03/03/2025
The Inaugural Alex Dempster Memorial Green Jacket – A Story of Strategy, Resilience, and Hydration Choices
Day 1 saw John Forrester crowned the first-ever winner of the prestigious Alex Dempster Memorial Green Jacket, an achievement that came with up to 1000 free beers or other alcoholic beverages, 997 of which he staunchly refused.
As the rest of the pack enthusiastically hydrated with drinks & a selection of other performance enhancers such as Jelly babies, late night coffee & corn chips, John sat quietly, nursing his 2 or 3 strategically measured gin & tonics, politely declining the river of free drinks being forced upon him by his so-called "mates."
Some were even seen to be buying John drinks, then drinking them themselves in a real turn of events.
Later, while others were plotting their late-night adventures into Casino’s infamous nightlife, fighting to get into establishments not keen to have them inside, John had his eyes on a bigger prize—the two-day accumulated trophy. He was sleeping soundly.
Come Sunday morning, the difference in preparation was stark. As the majority of the field stared blankly at their breakfast plates, contemplating life choices and regretting the last six rum & cokes, John arrived fresh, focused, and remarkably un-hungover. While his competitors were dry-heaving on the first tee, John bolted to a 6-shot victory, effortlessly claiming The Codger trophy to pair with his green jacket. A true masterclass in golfing strategy, hydration discipline, and self-preservation.
Most importantly, this weekend was a fitting tribute to our great mate, Alex Dempster, who we lost last year. Golf just isn’t the same without him—but we’ll keep raising a glass (or 12) in his honour.