"Noel Kelly wins Byron Bay Premium Ale Golf Classic"
Renown Rugby League hard man and ‘Team of the Century’ hooker Noel “Ned” Kelly has shown he can control his aggression to master the finer sport of golf, defeating star studded field, including Rugby League’s best golfing talent, to be crowned Rugby League’s number one golfer.
All in the name of the Men of League Foundation, the day was declared a resounding success on a sun soaked Beverly Park Golf Club. It was appropriate that one of the Foundation’s National Board members lifted the trophy at the end of the day.
“I certainly didn’t expect this at the start of the day. This is fantastic.” A jubilant Kelly said after sinking the winning putt to fend off diminutive Cronulla fullback, Jonathan Docking and former Souths, Canterbury and Warratahs’ half, Duncan McCrae on the final hole of the playoff.
“This is a great concept that will become part of the annual Rugby League calendar. Byron Bay Brewery have done a fantastic job. All the TV networks and newspapers were here today to cover the event.” Kelly added.
Hosted by Byron Bay Premium Ale, the golfers played 18 holes under the stableford rules with the top eight progressing to a three hole shoot out.
The stakes were high with Kelly taking away a year’s supply - 52 cases - of Byron Bay Premium Ale and a golfing holiday on the Gold Coast to play in the national Shot-Out championships.
With a group of golfers tied for eighth, eleven progressed to the shoot-out including, Kelly, Docking and McCrae as well as Manly great Cliffy Lyons, Souths and Australian winger Brian James, former Cronulla forward Andrew Pierce, St George fullback Tony Quirk, Parramatta and Cronulla hooker John McMartin, Test back rower Bryan Fletcher, Origin and Wests prop Bob Cooper, and Souths winger Ross Harrington, who played hooker for Souths and Easts.
Notable omissions from the shootout were Max Krilich, Don McKinnon and Greg Alexander, all known for their exploits on the golf course who have vowed to make amends net year.
A gallery of 200 punters followed the intense closing holes of the tournament. Non playing onlookers included St George Legends Reg Gasnier, John Raper, Graeme Langlands, Ian Walsh and Ted Goodwin as well as John “Bomber” Peard and John Dorahy.
Big Darryl Brohman MCed the after golf function that included interviews with the legends and a charity auction.
All proceeds raised going to the Men of League Foundation, a charity set up to support those from the Rugby League family who have fallen on hard times.
For more information, contact Peter Jamieson on 0419 856 733 or Martin Cook the CEO from The Men of League Foundation on 0414 393 703.