Monopoly: Kim Morris claimed her fourth straight A-grade women’s crown with victory against Cheryl Mahon.
Photo by
Simon Bingham
The Dixon family steeped itself even further in the history of Shepparton Golf Club with a famous club championship double on Sunday (June 2, 2013).
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Luke Dixon, 33, defeated Daniel Adem 2 and 1 to win his first open men’s title at the second attempt.
His father Bob Dixon, an 11-time open club champion, won the B-grade championship with a 3 and 2 win against Rick Lancaster.
According to Shepparton Golf Club captain Mark Washington, it was the first time in the history of the club a father and son had won club championships on the same day.
Luke’s mum Paula Dixon — herself a past C-grade women’s champion — played her part, alternating with family friend Ron Wilkinson as caddy for her husband and son during the day.
Luke, who only returned to live in Shepparton two years ago, said it was a big day for his family.
‘‘I’ve won four championships in Melbourne, but it was great to win in Shepparton,’’ Luke said.
‘‘It was extra special to spend the day with Dad and have Mum and Ronnie caddy for me as well.’’
Winners: Women’s C-grade champion Jo Barker, B-grade champions Bob Dixon and Rose Priestly and D-grade champions Leah Boyd and Greg Birks.
Photo by
Simon Bingham
The Dixons’ eldest son, Dean, who is now a PGA trainee professional, also has four championships to his name, and Bob said it was a dream to see another son follow in his footsteps.
‘‘It’s always been my dream that Luke would win it,’’ Bob said.
‘‘I watched him play the first nine holes, then I had to go and play my final, but I got to see Luke’s last six holes and it was beautiful.’’
It was Bob’s first year in B-grade, after his handicap finally fell in the required bracket.
Luke also has the rare distinction of winning the club championships at Shepparton Golf Club and Shepparton Lawn Tennis Club — the latter he won twice as a 16-year-old and as an 18-year-old.
Meanwhile, not even a seven-month injury lay-off could stop Kim Morris from claiming her fourth straight A-grade women’s title.
Morris only returned to the course in February and didn’t make it onto the driving range until March, but recorded a 2 and 1 win in a see-sawing final against Cheryl Mahon.
‘‘I hadn’t played golf for seven months, so I wasn’t as prepared as I would have liked,’’ Morris said.
‘‘I was a bit surprised I won; Cheryl has been playing some good golf, but it was a close game, the lead changed 11 times and it came down to putting in the end.
‘‘I’m starting to get confidence back in my shoulder and I’m proud to be champion at Shepparton, where I learned my golf.’’
In the men’s C-grade, Craig Mathison defeated Neville Winch 3 and 2 and in D-grade Greg Birks defeated Corey Pilcher 5 and 3.
In the women’s draw, Rose Priestly defeated Greta Keenan 2 and 1 in B-grade, Jo Barker defeated Faye Goodman 3 and 2 in C-grade and new member Leah Boyd defeated Marg Ryan 4 and 2 in D-grade.
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