2025 GBWGC Winter Trophy
and AGM
(From the pen of Ronzo with perhaps a comment or two from Anonymous)

Sunday 11 August

Eventually, after a lot of doubt, seven turned up for the 17th Winter Trophy. Tom, Squancey, Chris and Walks had a memorable practice at Secret Harbour on the way down (ask Tom why), while Les, Ron and Phil found their way independently to “The Clubhouse” at 45 Iluka.

With a roaring fire in the pot belly in the clubhouse, Tom welcomed us all by recognizing the owners of the land … “the Allardices”. Welcoming show bags containing a 16 page “booklet” all about the weekend were well received. Two golf balls each were included in each bag, except Tom’s, as he claims he doesn’t play with white balls!!

Later, after a sumptuous tea of brussel sprouts, mashed potatoes and a lovely meat pie (al-la-Chris), ice cream, and Lindt chocolates (compliments of “the Dalbys”), an unveiling of the latest honour boards was held after a drum roll (thanks to Mr Google and Tom).

The unveiling now includes a “Not The Mornington Masters” display … the first two entries are of Squancey.

Frivolity lasted well into the night, with the President Elect revealing his campaign slogan … “I’m gunna make the GBW great again.”

Monday 12 August: Sanctuary Golf Resort

Leisurely rise and a fabulous day weatherwise greeted all. Off to Sanctuary for breakfast and “the games began”, with Phil hitting off first … the hardest shot in golf, let alone to open the tournament.

Sanctuary delights	The Magnificent Seven	Eagles and Hawks? A non-contest!

Scoring overall wasn't quite up to par except for one notable effort over the first nine from the man who has dominated recent Winter Trophy outings - a solid 21 points from Tom (including 3 pars). Les played reasonably consistently for 17 points with 3 on 15 points next best. Ronzo was his unusual quiet self. The back 9 was a sordid affair, Squancey highest with 16 points. Four and a half hours later the scene was set for Tom to “go back to back”.
	The straggler	Every which way

Back in the clubhouse it was time for the AGM. Chris laid out a treat of nibblies for consumption during the arduous task ahead. A new President emerged as white smoke billowed from the pot belly, announcing to the world the beginning of a new era … Tom was elected!! . . . and very happy with his days effort . . .

	Sanctuary First 9				Sanctuary Second 9
	1st	Tom	21 pts		1st	Squancey	16 pts
	2nd	Les	17 pts		2nd	Phil	15 pts
	3rd	Squancey	15 pts		3rd	Jacko	14 pts

A very difficult/different AGM was had … no experience at the helm (yet), no Secretary (a-la-Robin) to take copious quantities of notes … but Walks made a good fist of taking the notes.

Fish and Chips, from the shop, and salad (a-la-Chris) was eagerly consumed, followed by hot apple pies and ice cream … yum … and, of course, Dalby delights!

Les provided a fantastic array of music to entertain us all, including some great hymns for Squancey, who admitted the next time he goes to church will be the first.

Cards in the clubhouse rounded out a great day.

Tuesday 13 August: Collie Golf Club

Besides another glorious day, a Chris special of ham and cheese toasties set us up for the day.

The Collie Golf Club, as usual, made us feel warm and fuzzy with our chariots lined up awaiting us. The weather was so good, Les said “we should all be applying sunscreen” … back enroute to Iluka the weather turned.

Meanwhile, though somewhat windy, "You-Know-Who" did it AGAIN, Tom returning the front 9 best score with 17 points. It was all over Red Rover going into the compulsory final 9, Tom's 2 best rounds to-date totalling 38 points with the Umbilical Brothers Jacko and Squancey next each with 31 points. Ronzo was the unlikely hero over the low scoring back 9, finishing with 15 points with Tom and Walks on 13.
	Please go in!!	Hurry up! I gotta go

Into the evening and the club house was abandoned as we couldn’t hear ourselves with the galeforce winds and torrential rain. Fortunately we managed to hear all the results of the Winter Trophy, which was a foregone conclusion … even the bookies refused to take anyone’s money as Tom took his third title in four starts to become the leading winner of the event.

	Collie First 9				Collie Second 9
	1st	Tom	21 pts		1st	Ronzo	15 pts
	2nd	Walks	16 pts		2nd	Tom	13 pts
	3rd	Jacko	16 pts		3rd	Walks	13 pts

And the Competition Winners were . . .

1st TOM 51 points 2nd JACKO 43 points 3rd SQUANCEY 43 points CONGRATULATIONS TOM Now Three wins in the last Four Trophies played!

A roast lamb, with all the trimmings, provided a spectacular end to Chris’ evening meals, followed by tiramisu ice cream and more Dalby delights. Cards around the dining room table rounded off another memorable day. THE END (OR THE BEGINNING) The crowd had dwindled to four for the final “big breakfast” with Les off home after the golf, Squancey off home after the roast and Tom wriggled out of any meaningful clean up duties by shooting through at 7.30.

So, a new chapter begins and will “he” make GBW great again???