Last report for the season and what a thrilling way to finish!  The Sanderson Cup will have Grange engraved as the winners for 2021.

During the week leading up to the day, the players went to Glenelg to have a hit and practice on the course where the Grand Final was to be played.  Added challenge was going to be that our opponent was Glenelg on their home course.  A special video message from one of our Club’s Ambassadors, Anna Meares, was sent to the players and I am sure her words were taken on board going into the match.

The Glenelg Golf Club presented the course in competition condition and even though cold, the weather was kind for the players and spectators.

Losing the toss, Glenelg showed us the way from the 1st Tee.  At the time I didn’t know what a stressful day it was going to be – too close to relax for four hours!  First to head down the fairway was Sue Dob against Sarah Crocker.  The contest was close all day, at the 9th Sue was 2 up and playing well but Sarah came back using local knowledge to gain the lead and win 2/1.   Louise Glennon was next to hit off against Eliza Baker.  Lou was square for the first 5 holes and couldn’t get in front for the round and was 2 down coming into the 17th.  Gallantly, Lou won both the 17th and 18th and headed back down the 1st to eventually lose on the 19th.  Emily Smith was next up against her opponent Elysia Yap.  Emily was 2 up for most of the first 9 and headed down the 10th 1 up.  After a couple of unforgiving holes was back to square but with a good 12th, followed by a brilliant shot onto the green on the 13th was back to 2 up going to the 14th.  Emily came home to have a well-deserved win 2/1.   Millie Whinney was the fourth player up against Jade Kinita.  Millie took a few holes to settle, but she still finished the front nine 2 up.  On the Par 3 11th, with several Grange spectators at the green, Millie’s thrilled us with a fantastic tee shot that nearly went in but just skimmed passed the hole.  Millie then took control of the match and went on to have an impressive 4/3 win. Last to tee off was Jin-Young Yun against Shakira Kuys.  It was a pleasure to watch Jin-Young play.  Even when she went rogue on the 2nd hole – up the hill, in the trees and way off the fairway, straight into a bunker, she still had a Birdie! The Grange spectators had moved to the 17th green and Jin-Young gave us all what we were after, winning 2/1 and our third player over the line to win 3 matches to 2 and the 2021 Sanderson Cup.

Thank you to the rest of the team who do a great job – the indispensable caddies, who I am sure play every stroke with their player.  Thank you also to the many Grange spectators who came out for the Grand Final, including Emily’s parents from Victoria!  The players really appreciated the support and encouragement given to them throughout the day.

Congratulations Jin-Young, Millie, Emily, Louise and Sue on winning the Grand Final and bringing the silverware back to The Grange – you achieved the best outcome for your Club, and we are all very proud.

Joy Prior
Sanderson Cup Team Manager