Published Monday 3rd July 2023.
Please see the Bonnar Cup semi final below.
Sunday senior results
Simpson Cup | Sanderson Cup | Pike Cup
Junior results
Monday results
Semi Final
Royal Adelaide 2.5 lost to The Vines 4.5
Sunday 2nd July at The Grange Golf Club (East)
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
All good things must come to an end, it’s just disappointing when they end prematurely … and so it was for the Bonnar Cup team in season 2023 losing the semi final to the Vines 4.5 – 2.5.
On Sunday we lined up against The Vines at Grange East for a place in the Bonnar Cup final. We were fielding one of the strongest Royal Adelaide Bonnar Cup teams to grace the fairways for some considerable period of time and we were confronted with a Vines team that contained 5 players who had played Simpson Cup for the Vines this year. A tight battle was guaranteed and after 5 holes we were up in two matches (Alex Pacifico at 7 and Anthony Olsen at 1), square in two (Josh Grundel at 2 and Michael Richardson at 5) and down in the other 3 (Sam Medlin at 6, James Norckok at 4 and Henry Perks at 3).
Through 9, things were still very tight with Richo, Josh and Olso up, Pacif square and Sam, Henry and Norks still down. There was some very hot golf being played none more so in Pacif’s game where the front 9 saw some 6 birdies traded including holes halved in birdies – not bad for the No. 7 game!
After 12 holes, the match was still locked at 3 matches each with one square and it really was anyone’s game.
Pacif managed to keep his lead at 1 up and after just missing a putt to win his match on 8 (our 17th) saw him head down the last leading 1 up where he halved the hole to win his match 1 up.
However soon after this Norks lost his match 4/3 after never having been able to get into it all day, leaving the match score at 1 all.
Sam Medlin meanwhile, who had been 3 down early, managed to battle away but could never gain the upper hand and found himself dormie two down. He had a putt to send the game down the last but when it slid by and his opponent holed his 3 footer for a half, his game was over 2/1 and were now 2 – 1 down in the overall match.
Parity was soon restored though by Josh who played very well all day, notching up 5-6 birdies in his round to win 4/3.
However as quick as we drew level at 2 – 2 Henry succumbed 3/2 in his match. Henry’s opponent got off to a very fast start, chipping in and playing another approach shot to a couple of inches and from there Henry was always playing catch up golf and just couldn’t make up the ground.
So this left us 3 – 2 down and needing Richo and Olso to both prevail in their matches. After Richo’s great tee shot on the par 3, 5th (our 14th) things looked to be going our way but when his opponent holed his long range birdie attempt and Richo’s slid past the edge, things started to change and before he knew it Rich was 1 down playing the 8th (17th). Richo’s winning putt on the 8th failed to drop so down the last he headed needing to win the hole to force extra holes. Richo played a good shot from the sandy wasteland on the right of the 9th to be sitting on the green for 3. His opponent had to play from a similar position and when his shot came out “hot” it seemed to be destined to fly through the back of the green leaving Richo in the box seat. Alas the ball managed to drop just enough to thud into the top of the upslope at the front of the green and then come to rest some 10 foot form the pin. To rub salt into the wound after Richo’s birdie putt just missed his opponent rolled his in and Richo lost 2 down and the semi final was over.
Olso meanwhile was likewise battling against an opponent who was getting more than his fair share of good breaks and fortune and found himself 2 down after the 5th (our 14th). Olso won the 6th but lost the 7th to be dormie 2 down but with Richo’s opponent sealing the match before Olso could complete the 8th hole, his match was “called” and the spoils shared.
It was a disappointing end to a very promising season. Having said that, I hope this loss puts the “fire in the belly” for next season to atone for this semi final loss. I’m sure if we can keep this team (and all the others that represented Bonnar this year) together this can happen.
Finally thanks to Randall Faull for his assistance during the year, Chris, Matt and Tony for their tutelage, all the caddies and the various supporters throughout the year. Commiserations to the Simpson, Pike and Sharp teams and all the best to the Women’s Cleek team in the final today, and the Sanderson team in the final this weekend.
Round 7
Royal Adelaide 7 defeated Regency Park 0
Sunday 25th June at The Vines Golf Club of Reynella
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
The final round of the Bonnar Cup was held at The Vines where we played the winless Regency Park. We had managed to secure a place in the semi final already, so Rd 7 was about shoring up our position on the table (and perhaps given the inclement weather being experienced, ensure that in the event of a washed out semi final we would progress to the final).
The weather forecast was not promising for the southern suburbs and the weather that greeted us was living up to the forecast. As such the boys were challenged to “get it done early” and by the 4th we were headed in the right direction with us up in 5 matches (No. 3 – 7) and square in the other two (No. 1 & 2).
The upward trend continued and at the turn Alex Pacifico (7) was 4 up, Sam Medlin (6) 3 up, Micahel Richardson (5) 4 up, James Norcock (4) 3 up, Henry Perks (2) 4 up, Josh Grundel (2) 4 up and Matt Lawson (1) 1 up.
The walk from the 9th green to the 13th tee wasn’t very far and just as well because Pacif, Richo, Norcks and Josh all arrived there dormie 6 up with Pacif, Norcks and Josh then closing out their matches 7/5. Richo won 6/5.
Henry was only slightly behind, arriving at 13 tee 5 up before finishing his match to win 5/4.
Sam was 3 up by the 13th tee and looked to close out his match as well but his opponent found some form, pegging Sam back such that they headed down 18 all square. A good drive and 2nd shot though from Sam saw him win the hole and his match 1up.
Lawso was locked in a tight tussle with the Regency Captain and was square going up 13. A win there followed by a great tee shot to the par 3, 14th saw him lead by two playing the 15th. A great recovery shot on the 15th followed by a three putt by his opponent saw Lawso stand on 16 tee dormie 3 up. One final challenge was issued to Lawso and that was to close it out on the 16th as the green was near the car park and he promptly obliged winning the hole and his match 4/2.
So a very solid finish to the season, winning out last 2 games 7–0 and locking in second place at the end of the minor round.
Next week we play The Vines at Grange East in one semi with the undefeated Glenelg taking on TTG in the other semi. We beat The Vines 4–3 during the season so it is sure to be a tight match so any and all support would be welcomed.
Good luck to all the other teams playing in the semis, let’s make it a big week for the Club.
Bonnar Cup Semi Final
Royal Adelaide (2) v The Vines (3)
Sunday 2nd July at The Grange Golf Club (East)
10th tee at 11.15am
Round 6
Royal Adelaide 7 defeated Kooyonga 0
Sunday 18th June at Royal Adelaide Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
A very brisk morning welcomed us for our 7.30am start at home v Kooyonga.
The cool temperature was soon displaced by a hot start by our boys and after 4 holes Alex Pacifico (7) and Michael Richardson (5) were both 3 up (Richo having won 4 by putting it to 6 inches from 200m out with his second from under the pine trees), James Norcock (4) and Matt Lawson (1) were 2 up, Jono Cherry (6) and Josh Grundel (2) were 1 up and Henry Perks (3) was 1 down.
The good golf continued and after 7 Richo was now 4 up, Norcks, Josh and Lawso were 3 up, Pacif was 2 up and Jono and Henry were square. Henry’s game (as it turned out to be all day) was very tight with Henry birdieing 6 to win the hole and halving 7 in birdies.
Pacif was playing great golf and stood on 12 tee 4 up. His form continued from there and he closed out his match on the 15th winning 5/3.
Richo likewise was playing great golf and stood on 12 5 up. Unfortunately a missed putt on 12 prevented him from going dormie 6 up but it only delayed the inevitable and he closed out his match 5/4.
Norcks was 3 up after 9 before turning on the afterburners to go 3, 3, 3, 3 on 10,11,12 and 13 to win his match 6/5.
Josh likewise was in full control of his match courtesy of hitting every fairway and came to the 12th tee 5 up and then closed out his match on the 13th with a 6/5 win.
Jono slowly gained the ascendancy and was 2 up after 12. He pushed along to be dormie 3 up before closing out his match 3/1.
Lawso maintained his 3 up lead from 7, never letting his opponent get back into the game. A great controlled 3rd shot to the 15th green left his opponent needing a miracle hole out from the bunker (which didn’t happen) meaning Lawso won 4/3.
Henry’s match remained tight with never more than 1 hole the difference. He won 16 to get his match back to square and a half on 17 left it all square headed down the last. All Henry’s experience came to the fore with him nestling on the fairway with his drive. His opponent was wayward off the tee and had to hit a 3rd off the tee. From there it was just a matter of time before Henry’s opponent conceded the hole to leave Henry with a 1 up win and handing us a 7-0 score line.
A great result for us which cemented our spot in the finals with one round to go. Next week we play Regency Park at The Vines in the final minor round.
Bonnar Cup Round 7
Royal Adelaide v Regency Park
Sunday 25th June at The Vines Golf Club of Reynella
1st tee at 12.10pm
Round 5
Royal Adelaide 5.5 defeated North Adelaide 1.5
Sunday 4th June at Kooyonga Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
Round 5 of the Bonnar Cup saw us pitted against North Adelaide who had fronted up to Kooyonga with basically their A2 Pennant side. We knew this would be a stern test and welcomed Matt Lawson back from injury and playing his first ever Bonnar Cup match and new father Jonathan Cherry in for his first game of the season.
After 4 holes, apart from Alex Pacifico (at 7) who was 3 up, the rest of the matches were very close with Matt Lawson (3) 1 up, Michael Richardson (4) and Josh Grundel (1) both square and Jono (6), Sam Medlin (5) and James Norcock (2) all 1 down. The see-sawing matches continued and after 6 we now had Alex, Jono, Richo, Matt and Josh all up with Sam and Norcks holding steady at 1 down.
After 9 however we were not so well placed with only Alex up (he had now stretched out to 5 up). Jono and Sam were square, but Josh, Norcks and Matt were all 1 down and Richo was 2 down.
Fortunately for us though the team gained the ascendancy over the back nine and scores started to be in our favour. Alex played very good golf, never letting his opponent in and closed out his match 5/4.
Jono, under the guidance of his brother Michael as caddy, hit his straps and surged to 3 up after 13. He held a 1 up advantage going down 17 and when his opponent put it in the back trap with Jono safely on the front edge all looked like a 2/1 win and even more so when Jono’s birdie putt took the edge of the cup and his par putt was conceded. His opponent splashed out of the bunker and came to rest some 20 foot from the hole (a good shot considering pin position etc) only then to roll his par putt in forcing the match down 18! However a great 2nd shot by Jono sealed the match for Jono and he ended up a 2 up victor.
Sam too surged on the back nine and again with very solid golf was too strong for his opponent and won 3/2.
After a wayward tee shot on 10, Richo gathered himself from 2 down and clawed back to square after 13. From there the match went back and forward until Richo won the 17th to take a 1up lead into 18. After a great fairway bunker shot to the heart of 18 green, Richo also won the 18th and thus his match 2 up giving us the vital 4th point and the overall match.
Matt, after his slight hiccup on 8 and 9, regained control and he too held a 3 up lead after 13. However his opponent (the reigning North Adelaide Club Champion) wouldn’t lie down and got the match back to one the difference, seeing Matt head down 18 1up. With his opponent safely in for 4, Matt calmy rolled in his own 4 foot par putt to halve the hole and win 1 up.
Josh meanwhile playing at 1 found himself 4 down after 12 with his opponent playing some great golf. To Josh’s credit, he fought back well but just couldn’t bridge the gap over his seasoned opponent, losing 2/1.
Norcks found himself locked in a great battle with neither player being able to grab the ascendancy. But calling upon all his guile, and fresh off his 15th club championship win at Naracoorte, he managed to win the 17th to bring the match back to square headed down 18. With both players on the 18th in two, Norcks birdie putt just missed and when his opponent’s did as well both the holed good par putts to halve the match giving us an overall victory of 5.5 – 1.5.
This was a great effort by the team with all showing great fighting qualities throughout their matches. The win now sees us sit 2nd on the table behind the undefeated Glenelg. Our next match is at home playing 4th placed Kooyonga. A victory against them will see us lock in a finals berth. It would be great to see as many as possible come and and cheer on the lads (and watch some great golf too).
Bonnar Cup Round 6
Royal Adelaide v Kooyonga
Sunday 18th June at Royal Adelaide Golf Club
1st tee at 7.30am
Round 4
Royal Adelaide 1.5 lost to Glenelg 5.5
Sunday 28th May at Glenelg Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
The Bonnar Cup team took on the undefeated Glenelg at Glenelg on the weekend. What was expected to be a tough encounter certainly turned out that way with us being defeated 5.5 to 1.5.
Jed Ballard, at 7, was on the receiving end of a short game masterclass and whilst doing his best to hold on through the front nine, his match was over after the 13th, going down 6/5.
Alex Pacifico at 5 also was on the receiving end of some great approach shots and combined with some stray shots of his own, found himself 4 down after 10. Unfortunately he couldn’t make any headway from there and ended up losing 4/3.
Kelly Zhu at 6 was locked in a great battle all day that never had the margin greater than 1 hole and a lot of the time being square with his opponent. After missing a chance to go back to square on the 16th green Kelly holed out from some distance on the 17th to head down the par 5 18th all square. Unfortunately a missed par putt saw him lose the 18th and his match 1 down.
Meanwhile the ever solid Henry Perks at 2 was quietly going about his business, being 2 up after 4, taking that to 3 up after 10 and then holding that lead through to 16 where he closed out his match winning 3/2.
Sam Medlin, at 4, like Kelly, was involved in a very close match and was square after 9. Unfortunately his opponent gained some ascendancy from there and after winning 15 stood dormie 3 up. Sam however promptly won 16 but couldn’t repeat the feat on 17 and lost 3/1.
Michael Richardson’s opponent got out to an early 2 hole lead and held this through 12. Try as he may, Richo couldn’t bridge the gap and suddenly found himself 3 down after 14. Not to be outdone, Richo promptly won 15 and 16 and had a putt to win 17 and level the match. The putt didn’t go in so Richo headed down 18 needing to win the hole to halve his match. All looked on track after Richo was in perfect position after his tee shot and his opponent had sprayed his 2nd shot wide and short down the right of the 18th. Alas Richo’s 2nd shot headed towards the trees down the left of the fairway and then ricocheted off one of the trees, landed on the concrete near the practice range and bounced straight over the boundary fence! Richo ended up losing the hole and the match 2 down.
Josh Grundel, playing at no.1 in his first Bonnar Cup match for the Club looked to be in control of his match for the greater part of the day against a seasoned Simpson Cup veteran from Glenelg. Josh’s almost holed tee shot on the temporary 10th hole restored his lead and he stretched that to 2up after 15. Despite dropping the 16th, Josh headed to the 18th 1 up. Alas his tee shot trickled into the water down the right putting him behind in the hole but he recovered to have a putt for a par which would be enough to secure his match. Unfortunately despite catching the edge of the hole, the putt didn’t drop and he lost the hole meaning a halved match.
Despite the 5.5 – 1.5 final result, we certainly had our chances and with a few putts dropping (and some damn trees not being there) the score line could have easily been 3.5 – 3.5. We have though now seen the level of play that we need to come up with to go deep this season and I’m confident that we can get to that level.
Our next game is against North Adelaide at Kooyonga. All support is welcomed for this must win match.
Bonnar Cup Round 5
Royal Adelaide v North Adelaide
Sunday 4th June at Kooyonga Golf Club
1st tee at 10.15am
Round 3
Royal Adelaide 4 defeated The Vines 3
Sunday 21st May at Tea Tree Gully Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
After a few personnel changes due to unavailability and sickness, the Bonnar Cup team assembled at TTG to take on The Vines in an important match given the tightness of the season. We welcomed Anthony Olsen into the team for his first Bonnar Cup match in some time and Henry Perks in for his first match of the season.
After 5 holes it was clear this was going to a be close contest with James Wallman (at 7), Kelly Zhu (at 6), Henry (at 3) and Anthony (at 1) all 1 up and Jed Ballard (at 5), Sam Medlin (at 4) and Michael Richardson (at 2) all square.
Through 8 holes, no quarter was being given by either side and the score line remained tight with us up in two matches (Wallman and Perks both 1 up), square in 3 (Zhu, Ballard and Medlin) and Olsen and Richardson were 1 and 2 light respectively.
After the turn, we started to gain a bit of ascendancy in some of the matches with Wallman and Perks both pushing out to be 3 up by 11 and Kelly and Jed were 1 up. Sam and Anthony were holding steady at square and only Richo was behind.
Unfortunately Richo couldn’t reign in his opponent who played some fine recovery shots and went down 5/4. Henry, who according to his opponent “wasn’t playing fair” after two eagles in 3 holes, had shot out to be dormie 4 up and ended up winning 3/2.
James’ opponent started to claw back the lead and by the time they reached the 18th tee they were all square. Unfortunately James couldn’t halt his opponent’s momentum and James lost the 18th (the first time he had been behind all day), to lose 1 down.
Kelly, who likewise had been up all day found himself 1 down standing on 17 tee. He righted the ship by winning 17 but after the tee shots on 18, it looked like Kelly was behind the 8-ball but a lapse from his opponent and a great recovery shot by Kelly gave Kelly a slight edge. He still needed to two putt from the bottom tier on 18 green. A good first putt still left him with a big breaking right left 3 foot putt to win after his opponent had holed his bogey putt. Kelly calmy rolled in the putt to secure a great 1up win.
Jed who had seesawed all day, with never more than 1 hole either way separating them, suddenly found himself dormie two down and despite parring the 17th, lost 2/1.
Anthony started to assert his dominance from 12 onwards and played very solid golf to shut out his opponent and win 3/2, thus levelling the overall match at 3 each with Sam Medlin still on the course.
Sam, like all the others, had been locked in a tight battle all day with nothing separating him and his opponent. They went down 17 all square but Sam managed to win 17 to head to 18 tee, holding the lead. Both players hit the green with their second shots, setting it up for a tense finish. Sam’s birdie putt slid past the hole coming to rest some 4 foot from the hole, but at least under the hole.. His opponent’s birdie putt finished about 2 foot short but a good putt from above the hole. Sam then stepped up and holed his putt, thus shutting out his opponent to win the match 1up which secured a great 4/3 win for the team.
This was a great win by the team in a match that was so tight all day and leaves us sitting 3rd on the table. Next week we take on the undefeated Glenelg on their home course which will certainly be a stern test but one we are all looking forward to.
RAGC defeated the Vines 4 – 3.
Bonnar Cup Round 4
Royal Adelaide v Glenelg
Sunday 28th May at Glenelg Golf Club
1st tee at 7.30am
Round 2
Royal Adelaide 5 defeated Tea Tree Gully 2
Sunday 7th May at Regency Park Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull
The Bonnar Cup team ventured to Regency Park for round 2 to play Tea Tree Gully who had defeated Kooyonga in round 1.
The boys were challenged to get off to a good start and then solidify from there and they responded with 4 players up after 4 holes (Michael Richardson playing at 1 leading the way on 3 up) and Tom Bartlett (at 6) was square. James Wallman (at 7) and Alexis Junin (at 3) were the only ones down at 1 down each.
A tight tussle ensued through the front 9 and at the turn we had James square, Tom 3 down, Kelly Zhu (at 5) square, Jed Ballard (at 4) was 1 down, Alexis was 2 down, Sam Medlin (at 2) was 1 up and Richo was 2 up.
The tight tussle continued through 14 holes in all bar two matches. Both Tom and Richo finished with Tom going down 5/4 and Richo playing very solid golf to win 5/4. In the other matches Kelly was 1 up, Sam was square and the rest were all 1 down. We were playing well but just couldn’t hole putts on tricky greens but from here the momentum changed and by the end of 16, Sam had moved to 2 up, Kelly remained 1 up and the rest had fought back to square.
On the 17th, both James and Jed holed good long putts to head to the 18th 1 up. James was first to finish halving the 18th to win 1 up. Jed followed but managed to win 18 so he ended winning 2 up, leaving the team score at 3 – 1.
Kelly and Alexis each headed to 18 all square. Both Kelly and Alexis and their opponents all had what would have been winning putts but none dropped leaving both matches square which was enough to secure the overall team win with 4 points and Sam yet to finish.
Sam was dormie two up but lost 17 to head to 18 still 1 up. A great second shot and then two putts secured a half for the hole and an overall 1 up win which meant we won 5 – 2.
Overall a great performance by the team, showing good fight to come from behind late in a number of the matches and secure wins.
After a week off for Mother’s Day we head to Tea Tree Gully to play The Vines. Again, this will be a must win in what is shaping to be a very tight season with only one team (Glenelg) having won both their opening matches.
Bonnar Cup Round 3
Royal Adelaide v The Vines
Sunday 21st May at Tea Tree Gully Golf Club
10th tee at 2.00pm
Round 1
Royal Adelaide 3 lost to The Grange 4
Sunday 30th April at North Adelaide Golf Club
Report courtesy of Ian Rice and Randall Faull.
The Bonnar Cup season got underway on the weekend and we ventured to North Adelaide to play last year’s champions, The Grange. The team welcomed Kelly Zhu for his first game of senior pennant for the Club and welcomed back Tom Bartlett after a season off.
All players went out in 4s adding another level of interest to the matches, especially Jed Ballard, playing at number 7 who was paired with the Kooyonga and TTG number 1 players.
All matches were close early and by the end of the 4th hole, we were square in 4 matches and down in the other 3, but only just. The seesaw nature of the matches continued with not much separating the two teams and after the front 9 we were up in 3 matches (Jed, Sam Medlin, at 5, both 2 up and Alex Pacifico at 3, 1 up), Tom Bartlett at 4 and James Norcock at 1 were square and Kelly at 6, and Michael Richardson at 2, were both down. The highlight of the day thus far was Jed Ballard holing out with his second on the 9th from the fairway but this wouldn’t last long.
The 12th hole, whilst not long still requires precision from the tee so as to avoid the surrounding bunkers which were resulting in a number of plugged lies. Up stepped James Norcock, trailing 1 down in his match. A perfectly struck 9 iron from Norcks landed very close to the pin, took one bounce, a bit of side spin and rolled straight into the hole! Needless to say his Grange opponent couldn’t match Norcks’ shot and they headed to the 13th tee all square. I am reliably informed that Norcks’ followed his hole in one by draining a 30 foot birdie putt on the next to take control of his match.
Jed had similarly holed a long putt on 10 after his hole out on 9 and he went on with it from there closing out his match to win 4/3. Kelly battled hard all day but couldn’t get past his opponent, who was very solid all day, and eventually lost 3/2.
Sam built on his 2 up lead at the turn and closed out his match 5/4 for a resounding victory. Unfortunately Tom, after a good start, couldn’t find the form he needed and lost 5/3.
This left our top 3 out on the course with the team score locked at 2 all. Going through 16, Pacif was square, Norcks 1 up and Richo 1 down. Norcks then closed out his match to win 2/1 and push us to a 3 – 2 lead. Pacif headed up 18, all square but alas an errant drive put him behind in the hole but not out of it. Unfortunately his opponent’s final putt did an entire 360 degree turn around the hole before dropping in to win the hole and the match 1 up. Richo meanwhile went down 18 still one down but after a huge drive looked as though he may have a chance. The Grange number 2 had other ideas and after a good second shot onto the green by him, Richo had too much to do and couldn’t win the hole leaving us coming second on the day.
Whilst ending up losing 4 – 3 on the day, it was a very solid start to the season and hopefully we can get over the line next week against Tea Tree Gully at Regency Park.
Bonnar Cup Round 2
Royal Adelaide v Tea Tree Gully
Sunday 7th May at Regency Park Golf Club
1st tee at 11.20am
