Come rain, hail or shine the good souls of Yass Golf Club’s very own Dads Army are front and centre when it comes to volunteer work at our old Club. Mind you they play plenty of golf each and every week and more cunning accumulators of good scores will not be found in a long hard day’s march.

Importantly at a time when sporting clubs of all descriptions are finding it so hard to survive (let alone prosper) it is ‘the old and grey’ from Dads Army who lead the way in lending a hand. It was Edgar Mongan who put up his hand along with Enid Brooker and others, to man the Pro Shop after Steve had left and Kirk was yet to take over. It was the majority of the troop who heeded President Peter Doyle’s call for help in tending the course gardens when greens staff numbers were reduced – and they are still at it!

Watch them when they play golf – even then they are dedicated maintainers of the course and you will see them empty bucket after bucket of sand in divots left by ‘couldn’t care less’ selfish golfers. The drought killed many trees on the course and gradually the clean up progresses. It is said that much phantom help has been given and that John Rivers knows something about it.

Good friend of Yass golf and current Dads Army Captain Jack Wales tells me ‘The Army’ has been alive and well for more then 20 years. Bruce Ryan and Kevin McKenzie played with Dr Atkinson and Norm Keogh in the beginning. Yass Town’s advocate Norm Keogh came up with the troop name which has stuck fast since – Dads Army. Not unique but very apt. There are no specific rules or fees or age limitations either way. Just roll up and Captain Jack will welcome you with a handicap you will be proud to call your very own.

In line with its title ‘The Army’ has sadly lost many of its finest over the years. The sight of the incredibly competitive “90s plus” Bernie Robinson on his pink Beaver Motorbike is no more. Gentleman Maurice Shannon with his seventy-five year-old hickory putter and “up the middle” Jock Waters are names remembered. There are surely more and each and every troop member will treasure many memories of past comrades.

The Yass Golf Club salutes the members of Dads Army. We thank you for your tireless efforts and we thank you for your set example. Most of all we thank you for the pride you display as a member of Yass Golf Club and as a respectful wanderer in the wonderful piece of green parkland that others may take for granted.

(Dads Army comp)

As a token of appreciation the amiable Yass Golf Pro Kirk Davis hosted a BBQ for the Dads Army Troop last Thursday after the weekly round. Brett Cooper and Karen Weiss were there to lend a hand and Club President Peter Doyle paid tribute in a heartfelt speech.

Having not sought any fanfare ‘The Army’ troopers were nevertheless noticeably moved by the recognition.

In the two man ambrose event played on the day Peter Doyle teamed with Kevin Mann to record a win from Edgar Mongan and Graham Howlett.

(Saturday Ambrose)

Seventy swingers were on hand last Saturday for the scheduled two person ambrose event. Big hitting Russell Watchorn and pocket rocket Chris Simpson won the day from Herb and Matt Lawrence with Nev Matthews and Kym Butler slotting into third position.

Winners: Russell Watchorn and Chris Simpson 58.5

Runners up: Herb and Matt Lawrence 59.75

Third Place: Nev Matthews and Kym Butler 60.25

Nearest the Pins: 11th hole Rob Field – 16th hole Joe Cooke

Ball Comp to 62.75 ocb: R Watchorn and C Simpson, H and M Lawrence, N Matthews and K Butler, W Whyte and P Carey, G Weir and D Bush, J Cooke and R Field, G Butcher and P Auld, K Kelly and Bill Mackay, B Luff and D Douglas, K Healey and A Goode.

(Sunday stableford)

Thirty-nine points was the best of the 27 Sunday swingers and won the voucher for George Manson. Next best on 38pts was young Brad Luff.

Nearest the Pin to D Bartley on the16th hole.

Ball Comp to 35pts: G Manson, B Luff, M Townsend, P White, J Kendrigan, S Foxhill, P Hewitt, K Stephan. CCR 66.

(Mid week comp)

Sixty-five players for the week with A, B and C grade $20 winning vouchers and two balls to the runners up.

A Grade: Robert Dickson 20pts from Wilbur Whyte 20pts ocb.

B Grade: John Bray 21 ocb from Rod Perceval.

C Grade: George Manson 22pts from Dudley Genders 21pts ocb.

Ball Comp to 19pts ocb: C Phillips, R Neilson, B Greig, P Hewitt, J Wales, C Smith, L Cox, N Greig, B Brooker.

(Coming events):

Sat June 28 – Individual stableford

Sun June 29 - Individual stroke

Sat July 5 – Bob Rogers Clothing Co Guzzlers Mug stroke*

Sun 6 July – Individual stableford

* Club matchplay quarter finals to be played by July 5.