On 4th March 2024

McMillan Shield Report

With the McMillan Shield season getting close to the end we played against Country Districts this week at Thaxted Park in pleasantly mild conditions.

At number one we had Cooper Lessue (10) playing Brady Gray (7). It started out tough for Cooper being one down after the second hole, but he clawed his way back to a three up lead after 10 holes. In his usual calm and determined style he held on to win 3 and 2. Unavailable next week, this was his last match of the season. Cooper went through undefeated and was a calming and supportive presence at the top of the team. Great season Cooper!

Levi Ashton (13) was back in the team this week with mullet flowing, against Blake Elms (14) for country. With a plethora of pars and birdies, Levi’s form is certainly back to its best. 5 up through seven holes he played brilliant golf and managed a comfortable win of 7 and 6.

At number 3 Mitch Munn (17) played Angus Lemon (20). Mitch fought hard and was only 1 down through 7 holes. The tricky greens and extremely difficult pin positions, Angus eventually got the upper hand beating Mitch 5 and 4.

Quick skip to number 5 for the sake of dramatic effect!

Ollie Tolhurst (36) played Phoenix Baker (29). On a course that Ollie hadn’t seen before and with difficult greens, Phoenix got off to a good start seeing Ollie 6 down after 7 holes. But Ollie hung in over next few holes but went down 7 and 6.

Reserve this was Jaden McGrath (17) against Josh Lessue (26) (who is also Cooper’s cousin). Coming of his maiden win last week Jayden was in fine form. His long hitting and brilliant touch around the greens saw him two up after 14 holes. Losing the picturesque 15th par 3, it was back to 1up. A halved 17th hole gave him the lead coming in to 18. After a wayward second shot into the hazard, Jayden played a brilliant recovery back to the fairway. An incredibly up and down from 50 metres saw Jayden take a 2 up in.

Back to number 4 – 2 wins and 2 losses in we had Adele Wang (19) playing Levi Elmes (25). Adele’s clutch putting all day was brilliant and the match was all square after the 12th.  Adele got it back to two up with two to play. Unaware of the match situation she held her own and played a brilliant recovery 9 iron from the right hand hazard. A clutch 8 foot putt on the seventeenth saw her take victory for herself and her team 3 and 1.

Today I had two assistant managers in Ben Yin and Damia Maudz who both came out to support the team even though they weren’t playing. Thanks for your help!

Once again I cannot reiterate enough how proud I am of this young group of golfers who have bonded incredibly over the past 6 matches. I am sure they will be golf friends forever after this.

Next week we play Kooyonga at Grange in the final round. They have faired well this year on the table and we are hoping to pull off a victory next week to move Glenelg up the order. If any members would like to come and watch we are 12pm of the 1st on the east couse.

Christine Trimmer