Getting into the swing

Leading Aircraftman John Bell contemplates his next shot during the 2003 ADF Golf Association National Championships.

By Andrew Stackpool

GOLFERS faced tough competition at the 2003 ADF Golf Association National Championships held in Canberra.

The event drew 144 people to the Federal Golf Club from December 9-12.

Leading Aircraftman John Bell of RAAF Edinburgh had a close win from No.1 Squadron’s Sergeant Mike Hofmeier to become 2003 Air Force Champion. Warrant Officer Lainie Thorn from Defence Recruiting Melbourne won the National Women’s Champion with Flight Sergeant Roelfina Jarvis taking home the Ladies Nett trophy.

Flight Sergeant Keith Pepper blitzed his way to become the 2003 RAAF Nett Champion.

Corporal Pat Feary and Sergeant Alf Hitchcock won the Reservist/Civilian events.

Scores for the championship events were obtained off the stick, while Nett winners were obtained after individual handicaps were factored to the results.

LAC Bell described the conditions and competition as of a very high standard.

“I knew the Federal Golf Club quite well and the field was pretty good. I feel any of the guys who went on the New Zealand trip plus a couple of others had a chance to win. I didn’t have a clue where I was placed until I checked the board after the fourth round.”

Contested over 72 holes of stroke play, the titles comprised the Single Service, State Teams and Team Championships. The Single Service Champion (ADF, Army, Navy and Air Force) was determined by the top score of each individual while the team Championships were determined by the top 10 scores from each service team.
Army won the Single Service Championship, but Air Force players did their bit to see the Queensland Combined Services side win the State Teams Championship.

The 2004 Championships will be played at the Federal Golf Club from December 6-10. Entry forms will be available in July from the ADFGA website at www.sportscentreoz.com/adfgaindex.htm.

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