Paul Humphries and Darren Powell were on the course early during day one of the 2024 Cooktown Open. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Gerard Straatman and Michelle Field are the 2024 Cooktown Open champions after almost 50 competitors vied for the town’s top golfing prize on 29-30 June.
Four handicapper Straatman carded a gross 75 on day one of competition to set up a thrilling final 18 holes, with his Sunday gross 72 securing an overall 147 off the stick to claim the men’s A-grade gross title.
Kevin Walsh sends his shot towards the green at Cooktown Golf Club. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
Field repeated her 2023 dominance in Division 1 to return gross rounds of 81 and 83 for a total 164 off the stick, which handed her both the Division 1 gross and Stableford crowns.
Club president Brent Hetaraka thanked volunteers, visiting golfers and sponsors for making the event a success, adding the course challenged even the lowest handicappers over the 36-hole competition.
Lismore visitor Chris Waring watches his tee shot on the 7th hole on Saturday morning. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
“This wouldn’t be possible without our sponsors, especially Cooktown RSL,” he said after Sunday afternoon’s presentation ceremony.
“The course is playing well but the scores over the two days show it was tough for everyone.
“We look forward to seeing everyone back for the 2025 Open.”
Cooktown Open prize winners celebrate with club executive team members following the presentation ceremony on Sunday afternoon. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
2024 COOKTOWN OPEN SCOREBOARD
A-grade gross
Winner: G Straatman 75-72 (147); runner-up: G Thompson 76-76 (152)
A-grade Stableford
G Thompson 33-32 (65); runner-up: G Straatman 31-33 (64)
Women’s Division 1 gross
Winner: M Field 81-83 (164); runner-up K Harper 87-89 (176)
Women’s Division 1 Stableford
Winner: M Field 29-28 (57); runner-up: K Harper 28-26 (54)
B-grade gross
Winner: B Hetaraka 77-74 (151); runner-up: S Godfrey-Roberts 88-77 (165)
B-grade Stableford
Winner: B Hetaraka 33-37 (70); runner-up: G Burton 24-37 (61)
Women’s Division 2 gross
Winner: K Edwards 108-99 (207); runner-up: M Broad 99-108 (207)
Women’s Division 2 Stableford
Winner: M Broad 29-20 (49); runner-up: T Batkin 23-21 (44)/R Fleming 23-21 (44)
C-grade gross
Winner: C Venables 79-79 (158); runner-up: J Dobson 84-81 (165)
C-grade Stableford
Winner: C Venables 38-38 (76); runner-up: J Dobson 33-36 (69)
There were plenty of players left to salvage wayward tee shots during the first round of the 2024 Cooktown Open. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
