Despite the oppressive heat (36 on Saturday and 41 on Sunday) we saw nine players for the first round on Saturday and eight players for the second round on Sunday including two players from interstate (NSW). Play kicked off at around 2pm on Saturday with three groups of three setting out on the 18 hole course. For the competition nine additional tee placements were created similar to the GSO with a few modifications to keep things interesting.

For those not phased by the heat, the addition of strong winds was enough to make it a tough contest for all participants. Rather than a constant predictable breeze, players were treated to fierce, gusty, swirling winds. Specialised drivers started coming out of the arsenal in an attempt to combat discs flipping over and rolling off the fairway. At least a few players managed to find water around the course with their discs, some taking the opportunity to attempt to cool off and search for their disc (though Luke described the water as having a boiled layer followed by warm water, not the most refreshing).

The ‘Hulk’ (Luke Williams) Photo: Albert Munoz

On the first day, Albert Munoz had a hot round shooting a 66 (-4) despite taking a double bogey on the last hole after slipping on the tee (Albert, not one to let it go, replayed the hole while others were relaxing at the Proshop). Unfortunately we didn’t see a repeat of Albert’s ace on hole 2 during practice on Friday, so as yet, no competition aces have been recorded at Whittlesea. Dan Hartley had the next best round with 70 (e). Tim Baker managed to park his drive on hole 17 to record the only birdie on the hole for the entire tournament.

We were fortunate to attract a new player to the event, Graeme Ramsey who played the Saturday round after seeking out Disc Golf information at the Ultimate Fields practice session. Hopefully we will see more of Graeme at other Disc Golf events in the future. It was great to see at least one woman in the field with the Australian Open Disc Golf champion Kathrin Centler entering the Classic. All players were exhausted after day one, but there was always time to shop at the mobile Sydney Flying Discs shop which Luke brought with him.

Players and their partners all enjoyed a fine meal at La Porchetta on Saturday evening. We were also lucky to be joined by Whittlesea Disc Golf Club Secretary, Charlie Castles, and his lovely wife Beatrice.

Dan ‘The Man’ Hartley Photo: Albert Munoz

The second day, while hotter in temperature, offered more comfortable playing conditions due to very strong wind and smart players who took Ian White’s tip of a wet towel around the neck (or Dan Hartley who stashed an ice pack in his hat). Of course while more comfortable, the stronger winds generally resulted in more strokes for most players. Two groups of four were made for the second day, based loosely on score (and tardiness). Albert started the day with a convincing 6 stroke lead.

Luke Williams showed the most significant improvement over his first round shooting a 66 (-4) with most other players not able to match their performance form the previous day. Albert’s drive off hole 10 (which is very visible from the Proshop) created a raucous when his disc turned over and rolled up the fairway to a location which would be considered a very long drive on the much shorter hole 1 tee. After a soft approach, Albert sunk a long putt to take a birdie, the only player to birdie hole 10 (which he did in both rounds).

Ian Bycroft Photo: Albert Munoz

Luke got to within three strokes of Albert but at the end of the day Albert took away the top spot with Luke coming in second place and Dan Hartley third. Needless to say, Kathrin took out the women’s division uncontested and took home a new disc golf bag courtesy of Stuart Jones. Albert was awarded a Ching Skillshot basket. Both NSW players tell us they were guided by the voice of Kurt Karlsson during their rounds, repeating the mantra of ‘play it smart’. Seems to have worked with the Victorian players relegated to third place and beyond.

We would all like to thank Stuart Jones for organising the event despite the relatively small number of players involved and providing prizes to the winners. All players showed true dedication to the sport in extreme heat and wind conditions. Congratulations to all those who got out there.

Paul Arden

Results Oceania Disc Golf Classic
Saturday 21st January and Sunday 22nd January

Complete Results Breakdown