BEING familiar with your home course can be a huge advantage in prestigious golf events.
However, latest Rosewood Open Division 1 Nett champion Luke Woodford had another winning edge as he worked his way through 18 holes to secure his first major title.
The consistent golfer competed in the Moreton District Golf Association (MDGA) Order of Merit event with his brother Tim, father Greg and cousin Chris Mantell.
After previously playing “on and off” at Sandy Gallop, the Ipswich nurse manager joined the Rosewood club three years ago, six months after Tim and Chris became members.
Luke said after being so made welcome at the club after the Covid era, he has continued to enjoy his time at the course where he plays regular competitions and represents the Rosewood pennants team.
The Brassall-based sportsman said having former grand final-winning hockey and close golf family members alongside him made a huge difference in the Rosewood Open.
“Playing with each other, it’s a bit more relaxed,” Luke said.
“Coming from team sports, it has definitely helped us get through that bit of pressure when a game is on the line.”
Greg, with strong Ipswich connections, regularly travels from the Gold Coast to play at Rosewood, often joining Luke’s uncle Paul and his cousin Daniel.
Luke, who turns 41 next month, finished the recent championships with a Division 1 Nett score of 72, collated by combining his round total with his handicap of six.
“I was pretty consistent,” Luke said, happy with his “scrambling” and long putting.
Chris, 37, also had a successful day finishing Division 1 runner-up to Gregory Whitton on a countback. Both golfers shot 75.
“He had a run of a few bad holes but then he started to come back,” Luke said.
“He hit the ball really well.”
Rosewood club Division 1 pennants captain Tim praised Luke and Chris for their fine efforts.
“Especially Luke, on his back nine he was just on fire, just making his putts,” Tim said.
“He hit a little bit of a bumpy patch for a couple of holes . . . but to his credit, he brought it all back together.”
Tim shot 80 in his round, acknowledging Chris for his ability to “find a way to get on the green”.
Brookwater club visitor Ben Stieler was overall champion shooting a gross score of 70, two under for his round.
Stieler achieved back-to-back eagles on the fifth and sixth holes.
Tim rated Stieler “something else” having earlier challenged him in MDGA pennants.
“When I played him at Laidley, it was probably the best I could play and he’s just on another level,” Tim said.
“But it’s good. I just love watching his golf.”
Former Blair State School and St Edmund’s College student Luke has been one of Rosewood’s best pennants players.
He was undefeated in three matches in his first year, remaining unbeaten last year in seven games until a loss in the last week.
This year, Luke had two draws and three wins.
While appreciating his pennants’ opportunity, Luke said his first Rosewood Open Nett success was particularly satisfying after previously winning some honour board events and “a few little things”.
The latest Rosewood Open attracted a strong field of golfers from other clubs including Sandy Gallop, Wolston Park, Ipswich, Brisbane River, Gailes and Oxley.
Nearly 150 golfers teed off in sunny Saturday morning conditions before the late afternoon storm.
“For how much rain we had on Thursday night and Friday night, the course played surprisingly good,” Tim said.
“It didn’t affect the fairways. It just made the greens a bit softer which actually helps the play usually.”
Golfers were encouraged to apply “the 90 degree rule” to protect the fairways by driving their carts along the edges.
Luke said it was a relief to finish before the weather threat.
“With the wet and the weather leading up it, I thought it would be called off,” he said.
“Probably the last four holes we could feel the weather starting to cool down.
“Just as we were driving off, it started to pour down.”
Honour board
Rosewood Open MDGA Order of Merit event results November 15
Champion (Gross winner): Ben Stieler (70).
Division 1 winner: Gregory Whitton (75) on countback. Runner-up: Chris Mantell (75).
Nett winner: Luke Woodford (72).
Division 2 winner: Wayne Draheim (79). Runner-up: Chris Woods (80).
Nett winner: Jason Ah You (74)
Division 3 winner: Stephen Johnston (83). Runner-up: Damien Hangan (86) on countback.
Nett winner: Graham Langford (70).
Division 4 winner: Liam Ewens-Dickson (88). Runner-up: Brett Martin (93).
Nett winner: Nicholas Whitton (72).
Seniors 70+ winner: Robert Lee (88). Runner-up: Robert Ellison (89).
Nett winner: John Hunter (75).
Ladies Single Stableford winner: Rosemary Toohey (38). Runner-up: Shelley Myerson (35). Rundown: Elizabeth Nelson (31), Lisa Johnston (27).
