Metropolitan Major Pennant got underway on Sunday with 75 Men’s teams and 16 Women’s teams in action across seven divisions.
Division One Metropolitan Major Champions in 2018, New South Wales Golf Club have wasted no time in establishing themselves as a real chance of making it back to back flags in 2019, recording a 6 1/2 to 1/2 win against Ryde-Parramatta.
Zachary Mullins lead the way for the La Perouse outfit recording a 6&5 victory over Stephen Vail, while ZInyo Garcia had a 2&1 win over former State player Brenden Ellem.
Mona Vale and Cronulla couldn’t be separated at Mona Vale, with the match finishing 3 1/2 all. Best for the Mona Vale unit was MacLayne Marr winning 8&7, while Cronulla’s Ben Timmins won 4&2.
In section two, last years’ Div one finalist, Bonnie Doon were upset at home by a robust Long Reef squad, while Pymble defeated Bankstown at Pymble.
Despite good wins from the Doon’s top two players James Grierson and Jake McLeod, the Pagewood team had no answers at the bottom of the draw, with Luke Edgelle Anthony Stockini and Kai Komulainen grabbing vital wins. Khan Gallagher sealed it with a 3&2 victory over Josh Bell.
Pymble’s James Conran accounted for Luis Killen 4&3, and Christopher Fiadino defeated Glenn Ballantine 6&4.
The two heavyweights in section three, Avondale and The Australian had no trouble with their opponents Pennant Hills and Macquarie Links.
The Australian’s Jeffrey Guan was the pick for the Kensington team with a 9&7 win, while for there were plenty of stars for Avondale in their victory. Henry Hesketh maybe the pick with his 6&5 result.
In section four, Castle Hill had a return to the top division that they would rather forget, going down 7- nil to an impressive Concord outfit.
Josh Gadd reminded a few folks of his talent with the biggest win, 7&6 over Mark Scuglia, while Corey Lamb showed his hunger for greater honours with a win over NSW representative Jordie Garner.
Division Two
Liverpool and Cromer got their season off to a sound start with home wins over North Ryde and Lynwood. Crome’s James Ponder won handsomely 6&5 over Ben Bury, while for Liverpool Blake Davies was too strong for Joe McPhillips, winning 7&6.
Penrith and Fox Hills scored home wins over Killara and newly promoted Massey Park. Newlywed Dale Hughes got enough time away from the bride to come out a handy winner 7&6 over Jay Wooster, while for Fox Hills Martin Rajca, Jayden Skeet and Kreolin Moodley were all big winners.
The Lakes, spearheaded by wins from Josh Armstrong (7&6) and Oscar Zerbst ( 6&5) were too good for Bayview, while Glenmore Heritage grabbed their first win in Division Two after being promoted last year.
In section four, Monash got their season off to a flyer, winning 5/2 over Oatlands. Jordan Mackay the big winner with a 6&4 victory, while Cabramatta accounted for Stonecutters Ridge 4 1/2 to 2 1/2.
Divison Three
Carnarvon proved too strong for Royal Sydney, winning six matches to one, while Cumberland accounted for Eastlake 4 1/2 to 2 1/2. Ali Dilshad for Carnarvon grabbed a 5&3 win, while Fred Yousiph was Cumberland's best in a contest that was a lot closer than it's score suggested.
Manly made sure of the poiints at home against Campbelltown in section two, with a 5 matches to 2 win, while Camden defeated Wakehurst 4 to 3.
Muirfield were too good for Antill Park at home, winning 4 1/2 to 2 1/2, while Lakeside won by a similar margin over Brighton Lakes.
Asquith swept their home game against Wallacia, seven-nil, with big wins coming from Ian Malcolm and David Morgan, while Kogarah were no match for Dunheved, losing out at the St Mary's course, five to two.
Division Four
Warringah had to fight all the way to take the points against a solid Bardwell Valley outfit. Shane Golding scoring a big 5&3 win over Greg Lee. Richmond seemed to enjoy the day at Beverley Park, grabbing a nice away win after a 4/3 result. Jason Moss had a day out, winning 8&7 over Oliver Davis.
Northbridge and Strathfield couldn't be separated at Northbridge, while Springwood came down the mountain to grab a 5/2 win over Windsor.
Leonay strolled to a comfortable win at home over Bexley, 4 1/2 to 2 1/2, while Marrickville found the drive to Woolooware worth the effort with a 4 1/2 to 2 1/2 win.
Kareela, last year's Div five Pennant winners, were whitewashed by the Coast at the Coast, 7 – nil, while in the final match in Division four, Randwick and Palm beach played out a draw.
Division Five
With the divisional numbers increasing, three sections of home-and-away are now being played.
In section one, Cammeray grabbed a win 4 to 3 over neighbours Chatswood, while Bondi accounted for Roseville 4 1/2 to 2 1/2.
Gordon had a 5 to 2 win over Barnwell Park, and Georges River accounted for Macarthur Grange 6 to 1 in the second match.
In the only match in section three, Hurstville defeated Rosnay 4 to 3 while Riverside Oaks had the bye.
Women’s Division One
Stonecutters Ridge made their maiden appearance in Women’s Major Pennant one to remember with a three matches to 2 win over the Lakes.
On a day to remember for the women from Colebee, wins came from Caitlin Davidson, Madelyn Hagerty and Lia Lavalle.
The Australian Golf Club put an early dent in the aspirations of 2018 Women’s Champions, Concord with a 3 to 2 win at home.
Despite wins from their NSW representatives Doey Choi and Sophie Yip, The Australian prevailed through victories from their bottom three players, Stefanie Hall, Brielle Mapano and Annika Rathbone.
In section two, Bonnie Doon whitewashed Castle Hill five – nil. Ashleigh Arnold was the big winner for The Doon with a 9&7 win, while in the battle of the number ones, Sophie Cusack accounted for Bella Kil, one up.
Danielle Vasquez claimed a 4 & 2 win over Gemma Dooley as St. Michael’s proved too strong for neighbours NSW GC, winning 4/1. Other wins came from Makensie Toole and Pamela Tsiamis.
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Division Two
Ryde Parramatta was too good for Penrith winning 4 1/2 to 1/2, with Yeleen Son and Helen Veverka recording 6&5 wins, while Cronulla and Avondale fought out a 2 1/2 all draw.
Wins for Cronulla came from Sophia Perkins and Lily Pearce, while from Avondale June Song and Kara Williams took their matches comfortably.
In section two, North Ryde defeated Cumberland 3 to 2, and Pymble defeated Moore Park at Moore Park by the same margin.
North Ryde’s wins came from Rebecca Yao, Phillippa Ternes and Ann Quarmby, while for Pymble, wins came from Annika Boyd, Shaun Bennett, and Robyn Jackson.