The Golf Australia team and the Golf Australia Victorian team both claimed victories over the Australian Defence Forces in their annual matches that were contested in fantastic spirit during the past week.

It was the 32nd staging of the Victorian match against the ADF team - which is made up of defence personnel from the army, navy and air force - and it was once again staged at its traditional host venue of Sorrento Golf Club on Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula from March 17-18.

The Victorians prevailed 12.5 to 11.5 in a tightly contested affair that consisted of one round of four-ball, one of foursomes and one of singles.

The ADF jumped out to a 4 to 2 lead following the Thursday morning four-ball, but the Victorian team levelled things up at 6-all after the foursomes.

A thrilling Friday finish in the singles resulted and the Victorian team’s five victories in the 12 matches was enough to seal victory.

The Golf Australia team also claimed the win at Rosebud Country Club, which hosted the event for the first time and will continue to do so for the next four years, from March 21-22.

This was a more resounding win for the GA team than their Victorian counterparts as they triumphed 15 to 9 in the same format as the previous week’s matches.

The results were not the most important aspect of the week however as Stu McLean, the ADF playing captain, was delighted with the staging of the events once again.

“The ADF Golf Association is grateful for GA’s continued support in coordinating the ADFGA v GA Vic and GA events. These events are always outstanding and 2022 was no different,” he said. 

“For the ADF players lucky enough to be selected and available to play (COVID and FLOOD ASSIST operations saw some players drop out for higher-priority work), this week is the paramount event in our golfing year. The opportunity to play at two of Australia’s top courses (Sorrento GC and Rosebud CC) is amazing, and both courses were presented in outstanding condition. 

“The courses were only bettered by our opponents. GA presented two formidable teams made up of skilled and competitive, yet always friendly and good-spirited players that were just too strong!”

Mike Peeck, the GA playing captain, was similarly delighted with the event.

“The team was exceptional throughout the two days. Highlights include Ken Brewer shooting eight-under during his four-ball match, and Dillon Hart’s five birdies and two eagles during his four-ball match,” he said.

“Thanks to Adrian Barr and Pat Giles for filling in at the last minute. The last minute changes helped show the solidarity and good nature of the team.

“All the matches were played in tremendous spirit. We really appreciate playing against the ADF and what they do for us. They are very brave people and the event is one we look forward to greatly every year.”

Full results:

GA Victoria v ADF match

GA v ADF match

Teams:

GA Vic: Greg Wilson, Luke Saunders, Gordon Claney, James Lavender, Helen Pascoe, Siobhan Anderson, Colin George, Robert Wallace, Ian McCleary, Kevin Sims, Terry Thompson, Stephen Valentine

GA: Dillon Hart, Brad Dowling, Ken Brewer, Paul Chappell, Robbie Berne, Peter Hargreaves, Bruce Lindner, Stacie McDonald, Mike Peeck, Adrian Barr, Chris Winslade, Tammy Hall, Pat Giles

ADF: Tyler Fortescue, Daryl Whitehead, Justin Martin, Derrin Morgan, Sharn O'Connor, Dave Standing, Barry Mulligan, Kim Johansen, Stu McLean, Peter Wightman, Julie Lakotij, Angela Smylie, Rod Smylie