The township of Moora came alive this weekend with seventy ladies from around the State competing in the annual Aglime of Australia Rural Bronze. As a first timer at this event, and a new city golfer, I could not have felt more warmly welcomed by the host community in Moora and the wonderful group of ladies who have been participating in this event that has been running since 1992.
Steeped in tradition, the Rural Bronze welcomes +22 handicap lady golfers from the City and Country for three days of sand green golf in a rural location. Supported by Aglime of Australia, the 2019 Rural Bronze was hosted by Moora Lake View Golf Club, and boy were we all treated to a fantastic weekend.
Certainly, there is the golf, but its the friendship, games, music and laughter that made this weekend memorable for me. And one cannot fail to mention the food! Players were catered to a full weekend of amazing home-cooked meals by a team of volunteers, hot pumpkin soup and toasties at the turn, sticky toffee pudding and even a high tea. There was even a fire pit to warm up my chilly hands before teeing off.
Ladies, next year this is one to pop in the diary. I can attest that windy’s, wipes and sand green novices are made to feel very welcome!
The weekend began with an optional 18-hole Canadian Foursomes Competition, followed by the Lady Court Crystal Bowl 36-hole Stableford, played out over the Saturday and Sunday.
On Saturday I was fortunate enough to be partnered with petite Carol Chilcott from Mount Barker and Delys Fox from Dandaragan to help me through my first round on sand greens. Not only was I treated to their patience and kindness, but Carol displayed some truly outstanding golf.
Failing to wipe any holes in Round 1, and achieving five points on the most difficult hole, Carol gently smiled as she sailed into the 18th securing a fantastic 46 points to sit top of the leaderboard.
She stated, “this never happens to me.” Famous last words.
Round 2 of the Lady Court Cup, and Carol sails around the course again, this time she only manages a meagre 43 points.
Congratulations to Carol Chilcott from Mount Barker for winning the Aglime of Australia 2019 Rural Bronze, with a comfortable nine-point lead over last years champ Petrina King from Goomalling.
The scores this year were outstanding, and several ladies at the top of the leaderboard should be congratulated on some first class golf. Notable mention to Pam Meston, Marnie Pearse, Lisa Downing and Rebecca Hall.
Viv Cameron and Serena Syed of Bolgart GC are to be congratulated on their win of the Canadian Foursomes event that preceded the Lady Court Cup.
Special thanks to Kelly Taylor from Aglime Australia and the support you offered the event in person and as the official sponsor. GolfWA is very grateful for the commitment from Aglime Australia to sponsor this event for three years and look forward to heading south in 2020.
Thank you Moora ladies and gents for your kindness, hospitality and welcome. I will be back.
