2010 William Buckley Classic Program

The Golf

The Format:  18 holes of 4BBB stableford on Saturday and 18 holes of 2-ball ambrose for stableford points on Sunday. Longest Drive and Nearest the Pin will be contested each day.

The Rules: Since slow play is a potential problem for us, these rules are designed to encourage play in the right spirit and at the right pace. Teams play their chosen best ball on each shot and may place their ball half a club length (about 50cm) from where the chosen ball lies, no nearer the hole. Balls must be placed in the same cut as the chosen ball. In the interests of fast play from tee to green, teams are NOT required to mark with a tee and precisely measure from the chosen ball as they play each shot. Team members can play in any order on a shot. Please have fun, move quickly between shots, keep up with the group in front and pick up your ball when you have scratched on the hole.

Putting: Once on the green, Bushrangers should mark near the chosen best ball so all team members play from near enough to the exact same position.

Handicapping: Each team will be assigned a handicap based on official Australian handicaps and information supplied by the Bushrangers. The handicapper will be governed by a commitment to rewarding good play according to a player’s ability.

Playoffs: In the event of a tie, a sudden-death playoff will be held. Teams play together as a twosome (taking alternate strokes playing one ball). Teams can determine the order as each member takes their first shot. This order is then continuous and carries over from one hole to the next until the playoff is decided.

The Rodeo Rule: This is minimum drives for each team member and will be enforced. Each team’s rodeo requirements will appear on their scorecard.

Who was William Buckley?

Born in Cheshire, England in 1780, William Buckley fought as one of the King's Own Regiment against Napoleon's forces in the Netherlands. He was convicted of receiving stolen cloth in 1802 and was sentenced to transportation to Australia for 14 years. He was among 300 prisoners sent out in 1803 to establish the first settlement on Victoria's Port Phillip near what is now Sorrento.

Buckley and two others escaped in December 1803 with the aim of getting to Sydney. Alas, they went the wrong way and circled Port Phillip Bay. Due to the harsh terrain and lack of food, Buckley's companions decided to return to the settlement and give themselves up. But not the determined Buckley. It was the last time any white man would see of him for 32 years.

A powerful man standing over 6'6", Buckley pressed on along the coast to Breamlea, Torquay, Anglesea, Aireys Inlet and beyond. His first permanent resting place was near Mount Defiance where he found an abundance of shellfish, edible vegetation and natural cover. In the winter, Buckley was close to death but was rescued by an Aboriginal tribe.

Fortunately for Buckley, the locals believed that white people were Aborigines who had come back from the dead. They named him Murrangurk and took him in as one of their own. For the next three decades, Buckley travelled extensively throughout the region, mostly around Geelong, Barwon Heads, and the Otway Ranges. On July 7 1835, Buckley wandered into a camp of John Batman’s party and reacquainted himself with European society.

He was the first European to walk the bush on both sides of Port Phillip Bay, living off the land and on the run from the law. Given that our determined Bushrangers regularly ingratiate themselves with the locals on our trips and that this tournament is played on courses on both sides of the bay, we think it is fitting that this event is known as The William Buckley Classic.

 
The Form Guide

The Murrangurk Masters – Early in his travels, William Buckley found a spear by a grave near Torquay. It belonged to the respected warrior Murrangurk. The locals believed Buckley to be Murrangurk returned from the dead as a giant white man. The two-player team format and the name of WBC perpetual trophy reflect the lives of these two men combining under one name and each year the reigning champions will play as The Murrangurk Masters.

Michael Mileo (Seve) & Mick Van Raay (Da King) – These two dashing stallions come in here once again as the defending champions and have plenty to recommend their chances. Having won half of the WBCs ever contested, they believe they have the perfect combination of courage, skill, erudition, wits, cunning, worldliness, wardrobe and charm to add another WBC to their collection. Have been so successful here that the game’s governing body has done a Walter Lindrum this year and changed the format to try and curb their domination. Don’t expect that to slow them down nor tempt them into racking up some big numbers with a few nursery cannons around the cups this week. With three podium finishes in four years, they love it here and will put up a great defence. Again.

 
The Sullivan Bay Ginger Bread Men – Buckley and two other convicts escaped from the camp at Sullivan Bay near Sorrento on December 27, 1803. The others turned back after a few days, but Buckley pressed ahead and stayed on the run for the next 32 years.

Roger Brown (Arbeige) & Michael David (Mikey Dee) – The only ever back-to-back champions in any Bushranger Golf Major with WBC wins (by a single stroke both times) in 2007 and 2008. Must be respected and regarded once again as a massive chance this year. Notwithstanding that we are disinclined to stray into unnecessary hyperbole, this combo arrives boasting an unrivalled commitment to good times and every year they seem to manage to parley that into a special performance on the course. They are the winningest two golfers in Bushranger Golf Major Championship history with 10 titles between them. Arbeige has collected at least one title every year since 2006 and will be determined to add to that record here this week. These big-game performers will put on another spectacular show and, as always, deliver great value to their backers.

The Corio Bay Fugitives – Buckley and his two fellow escapees reached the waterfront on Corio Bay at what is now Geelong a few days after escaping. He came to know this area very well over the next 32 years.

Ian Crotty (Crocko) & Richard Fellner (Quigs) –  These two wily old stagers will be brimming with confidence having shared the glory already this year at both the Bushranger Cup and the Kelly Gang Shootout. It seems it is their devious ambition to win their maiden WBC title together and become the first Bushrangers to collect all three Majors in a calendar year. As if that isn’t enough, Quigs is one of the reigning BRG Player of the Year title holders, so a win here would see him hold all four BRG Majors simultaneously. Given the consequences of a victory here, they will have a very bumpy ride this weekend with no mercy whatsoever from their fellow competitors. Expect to see the heckling commence on Friday and to be maintained at a level of sustained excellence throughout the weekend.

 The Swan Island Hackers – Buckley and his two fellow escapees reached Swan Island at Queenscliff on New Year’s Day 1804. It was here that the other two chose to return to Sorrento but Buckley refused to give up and made the momentous decision to press on alone.

John Lazzara (Funky J) & Andy MacFeate (Macca) – Fronted for this event together twice – in 2007 and 2009 – and have come up a single shot away from WBC glory both times. It seems this hot metrosexual couple is custom built for this event and it is only a matter of time before they hoist the Murrangurk Trophy. Always scrub up a treat in the mounting yard, their dapper bearing and big city charm make them a welcome addition to the field. They are also well respected for their capabilities at the après golf festivities. Funky famously conducted the BRG choir one year and inspired the boys to an extraordinary performance. Expect to see a little of magic both on and off the course from this dynamic duo. A big chance.

The Point Lonsdale Cavemen – After parting ways with his companions, Buckley moved on to Pt. Lonsdale where he is thought to have sheltered in a cave for a short time. Buckley’s Cave is still a popular destination for local history buffs and Bushrangers on the lamb.

Warwick Stonehouse (Boo) & Pete Russell (Rusty) – This robust and uncompromising pairing has all the attributes to vault into contention here this week. Tonnes of competition golf experience, dapper good looks, unbridled enthusiasm for the contest and the strength of character to take their opportunities when the chance presents and hold sway when the going gets rugged. Rusty made his first start in a BRG Major at the 2010 KGS and acquitted himself admirably with a fourth placing. Boo has a mountain of form under his ample belt with a crushing win in the inaugural Bushranger Cup and plenty of recent strong form, which included a warm up round this week at the mighty Kingston Heath. Expect big things from this pairing both on and off the course as they attempt to rampage their way to the podium and add an illustrious WBC title to their already glittering resumes. A massive unit and a huge chance.

The Barwon Heads Sir Robins – On his first day marching alone, Buckley happened upon a group of Wathaurong people camped peacefully by the Barwon river. Fearing for his life, he silently crossed the river at the heads and bravely ran away.

Matthew Pitt (Pw Jones) & Scott Wilson (Willo) – Have quickly shot to outright favouritism with more to recommend their chances here than any other combo. One is a proven big game specialist and the other is an outright champion who carries the burden of being the clearly the best player not yet to win a BRG Major championship. Expect to see that corrected this weekend as this combo has left no stone unturned in a ferocious preparation. In many ways, this pairing makes the rest of the star-studded field assembled here look somewhat pedestrian. With two Bushranger Cups between them and more BRG Major Championship experience than any other team competing, they carry a spellbinding aura of total and utter invincibility that completely intimidates the opposition.

The Bream Creek Freaks – Buckley cruised past 13th Beach and crossed Bream Creek the next day. Later he returned and it was here he built a substantial hut and lived for many years on the abundant supplies of food, including the fish he trapped in the creek.

Steve Foxwell (Foxy) & Grant Jones (Jonesy) – Steve Foxwell (Foxy) & Grant Jones (Jonesy) – After Foxy’s stunning one-shot win in the 2009 Bushranger Cup, this pair fronted for the 2009 WBC with high hopes. Their powerful livers, jocular dispositions and golfing nous make them a perfect combination to excel at the WBC. Alas, they battled away manfully to finish mid field but were only ever making up the numbers. Expect to see them determined to put that right with a barnstorming effort to fight their way to the top of the podium. Foxy’s golf obsessed lifestyle has not abated in the past 12 months and Jonesy has made a commitment to fine tuning his preparation for this event. Last year he tuned himself for weeks and it appears he was a tad over-golfed, so he has sought to rectify that this year with a more discerning approach to his practice regime. If he has got his taper right, they will figure in the finish. 

The Torquay Hookers – Buckley camped on the banks of Spring Creek at Torquay during his solitary march through the district in 1804. It was here he picked up the spear from the grave of Murrangurk that later would be his saviour.

Matt Thomas (T-Bag) & Rob Lugton (Luggo) – T-Bag is coming off a win in the Kelly Gang Shootout at his last start and Luggo is lining up for an unprecedented triple crown having started the year with wins in both the Bushranger Cup and the KGS. That form alone makes them a massive threat here this week but they are also leading the Order of Merit on the SGA Tour this year and have both had stellar seasons with wins on Tour and numerous high placings. The only chink in the armour is the odd inconsistency with the flat-stick, but T-Bag has shown that when he finds his range on the greens, he can be sheer brilliance across the moss. If he starts canning putts, they may well finish outright second to Pw & Willo.
 

The Aireys Inlet Slicers – As his situation became more wretched as he trekked alone, Buckley found clear water at Aireys Inlet and much needed food. He built his first dwelling near here, a primitive hut of which Maslow would have been proud.

Gav Doran (The Rose) & Neil Hocking (Hocks) – This sophisticated combo set the Bushranger Golf world on fire last year with their stunning come from behind win in the 2009 KGS. Since that time they have somewhat diverged philosophically with Hocks committing himself to a practice regime and regular competition program that has seen him come up trumps with wins on the SGA Tour this year and recently he secured victory in the Tour 4BBB Championship. The Rose, on the other hand, believes that golfing brilliance comes from within and he has staunchly adhered to his normal pre-event routine of keeping his golfing time to an absolute minimum. Despite this conflict of paradigms within the team, they remain a massive chance here this week. With more experience, perspicacity and equanimity then the rest of the field combined, they have the capacity to produce the goods when required. A huge contender.

The Mount Defiance Alliance – At Mount Defiance just past Lorne, Buckley found a cave with fresh water and food nearby and made it his first permanent home, living there for several months through the autumn of 1804. As winter set in, he began to struggle and decided to make the long trek back to Sorrento.

David Regenspurger (The Hamburglar) & Dave Amos (The Swinger) – This combo stormed to a comfortable win in their last start as a pair on the Mornington Peninsula with a runaway victory at the 4BBB Tour event at Moonah legends Course in July. They are proven big game performers and the Hamburglar has racked up a few impressive titles on his resume – 2008 VSGCC Champion, 2008 Kelly Gang Shootout Champion and the 2009 Bushranger Golf Player of the Year. These big-hitters have the ability to take this event by the scruff of the neck and embarrass the opposition with a frenzy of scoring. Super consistent and rock solid in the heat of the battle, look out if they get away to a good start because they will be very hard to run down on the home straight. One of the top fancies this week.

  
The Coonewarre Revivors – It was near the banks of Lake Coonewarre, a short walk north of the 13th Beach Golf Links, that two local women found the weak and starving Buckley. They thought he was the ‘white ghost’ of Murrangurk and nursed him back to health.

Adam Buxton (The A Bux) & Greg Buxton (The G Bux) – These two golfing juggernauts have made big splash on the SGA Tour in 2010 and took the first step to golfing immortality by fronting for the Kelly Gang shootout this year. Alas, they finished in fifth place, although they acquitted themselves admirably and would have done far better were their two team-mates not a couple of anchors that dragged them to the bottom of the leader board. There were a few moments when the The A Bux looked like he might struggle with volume of après golf festivities but he came through with flying colours. So to speak. Have shown what they are made of with some great results on the SGA Tour this year and a stirring win in the VSGCC pairs qualifying event at The Dunes. One to watch.

The Point Addis Bashers – During his life among the Wathaurong tribes, Buckley travelled and lived along much of the Surf Coast. They moved with the seasons for meetings and ceremonies with other tribes and Point Addis was a regular haunt for some ripping corroborees.

Mark Henderson (Hendo) & Aaron Cooper (Frodo) – This big hitting duo forms half of the contingent from the Sink Another SGC who are rapidly forging a reputation as Bushrangers of the highest calibre. Debuted at the 2010 KGS and powered through the pack with a barnstorming finish on Sunday to score a highly commendable 2nd place in a field that was smothered in class and golfing brilliance. Have shown they can handle this step up in class with the golf game, strength of character and liver power of champions. Hendo is the ringleader and Frodo is the wildcard who is world-renowned (at least across the Tasman) for his capacity to switch his golf onto autopilot while focussing on his consumption. May require blinkers to do well here, but if they settle into a rhythm early, are capable of giving a scare to some of the more fancied chances.

The Indented Heads – It was at Indented Head in 1835 that Buckley, after 32 years in the wilderness, decided to return to European society when he walked into the camp of John Batman’s exploration party. Standing 6’ 6”, dressed in possum skins and carrying a spear, a driver, 5-iron, wedge and putter, he made quite a first impression.  

Leo Ryan (Rhino) & Wayne Ball (Ballo) – The other half of the Sink Another combination, they have the distinction of having the low marker in the field. Ballo is well known for his capacity to Be the Ballo and he consistently keeps his nugget on line, on the greens and in the hole without too many air-swings to mess up his score. Is known to love a bourbon (or two) so the big question is whether he can balance the Yin and Yang his golf and his refreshments on the fairways. Normally he might rely on the steadying influence of his team-mate, but Rhino can be known to become intoxicated with his own good times and he can forget that his most important job is to keep Ballo in check. A real wildcard combo who could seriously contend, especially if the finish is anywhere near the bar.