2024 Tooheys Men’s Club Championships
25 October 2024Media Release – Men’s 2024 Club Championships
Liam Gocher won his maiden club championship at Shelly Beach after a challenging 2 weekends of weather. Liam led from start to finish after an impressive opening round of 72 in one of the most challenging days of wind at Shelly Beach. His 72 gave his a 3 shot lead over defending champion Sean Herden.
Round 2 saw Sam Woolford shoot the low round of the tournament, 68, 3 under par which moved Sam into equal 2nd place. Liam continued his good form shooting 74 which maintained his 3 shot lead over Sam and Sean.
Round 3 was the best conditions of the championship and saw past champion James Swanson shoot the low round of the day, 72 which moved him into contention. Liam continued his consistent form shooting 75, although he didn’t make the start that he’s hoped. After hitting his tee shot long on the 13th hole, his ball finished out of bounds. His provisional was hit into the trees which couldn’t be found so Liam headed back to the tee to play his 5th shot. He held his nerve to make a par with his 3rd ball to score 7, 4 over par on the hole. He didn’t let a bad hole get him down and bounced back with an eagle 3 on the 15th hole to maintain his momentum.
The final round was played in another challenging day of wind on the course, with both Liam and James shooting the equal low score of the day, 77 joining Andrew Arkins, Steve Fisher and Connor Rigby who all shot 77. With the senior (over 50) golfers dominating the club championships in recent years, a strong rivalry has developed between the younger and older golfers. 2024 was the year of the younger brigade to take bragging rights for the next 12 months with Liam cruising to victory by 8 shots over runner up James Swanson.
Archie Morris continued his recent good form defending his title from last year to become a dual junior champion and James Swanson went on the win this year’s senior championship. In form junior golfer Owen Herden won the Betty Bourne trophy for shooting the lowest nett score over the 4 rounds by a junior.
