Robert Fletcher wins the Caloundra Classic and Bob Martin takes the GC President's Medal

With the efforts of Club Captain Murray Tinker and the generous sponsorship of a club member, Caloundra hosted the second AC Caloundra Classic from 28 May to 1 June. Sixteen players competed in two blocks of eight before moving into a Championship XYZ format and a Plate event. The standard was high, with 32 TPs, 5 TPOs and Malcolm Fletcher's sextuple.

Despite a heavy shower cancelling play late on the third day, the event finished on time. Robyn Brown was thanked for her work as Tournament Manager. Robert Fletcher again won the event, defeating his brother Greg in the final. Callum Hyland was third and Malcolm Fletcher fourth. Yuni Rowell won the Plate, while Terry Kearney from Toowoomba won the Bertram trophy for the best Division 2 result.

Top four: Robert, Greg, Malcolm and Callum.

Caloundra's Gateball players, plus Ian Carr from Bribie, participated in teams and doubles events at Southport and Eildon. They were competitive in both teams events. In the Southport doubles, Don and Kerry Helmrich had four wins from six games and finished second in their pool. The Gateball players were preparing for the State Championships, which Caloundra would host from 9 to 12 August.

Caloundra's Gateball team at Southport.

In June, Sunshine Coast clubs hosted players from the Christchurch and Dunedin regions of New Zealand. The group visited Caloundra on a Saturday, playing GC in the morning and AC in the afternoon. Five players joined in the club President's birthday celebration, and the same group later joined birthday celebrations for Don Helmrich.

Birthday cake and drinks with New Zealand visitors.

Caloundra recently hosted the Queensland GC President's Medal with 16 entrants, including Sam Oaten and Alison Oatway. The final was between Bob Martin from Eildon and Sid Bates from Stephens, with Bob victorious. Alison finished runner up in the consolation, which was won by Jannene Wall from Ipswich. Sam had to withdraw after the second day due to illness. Robyn Brown again did a great job as Tournament Manager, and CAQ President Michael Eddiehausen presented the medals.

CAQ President Michael Eddiehausen with Bob Martin and Sid Bates.

Alison Oatway, runner up in the consolation.

Caloundra has won the Lochwood Shield for the Association competition, Divisions 1 and 2, and still had opportunities in the Golf Croquet Pennant and Shield competitions. Caloundra will host the GC 14+ Doubles event on 11 September.

By Howard Williams, Caloundra. From the Croquet Newsletter, July/August 2025, pages 12-15.