Following the 2023 Pennant Finals on Sunday 9th July, we held our annual end of season dinner in the Club’s dining room. Our men’s, women’s and junior teams all came together to celebrate the season that was, and to acknowledge those players who had an exceptional season.
SIMPSON CUP
After a season of convincing wins and narrow losses, two of our players were named in the Simpson Cup Team of the Year. Congratulations to Billy Cawthorne and Will Arnold, selected in the number 2 and 5 positions respectively.
The Guy Lendon Trophy
The Guy Lendon Trophy is awarded to the Simpson Cup player with the most successful record throughout the season. In 2023, Will Arnold posted an undefeated season to claim the Guy Lendon Trophy.
With 7 wins and no halves or losses in the minor rounds, Will played the majority of the season at number 5 where he posted early wins to get the team on the board before earning a promotion up the order.
Congratulations Will!
Honourable mentions go to our bookends, Billy Cawthorne at number 1 (5 wins, 1 half, 1 loss) and Nathan Baulderstone at number 7 (4 wins, 3 halves, 1 loss).
The Draino
First awarded in 2022, “The Draino” is awarded to the Simpson Cup player who holes (or drains) a long putt.
The 2023 winner of The Draino would have been Harry Coote for his 40-foot putt on the 17th at Flagstaff Hill in the 3rd round. However, Harry let slip that he read the putt very differently to his caddy, and opted to hit it on the line they recommended. He was in good hands; after her 4/2 victory earlier that morning, Sophie Hilditch saw Harry did not have a caddy and offered to push his bag. Turns out she did a little more than just push the bag!
While not strictly a Simpson Cup player, the Simpson Cup putt of the year wouldn’t have happened without her. Well done Sophie!
SANDERSON CUP
Not to be outdone by the men, two of our women were also named in the Sanderson Cup Team of the Year. Well done to Sophie Hilditch and Bekky Stutley, named at 4 and 5 respectively. Sophie was also named captain of the team.
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player plate is awarded to the Sanderson Cup player with the most successful record throughout the season. Congratulations to the 2023 winner, Sophie Hilditch.
Sophie won her 4 minor round games, never needing to play more than 16 holes. She had a come-from-behind win in her semi final, and took her final match to the 19th hole.
As the ‘old gal’ of the team, Sophie’s contributions have extended beyond golf as the squads leader, nurturer and inspirer of the younger players. She has also been a sounding board for managers. As she has done for the past few years, Sophie did all the ‘extras’ right and was our player most deserving of the fairy tale ending. Unfortunately it did not eventuate this year for Sophie, but it is a testament to her, and she will undoubtedly do it all again with as much grace next year.
Sophie’s effort and commitment to Royal Adelaide’s pennant program are admirable and highly appreciated.
Honourable mentions to Bekky Stutley (3 wins, 1 half) and Alice Cho (2 wins in Sanderson Cup and 1 win, 1 half and 1 loss playing number 1 in Sharp Cup).
The Twopeny Trophy
The Twopeny Trophy is awarded to the a player from the Sanderson Cup or Pike Cup team who not only excel with their golf, but demonstrate excellent leadership qualities throughout the season.
As can be seen from the blurb above Sophie Hilditch of the Sanderson Cup team had a wonderful season on and off the course and is the back-to-back winner of the Twopeny Trophy. Sophie continues to show her maturity and selflessness as the leader and mother hen, of the Sanderson Cup group while capably managing her work schedule and golf practise.
Well done Sophie!
BONNAR CUP
AP Hutton Trophy
The AP Hutton Trophy is awarded to the Bonnar Cup player with the most successful record throughout the season. The 2023 winner of the AP Hutton Trophy was Sam Medlin.
Sam played in six minor round games and recorded 5 wins and 1 loss. Despite his own admission of poor form prior to the season commencing, Sam diligently plugged away to earn selection by the time the season began. His hard work paid off and he consistently recorded wins for the team.
Well done Sam!
Honourable mentions to Henry Perks (4 wins from 4 starts) and Michael Richardson (4 wins, 3 losses).
PIKE CUP
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player plate is awarded to the Pike Cup player with the most successful record throughout the season. The 2023 winner was Megan Bleeze.
Megan recorded 3 wins and 1 loss across the minor rounds.
Congratulations ladies, it was great to see you both so excited and supportive of each other in receiving your award!
SHARP CUP
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player is awarded to the Sharp Cup player with the most successful record throughout the season. Congratulations to Isabelle Watson, our 2023 winner. The girls seem to have the edge over the boys, in the two years Royal Adelaide has contested the Sharp Cup, Isabelle and Alice Cho have been the only winners so far.
Isabelle won all 5 of her minor round matches and her semi final match without seeing the 17th hole. During the season she diligently prepared notes for her comrades in preparation for their round at her former home course, Willunga. Well done on a dominant season.
We look forward to seeing your continued progression Isabelle!
Honourable mention to Lewis Antell who won 4 of 5 minor rounds and his semi final. His only loss coming with none other than Captain, Tim Jordan on the bag.
JUNIOR DIVISION 2
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player trophy is awarded to the Junior Division 2 pennant player with the most successful record throughout the season. This year’s winner was Liam Hutchison.
Liam accumulated 5 wins and 1 loss from his 6 games and showed he is capable of running away with big wins, and fighting for tight wins down to the wire.
Well done Liam!
Honourable mention to Alston Ma who won 4 and lost 1 in his 5 games played.
WOMEN’S A3
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player plate is awarded to the Women’s A3 player with the most successful record throughout the season. This year’s winner was Mirrie Waters.
Mirrie won 3, halved 1 and lost 2 from her six games of the minor round in A3, her only missed game in a week where she was elevated to play for the Pike Cup team.
Congratulations to you Mirrie, and thank you Anne Arnfield (pictured) for standing in for Mirrie on the night.
WOMEN’S CLEEK 1
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player plate is awarded to the Women’s Cleek Stick player with the most successful record throughout the season. Congratulations to this year’s winner, Jane Bartlett.
Due to handicap range requirements, the Women’s Cleek 1 team was represented by a small army of members, each of whom played a handful of games. To make the player of the year selection even harder, two of the seven matches were abandoned due to weather. This resulted in five players tying on two match points each; Ali Coventry, Sandy Hayes, Vicki Thwaites, Judy Willoughby and Jane Bartlett. Of the matches played, Jane was the only player with a 100% win rate which included an incredible 9/8 result!
Well done Jane!
HICKORY CHALLENGE
Most Successful Player
The Most Successful Player plate is awarded to the Hickory Challenge player with the most successful record throughout the season. The 2023 winner was Charmaine Binns.
Charmaine is on the rise, her handicap is on the decline and she is keeping the engravers very busy. Reluctant to play at the start of the season, Charmaine took to the Hickory Challenge like a duck to water winning 3 games and halving 1.
Congratulations Charmaine!
