South Australian SA Senior Order of Merit

Blackwood Senior Women WinnersKerrin Falconer, Kathryn Hender, Jane Greening (Blackwood Women's Captain), Angela Masters

The traditional start to the South Australian Senior Order of Merit was yet again a great event – well organised and very well attended with 67 women in the morning field and 91 men out in the afternoon. The strong fields, particularly for the women, was testimony to the promotion efforts of the club.

There were a number of debutants, newly eligible against the age criteria and most welcome and they performed well indicating a competitive season for OOM honours.

This was the 11th Blackwood Masters and, although the organisers were forced by Covid requirements to run a two tee staggered start format rather than the normal “shot-gun” start and cancel the after-event meal and presentation.

However, in these difficult times, the enthusiasm of players to catch up with their mates from the various clubs and the general camaraderie was most noticeable.

Temperature in the low 30’s with a little cloud for comfort but a stiff northerly breeze adding to the challenge. Recent rain in Adelaide ensured a superbly presented course and those who played well were rewarded with good scores.

Senior Men

Defending winner, SA Senior Champion and local member Nick Wake shot a one-over 73 to again win but only by one stroke from a newcomer in Paul Gregory (The Vines). Paul played in his club’s Simpson Cup side which made the SA (open age) pennant final last year and has given immediate notice that he will be a major contender in SOOM events in 2022. Another new player in Andrew Edwards from Mt Osmond returned a 75 and last year’s strong performer, Mark Potter (The Vines) was next with 76.

In the Nett, local Richard Blinco broke his handicap with an excellent 70, but was chased home my Mt Osmond’s Ashley Norton and Simon Pritchard and Terence Thornton (Royal Adelaide), all with 71’s.

Super Senior Men

All the normal aspirants performed but Terry Maney Blackwood (79) came home ahead of Lindsay Elliott (Blackwood) and last year’s Super Senior OOM winner, Jim Richards (Tea Tree Gully).

Terry Maney added to his day out in the Nett with a superb 68. Phillip Cowley (Mt Osmond) tied with a local in John Bray with 71’s.

Senior Women

In line with Golf Australia requirements, the age limit for Senior Women has been lowered to 50 for season 2022.

Kathryn Hender (The Vines) (89) was a two shots clear of local Gale McPherson with Sarah Russell (North Adelaide) another two shots back. This was a great effort from Kathryn as her Nett result confirmed.

Kim Hurem and Kathryn Hender both returned Nett 73’s with Kim taking the win in the countback.

Super Senior Women

2021 Women’s Senior Order of Merit Champion, Angela Masters, matched Nick Wake’s effort and shot the best women’s score of the day with an 85. This was well clear of the her fellow Blackwood contingent of Bronie Buckley, Paula White and Dianne Cottrell.

Kerrin Falconer matched her handicap in winning the Nett from Cottrell and another Blackwood regular in Helen Brauer.