Ann Johnston Salver Goes North
Posted on: 3 July
Ann Johnston Salver Heads North
Monday 3 July saw the playing of the Ann Johnston Two Player Ambrose Event at the very welcoming Kyabram Parkland Club. The Event is named and played in honour of Ann Johnston, a legend of golf in our District (see the end of this report to learn about Ann’s golfing achievements).
Firstly, a big THANK YOU must go to Kathy Bell of Parkland who was the main organiser of the event, ably assisted by Vice Captain Nola Arnold, and to the catering staff lead by Heather Sleeth. Similarly, after the past couple of weeks wet weather, thanks, and congratulations to the grounds staff for getting the best out of the course.
As part of the official proceedings, GMGA Secretary David Roberts (the thorn amongst the roses) welcomed Life members Faye Gollan, Joy Kelly and Iris Hicks and the legend Ann Johnston. David thanked all those involved in the day and read a very well worded email from Association President Alexandra Odell who was unable to attend, which was appreciated by all the players. Life Member Iris Hicks then took the microphone and provided a summary of Ann’s golf career. (see end of report)
The legend Ann Johnston with Life Member Joy Kelly GMGA Secretary (the thorn in the photo) and Life Members Faye Gollan and Iris Hicks
The winners of the day, and the lowest handicap pair in the field were Bobette Wilkinson (Tocumwal) and Maxine Saddler (Cobram-Barooga) 58-4=54. Runners Up from Numurkah Robyn Bate and Deb Cairns 64-9=55 and in third place also from Numurkah, getting the better in a three-way countback, Margot McGrath and Bev McIntosh 63-7=56.
Winners are grinners, above, Bobette Wilkinson, Ann Johnston (holding the salver named in her honour) and Maxine Saddler
Runners Up with Ann. Robyn Bate and Deb Cairns. Third, with Ann, Margot McGrath and Bev McIntosh
Nearest the pins went to Tracey Wade (Ky Valley View) on the first hole. Kay Cowan (Mooroopna) fifth and Jenni Bauerle (Ky Valley View) fourteenth. A generous run of balls down the line went to Leanne Busch and Jenni Bauerle (Valley View) 56, Sue Turnbull and Julie Donaldson (playing her first GMGA event) from Hill Top 56. Helen Emery and Helen Armstrong (Valley View) 57.25. Julie Neale and Bev Lyon (Valley View) 58. Tess Murray and Di Wood (Shepparton) 58.75 and to a pairing from Parkland and Valley View Marilyn Ross and Anne Hawking also 58.75.
The Legend that is Ann Johnston
Below, Ann with the flowers presented to her by Parkland GC and following is a summary of her golfing career.
The following is a list of the highlights of Ann’s achievements in Women’s Golf
Goulburn Valley Champion: 1989, 1990, 1993, 1994
Goulburn Valley Sandgreen Champion; 1990, 1991, 1995
Victorian Amateur Champion: 1993
Victorian Sandgreen Champion: 1991, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995
Victorian Champion of Champions: Lowest Qualifier 1992, Winner 1993, R/Up 1994
Victorian Country Champion: 1991, 1992, 1994, 1995
Victorian State Team: 1992, 1993, 1994 (won), 1995, 1996 (won)
Moved to Western Australia for short time, WA State team 1997 (won)
Australian Championships: Qualified for Match Play Rounds, 1991, 1993, 1994, 1996
Australian Trans-Tasman Cup Team: 1995 and qualified for New Zealand Match Play Championship