"COBRAM/BAROOGA GOLF ESCAPE"

12-15th October 2004

The Golfing Group left the cold and wet weather of Melbourne behind and headed for the warmer climate of the Murray River district to partake in a few days of sporting bliss - "playing golf". Twenty two golfers and six non playing partners (some lawn bowlers) from our club stayed for three nights at the renowned Cobram Barooga Golf Club resort, enjoying the first class golfing and social activities. We experienced the quality and challenge of both 18 hole championship courses. When not playing golf we took the time to stretch out by the pool, play the pokies and relax at the bar, shop in nearby Cobram, hit a few balls on the driving range, have a game of tennis, roll up some lawn bowls at Cobram or other nearby township bowling green or just enjoy the friendly company of fellow members. Highlights of the golf included driving off the 16th tee over the lake on the West Course, listening to the sounds of the bush and bird life instead of trucks roaring along Stud Road back at our regular venue Tirhatuan Lakes in Rowville, avoiding the kangaroos late in the afternoon, putting on perfectly true greens and blasting out of deep soft sand filled bunkers.

We arrived at the resort on Tuesday in mid 30degree heat with a strong northerly wind blowing. Playing golf was too much for most, so some relaxed by the pool to escape the heat. A few of the ladies brought along their bathers. Good thinking girls! A hearty cooked and continental breakfast was enjoyed before teeing off each day.
John Aumuller organised for the Wednesday teams to play on the Old Course. So the men and ladies teams teed off from both the 1st and 10th tees concurrently.

Margaret, Barbara, Sophie and Rosemary complete an enjoyable first round together.

For Thursday John arranged for mixed teams to play on the West Course. So we all teed off on the 10th with the expectation of getting great scores following yesterdays enjoyable start. But the breeze was a bit stronger and a few of us unfortunately ended up in the trees on the right!

Jill hired a golf cart to get around in today much to the envy of all the other ladies, so they all tried to get in! Fortunately the axles held up under the unexpected extra load.

Everybody enjoyed dinner in the Golf Club dining room each evening. Following dinner a few went off to the pokies to try their luck. Rosemary acted as 'minder' to some of the girls - just to make sure they kept their winnings and didn't leave it all in the machines!

At breakfast on the final day Margaret presented gifts of appreciation from the Club to Bruce Parkinson for the organisation of the fabulous July Jazz Weekend at The Cumberland in Marysville and also to John Aumuller for the terrific last few days experienced by everybody at the Cobram Barooga Golf Resort. Thank you both for a great time and a job well done!