From John (W) Ryan.

I have never scored a hole in one in the 32 years at Mount Lofty. My closest association with the feat was writing a "1" on Gordon Rich's card at the 13th in 1982 and Sam Lesnikowski's card at the 17th a few years ago. Gordon now lives in Perth and is trying to repeat the feat at Nedlands Golf Club. Sam is still trying for his second ace at Mount Lofty. Good luck to both of them. I will keep trying for my first, like many others.

There have been over 280 holes in one recorded at our Club, including this year. An interesting fact is that 34 holes in one have been scored by players whose surnames begin with "W". This includes both women and men.

If this does not impress you, listen to this: On no less than 3 occasions, 3 players managed the feat twice in the same year. Their names:

That's not all. 3 Willsmores have scored 8 holes in one between them, including 5 by Lloyd. Brian Watson has notched 3 holes in one including his 2 in 1982, the other in 1961.

All this means is that I will have to change my name by Deed Poll. It's worth a try!

John "Wryan"

John graciously let me to add a line or two.

Ron Willsmore actually has another ace of sorts under his belt. On the 6th some years back he struck his tee shot out of bounds, reloaded for his substitute third off the tee and holed it. Not bad, but it still counts as a mere par. All power and no glory!

Having myself had 4 holes in one at MLGC I couldn't resist pointing out to John that Lloyd Willsmore's total of 5 aces is a bit dicey, since there are only 4 in a proper pack!

Frank W Coulter Ed.

Just Joking

Four golfers were having a lively discussion in the 19th on the finer points of golf and the reasons for loving the game so much.

"What I like about golf," one of them said, "Is that you get to spend a lot of time outdoors in the sun and fresh air, exercising your body and mind."

Two of the others agreed and added their own reasons, such as responding to the challenge hole by hole, the vast variety one encounters shot by shot and learning about life by coping with adversity.

"Blow that!," the realist of the group muttered, "I'll tell you why golf is such a great game. Where else can a bloke like me get to spend the whole afternoon with three of the world's most notorious hookers and not have his partner wanting to kill him!"

Answer to Rules Question

Rules 10 - 1b (Match Play) and 10 - 2b are short and clear:

"..the ball farthest from the hole shall be played first..."

Who plays first when balls are equidistant from the hole is decided by lot. There is no right to continue! But there are exceptions: In 4 ball play the honour is with the team.

In Stroke Play Rule 22: "... a player required to lift his ball may play first rather than lift".

Penalties for playing out of turn:

Match Play: There is no penalty but an opponent may require the ball to be played again, in turn. Rule 10 - 1c.

Stroke Play: There is no penalty unless it can be seen as an act to give a player an advantage - that invites disqualification! Rule 10 - 2c. 

If it's sensible, convenient, timesaving and no advantage or disadvantage, I don't see a problem with your putting a nearer ball first. Don't do it in Match Play, and don't demand a "right" in Stroke Play.

Letters to the Editor

Letters are to be signed by the member, but may be published under a nom de plume.
Letters, if suitable, are generally published as received, but some editing may be necessary.
Letters do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Editor or Management Committee.

The Editor,

Dear Frank,
I think that having the Mt. Lofty News on the Web is a great idea, especially as I often forget to pick up my copy at The Club.

Regards
Jim Bell.