PORTARLINGTON GOLF CLUBTaylor made for Port greens
The form player of the 2024 PGA Legends Tour just got even hotter.
Queenslander Chris Taylor saluted in a tight Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am at Portarlington on Tuesday, fending off a host of challengers for a one-shot victory.
His four-under-par 68 edged out five players – Michael Isherwood, Euan Walters, Ben Jackson, David Miles and tournament drawcard Peter Lonard – on 69 in the first event on Australian soil for the 2024 season.
Highly fancied trio Terry Price, Peter Fowler and Lucien Tinkler were among another group at 70, while the popular Mark Allen and 2023 order of merit champion Andre Stolz – the day’s unluckiest player – were in another band at 71.
The win, already Taylor’s third in the nine events of the 2024 season, looked anything but likely after he started on Portarlington’s 18th hole and was yet to hit a green in regulation by the time he stood on the sixth tee.
But a white-hot putter kept the Hervey Bay pro in the hunt and when the long game clicked into gear, he rolled in five birdies in seven holes from the seventh to charge clear.
And even as his playing partners fell victim to the mid-course hospitality tents, Taylor – third at Portarlington last year – kept his cool with only the one bogey on the tough par-4 15th.
“It’s one of those courses that you can score really well on, but there are a few holes out there that can really bring you back to earth quickly, so I was glad to miss out on that damage with my short game today,” said Taylor, who paid tribute to the groundstaff for the immaculate greens.
“We had a great day in our team, I stayed away from the bar out there and my putter behaved, so it was great.
“The greens looked slow but they rolled out really nicely and on that pure surface, if you get the ball on line, the ball will go in.
“The surrounds and the fairways are second to none, probably the best we play on nearly all year, so there were no excuses with the putter.
“And that’s what I did today – I made 90 per cent of them, but even the ones that I did miss just ran over the edges.
“I didn’t hit it that great, but overall I got away with it.”
Taylor, 52, who won twice in the recent New Zealand swing, had a purple patch last year, winning three events in a row in August-September, including the three-round PNG Senior Open.
“It’s nice to be in a bit of form and make a flying start to the season … hopefully I can keep it going.”
Stolz, along with Price the defending champion, looked set to repeat his 2023 victory when he charged to five under through the generally tougher back nine after starting on the 10th.
He missed a couple of shortish chances to extend his lead on the third and fourth, but came to grief on the seventh in the most unfortunate of circumstances.
Stolz ripped his approach to the par-4 to kick-in range, but when he leant down to repair his pitch mark next to the hole, realised he’d hit his playing partner’s ball.
The resultant triple-bogey seven dropped him from the hunt.
Of the other main drawcards, Mike Clayton, Nick O’Hern and Mark Tickle each had 75 to share 34th.
PROFESSIONAL LEADERBOARD
ALL THE WINNERS
Eat, drink and have a ball!
Sometimes when you run a public event, the promotional path you need to tread is obvious.
But there’s so much going on at the Portarlington Golf Club on February 19-20, it’s too hard to make that choice.
On Tuesday, February 20, the third annual PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am will be played, proudly presented by new sponsor Sheen Panel Service.
The partnership with Sheen, whose Bellarine manager Josh Hewlett represents its shops in Ocean Grove and Drysdale, has enabled what was already an award-winning event to go the next level.
Aside from their physical presence with on-course activations, Sheen’s partnership with the club has permitted the expansion of the Skins Game concept introduced so successfully last year.
Chief executive Michael Phillips said the Skins Game, to be held as a forerunner to the Pro-Am on Monday, February 19, will now be just one of a whole host of entertainment options on the club’s beautifully manicured lawns.
“The Skins Game concept came about last year at the last minute but still proved really popular with some of the top pros playing a few holes around the clubhouse precinct for cash jackpots, including our own resident professional Matt Milne,” Phillips said.
“But this year, with a bit more time to organise things, we really wanted to expand this concept to include something for everyone, whether they’re golf fans or just like chilling outside in a beautiful setting.
“Our staff and partners are co-ordinating a tent village that will be the backdrop to another Skins Game, but mostly a hub of entertainment and fun for all members and visitors.
“We’ll have brilliant food with gourmet barbecue options provided by Doug Unsworth and his team at Parkers Steakhouse and a selection of wood-fired pizzas from our kitchen – all at heavily subsidised prices.
“We’ll have a bar outside, but even better with one of our village tents to provide tastings from our good friends at The Whiskery and another with samples and more from local winemaker Scotchman’s Hill.
“There’ll be live music from one of favourite regulars Craig Sayer, plus really handy information booths from other partners including Kieser and Lifestyle Communities.
“The Portarlington Football and Netball Club will continue to ramp up for its big season ahead with a membership booth flanked by an old-fashioned handball competition.
“We’ll also hold a putting competition on the practice green next to the pro shop, so the whole area around the clubhouse will be a hive of activity.”
The main event will also come with some added bonuses for golfers on hand, with two master classes run by the PGA legends on site.
Defending joint champion Terry Price will host a shot-shaping demo, while there’ll also be a short-game clinic with American Perry Parker for those needing some advice with wedge in hand.
“Then the Skins Game itself should be epic,” Phillips said.
“Matt had a lot of support last year and I’m sure he’ll have a band of hardcore supporters again, but he might just need them going up against Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler and our two defending champions in Andre Stolz and Terry Price.
“Be sure to come along, there really will be something for everyone.
“And then to have the focus of the Aussie golfing community for the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am on Tuesday will make it a great couple of days to be around the club.”
Sheen joins Port family
The club heartily welcomes new partner Sheen Panel Service as the naming rights sponsor of the club’s annual Legends Tour pro-am.
Some at the club might already have met new member Josh Hewlett, who oversees Sheen’s Ocean Grove and Drysdale shops. If not, please make him welcome and thank his company for their support of a great day on our calendar, this year to be played on 20 February.
“We are delighted to have the Sheen team on board for our pro-am,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.
“They’ve got some great ideas to help us grow the tournament, but just as importantly, Josh wants to get involved across the club and be part of its fabric with us all through the year.
“Tee up a game with Josh and – touch wood you don’t need to worry about this – keep Sheen at the forefront of your mind if you or your family have a little fender bender.”
Josh, a skillful left-hander whose game will thrive if and when work permits, is equally thrilled that Sheen has become a valued partner of Portarlington Golf Club.
“We want to be a part of the Bellarine community and keep things local for as many of us as possible,” he said.
“So fingers crossed you don’t need to see me professionally too often, but remember we’re there if you need us and I’d love to see you around the club on a social basis.”
Following the success of what was effectively an impromptu Skins Game last year, plans are in train to have that fan favourite back again in 2024, this time on 19 February.
We can confirm that Matt Milne has already secretly gone into training to try to wrestle a few bucks out of the touring pros’ pockets in Skins Game 2.
But we’re also working on an afternoon of fun on the lawn outside the clubhouse with food, music and maybe even a couple of “master classes” from the pros.
Stay tuned, more information soon!
2024 Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro Am
Pro-Am draws released
The draws for Tuesday’s Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am have been completed.
Registration for the AM field starts from 7am near the pro shop, with the event proper to begin at 8am.
Registration for the PM field starts from 11am in the East Wing of the clubhouse, with the event proper to start at 1pm.
Please note that the draws are subject to change and will be updated as soon as possible should that happen.
Thanks, we’re excited to see you all here on Tuesday!
- AM Field Draw V3
- PM Field Draw V4
Your chance to join the action
Entries are now open to participate in the 2024 Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am.
If you want a chance to play with and compete against some of the legendary names of Australian golf - including Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler, Nick O’Hern, Mike Clayton and Terry Price – be sure to register while space permits.
It’s only $75 to play in the morning field (8am shotgun start) or $95 to play in the afternoon field (1pm shotgun start).
Entry includes entry into all the day’s on-course events – individual and team events as well as special hole-by-hole competitions during the day – plus two meals (before and after) for each field.
A presentation ceremony will follow the afternoon’s play.
Sheen joins Port family
The club heartily welcomes new partner Sheen Panel Service as the naming rights sponsor of the club’s annual Legends Tour pro-am.
Some at the club might already have met new member Josh Hewlett, who oversees Sheen’s Ocean Grove and Drysdale shops. If not, please make him welcome and thank his company for their support of a great day on our calendar, this year to be played on 20 February.
“We are delighted to have the Sheen team on board for our pro-am,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.
“They’ve got some great ideas to help us grow the tournament, but just as importantly, Josh wants to get involved across the club and be part of its fabric with us all through the year.
“Tee up a game with Josh and – touch wood you don’t need to worry about this – keep Sheen at the forefront of your mind if you or your family have a little fender bender.”
Josh, a skillful left-hander whose game will thrive if and when work permits, is equally thrilled that Sheen has become a valued partner of Portarlington Golf Club.
“We want to be a part of the Bellarine community and keep things local for as many of us as possible,” he said.
“So fingers crossed you don’t need to see me professionally too often, but remember we’re there if you need us and I’d love to see you around the club on a social basis.”
Following the success of what was effectively an impromptu Skins Game last year, plans are in train to have that fan favourite back again in 2024, this time on 19 February.
We can confirm that Matt Milne has already secretly gone into training to try to wrestle a few bucks out of the touring pros’ pockets in Skins Game 2.
But we’re also working on an afternoon of fun on the lawn outside the clubhouse with food, music and maybe even a couple of “master classes” from the pros.
Stay tuned, more information soon!
Eat, drink and have a ball!
Sometimes when you run a public event, the promotional path you need to tread is obvious.
But there’s so much going on at the Portarlington Golf Club on February 19-20, it’s too hard to make that choice.
On Tuesday, February 20, the third annual PGA Legends Tour Pro-Am will be played, proudly presented by new sponsor Sheen Panel Service.
The partnership with Sheen, whose Bellarine manager Josh Hewlett represents its shops in Ocean Grove and Drysdale, has enabled what was already an award-winning event to go the next level.
Aside from their physical presence with on-course activations, Sheen’s partnership with the club has permitted the expansion of the Skins Game concept introduced so successfully last year.
Chief executive Michael Phillips said the Skins Game, to be held as a forerunner to the Pro-Am on Monday, February 19, will now be just one of a whole host of entertainment options on the club’s beautifully manicured lawns.
“The Skins Game concept came about last year at the last minute but still proved really popular with some of the top pros playing a few holes around the clubhouse precinct for cash jackpots, including our own resident professional Matt Milne,” Phillips said.
“But this year, with a bit more time to organise things, we really wanted to expand this concept to include something for everyone, whether they’re golf fans or just like chilling outside in a beautiful setting.
“Our staff and partners are co-ordinating a tent village that will be the backdrop to another Skins Game, but mostly a hub of entertainment and fun for all members and visitors.
“We’ll have brilliant food with gourmet barbecue options provided by Doug Unsworth and his team at Parkers Steakhouse and a selection of wood-fired pizzas from our kitchen – all at heavily subsidised prices.
“We’ll have a bar outside, but even better with one of our village tents to provide tastings from our good friends at The Whiskery and another with samples and more from local winemaker Scotchman’s Hill.
“There’ll be live music from one of favourite regulars Craig Sayer, plus really handy information booths from other partners including Kieser and Lifestyle Communities.
“The Portarlington Football and Netball Club will continue to ramp up for its big season ahead with a membership booth flanked by an old-fashioned handball competition.
“We’ll also hold a putting competition on the practice green next to the pro shop, so the whole area around the clubhouse will be a hive of activity.”
The main event will also come with some added bonuses for golfers on hand, with two master classes run by the PGA legends on site.
Defending joint champion Terry Price will host a shot-shaping demo, while there’ll also be a short-game clinic with American Perry Parker for those needing some advice with wedge in hand.
“Then the Skins Game itself should be epic,” Phillips said.
“Matt had a lot of support last year and I’m sure he’ll have a band of hardcore supporters again, but he might just need them going up against Peter Lonard, Peter Fowler and our two defending champions in Andre Stolz and Terry Price.
“Be sure to come along, there really will be something for everyone.
“And then to have the focus of the Aussie golfing community for the Sheen Panel Service Legends Pro-Am on Tuesday will make it a great couple of days to be around the club.”
Longest day legends shine at Port
Immense generosity.
That’s the overwhelming sentiment on so many levels after the Portarlington Golf Club was central to raising more than $21,000 for the Cancer Council in this week’s “Longest Day in Golf”.
With donations still rolling in to congratulate all the players who toiled their way through – in some cases – more than 12 hours of golf, the count at time of writing was $21,200.
“It’s an extraordinary response and that’s genuinely an amazing number,” chief executive Michael Phillips said.
“There was an amazing vibe around the course throughout the day – I know some loonies, just kidding, I mean players, were away at first light at 5.40am.
“And from that point on until after 7pm, there was just an immense spirit of commitment, teamwork and generosity which made that amazing donation possible.”
Leading the way for Port – as he has for four years now – was the indefatigable Trung Truong, who looked like the Pied Piper at times out on course.
Trung was joined by several of his great mates for the majority of his day - including Darren Hellmann, who played all 72 holes with the event’s spiritual leader. Gary Stafford also walked the whole 72, playing the majority of the way.
But Trung’s tribe was intermittently joined by dozens of spectators, caddies and a whole swag of players who chimed in for nine, 18 or some times many more holes to be part of the atmosphere.
Trung and Darren, accompanied home by the bagpipes of long-time member Bill Ogilvie, were responsible for raising $4245 of the overall total.
“It’s just great to have so many people supporting the cause – amazing to have so many people walking around with me as we go,” Trung said.
Members of “Trung’s Tribe” were epic in their support all day long.
But it was largely just members and their guests who were the backbone of the effort.
Mark Hayes invited some members of the sporting media to the course, with Front Bar host Andy Maher and former AFL stars David King and Daniel Harford among the groups, along with local identity and medico David Walder.
Mark added to the day’s party vibe with a rare hole-in-one on the 17th – the 71st hole of his group’s day – which sent a roar reverberating around the course.
Members Toby Prime and Ryan Reynolds invited former Age journalist Damien Ractliffe.
And past members Hugh Orton and Patrick Taylor returned to their old stomping ground.
But impressively, a few new faces also came along.
Nina Ibbotson and Christine Noble ploughed brilliantly through 36 holes in their first attempt at anything of this ilk, raising almost $1000 between them and engaging many fellow female members to join them on course.
Associate professional Max Edmanson was joined by Matt Whiting and even more impressively by rising junior star Jackson McGrath, who not only conquered the four rounds, but raised a staggering $723 off his own bat!
The day would not have happened, though, without some powerful “back-room” contributions.
Firstly the membership should be congratulated for not only offering their financial and moral support, but also for graciously giving up access to the course for the day.
Head pro Matt Milne forewent green fees for the day to make an enormous contribution in an unsung way, while the groundstaff and volunteers not only worked around the early starters, but were forced into heavy-duty work to get the old barbecue into position.
Which brings us to the absolute heroes of the day – the Edmanson family (with some great volunteer help from Sean Rodwell and others) who kept everyone fed, watered and entertained with the sausage sizzle and drinks at the first tee. Jen and Rick did a power of work in many ways – including the party hole music – for which all the players were extremely grateful.
That hospitality later extended into the clubhouse where several staff members gave up their Christmas party to keep things afloat, with Richard and Nic making pizzas for the players and Caz and her team serving them all with a smile.
A big shout also to Coca-Cola for their generous sponsorship of the drinks for the day, while there has rarely been more enjoyment of any sausage in history than those provided by Bellarine Country Butchers with Nicky Beeston even rolling in an emergency back-up supply as the tiring golfers grew hungry.
130 Hood Road, Portarlington, VIC, 3223
Reception: +61 3 5259 2492
Pro Shop: +61 3 5259 3361
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