A club spokesperson said Brodie spoke briefly of how he came to be a member at the club, being encouraged by his fellow Avenel Football Club members to come along and have a go at golf.
“He said that his early golfing days were filled with frustration and high scores, but he persevered and soon had his handicap to a level where he felt he was competitive,” the spokesperson said.
“Tom enjoyed many years playing at Avenel and was a member of several winning pennant teams over the years.
“He spoke of the importance of having volunteers around the club and remarked how good the course was looking.
“Unfortunately, Tom wasn’t able to join us for golf. However, he did make the opening shot for the day, sinking a 15-foot putt, much to the delight of the crowd and, indeed, himself.
“Thank you, Tom, for making yourself available to open this year’s season.”
The game for the day was a three-person Ambrose and the club welcomed some new faces, along with some returning members.
Early rain cleared and it turned into a perfect day for golf.
Dhana Furlanetto teamed up with Campbell and Alex Smith and they looked to have the score on the board having carded an excellent 62⅔ nett, however Team Eddy — namely Bill and sons Rich and Matt — rocked in with a fantastic 60⅔ nett, having shot 69 off the stick.
A stewards enquiry was suggested and there was mention of taking urine samples. However, the enquiry was quashed and Team Eddy was duly announced the winner.
Runners-up Furlanetto and Alex Smith remarked they were only along for the ride as young Campbell Smith carried them both.
“Special thanks to Rachel Smith for providing a selection of hand-crafted beanies for the runners-up prizes,” the club spokesperson said.
“A big thank you to all who brought goodies to share for afternoon tea and to Marlene Hull for getting it all ready for the hungry golfers.
“Marlene has also put raffle booklets together for our Mothers’ Day raffle and members are asked to sell and return their booklets/money prior to May 11 when it will be drawn following golf that day.
“Also, please donate something for the prize hamper.”
Nearest-the-pins went to Mark Hannigan on the fifth, Lyn Carracher on the eighth, Scoota Donovan on the 14th and Rich Eddy on the 18th.
The men’s pennant team travelled to Trentham on Sunday, April 7, to take on the team from Woodend and came away with another victory, albeit a close one.
The match was tied at two-all and captain Jed Smith was three down with four to play. He rallied to force the match down the 19th and secured the win on the 20th.
In other games, Mark Hannigan had another strong 6 and 5 win, as did Campbell Smith with a 5 and 3 win. Dale Smith and Tim Batten were unlucky, going down 2 and 1 and 2-down respectively.
Next week, the team ventures south to Kilmore to take on Hidden Valley.
This Saturday, the game is par and the challenge is to get a positive score.
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