There was a strong field of 74 players that competed in the first round of the Stawell Golf Club championships at the weekend.
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With some incredible scores coming in after 18 holes, the championship trophy is anyone's for the taking with two rounds to go.
Stawell Golf Club captain Richard Hackwill said it was a sensational day of golf.
“We had a number people away as well so our numbers were really good for Saturday golf,” he said.
Greg Earle leads the way in the championships with a score of 72 off the stick.
Playing off a handicap of five, Earl is three shots in front of Leighton Dunn, Josh Kelly and Tony Rathgeber.
“Tony is a B grade player and it is great to see him sitting second in the overall championships,” Hackwill said.
“It will be interesting to see how things pan out over the next couple of rounds.”
Earle also leads the A grade handicap with a nett 67, followed by Darryn Jenkinson with nett 68.
Rathgeber not surprisingly leads in B grade championships and handicap division.
Ian Hyslop is close behind in the scratch event on 77 while Peter Homden will be looking for another good round to compliment his nett 67 for the handicap trophy.
In C grade, David Hooper leads both scratch and handicap divisions, shooting 83 off the stick for a 64 nett.
Second-placed Phillip Hutton will be hunted by the handicapper after his round of 92 off the stick, playing with a handicap of 27.
Hackwill said the course was in good condition despite the warmer weather.
“It played fairly well with lots of run – expected for the time of year,” he said.
Championships will continue on Saturday with a shotgun start at 12.15pm.
Club championships standings after first round;
Greg Earle (5) 72
Leighton Dunn (1) 75
Tony Rathgeber (14) 75
Josh Kelly (5) 75
Darryn Jenkinson (8) 76
David Hunter (4) 77
Ian Hyslop (10) 77
Richard Hackwill (9) 78
Randall Bacon (7) 79
Des Pickford (8) 79
Peter Homden (12) 79
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