Dick Cleland shows he is a master of the greatest test of golf, the stroke round. Dick swept the field away in the handicap competition scoring a net 65 for the second time in the 3 qualifying rounds played so far. Dick had 81 off the stick despite a disastrous 8 on 17 after losing a ball. In other developments, colourful local identity Philip “Thomo” Thomson completed his first qualifying round despite severe pain from a back injury.
Thomo must play next week to have a chance of qualifying for the finals. Knowing what a nuggety little fighter he is we are sure he will be there next week. Russell “Gus The Good Guy” Wenzel has tightened his grip on top spot in A grade with 83 gross, while C grade is emerging as the competition to watch with last year’s finalists separated by 1 stroke after 3 rounds.
Handicap results for Saturday were Dick Cleland 65, Darryl Venning & Gus The Good Guy, 72, Matt Opperman & Eddie “The Flying Dutchman” Van Keulen 74, Gordon “The Chook Man” Kakoschke, David “Robbie” Robinson & Neil Webster 75, Andy Phillips 76, Michael “Tickers” Tickner 78, Thomo 80, Garth Watts (Echunga) 81, the mercurial Bob Taylor & Chris “Critta” Waters 83.
The Mars Bar went to Bill McMahon who made a welcome return after some absence, with 85.
The Count Putts comp went to Dick Cleland with 25 putts.
Next Saturday is the final chance to qualify.
Progressive scores in the Championships (best 2 rounds) are:
| A grade | Gross |
| Russell “Gus The Good Guy” Wenzel | 163 |
| Matt Opperman | 170 |
| David “Robbie” Robinson | 176 |
| Andy Phillips | 178 |
| Michael “Tickers” Tickner | 181 |
| B Grade | |
| Dick Cleland | 164 |
| Gordon “The Chook Man” Kakoschke | 193 |
| C Grade | |
| Eddie “The Flying Dutchman” Van Keulen | 197 |
| Neil Webster | 198 |
| Darryl Venning | 209 |
| Bob Taylor | 210 |
| Bob Perry | 220 |