Hamilton Island hosts inaugural Handiskins Golf Week

Hamilton Island Golf Club played host to the first Handiskins National Final, held in 4-8 May 2016. 22 finalists from club. The event included two qualifying rounds and a skins final. Players vied for the National Title and over $10,000 in prizes and giveaways thanks to Drummond Golf and Hamilton Island.

 

 

 

Wednesday, 4 May 2016 - Welcome Dinner

 

What a fabulous night. The weather held and the marque set on the edge of the beautiful Catesye Beach provided the perfect location for our groups meet and greet.

We had a busy night with the ladies draw for the Peter Lehmann Wine (see below) and the players draw. Each player was allocated a time slot for each of the qualifying rounds and received their welcome packs including a dozen Bridgestone Golf Balls and Drummond Golf Umbrellas - just in case of rain!

We spent the rest of the evening getting to know each other. We were absolutely overwhelmed with the spirit of the group, friendships were quickly formed and a positive vibe that was felt with all looking forward to the four days ahead.

 

 

National Final Groups

 

 

Thursday, 5th May - Round One

 

The excitement of the first day of competition has arrived. All the players are up early for breakfast and get themselves down to the wharf to catch the ferry across to Hamilton Island Golf Club. Upon arrival they are met at the golf club by staff with a refreshing towel and a glass of tropical juice. Once they have organised their gear onto the carts they are briefed by the golf club manager, have a group photo and off to the practice area. A spectacular golf course lies ahead for these finalists but one that is very challenging. They all know that a good round here will net them a stableford score in the high 20's. One exception to the rule is day one winner Stuart Wylie from Nelson Bay Golf Club who posted a score of 41 points. Now that all the finalists have had a taste of the course everyone is looking forward to day two.

 

 

Friday 6th May - Round Two

 

Day two starts with much anticipation amongst all the players as a score of 30 points can put you into the final. On the Island everyone referred to it as moving day and no one did it better then Vincent Capozzi from Northbridge Golf Club. Whilst Doug Hanshaw had the round of the day with 33 points it was Vincent's day scoring 31 points and taking out the closest the pin prizes on the 14th & 16th hole as well as the longest drive. At the end of the day we had our four finalists who would advance to day 3 and play for the first ever Handiskins National Champion title. They were Stuart Wylie (Nelson Bay Golf Club), Richard Williams (Balgowlah Golf Club), Colin Stockley (Penrith Golf Club) & Vincent Capozzi (Northbridge Golf Club).

 

Saturday, 7th May - National Final

Whilst all those who didn't make Saturday's final enjoyed everything Hamilton Island had to offer the four finalists had an early night.

Final day, the four finalists had a relaxing ferry ride to the golf course but once at the club house you could see the nerves kick in. All four players had won a skin by the 6th hole, which helped settle their nerves but the first big jackpot hole on the 9th was won by Colin Stockley giving him the upper hand at the turn. Another jackpot win on the 12th hole for Colin stretched his lead but Vincent Capozzi's jackpot win on the 14th hole put him in with a chance. The next three holes were drawn and with the value of the final hole being $320 meant that all four could win the National title if they won the 18th hole outright. However, with the final hole played and squared the money was split between the four - Colin Stockley became the first Handiskins National Champion. For all the National Final results go to the National Final Results 2016 page.

National Final Winners 1st  Colin Stockley Penrith Golf Club $495 2nd Vincent Capozzi Northbridge Golf Club $335 3rd Stuart Wylie Nelson Bay Golf Club $195 4th Richard Williams Balgowlah Golf Club $175

 

Presentation Dinner at Hamilton Island Yacht Club

 

The Hamilton Island Yacht Club was the venue for the Presentation dinner. With spectacular views from the balcony for pre-dinner drinks, both players and their partner reflected on a great week had by all. The stories of opportunities and balls lost on the golf course to the wonder and activities of the Whitsundays enjoyed by everyone had them ticking off an item on their bucket list. The friendships formed between this group of people who were put together only 4 days earlier was truly amazing and the game of golf was the big winner. Handiskins has had the support of some great sponsors that made this possible and provided some wonderful prizes. All the golfing vouchers were provided by Drummond Golf and we can't thank Ravi and his team enough for their support. Peter Lehmann Wines have been a supporter of the Handiskins competition for a long time and when it came to the National Final Ray, Malcolm and their team didn't hesitate to be a part of it. Not only did they provide 3 magnificent prizes for the ladies but the National Champion Colin Stockley and the club he is from Penrith Golf Club receive 6 bottles of their top shelf Stonewell Shiraz. Bridgestone Golf provided each player with a dozen balls and Golf Business Australia sponsored the $30,000 hole in one on the beautiful 16th hole. Whilst no one won the $30,000 there was a couple that came very close.

For those who didn't make the final there was still a chance to pick up some valuable prizes with everyone attending the National Final going into a draw at the presentation dinner. The first 4 players drawn out received the price of the package to Hamilton Island back and the lucky players were Howard McMillan (Moss Vale Golf Club), Terry Johns (Cowra Golf Club), Matthew Beaton (Rosebud Country Club) & Michael Curtale (Cowra Golf Club). The next 12 players drawn out received a $100 voucher from Drummond Golf.

Everyone enjoyed a great night and continued on at the Marina Tavern after the presentation dinner where we found out that some golfers can sing and some well let's just leave it at that. What goes on tour stays on tour.

 

 

Player Testimonials

"Fabulous golf course, accommodation, and running of event - very well done. People who ran the event excellent in every way. Thank you very much."

Ken Wise, Shelly Beach Golf Club

 

"What a sensational event! Great bunch of blokes and an exceptional golf course. Fabulous concept and event – you need to be part of it. Made some great mates and look forward to playing golf with them again."

Stuart Wylie, Nelson Bay Golf Club

 

"Awesome concept and a great event. Picturesque (if tough) course and a great team of guys. I hope I make the next final. Really well organised Kristin and Paul."

John Dixon, Bayview Golf Club 

 

"Great job, great people, great time. Well done Paul and Kristin."

John Curry - Bayview Golf Club

 

"Great golf course, magnificent views, great company, friendships made."

Steve Hetherington, Shelly Beach Golf Club

 

"On behalf of myself I would like to thank Paul and Kristin for the opportunity of visiting this exceptional part of Australia. All of the competitors and their partners have been a pleasure to meet. The way everyone enjoyed themselves pays testimony to how Paul has presented this event. Many thanks."

Greg Procter, Shelly Beach Golf Club 

  

"Thanks Handiskins for a fantastic tournament. From the first day at Sandhurst (washout) to the time spent in Hamilton Island has been a fantastic experience. What a great experience for hackers like myself. Keep up the enthusiasm and I am sure this venture will be a great success."

Pete Dalton, Sandhurst Golf Course

 

"Thanks to Paul and the crew for a great time and venue. Hopefully I will qualify again. Hope all goes well."

Daniel Garbutt, Shelly Beach

 

"Paul and Kristin are angels from heaven. The experience is over the top. The great concept of the game is fantastic. It equals out from the low handicappers to the high. I only hope more clubs pick up Handiskins. The greatest regards."

Vincent Sellars, Moss Vale Golf Club  

 

"A big thanks to Paul and Kristin. A more professional and humble man I have not met. A great achievement and a great team. Well done, a great experience."

Doug Hanshaw, Balgowlah Golf Club 

  

"I would like to thank the whole Handiskins team for a wonderful experience. My first contact with Handiskins was at Devilbend when Paul was attracting customers. The concept is excellent, much better than the Holden Scramble. Since my first contact with Paul the experience has been personal and welcoming. The final event at Hamilton Island was first class."

Dennis Crowley, Devilbend Golf Club

  

"The entire event was brilliantly put together, Dana and I totally enjoyed everything. Big thank you Paul and Kristin for all your efforts."

Terry Thompson, Singleton Golf Club

  

"A big thank you to Handiskins, particularly to Paul and Kristin for the organisation of a once in a life time event. Fantastic atmosphere on the course and off. Truly a great experience."

Vincent Capozzi, Northbridge Golf Club

  

"The Handiskins event has been a terrific experience, both at club level and the National Comp. I look forward to promoting this event at my home club."

Colin Stockley, Penrith Golf Club

 

"Congratulations Guys. This is a wonderful concept and you both combined to pull it off so well. We will never know your efforts behind the scenes but from a players perspective it was flawless. We all had a ball and it has been an absolute pleasure to represent our club here. We will be participating for years to come and would love to be fortunate to come away to another final, which is so smoothly run and as competently as this one."

Terry Johns, Cowra Golf Club

  

"Congratulations Guys. We have had a wonderful experience and appreciate all your efforts. It’s a great concept and we hope it continues to grow and be successful as you guys deserve it!"

Michael Curtale, Cowra Golf Club 

  

"From the first competition at Royal Balgowlah through to the first final here this week Handiskins has been brilliant. It really helped bring the club together during the hardest of times and gave a real buzz to a lot of the golfers. It is going to get bigger, better and is something that every golfer you talk to thinks is a brilliant idea. I look forward to participating in a final again and it’s great to have participated in the first club competition and the first National Final."

Richard Williams, Balgowlah Golf Club

 

"Thanks for your support both at club level and the National Final. We will continue to promote this wonderful event within our club and town. Personally it was a tick off my bucket list as an amateur golfer and my wife enjoyed the venue, other competitors and wives. A truly great event and we wish it continues to grow massively."

Paul Jones, Cowra Golf Club

 

"Would suggest that every club get behind Handiskins and support the idea. Wonderful to meet other qualifiers and make new friends. All important network in any sport. Thoroughly enjoyed the experience."

Howard McMillan, Moss Vale Golf Club  

 

"Great event Paul and Kristin. Really enjoyed ourselves. Hope we get to play next year."

Matt Beaton, Rosebud Country Club