HE HAS played about 400 games with a group of highly successful hockey teammates, so Tim Woodford knows the satisfaction that provides.
The Easts’ sharpshooter maintained his fine record in the latest Ipswich competition Division 2 (previously Reserve Grade) grand final where he scored his team’s first goal.
Long-time teammate Steve Bayliss then stepped up in the first period of extra-time to break a deadlock with a shot in the bottom corner to secure the Tigers a 2-1 victory.
For Rosewood Golf Club pennants captain Tim, that was a familiar finish, having been involved in multiple A-Grade and Reserve Grade grand final triumphs.
Tim has shared in five consecutive Reserve Grade premiership victories this decade with his cousins Dan, Chris and Adam, and other loyal Tigers’ supporters like David Llewelyn and Bayliss.
He has also been part of five top grade grand final wins in six years since 2010.
During more than 30 years playing hockey and scoring 830 plus goals, Tim savoured the lifelong mateship in “a team environment”.
“We’ve probably played 400 games together so you just have that connection,” he said. “It’s a big advantage and I think the other teams know it.”
So, as hockey remains an important part of Tim’s sporting life, he is also enjoying the team values experienced in pennants golf.
While golf is often an individual game, that all changes when joining with clubmates in the annual Moreton Districts Golf Association (MDGA) series.
“You’re sort of feeding off each other,” Tim said.
“In hockey in the same team, there’s that energy going around but it’s good just having that team atmosphere because in a normal Saturday [golf] comp, you are just sort of by yourself.
“And having pennants, it’s knowing you are all going for that same course – win for Rosewood and bring out that team environment to try and build that around the whole club.”
Tim is one of 11 squad members representing the Rosewood club in this year’s MDGA pennants competition which is starting to crank up.
After beating Brisbane River 6-3 in their opening round at their home course, Rosewood lost 7-2 to powerhouse opponents Brookwater at Laidley.
With six pennants games to play heading towards the November finals, Tim said his team benefited seeing the “high quality” Brookwater players early.
“It’s good to know where we need to be at to beat the best,” Tim said. “We’re not too far off.”
Rosewood started the latest pennants season without “number one” star player Jack Wojcicki, who broke his hand working as a greenskeeper.
Ironically, Jack took over as pennants captain last year when Tim received a thumb injury playing hockey.
With Jack returning, Tim was hopeful the Rosewood team could build winning momentum in coming weeks.
Tim welcomes the golf challenge with a similar family mindset – playing competitive sport as a dad.
During the latest hockey finals, the Ipswich teacher enjoyed the added “awesome” mateship as a parent.
“When we’re all in the sheds just looking around and everyone had their kids in there, it was a good family atmosphere,” he said.
“We’ve got kids now but we are still making time to have a run around with mates. That’s the only reason we do it now.”
Tim’s brother Luke and cousin Chris are in this year’s Rosewood pennants squad.
Tim hopes Chris’ other brother Dan will join them in future.
Playing golf for Rosewood, Tim shares the highs and lows with another group of mates with family not too far away.
