Annual Mentone Grammar Community Golf Day a Resounding Success
The 2024 Mentone Grammar Community Golf Day, held on Friday 19 April at the beautiful Spring Valley Golf Club in Clayton, proved to be a memorable event despite the wet weather leading up to the day. With blue skies gracing most of the round, 92 avid golfers, forming 23 teams, took to the course for a thrilling 4 ball Ambrose competition.
The competition showcased a diverse range of golfing talent, with participants playing off handicaps as low as +4 and as high as 30. An even mix of Mentonians, parents, and members of the School community went head-to-head, each team vying for one of the coveted Community Golf Day trophies.
The competition was fierce, with only 10 shots separating 1st and 23rd place at the end of the round. The Bruce Johnston Trophy, awarded to the best performing team of (a minimum of three) ‘Mentonians’, was claimed by Sven Samild and Anthony Holmes from the Class of 1987, together with Tim Litchfield (Class of 1997) and Leigh Barker, who finished fifth overall with a score of 58.
The Mentonians Community Trophy, recognising the best performing team from a Mentonians Sporting Club, was won by the Mentone Hockey Club, led by members Tak Chau, Hong Chau, and Tony Yam, despite being a player down, the trio secured second place with a score of 57.167.
However, the ultimate triumph of the day belonged to the community team of Michael Curtain, Matthew Smallwood, Andrew Worrell (Class of 1998), and David Hele, who clinched victory and claimed the Parents & Friends Golf Day Trophy awarded to the overall champion team with an impressive score of 55.25.
Individual excellence was also celebrated, with Pas Handley winning the Women’s Nearest to the Pin Competition on the 5th Hole, and Anya Cai emerging victorious in the Women’s Longest Drive Competition on the 7th Hole. In the Men’s category, Michael Curtain triumphed in the Men’s Nearest to the Pin Competition on the 10th Hole, while Ethan Dallas (Class of 2021) secured the Men’s Longest Drive title on the 17th Hole.
The Mentonians Association and Parents & Friends group extend their heartfelt gratitude to the generous sponsors who contributed to the day including MMR Creative Agency, LOD Promotions, Chartwells, Coast and Country Getaways, Flawless Rejuvenation Skin Clinic, KX Pilates Mentone, Momentum Podiatry, Hoop City, Vision Brands Group, and Cubby House Pizza, who all played a vital role in making the day a resounding success.
Last but by no means least, The Mentonians Association and Parents & Friends group also express their sincere appreciation to the team of dedicated volunteers and Mentone Grammar staff who devoted their time to coordinate the event.
Joshua Burt (Class of 1989)
Community Golf Day Committee