“Finally”, after a number of years of going close, star Lithgow golfer Justin McCann claimed the 2025 club champion. It was a relieved McCann who walked off the 18th hole after a grueling four rounds of the club championship knowing that he had finally won the prestigious title and he did so in style leading from start to finish.
Joining him as the new club Centennial Coal & Lithgow Golf Club sponsored champions were Steve Mays (B grade) and young James Bennett (C grade).
McCann played superb golf finishing a massive seven under par for his four rounds which were played in tough conditions due to the weather and the setting up of the course at its hardest. McCann blew the rest of the field away with rounds of 70 and 68 over the first weekend of golf and then followed up with final rounds of 74 and 69 for a total of 281. He finished a whopping 18 strokes ahead of his nearest rivals and at the presentation he paid homage to his father Max. “He got me into golf many years ago and has supported me along the way to the golfer I am today. We enjoy playing together a couple of times each week and his encouragement has played a big part in my win today”.
Runner up to McCann was a former champion in Darren Hunter who had to survive a three hole playoff with Brian Judge when the pair both finished with totals of 299.
B grade saw Steve Mays win his second title having won the B grade title two years ago. It was a happy Mays that said: “I played my best round of my career today with a two under par 74 and it was good that it was in the pressure situation of the final round of the championships.” His round of 74 was the second best scratch score of the day with only McCann bettering him which was an achievement in itself. Mays returned rounds of 80, 80, 89 and 74 for a total of 323 with runner up title going to Rob Hawes who has been in great form over the past months and he finishing on 332.
The C grade title went to 12 year old James Bennett with four rounds of 99, 91, 96 and and 92 for a total of 381, Judging by his rapid improvement and talent since taking up competition golf, his win will be one of many in the years to come.
Runner up was Neil Hutchinson with a score of 395.
Winners and runners up of the handicap events were as follows:
A grade: Chris Keller (289) and Brian Judge (291).
B grade: Josh Howarth (275) and Corey Osborne (297).
C grade: Jim Heterick (293) and Riley Cameron (298).
The Vets champion scratch winner for the year is Darren Hunter on 299 and the best nett score went to Steve Mays with 275.
The scratch junior title went to James Bennett on 381 and the nett winner was Riley Cameron.
At the presentation a big thank you went out to Centennial Coal for their continued support and to hard working club manager Natasha Drury, the green and bar staff and all those who participated in the championships.
Results for the final two rounds were as follows: (in winner, runner up and best scratch score sequence):
Round 3:
A grade: Brian Judge 69, Dave Marshall 69 and Justin Nelson 73.
B grade: Josh Howarth 70, Brendan Roach 74 and Corey Osborne 88.
C grade: Jai Osborne 69, Riley Cameron 71 and Jim Heterick 96.
Vouchers went down to those with 71 nett on a countback
Nearest to the pins: 2nd Max McCann (230cm); 4th Justin McCann (158cms) 9th Gary Wallace (144cms); 13th Justin Nelson (382cms) and the 18th Chris Neville (36cms).
Fourth and final round:
A grade: Damien Marjoram 70 nett, Mitchell Wallace 71 on a countback and Justin McCann 69.
B grade: Steve Mays 63 nett, Josh Howarth 69 nett and Carlos Garibotto 83.
C grade: Riley Cameron 70 nett, Neil Hutchinson 71 and Riley Bennett 92.
Vouchers went to those with 73 nett and better.
Nearest the pins: 2nd Jim Heterick (175cms); 4th Brian Judge (500cms); 9th Mike Saville (69cms);13th Brian Judge (173cms) and The 18th went to Darren Hunter (310cms).
This week’s event will be a stroke with the March monthly medals held in conjunction.
Centennial Coal & Lithgow Golf Club Grade champions (from left) James Bennett (C grade), Justin McCann (Overall Club champion) and Steve Mays (B grade)