Golf Vic Vol 60 No 2 2019

Michael Louey, playing off a 22 handicap, returned 39 points on the Huntingdale layout to win the Vic Heart Open and, having had open-heart surgery, also took the Don Lawrence Trophy. Maxine Corfield of Latrobe Golf Club was runner-up with 38 points. Nearly 120 players contested the 2019 event, with the participation of the four Kerin brothers a unique experience. Tony, Mick, Paul and Jack are four of five brothers and nine siblings in all, the four all having had heart procedures. “Tony was the first to have a heart attack, then me in 2012,” said Jack. “Paul had open-heart surgery a couple of years ago and Mick had open-heart surgery last year.” Paul scored 36 points playing off a handicap of eight to finish runner-up in the Men’s A Division, losing a countback to Port Arlington’s Michael Jeffers. But as always, simply being able to play was a blessing. “We are grateful to our cardiologist and the heart team that gave us the opportunity to play the sport of our passion,” Jack said. Jonathan Landes (Cranbourne) won the Men’s B Division with 37 points, with Kingsley Porter from Goonawarra finishing runner-up. In the women’s competition, Jane Lachal from Peninsula-Kingswood took honours with 38 points, with Ragna Porter from Riverside taking the second-place prize. A nearest-the-pin competition was held in conjunction with proceeds from entrants going to the Monash Heart Hospital. Over $2000 was raised for the hospital on the day. Players also give generously to a raffle, which raised $900 for the Heart Foundation. The event is a special event for men and women, amateurs or professionals, who have undergone a heart procedure. On this basis alone, the event is as much about celebrating life through golf on top of the actual competition that brings together players from mainly across Victoria. The 2020 Vic Heart Open will be held at Victoria Golf Club on Wednesday March 19. the east coast all the way to Port Douglas and Daintree National Park. Then just before Christmas, we left Tableland because of the upcoming rains and drove to Alice Springs and Ayers Rock, where we celebrated the new year. “Down south we travelled the York and Fleurieu Peninsulas (near Adelaide) and followed the coast all the way back gradually up to Sydney again.” So it was good timing that they were passing through the Mornington Peninsula while the Vic Heart Open was on, with Huntingdale just a short drive away - relatively speaking. Ellen signed up for the event and although she was initially on the reserve list, she received the call up to play. With Paul as her caddie, a boon for the whole group – “Paul raked many bunkers!” – Ellen scored 30 points off a handicap of 14. Her playing partner, Maxine Corfield of Latrobe Golf Club finished with 38 points to finish as the overall runner-up. “It was great to get the opportunity to play Huntingdale,” Ellen said. “The course was in super condition and was challenging. In comparison to the Netherlands this course, and many other courses we’ve played, are long from the ladies tees. On most courses, the red tees are 5200 metres and more but in Europe 4800 up to 5000 is regular.” “It was also encouraging to see so many players who have been in similar health situations to enjoy the game of golf and stay fit in this way.” The Kerin brothers play for fun and family bragging rights. From left to right: Mick, Paul, Jack and Tony. Louey lands the double Michael Louey, winner of the 2019 Vic Heart Open. Golf Victoria 45