 were to take on Kaniva in the morning's semi finals, aiming for a victory that would secure a spot in the afternoon's grand final.
Our ever faithful Number 1 Jack Flavel had a big win 7&5, while his equally successful buddy Jack Landrigan won 1-up. Unfortunately Tom, Graeme and Brett couldn't quite get the job done, all lowering their colours in close matches.
Thanks to the team who played all year including Steve and Mitch, despite the result we had a great run this year. Our congratulations go to our mates down the highway at Warracknabeal who were rewarded for a tremendous year with victory in the finals. A deserved result for a season where they went undefeated.
30 dedicated Wimmera Veterans members competed in the 1st round of the Sandgreen Championships at Hopetoun Golf Club on Monday.
The winner for the day was Roger Perris from Moor Park with 38 points. Runner-up was Noel Robertson with 37 on a countback from Keith Clark also with 37.
Nearest the pins went to David Baker on the 1st, Ron Thouliss on the 5th & the 17th, Wayne McDonald on the 11th, and Anthony Jones on the 15th.
Thanks go to all our wonderful ground staff who put the hard yards in during the week to present the course in such great shape. It was a shame that the weather, however welcome, perhaps kept a few golfers away and presented challenging conditions to those intrepid golfers who braved the elements.
Next Saturday's event is a stableford round for a trophy donated by the Ballentine family. It will also be the final chance for a final tune-up before the Men's Club Championships begin the following Saturday and Sunday.
Monday will be extra regal as the club plays host to the popular King's Birthday and Queen Shirley High Tea, so get along for an event not to be missed.
The end of the pennant season means tournament season is once again upon us, beginning with our good friends at the Nhill Golf Club this Friday through Monday.
We'd love to see some Hopetoun shirts at one of the 4-balls, the 4-person Ambrose, or even the 36 hole stroke for the more adventurous. Due to the tournament's popularity we know spots are filling up fast so get some teams organised and get those bookings in.
Rainbow Golf Club have also announced their tournament in the traditional first week of July. They're kicking things off early however with a junior tournament this Sunday. It's sure to be a great day, so whether the young-uns have a handicap or not, consider sneaking away over towards Hindmarsh for a fun day of golf. We'll post the flyer on our page shortly for more details.
- Terry Bullshot
[Pictured: Noel Robertson, Roger Perris, Keith Clark]
