Sports Reports: Greg Schmidt stays focused at Murray Bridge Golf Club

This post includes contributions from Murray Bridge Golf Club, Graham Buttle and the Murray Towns Cricket Association.

In one of the more remarkable rounds of golf played at the Murray Bridge course in recent memory, 14-handicapper Greg Schmidt has posted a two-over-the-card 70 off the stick to total a ridiculous 48 Stableford points in the weekend’s Stableford competition.

A single-figure golfer in his heyday, the former North Adelaide SANFL strongman from back in the 70s had a putter that was white-hot all day, and he took full advantage to register his unbelievable score.

This was on top of him still missing his regular driver and three wood that were stolen the previous week.

What a round from the big left-hander.

Not even an increasing crescendo of sledging from regular playing partners Marsh, Vella and Chainsaw McCulloch could halt the runaway train that was the Schmidt Express.

While that was clearly the day’s big talking point, there were plenty of other players pretty happy with their form as well.

Consistent A-graders Paul Harding and “Midweek” Matt Kowald battled out the top division, with Harding winning on a countback after both players registered strong 37-point rounds.

Unpredictable golfer Pat Secker was on his game with an excellent 39 points to tip out the very much in-form Luke Woods in the B grade by a stroke; while “Squashy” Squires and Eric Williams, playing side by side, had an epic C grade battle with Squashy eventually prevailing 39 points to 38 in a high-standard group.

Craig Pearson shot 38 to head up the ball winners from Ray Fetherstonhaugh and ex-Captain Morgan, with 36 apiece; while “Aussie” Bob McCormick, Rob Walters, Tom Haig, Graeme Southern and John Bell all fired with 35-point rounds.

Eighty-seven-year-old Bell, never short of a word, had plenty to say afterwards, announcing that this was the 135th time that he had beaten his age in a round of golf – he shot an 86 off the stick this time – and that it was getting easier to do the older he got.

All jokes aside, this was a truly remarkable feat.

He still commands the title of “the golfing Grinch” at this time of the year, though, as he again vowed not to play in this weekend’s Greenkeeper’s Revenge two-man Ambrose, labelling it a Mickey Mouse event not worthy of playing.

Each to their own.

President Bolton made it two yabbies for the week when he hit a cracker on the upside-down saucered 14th green to go with his mid-week success.

No prizes for guessing who won the pro comp for best front or back nine – Schmidt had it covered after nine holes when he had 23 points in the bank, but he piled on 25 more on the back nine to make it an absolute certainty.

This Saturday players will contend with some, let’s just say, unusual pin positions on a gun day of golf commensurate with the time of year.

All will be welcome.

Murray Bridge lawn tennis results

Pennants

Schools (four sets, 31 games) defeated Sportsmen (one set, 25 games)

Postel (six sets, 48 games) defeated Swanport (two sets, 24 games)

Doubles

River Aces (seven sets, 58 games) defeated Swanport (two sets, 39 games); MVP: Michelle Saye

Twin Bridges (five sets, 48 games) defeated Mobilong (four sets, 50 games); MVP: Bob Hancock

Juniors

Banks (nine sets, 65 games) defeated Sportsmen (six sets, 58 games); MVPs: Zac Bald, Bella Roberts

Swanport (eight sets, 70 games) defeated Avoca (seven sets, 72 games); MVPs: Sadie Vowles, Sam White

Schools (12 sets, 81 games) defeated Murraylands (three sets, 48 games); MVP: Oscar Coull, Chad Freund

Murray Towns cricket results

Monarto 6/210 (S Samblich 118*) defeated Mypolonga 207

Wanderers 7/189 (R Morris 70*) defeated Jervois 167

Mannum 9/125 defeated Tailem Bend 122

Karoonda 3/88 defeated Perponda 86

Meningie 3/118 (C Taarnby 55) defeated Imperials 117

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