Sitting in the newly-refurbished clubhouse staring wistfully down the well-overdue, rain-soaked 18th fairway, a small white sign catches your eye, boasting three letters ... GUR.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
What could this possibly mean?
To the uninitiated or golfing newb, one could forgiven for believing this sign was to alert them to the dangers of "Irritated pirates seen in area" or "Grumpy staff. Avoid eye contact. (especially with the larger one)".
In actual fact, the marker refers to "Ground Under Repair". A patch of land not fit for play, in urgent need of TLC or the ongoing attention of the unsung heroes of the Port Fairy Golf Links - The Greens Staff
Ironically, on appearance these silent guardians look unable to care for themselves let alone kilometres of Mother Nature's finest earth.
A ragtag bunch of four highly-skilled and dedicated landscapers who manage the links week in, week out with incredible flair and painstaking attention to detail.
Mowing, rolling, thatching, vertidraining, watering and fertilising daily all to keep our golfing paradise looking as though it has always been here. It's a lot more work keeping the natural looks intact than just a quick going over with the Victa before the guests arrive and let rest take care of itself.
As we push our way through the middle of summer and consider the masses of excess foot traffic that have played on the links, we must acknowledge how well the course has stood up to the added pressures of the season. It is looking lush and as manicured as ever and the scores are there to back the premise.
Forty points from the in-form Derryn Coulson and Ben Hay in high winds on Saturday and an even more impressive 42 points from Di Robinson, proves the greens are rolling as true as ever.
So, thanks must go to Troy, Neil, Greg and Adam. The original A Team who are at the helm of our impressive national rankings and the masters of our golfing destinies.
The next time you roll in a 30-footer or miss a tiddler from 18 inches, remember that these four swashbucklers have in some small way either taken you to the brink of human elation or quite possibly, ruined your day. It all lies in the eye of the beholder.
We are on track for the annual Moyneyana Open at Port Fairy Golf Club this Australia Day weekend. It is only a $20 entry fee per day for all handicapped golfers including a sausage sizzle lunch and plenty of great prizes up for grabs.
If you would like to play at the 31st-ranked club this Australia Day long weekend, please call ahead and book.
For event details visit www.portfairygolf.com.au/latest-news.
