The weather was a balmy 24 degrees, with not a cloud in the sky when the 57th Annual Tamworth Golf Day got underway at Tamworth’s Royal Club on Friday 26 August 2011. Tournament Directors Rod Murchison (58) and Gordon Brownhill (77) sent 15 Golfers away at 11.15am to enjoy a wonderful stroll around the picturesque course with 12 competing at 18 holes and a further three at 9.
The winner of the Neville Emery Memorial Trophy for 18 holes was Ian Patrick (77) representing Armidale. Ian won by two shots from John Hallman (65) who represented Tamworth, Quirindi, Barraba, Bingara, Upper Horton and all other parts North West. Why you may ask? Because he has most farmers and graziers in the North West of NSW insured.
Rod Murchison representing Tamworth won the Dick Edwards Trophy for those who competed in the 9 hole event. In what can only be described as a major surprise, the Walcha district won the District Shield for the first time in years, upsetting Quirindi and Tamworth who had gone into the tournament as equal odds-on favourites. Both Tony Bulmer (80) and Allister Lugsdin (72) played some outstanding golf during the afternoon, enough for them to declare that they would return in 2012 better, stronger than ever.
Meanwhile over at the Tamworth Gun Club eight Old Boys competed in the Clay Shoot for the WJ (Bill) Wilmott Shield. The brainchild of Bill Wilmott (77) this event contested for the first time last year is bound to attract greater numbers in the years ahead with a number of Old Boys from the district already registering their interest in competing next year. Ron Nash (77) came all the way from Bugaldie, to win the Gold Medal by one shot - pretty good when one considers he drove through the night to compete! Dave Webster (90) Quirindi, and James Smith (87) Duri, shot for second place in a shoot-out that can only be described as of Olympic standard. Both men had the large crowd spellbound as they ‘slugged it out’. Finally after 12 shots Dave won to take the silver medal from James who had been runner-up the previous year. Rick Clive (68) competing for only his second attempt at the Trap was pretty chuffed in wining his age group. For his efforts Ron Nash was given a couple of golf balls. Next year the winner will receive a new shotgun…….perhaps.
In another shoot-out over at the Bowling Green, the bias went the way of Tamworth who had a narrow victory over the Armidale team. This was sweet revenge for Tamworth who had gone down narrowly in the Golf District Shield to Armidale.
Thirty fve Old Boys attended the finner in the Dining Room at the Golf Club. District President Dave McCathie (82) welcomed all including OBU Guests Tony Bulmer and Rick Clive. Dave also gave a warm welcome to our special guest, current parent Peter King, CEO of the Royal Agricultural Society. Peter and his wife Joanna have a son Tom in Year 11.
Angus Warden (91), representing the younger generation as has become customarily of late, was called on to say Grace. Alec Noble OAM (44) gave a Toast to the Queen while Bill Wilmott gave the Toast to the School. Rick Clive responded by giving a speech on behalf of the School. Rick also spoke of the number of Old Boys who have featured prominently of late. Tony Bulmer, current President of the OBU, updated the audience on all things OBU including the success of the OBU On-Line Network and the Whole of Life Programme.
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| Ron Nash (77) accepting the WJ Wilmott Shield from Peter King with Bill Wilmott at left of photo | L to R: Dave McCathie (82)& Ian Patrick (77) accepting the Nevile Emery Memorial Trophy from Peter King |
| L to R: Rod Murchison (58) accepting the Dick Edwards Plate (9 holes) | Tamworth Executive: Rod Murchison, Dave McCathie,Dick Wilson, Peter King *Guest Speaker) and Bill Wilmott |