Between 2016 and 2019 our district had a 6-man golf team competing against other southern NSW district teams and also the best Club Pennant teams from the Sydney Metropolitan area in the ERIC APPERLY Pennants competition.
We won through to the final twice, but unfortunately were beaten by a stronger Sydney Club team in both years. Due to the Covid19 Pandemic, and the loss of a number of our best players who turned 22 years old early in 2020, the DGA decided to withdraw the team from the 2020 competition.
GOLF NSW are currently trying to expand the Eric Apperly Competition, which now includes mixed teams (boys and girls), and are likely to again invite the ACT-Monaro to submit a team, with the first contest — against other southern NSW Districts – to be played in AUGUST 2025.
The DGA has formed a small sub-committee (myself, Rick Carswell, Andrew Welsford and GailGoiser) to investigate this possibility.
The committee met on Tuesday 20th May and their conclusion was that we probably had enough low handicap (i.e. around scratch) 21year old (and under) male and female players to form a team, if and when GolfNSW send us a formal invite.
This is exciting news — the District commits significant resources to the annual Pennant program and developing juniors, but not so much to foster golfers after they turn 18 of age.
ARE YOU?, or do you know anyone? who should be part of this possible squad/team — is so, contact Ric Carswell (0411 849 491) or Andrew Welsford (0418 921 270), as soon as possible.
Andrew and Rick have already identified 8 boys and 3 girls, from a number of the District’s clubs, who play off around a scratch handicap, who fit the profile and could form the core of a squad. But perhaps there is some-one they may have missed?
As with the previous team, the District will cover travel, accommodation and meal costs for any individuals who play in such a representative team.
DGA Captain (Jim Jackson)