By
Andrew Stackpool
AIR
Force golfers defeated long-time rival HMAS Albatross 5- 2 in
the grand final of the 2004 Sir David Martin Trophy late last
year.
The Naval Air Station had been unbeaten in the competition since
1997, and had won against Air Force 4-3 in the 2003 grand final.
It was also the first time a non-Navy team had won the coveted
trophy.
Team captain Warrant Officer Murray Spriggs from RAAF Base Richmond
said the team members were anxious as the groups (ranking number
seven to one) started. They had been in this position in 2003.
“As team captain and organiser I was certainly apprehensive,”
he said.
As they finished, the groups gathered round the 18th hole and
slowly the progressive score built up. Finally the word came through
that Air Force had the trophy.
“At that point relief and happiness absolutely engulfed the team,”
WOFF Spriggs said.
“All competitors remained round the 18th to welcome [the remaining
players] in.”
“Albatross played well and their scores showed that they continued
the battle until the final hole. Overall, it was a closely fought
and competitive grand final.”
