NSW win first Maccabi Golf Queen’s Cup
Maccabi golfing history was made late last month when NSW scraped home against Victoria in the inaugural Queen's Cup by winning the last hole on the final day.
MACCABI golfing history was made late last month when NSW scraped home against Victoria in the inaugural Queen’s Cup ladies’ tournament, by winning the last hole on the final day of play in the spectacular Hunter region.
Sharing the same format as Maccabi’s men’s President’s Cup and the international Ryder Cup, the event saw six selected female golfers from Maccabi NSW and Victoria compete in three better-ball matchplay contests at Hunter Valley Golf Course on October 26, sharing the spoils with a draw and one win each.
The Victorians won the second day 2-1 after best-ball stableford team matches were played on the same course, leaving NSW with plenty of work to do on day three at Cypress Lakes Golf Course with six handicap singles matches remaining.
The ladies in blue responded, bouncing back to square things up ahead of the last match between NSW’s Adrienne Sender and Victoria’s Belinda Picker.
That contest went down to the 18th hole, with Sender the winner.
NSW captain Jody Drutman told The AJN it was fitting that the first edition of the Queen’s Cup went down to the wire.
“The close finish made it all the more special – it really could have been either state’s win until the very end,” Drutman said.
“Adrienne clinched the deal for us. I don’t think she realised it [the tournament’s result] would come down to that last shot, and I think that helped her.
“Whenever one of us was down, another came in and contributed – it was a real team effort, and I think that was the key.”
Drutman described the tournament as “historic” because although there have been 15 Maccabi Australia President’s Cups played in men’s golf, there had not been an equivalent national tournament for Jewish women in Australia until now.
“The friendships made during this national eventevent, played in a lovely atmosphere, really underlined what Maccabi is about – making Jewish connections through sport,” Drutman said.
“In NSW, historically there has not been much happening for Jewish female golfers, but over the last two years’ I’ve spearheaded efforts to change that, and there is now more activity and new events [like the annual Maccabi NSW Ladies’ Golf Day].
“Female membership is increasing, and hopefully the introduction of the Maccabi Queen’s Cup boosts the women’s game further and continues that growth.”
Maccabi Golf Australia president Allen Garb described the Queens Cup as a “great addition to the Maccabi Calendar”, and thanked Drutman, and Victoria’s captain Elana Green, for their key roles in making it possible.
“The camaraderie and spirit between both teams was clear for all to see.”
SHANE DESIATNIK
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