State triumph for golfers

• Bridport golfers Karlene Cuthbertson, Trish Nichol, Helen Davies and Raylene Taylor get to grips with the Barclay Shield, but only briefly.

By Tony Scott,
September 29, 2021

After several years of trying Bridport golf ladies have won the annual Barclay Shield for Statewide foursomes competition.

The pairings of Helen Davies and Trish Nichol and Karlene Cuthbertson and Raylene Taylor had to contend with tough conditions on the Mowbray course to triumph.

Davies said the club has a tradition of competing in the annual competition, in its 45th year.

“We’ve come close before, but this is the first time we’ve won.”

A field of 68 teams from throughout the State took part.

“Our home course is only nine holes, so we’re pretty chuffed to beat the teams from the bigger clubs.”

Playing on their home course, the Mowbray team finished second.

Bridport won with an aggregate of 157.5 compared to runners-up Mowbray with 161.

Bridport pair Helen Davies and Trish Nichol had the best 18-hole nett with a score of 75.5.

Organisers had to carefully consider allowing the competition to go ahead after the possibility of lightning was forecast.

In fact, it was very windy and freezing cold, but there was no rain during play.

Golf Tasmania’s Stuart Eaton presented the winners with the perpetual shield, which commemorates three sisters who helped promote golf in Tasmania.

The club name will be added to the shield, which resides with Golf Tasmania, while team members received $200 in vouchers and a medallion each from Golf Australia to keep.

One of member the quartet, Karlene Cuthbertson, is a fairly recent devotee to golf after an introduction via the Club’s Get into Golf program.

Golf Australia’s State development manager, Simon Weston, congratulated their success and the club’s activism. 

“Golf Australia is very proud of the achievements of Bridport Golf Club. The club has been proactive in offering MyGolf junior and Get into Golf adult participation programs, resulting in new golfers coming to the game.

“For a regional club to embrace Golf Australia's philosophy of ‘More Australians playing more golf’ is great to see.

“Mandy Hall, Helen Davies, Lindy Lockhart and Trish Nichol have been promoted for their efforts Australia-wide. 

“We encourage more clubs to follow the lead taken by Bridport golf club,” Mr Weston said.