Under clear skies and superb conditions, Victorian Air Force golfers lined up against their Army and Navy opponents for the annual state-based competition.
Conducted over three days commencing September 30, teams of 12 players from each service – with the Air Force team supplemented by some Navy players – played five rounds consisting of individual and pairs formats.
Even the new LIV style of golf involving greensomes pairs featured in the second round.
This year’s competition, hosted by Army at Puckapunyal Barracks, had near-exclusive access to the Heathcote Golf Course for the period. The course was a significant challenge off the back tees for even the lowest handicap players.
Air Force captain Sergeant Stefan Mapleson did a sterling job coordinating his team, which enabled a healthy lead on Army and Navy.
“We were surprised at the scores at the halfway mark,” Sergeant Mapleson said.
“No-one was confident coming in for lunch on day two that we were playing well, but the announcement that we had a good buffer over the Army and Navy in third was an indication that no one was dominating the competition.”
The fifth round ultimately decided the outcome. Lower handicapped players of the Army team were able to negotiate the last round of stroke with more finesse, resulting in a 12-point win over Air Force, with Navy a mere two points behind.
“That is one less putt per person over five days, which is disappointing but a credit to how well we performed,” Sergeant Mapleson said.
“I want to thank Systematiq who have sponsored us for the last two years and ensured that we were well presented at the event.”
The Victorian Air Force team will host the regional competition around May next year.
