Sturrock shoots the lights out at 13^th Beach to win the Masters

There was an air of expectation as the field of the 2010 Blue Bloods Masters assembled at 13^th Beach Golf course on Saturday 13 February.  As pleasantries were exchanged (including congratulations to Adam “Tiz” Terrill on his recent engagement) and introductions made, the carts assembled at the 1^st to see the field off, but some questions remained.

Had Tom Hutchins raided Warwick’s wardrobe for his golf kit?

Was Eddie Banks about to drive his car up on to the 1^st tee?

Would the suspension on Coley and Jimmy Hayter’s cart support the weight of the big man?

And where had Westy and Barry Church disappeared to?

Mike and Sandie Rankin’s time on the practice green was well spent with Mike exploding out of the blocks like Dan Nicholson down the pavvy wing.  Playing up front with Joe Sturrock, they would set the pace for the day.  When Sandie birdied the 17^th the Rankins would have fancied their chances at winning the pairs.

Geoff “Gooba” Allen and John Nagle put the wind up Michael “Special K” Kordick and Adam “Tiz” Terrill by sending their opening drives long and straight up the fairway.  Gooba won the nearest the pin competition and Kords posted a competitive 34 stableford points to finish 4^th in the Masters.

Group 3 featured 4 premiership players – Tom Hutchins, Hugh Nailon, James Hayter and Marcus Coleman.  If there was a Brian Blood award for the Masters Hutch had it in the bag.  Coley amazed all onlookers by creaming drives 300 metres with the shortest backswing ever seen.  Unfortunately most of them went at a 45 degree angle, at one stage actually clearing the houses lining the fairway.

2004 premiership heroes Luke North and Drew Solly paired up with Darrell Gust and Chris Taylor.  Tayls looked a picture of fitness on the 1^st following a breakfast of Gatorade and Nurofen to avoid succumbing to his dodgy back like he did so many times on Uni oval.  The Funk Sol’ Brother was untouchable on the day in this group to shoot 35 stableford points to finish 3^rd in the masters.

After some misdirection on the way to the course Eddie Banks joined ex-pres Treeo against Dan Hayter and Justin Jamieson.  After lending his driver to Eddie, Crazy Dan parred the next 5 holes.  Even Treeo was able to extend his drives beyond his usual 120m when wrangling Dan’s enormous club.

The final group saw Blues cult figure Gerry Westmore team up with club legend Barry Church, and Andrew Henderson making a three.  Gerry and Barry’s preparation of a few pots before teeing off saw the elder statesmen of the Masters take out the pairs competition shooting 69 stableford points and Westy finishing 2^nd in the Masters shotting an impressive 37 stableford points.  Surprisingly Westy was smoke free for his round and hence his golf was … quite straight.

But the man up front played his golf like he played his footy.  Joey put his head down, went like a bat out of hell and straight up the middle.  Joey shot a cracking round of golf, leading a few pundits to claim “Bushranger”, suggesting he may have been fudging on his handicap.  With such a dominant performance he will surely attract some heavy attention from the handicappers in 2011 when he returns to defend his title.

So with the Masters champion crowned for 2010 it was time to enjoy a few beers and contemplate the assault on the 2011 Masters.  Congratulations to the following winners on the day:

Blue Bloods’ Masters Champion 2010:                                    Joseph Sturrock

Blues Bloods’ Masters Pairs Champions 2010:                         Gerry Westmore and Barry Church

Nearest to the pin:                                                              Geoff Allen

Thank you must be extended to the following people who assisted planning the day and donating prizes for the Masters Winners:

Hayden Torney

Gillon McLachlan and the AFL

Mark Roberston and Shadowfax wines

Thank you to all participants for making it a great day, and the starting point for an annual fixture on the Uni Blues calendar.