The November Medal – Records, Rivalries, and Remarkable Rounds
The blue tees were set, the greens were slick, and the Kelvin “Breeze” didn't even show it's face today. Despite it all, Queenstown’s finest took to the fairways for the Monthly Medal Competition, and what unfolded was one for the club’s storybooks.
It seems David Grant missed the red polo memo. Russell Thoms and Dave Harding did not.
Overall Winner – The Round of a Lifetime
James Bortolli was the man of the moment, delivering what can only be described as the round of his life — an 82 off the stick, translating to a net 65 to win not only Division 2 but the overall Monthly Medal Tankard for November.
It was pure, composed golf — fairways found, putts rolled, and a grin that grew wider with every hole. When he tapped in on the 18th, the clubhouse erupted. The tankard’s his, and by all accounts, the beer tasted just a little better than usual.
Division Highlights
Division 1 – Consistency at its Classiest
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Conor O’Boyle (66) – A stunning round that would’ve taken most weeks’ honours, but even Conor’s trademark precision couldn’t outshine James this time.
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Darren Hill (71) – Smooth tempo and a silky short game.
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Dylan Street (71) – Matched Darren on points and swagger.
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Stephen McAteer (72) – Another reliable round from a player in form.
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Joel Hasselman (72) – Solid and steady, never far from contention.
Division 2 – The Battle Beneath the Brilliance
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James Bortolli (65) – Best round ever. Full stop.
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Tim McCormick (67) – Cool under pressure and a 2 on the par-3 7th — more on that soon.
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Neil Watson (68) – Sharp play from tee to green.
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Evan Merritt (71) – Always there or thereabouts.
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William Young (71) and Bruce Boivin (71) – Consistent performers keeping Division 2 competitive.
Division 3 – The Tightest of Tussles
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Matt Groves (68) – Calm, collected, and clutch when it counted.
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Bruce Cunningham (68) – Matched him blow for blow, edged only on countback.
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Russell Thoms (69) and Toby McDonald (69) – Both solid throughout.
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Brent Carlsson (70), Jim Cullen (70), Sean McSparron (70), and Zach Cuff (70) – a packed leaderboard where every stroke mattered.
Twos Club – The Sharpshooters
The twos came thick and fast across the field, with seven precision putters cashing in:
Quinton Thompson, Tim McCormick, Sean McSparron, Ian Browne, Zach Cuff, Greg Carter, and David Clearwater each slotted home their birdie putts for $12 apiece.
Steady hands and smooth strokes — the difference between a grin and a groan.
Double Whammy on Hole #12
It was the hole that kept on giving — a double jackpot on the par-3 12th, with both Birdies and Net Eagles drawn on the same hole!
Evan Merritt, Danny King, and Stephen McAteer each walked away with a tidy combined payout haul, pocketing both the $27 Birdie and $111 Net Eagle bonuses. Not a bad day’s work for one swing!
Special Mentions
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Nearest the Pin (Hole 11) – Sean McSparron, pin-high and perfect.
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Nearest the Pin (Hole 7) – Tim McCormick, proving his accuracy isn’t limited to medal scoring.
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Longest Putt (Hole 18) – Zach Cuff, rolling in a beauty to end the round on a high note.
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Random Card Draw ($50) – James Sowerby, earning himself a little clubhouse credit for his trouble.
4BBB Semi-Final Drama
The semi-finals of the 4BBB competition brought fireworks of their own.
Slade Thomas and Troy Murdoch took down the formidable pairing of John Leith and Russell “Digger” Moore with a good trouncing in a thrilling match that had everything — clutch birdies, bold putts, and a touch of friendly sledging.
Slade and Troy now move on to face the wily veterans Bruce Cunningham and Holmes Byars in what’s shaping up to be an epic 36-hole final showdown next Saturday. Expect strategy, grit, and maybe a little gamesmanship from both sides.
Ladies’ Medal – Round 1 Complete
Today marked Round 1 of 2 in the Ladies’ Medal competition, so we’ll hold off crowning the champion until Tuesday’s second round — but the early action was exciting:
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Nearest the Pin (Hole 11) – Suzanne Vidak, right on target for $10.
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Birdies Draw (Hole 2) – Marti Groves, adding $10 to her account.
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Net Eagles Draw (Hole 16) – Sue Cunningham, with $10 heading her way.
A tight leaderboard sets the stage for an exciting Tuesday finish — stay tuned!
Judy Sim, Jo Denton and Marti Groves- this was from Yesterday when Julie Grant and Judy Sim took on Jo and Marti in a quarter final of the ladies Beryl Stevens 4BBB competition. Jo and Marti emerged victorious.
In Summary
It was one of those Saturdays that remind us why we love this game — perfect conditions, great company, and golf that inspired awe, laughter, and the occasional “what was that bounce?”.
James Bortolli’s tankard-winning performance was the headline act, but from the twos and eagles to the ongoing 4BBB drama, Queenstown Golf Club delivered another weekend worth remembering.
Until next week — keep your drives long, your irons crisp, and your excuses creative.