30/05/2026
‘Australiana’ was the theme for Strathalbyn Gala Day.
Friday 29th May dawned overcast but no rain for the ladies at Strathalbyn who were holding their annual Gala Day out at the course. With a full field of 68 players from 14 clubs across the region – Echunga, Aston Hills, Lake Albert, McLaren Vale, Links Lady Bay, Mc Cracken, Mt. Osmond, Murray Bridge, North Adelaide, Oakbank, Thaxted Park, Nairne, Victor Harbor and Willunga - the ladies played a Pinehurst competition.
The ladies at Strathalbyn would like to thank the sponsors who helped make the day special for the players – Drummond Golf, Darlington; Bremerton Wines; Coopers Brewery; The Bridge Hotel, Langhorne Creek; Angas Plains Estate; Victoria Hotel; Strath Motel; Vineyards Estate; Daish Irrigation and Fodder; FPAG, Strathalbyn; Wizard Pharmacy and Finniss General Store.
A big thank you, of course, goes to the wonderful team of volunteers who have worked together to make this day happen - from the kitchen and bar to the men at the 6th/15th Port hole and especially the groundsmen who maintain our lovely course all year round.
There were some wonderful costumes worn by the ladies and they made it difficult to decide on the best dressed for the day – Steve Urwins, Australiana jumpers knitted 30 years ago, Indigenous outfits, Vegemite jars, Australia t-shirts and lots of Akubras. However, 4 ladies, Heather Burford, Rosemary Robinson, Helen Miles and Jill Jellett from Mt Osmond went the extra mile to come as two sets of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, the Gumnut babies and Barbara Mynhart from Oakbank had to cope with a redback on her toilet seat as she trailed a little toilet paper from hole to hole!! They each won the best dressed for the day.
The novelty events were won by the following ladies. The longest drive for ‘A’ grade – Helen Pengilly from Willunga, longest drive for ‘B’ grade – Susie Crate from Willunga, nearest the pin on the 17th hole – Jaye Schmidt from Oakbank, nearest the pin on the 9th hole – Vicki York from Links Lady Bay, and nearest to the Vegemite jar – Jo Evers from Willunga.
The Pinehurst Competition winners are as follows.
Gross Pair Winners – Carol Collins and Jo Purling from Willunga – 88/72.25
Gross Pair Runners up – Kirsty Page and Donna Makins from Oakbank - 94/71.12
Nett Pair Winners – Natasha Rees and Janet Holt from Thaxted Park – 69.5
Nett Pair Runners up – Roswitha Abel and Gwen Jones from Willunga – 70.12
Congratulations to all the winners on the day and thank you to all the ladies who participated on our Gala Day. Your continued support helps our club and we look forward to hosting you all again next year with a different theme, of course!!
Stathalbyn Ladies Golf
Cara Eastwood shows the way again with 66.
On Wednesday 27th May, 14 ladies played a Stroke round in great golfing conditions. Once again, Cara Eastwood lead the way, but only just. She finished with 66 nett while close on her heels were Gill Keane and Ann Semple both on 67 nett. Michelle Handke finished with 73, Jo Pickhaver 75 and Pauline Walkom 76. Marie Kingsbury and Mel Johnson both scored 77, while Carol Pelle and Penny Geue both had 80. Maureen Need had 83, Sue Pryor 84, Jayne Dunn 88 and Sue Phillips finished with 92.
NTP on the 17th with a good second shot was Maureen, who was surprised she was still in a winning position at the end of the round. Gobblers (chip ins) were scored by Penny on the 4th, Gill on the 6th and Cara on the 18th.
Maureen lost her phone on the course but went out after her round finished and luckily found it between the 6th and 7th. It had bounced out of her cart as she bumped her way down the path. Sue Phillips drive on the 6th found the ball wedged at the base of this tree. It seemed an impossible task to hit it safely out but being left-handed came in handy. A short poke at the ball placed it in an open spot for her to hit to the base of the green.
