On a glorious sunny Autumn Day, the first “Mixed Major” of the year attracted a field of 62 players (31 pairs) in the 4-Ball Par event.
Nikki and Fred Wehr continued their sponsorship of the day and their support is acknowledged with appreciation from all who participated.
The Millennium Cup was first played in 2000. The inaugural winners were Darrell Arnett and his daughter Renee who won again in 2003. Darrell also partnered Rhonda Moore in their victory in 2009. The Perpetual Trophy was donated by the late Dennis Parker (Life Member).
Previous winning combinations in the field were-;
Chris and Stewart Wharton – 2017
Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster – 2018
Jill and Tony Morgan – 2022
Anne-Marie MacNaughton and Michael du Pont – 2023
Others who have won with different partners included–;
Honor Metcalf (2005), Susie Rich (2006, 2008 and 2010), Rhonda Moore (2009, 2015 and 2021), Joe Alexander (2011), Marg Doyle (2013), Martin Morris (2015 with Rhonda Moore), Joan Brown (2019), Nikki Bellemore-Thomas (2024) and Rob Kneale (2025)
So how were things looking after 9 holes?
Honor Metcalf (31 H’Cap) and Mal Skipworth (15 H’Cap) led the way on 6 up from Patricia Noske (23 H’Cap) and Steve Noske (6 H’Cap) on 5 up.
The 2023 Champions, Anne-Marie MacNaughton (23 H’Cap) and Michael du Pont (12 H’Cap) together with Marianna Lukianenko (15 H’Cap) and Rowan Morris (31 H’Cap) were on 4 up with Eliza Noske (26 H’Cap) and Brenton Lynn (24 H’Cap) a further shot back on 3 up.
Then there was a group of six combinations on 2 up. So, it was a very closely run affair with any number of combinations in with a chance and the title was up for grabs over the last 9 holes.
So, let’s see what was happening after 15 holes-
Honor and Mal, starting their final nine from the 12th got to 8 up four holes into their last 9 – 8 up. Their momentum was halted by 2 consecutive losses and with 3 holes to play they were 6 up.
Anne- Marie and Michael started their final nine from the 15th and 2 consecutive losses on holes 18 and 1 set them back and with 3 holes left they were out of contention – 3 up.
Judy Boyne (33 H’Cap) and Peter Boyne (15 H’Cap) were one of those groups 2 up after their front nine.
Starting their final nine from the 13th they went steadily and with 3 holes left they were 4 up – not without a chance.
The 2017 Champions, Chris Wharton (28 H’Cap) and Stewart Wharton (7 H’Cap) were also 2 up after 9 holes and starting their last nine from the 15th went to 5 up with 3 holes left – could they make it 2 Millenium Cups?
Patricia and Steve started their final nine from the 15th and remained at 5 up with 3 holes to play.
Marianna and Rowan started their final nine from the eighteenth and were 6 up with three holes left – could it be the day of the Juniors?
Leaderboard with 3 holes left
Honor Metcalf (31 H’Cap) and Mal Skipworth (15 H’Cap) 6up
Marianna Lukianenko (15 H’Cap) and Rowan Morris (31 H’Cap) 6up
Chris Wharton (28 H’Cap) and Stewart Wharton (7 H’Cap) 5up
Patricia Noske (23 H’Cap) and Steve Noske (6 H’Cap) 5up
Judy Boyne (33 H’Cap) and Peter Boyne (15 H’Cap) 4up
It was the Noskes who won the day with 2 pluses and a half over the last 3 holes to reach 7 up
Runners-up Honor Metcalf and Mal Skipworth
Honor and Mal won their final hole to also finish 7 up but the Noskes prevailed on a count back to become the 2026 Millenium Cup Champions.
Winners Patricia and Steve Noske 7 up
Runners up Honor Metcalf and Mal Skipworth 7 up
Third Judy and Peter Boyne 6 up
Fourth Marianna Lukianenko and Rowan Morris 6 up
Fifth Chris and Stewart Wharton 6 up
Sixth Louise and Brett Thomson 5 up
Seventh Anne-Marie MacNaughton and Michael du Pont 5 up
Eighth Cath Bellemore and Paul Baster 5 up
Best Previous Winner Chris and Stewart Wharton 6 up
Special Mention Rob Kneale and Jack Woodward 6 up
Appreciation once again is extended to the Sponsors of the day Nikki and Fred Wehr and thanks to all the club staff who made it an enjoyable afternoon and evening.
The next “Mixed Major” is the O and S Allom Bowl, scheduled for Sunday May 31 and sponsored by Veni Tang and Gary Hing. The defending Champions are – Vanessa and Bill Stephen.
Finally, congratulations to the 2026 Millennium Cup Champions.
PATRICIA NOSKE and STEVE NOSKE
from Greg Fitzhardinge
