Deborah Rix has battled windy conditions to win the 2016 Victorian Autumn Country Tournament. Rix (Cobden) claimed the Ruby McKenzie Trophy (best gross) with rounds of 72 (Port Fairy) & 73 (Warrnambool) for a one over par total 145. Deborah outshone her closest rivals by displaying her strengths in dealing with the wind. The strong winds didn’t trouble Rix as her round was limited to only four bogeys. An eagle on the short 8th hole today also helped her win her second Ruby McKenzie title.
Rix, who is also a member at Warrnambool, knows both courses comprehensively which has no doubt played a significant role in her 8 shot victory. Runner up was fellow local Jo Flaherty on a 36 hole total of 153.
Deborah also succeeded in recording the best 36 hole nett and claimed the prestigious Vi Teesdale Trophy. Playing off a handicap of 2, Rix was applauded at presentations on displaying some impressive golf. With Rix excluded, the best A Grade Nett total went to Martina Whelan (Grampians) with a score of 146.
In the B Grade championship, Portland’s Janine Shepherd finished the final round with the day’s best nett score of 70. Shepherds fine closing round propelled the Portland local into the 36 hole nett winning prize on a countback with a score of 151. In the gross championship, Lake Bolac’s Leanne Ritchie took top honours with a two round stroke total of 184.
In C grade it was Karen Jenkins (Warrnambool) winning the gross firing rounds of 93 & 95 for a total of 188. The nett prize went to Mandy Dalton (Camperdown) winning with 144 nett on a countback.
The D Grade championship turned out to be two horse race between two Warrnambool locals. Robyn Ballinger & Sharon Kelson, who were left to fight out both the nett & gross events. Ballinger turned in a strong finish to edge Kelson on a countback for the gross component at a score of 201. Ballinger also secured top honours in the nett event by one stroke with a nett score of 148. Port Fairy’s Di Officer fired the day’s best nett round for D Grade a nett 71.
The event moved down the western coastline to Warrnambool & Port Fairy Golf Club’s where 315 eager women teed it up. The area is known for interesting historical buildings and attractive streetscapes, but perhaps the biggest surprise is the range of superb beaches right at both suburbs doorsteps.
Both clubs were commended on hosting this year’s event and presenting their courses in fantastic condition. Next year’s Autumn event will be played at Ballarat & Midlands in the last week of April.
To view results, presentation sheet & the photo gallery click here.