David Spears has kindly run another successful “David” trophy golf day at Manly Golf Course, we would like to thank him for all his hard work in organising this special day. In advance of reading this story, there are two NET patients called David Lockwood. The David Lockwood in which this day is in honour of passed away in 2018. This excerpt from the Manly Golf Club sums up the day perfectly…. read and enjoy.
David Watkins won the first two events, but was locked in to a prior commitment playing in the Hunter Valley. So Spears decided this would be a good week to hold the event. (Just joking.)
After an extremely wet week leading up to it, the trophy was contested under cloudless blue skies, at 30 degree temperatures with an occasional cooling breeze. Nineteen MGC Davids and four guest Davids teed off in a mini-shotgun start. At one stage, some excitement was caused by a sky writer who seemed to be on the point of expressing someone’s love for a David. But the “D” turned out to be a “P” and the focus returned to the task in hand.
The heat and humidity contributed to some individual struggles. Loudest concerns were from those Davids who had battled what one described as “the same sapping conditions” the day before in the Wednesday competition. Nonetheless, there were some great shots played, some great putts sunk, quite a few birdies secured and one stunning eagle. This was scored by Cromer member, David Senior (handicap 7) on the 9th. His tee shot ran up past the hole and he sank the lengthy putt coming back.
In the end it was no contest as David Walker ran away with it with 42 Stableford points – a margin of six points. Off a handicap of 35… and isn’t that the beauty of golf? David was quick to thank and praise Dave Saunders for his coaching. (Dave seemed quite happy to accept the praise.) David Hughes came second with 36 points, and David Spears got the script wrong and came third, also with 36 points.
Special prizes were kindly donated by David Golf (naturally), Drummond Golf, Dee Why, and Phil Baird. The Goliath Trophy and a bottle of Manly Spirits gin (to drown his sorrows) went to David Catterick. He won it on a count back (Worst back nine.) David Ower generously donated the gin and there’s a story about that which he’ll happily tell you.
The money raised on the day is going to NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia. The day is dedicated to member David Lockwood who very sadly died of this form of cancer in 2018. His wife, Katherine Staunton, and son Sandy, joined us for the prize giving ceremony. Katherine spoke about this little known and severely underfunded cancer. She also reminisced about David’s pride in winning a couple of Monthly Medals. But even more joyful was when she and David won the Wilkinson Shield, despite her newness to the game!
Finally, David Spears is still waiting for a challenge from the Johns or Michaels of MGC. He’s thinking they must be “in dread of Davids”, but would happily assist in their planning and organisation if a John or Michael cares to contact him. A few lady members have questioned how they could be involved. He wonders whether an aggregation of all the ladies whose name begins with the letter “J” might provide the critical mass required to raise a community. Again, he’d be happy to help as NeuroEndocrine Cancer needs all the funds and awareness it can muster. It’s a great day in a good cause.
The David Trophy raised $850 in much needed funds for NeuroEndocrine Cancer Australia.
