Thursday's 9 Hole Stableford was played in mostly glorious conditions, with the sun shining, the wind dying off and the course looking magnificent. If the weather gods are listening, we'd happily put in an order for a repeat performance on Saturday, despite what the forecast may be threatening.

The scoring was every bit as pleasant as the conditions, with Jeffrey Morrison and Grant Hardy locked together on 21 points. Jeffrey eventually claimed the honours on countback, while Mike Rivers sat just one point behind with an excellent 20-point round. In fact, the leaderboard was tighter than a new pair of golf shoes, with just four points separating the top ten.

Stableford Results

1st – Jeffrey Morrison – 21 pts – $30

2nd – Grant Hardy – 21 pts – $26

3rd – Mike Rivers – 20 pts – $20

4th – Mike Clement – 18 pts – $15

5th – Darren Hill – 18 pts – $15

6th – Bill Grant – 18 pts – $15

7th – Simon Hayes – 17 pts – $10

8th – Alan Brown – 17 pts – $10

9th – Steve Moore – 17 pts – $10

10th – Rodney Clay – 17 pts – $10

Once again, the winter 9-hole format proved that every shot counts. A good hole here, a missed putt there, and suddenly the difference between first prize and tenth place can be measured in the thickness of a scorecard.

Congratulations to all of our prize winners and thanks to everyone who enjoyed another cracking day on the course. With sunshine like that and scoring as close as ever, winter golf continues to punch well above its weight.

Now all eyes turn to Saturday, and while the forecast might be trying to spoil the fun, we're choosing optimism. After all, if Queenstown weather has taught us anything, it's that Mother Nature occasionally enjoys proving the weather apps wrong. Fingers crossed we can sneak another beauty through.