What a disaster!
The rain was very consistent as 15 of us teed off at 10:30 on Saturday on the Bungool Course. Peter McLoughlin invoked the Wuss Rule and returned to the clubhouse without playing a shot. By the time 'The Committee' reached the 3rd hole and saw that the 4th green was underwater, play was suspended and we all returned to the clubhouse.
After a bit over an hour the rain eased right off and, with something to eat and a couple of drinks under our belt, play resumed from the 4th tee. Peter McLoughlin revoked the Wuss Rule and re-joined his team and we all played out the remaining 15 holes without any more rain. Although the course was wet underfoot in places, it recovered very quickly from the drenching and was really very playable. A couple of the greens were in very ordinary state and they have clearly had some difficulties keeping them in play but overall the course was in excellent condition.
Michael Lees won the single stableford with 36 points from Tony Arnold (35) and the Green Team established a solid lead in the team event. Five players managed 30 points or better and Michael also cleaned up in the skins.
A most enjoyable and convivial dinner went deep into the night for some and we awoke Sunday morning to see that the rain had returned with a vengeance. We could see from the clubhouse that the course we were due to play at 10:30 was under water in places and the rain had set in, so, after breakfast and discussions with the Pro Shop and Reception staff, play was abandoned at 10:00am. We are waiting on advice from the Club as to what compensation we will be offered – likely to be 12 x 18 hole vouchers for our next booking.
$225 Prize Money not awarded on Sunday will be re-credited to everyone’s account ($20.45 each).
A great disappointment we could not complete the tour, but were also pleased to see some widespread rain although I’m not sure the drought ridden country areas have received much at all.
For full results of the one day’s play click here.