2004 INTERDOMINION REPORT.

The beautiful Lakelands Golf Course at the Gold Coast was the perfect setting for the 21st Interdominion Taxi Golf Championships.  270 players from Australia and New Zealand took to the luxurious fairways from 11th to 15th October and after four days of competition the winners were decided and presented with their trophies at the Presentation Dinner held in the Main Ballroom of the Radisson Resort on Saturday 16th October. 

 Our sponsors, Zurich Insurance, Unigas, Taxi Council of Qld, Yellow Cabs, Flashcab and Sunshine Motors and Mr Bruce Mitchell provided the necessary funds to make this a complete success and we extend our sincere thanks to all of them for their generosity.

 Our New Zealand friends enjoyed their stay with us and competed strongly against the Australian players in a spirit of Trans-Tasman rivalry that created a wonderful atmosphere of conviviality and friendship.  We thank them for their attendance and wish them well for the future.

 The results for the weeks’ event are as follows:

 INTERDOMINION CUP.

 Won by Australia with a gross score of 1024 to NZ 1092 Australian Team.

                          Gary Kucharski Vic

                          David Giles SA

                          Mark Webb NSW

                          David Harrison Tas

                          David McHugh Qld

                          Nigel Rendall WA

 NORM BOYD TROPHY (AUSTRALIA V WELLINGTON.

 Won by Wellington with a Nett score of 972 to Australia 975

Wellington team

                          Mata Luka

                           Errol Bruce

                           Gordon Wilson

                           Rex Harrison

                           Peter Ferry

                           Bill Tangney

 STATE OF ORIGIN SHIELD

(DONATED BY LIFE MEMBER STEVE PALM WA)

 Queensland Team Nett score 686

                           Dave Brown (Brisbane Taxi Golf Club)

                           Neal Spring (Brisbane Taxi Golf Club)

                           Greg Morrison (Yellow Cabs, Brisbane)

                           John Wilshere (Yellow Cabs, Brisbane)

                           Hubert Sperandio ( Mackay Taxis)

 CLUB TEAM EVENT.

 Won by Western Australia with a Nett score of 698

                            Graham Dunlop

                            Peter Brown

                            Rubens Kiamtia

 Interdominion Champion (Gross)

Won by Gary Kucharski (Victoria) 232

 Interdominion Champion (Nett)

Won by Malcolm Pearce (Tasmania) 219

 Australian Champion (Gross)

Won by George Spillane ( Qld) 224

 Australian Champion (Nett)

Won by Rubens Kiamtia(WA) 219

 GRADED EVENTS.

A GRADE.

Gross       David McHugh Qld 225

Nett          Damian Cox Qld 219

 B Grade

Gross       Adam Hicks NSW 270

Nett          Peter Barnes Qld 223

 C Grade

 Gross        Barry Owen NZ 221

Nett           Jeff Rouillon Qld 220

 D Grade

 Gross         Peter Schroeder WA 299

Nett           Graham Harrison Qld 223

 Veterans(50 to 59)

                 Gary Kucharski Vic 214

 Super Veterans(60 to 69)

                Malcolm Pearce Tas 219

 Golden Veterans(70 and over)

                Ron Tindale Qld 220

 Ladies  Champion

                   Patricia Ridley SA 149

Runner-up  Jackie Spillane Qld 154

 I want to thank the Administrative and ground staff at Lakelands Golf Club, in particular, Amelia Heseltine, for the huge input that she had personally and for the presentation of the course and the friendly and efficient manner of the bar staff which contributed greatly to the enjoyment of the Tournament by all participants.  Also the staff at the Radisson Resort for their courteous and efficient manner when dealing with our people, especially Anna Mitchell for the generous accommodation package which was offered to all Taxi golfers.  All of these things made a significant contribution to our tournament.  This event I would like to point out is the largest single sporting event organised for and on behalf of the Taxi Industry.  I hope that in future those industries associated with the Taxi Industry can become involved more closely.  I personally thank Rick Barrett, Lucy Barrett and Dianne Von Haeften from Zurich Insurance, Rob Bebrouth, Chris Marriott and Terri Wilkinson from Unigas, Blair Davies, Taxi Council of Qld and Bill Parker from Yellow Cabs, and the principals from Flashcab and Sunshine Motors, Gold Coast  and especially Mr Bruce Mitchell for their generosity.

 In closing I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of my Committee who worked very hard to make this a success. They can be proud of their achievements. They include Mike Nolan, Col Fletcher, Paul McSwaine, Richard Bowles, Jeff Rouillon, Mike Hitchen, Lorraine Spring, Rosina Renault, Carmel McSwaine, Carol Smith and Fay Tindale.  Also I thank all those people who were in some way involved but who are too numerous to name.  Your efforts are appreciated.

 The last word must go to the Secretary of the Taxi Council, Blair Davies, who, I think, said it all in his welcome message: “ Lakelands Golf Course in the middle of spring on the Gold Coast.  It doesn’t get much better than this.”  You know Blair you were right.

 Best wishes to all for the forthcoming festive season and happy golfing

 Russell Armstrong

President QTGA Inc.