2021 WBC

The Golf

The Format: Teams playing 36 holes of 2-ball ambrose for stableford points.

The Rules: Since slow play is a potential problem for us, the 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 and keep up with the group in front.

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.

Ian Steer (Steery) & Cameron Thompson (Thommo) – Expect great things from this pair. Then lower your expectations. Lower than that. Even lower. Juuuust a bit lower. Stop…that’s too low. Up a bit. Ok. This robust and uncompromising pairing has all the ingredients necessary for a delicious “Victory Cake”. Unfortunately, somewhere along the way, someone lost the recipe. And the pan. And the kitchen. So, while this pair are “Technically” the defending champions (based on the fact that Steery and his significantly over-golfed brother won the “limited field” version of this event last year), we must remember that 2020 was…well…2020. A lot of crazy stuff happened. Can history repeat? Technically, sure. WILL it? Technically, nope.

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.

Graham Ball (Bally) & Mark McNamee (Macca) – These two devious reprobates must be respected and regarded as a massive chance here if they can briefly curb their inter-round activities. And if they can find a way to understand what each other is saying, as the official Bushranger Aussie-to-American-English translator-unit is in the shop. A couple of new Bushrangers who have no idea of the demands that will be placed on them at this level of golf. They may well have the attributes required to vault into contention here, but history is against them. If they don’t burst a few valves on Sunday morning and start leaking oil all over the track, then expect to see them come flying home at the finish. Albeit on the wrong side of the car, on the opposite side of the road, on completely the wrong track.
 

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.

Lisa Saunders (The Enabler) & Peter Calverley (Cuddles) – This Jekyll and Hyde combination are capable of serving up anything worthy of Palmer and Nicklaus right through to something more resembling Laurel and Hardy. Their golfing ability is not in question as they can whack the pill all over the park. The trick for them is somehow harnessing their rabid commitment to the social aspects of the weekend and sometimes over-indulging in the good times and camaraderie on offer. They certainly have their priorities right and are a good chance to winkle themselves into contention. They may just have the perfect mix of wily experience and youthful enthusiasm to get the job done here. A big chance to surprise.
 

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.

Aileen Armour (AA) & Darren Hansen (Hazza) – The Bonnie and Clyde of this year’s WBC. We’re referring, of course, to the 1980 Hurricane Bonnie, which had so little impact on history that its only official historical achievement is that it “Moved North over the Atlantic Ocean”; and Clyde, the American Thanksgiving Turkey that is pardoned every year by the governor of Alabama. We expect this pair of golfers to have a similar impact on the WBC Honour Board. As far as their golf games go, they will be “Coming in cold” to this event with a very limited preparation. Of course they hope that through hard work, determination and pure fortitude, they will beat the odds and somehow contend, but more likely they just get colder and colder as the weekend goes on. Time will tell whether this Bonnie & Clyde end up resembling something more like Abbott & Costello or, if they turn on each other, perhaps they could devolve into our very own Koepka and DeChambeau!
 

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.

Andrew Grant (Bro) & Dennis Williams (Den) – Crafty. Skilled. Determined. Talented. Inspirational. Brilliant. Witty. Genius. Camaraderie. Entertaining. Teamwork. Glorious. Uncompromising. Sexy. These are all words that can be found in the Macquarie English Dictionary. Unfortunately, they have no relevance here. Fortunately the very same dictionary contains many other words, like: inconsistent, scruffy, futile, unpredictable and discombobulated. Regardless, this pair comes into this event with the best of intentions, but as we know, the road to “Aitch Eee Double hockey-sticks” is paved with good intentions, but if these two rapscallions can somehow manage to get it together, they could tear these courses apart but, given their significant lack of preparation, they will need to produce something very special to contend this week. Long shots.

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.

Jason Pratt (JP) & Joe Amenta (As a mental) – This worldly and erudite combination will be brimming with misplaced confidence having won this event in 2019. They followed up pre-pandemic version of golfing superstardom with a less-than stellar “middle of the pack” placing in 2020’s compromised “small pack” version of this event. This downward trend would indicate that this pair’s best golf is well and truly behind them, especially with a field of this size and remarkable quality. Frankly, the mountain to climb here in this stella field makes 2019 and 2020 embarrassing by comparison. It really is to their credit that they have shown here at all as it could be humiliating for them this year and get a little awkward for everyone. They have proven that they are big-game players with a thirst for the spotlight – so as long as the spotlight isn’t coming from the front of a train, they are in with a chance. A small chance. Very, very small. Really only marginally better placed than the 7 billion folks who didn’t enter.
 

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.

Ben Glass (Bee Gee) & James Smith (Jay Ess) – First start for this combination in a field of this quality and there are huge question marks over whether they will handle the step-up in class. The long days toiling on the golf course and the even longer nights around the campfire singing songs, spinning yarns, making merry, telling gags, goofing off and getting involved in general, common or garden-style Bushranger shenanigans can take their toll on even the most battle-weary competitor. Alas, these novices will not have a clue what has hit them. They will back themselves and come out swinging early on but expect them to find them gasping for air by Saturday arvo and wondering what him them on Saturday night and then requiring some serious medical/mental/emotional attention after the front nine on Sunday and having been completely overwhelmed by the intoxicating adventure of the WBC!

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.

Mark Henderson (Hendo) & Aaron Henderson (A-Aron) – Perennial contenders in BRG majors, these two have certainly proven themselves with a few flashy performances over the years. We’re not entirely sure, however, exactly what it is that they have proven. On the course, they have the deft touch of a Catholic priest at Sunday School. Off the course, they are far less inconspicuous, especially when the Bushranger Campfire is ablaze. These two high-quality rascals are heavy favourites to win the “Best-est sledging”, “Most-loudest-est” and overall “Most Bushranger-est” pair. Alas, they can tend to confuse when it is time to let their golf clubs do the talking and can be more inclined to let their mouths do a lot of talking a lot of the time. But with very little to recommend their chances here, we expect them to be scrambling for a “safe word” very early in the piece. Probably immediately following the first tee shot on Saturday.

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.

Dean Connell (Honeymoon) & Gav Doran (The Rose of Doran) – They say to succeed in golf, you must make great decisions. And to make great decisions, you must have the capacity to clearly discern the probability of outcomes from a diverse range of often uncontrollable variable. Given that these two are the biggest pair of uncontrollable variables in the field here, this team has close to bugger all chance of success. Both of them have somehow managed to make an equally rash choice of teammate for this event. Already off to a pretty average start there before even arriving at the course. So what of their off-course abilities? Superb. But when it comes to playing as a team, they are sure to put the “fun” in dysfunctional. And the stupid and stupidity. That said, if you were going to place a “Best and Fairest” wager on which team would not only accumulate the least amount of team sleep in the 48 hours of WBC madness, but also put in the best performance in said 48 hours, then look no further as these are your Bushrangers. Will perform admirably wherever they wind up on the leader-board at the finish.
 

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.

Mick David (Mikey D) & Matthew Pitt (PW Jones) – At first glance, this team appears to be the total package. Closer inspection of the back of the packages, however, shows a “Best Before” date of 2012…which is the last time either of their names graced the WBC trophy. They have saluted here three times between them, and some things do improve with age, but this team does have a few question marks around their potential for aging gracelessly. Given the obvious immaturity reflected in their unrelenting joie de vivre, it is impossible to draw a line through the form of this rag-tag pair of golfing megastars. They could just as easily rip this field apart or disappear into oblivion. If you see one of them ordering another tray of shots at 3am on Friday, perhaps leave them out of your box trifectas. Although these two are not the sharpest tools in the shed, the WBC is a big shed. They clearly both have the kahunas, bravado, golfing insanity, wit, skill, waistlines, putting finesse and liver power to go all the way here, so they must be considered a genuine chance this week. If they have not accidentally hit the self-destruct button on Saturday, expect a barnstorming finish on Sunday for another incredible victory.
 

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.

Rob Darcangelo (Dark Angel) & Andre Georgiou (The Giant) – This very easy-going combo have made a few starts at the WBC and they clearly know how to handle themselves at the between-round festivities and will make a strong impression around the WBC campfire. They are certainly among the favourites here this weekend and this big-hitting, beer-swilling, knee-slapping, gut-wrenching, rib-tickling, side-splitting pairing with a devil-may-care attitude believe they can carry all before them. One is as unflappable and relaxed as they come and the other is a party animal who will need all his powers of persuasion firing to keep his partner bubbling along through the après-golf festivities. They been working up to this one for months in an effort to make history with their BRG Major Championship maiden victory. They seem to have the pedigree and the experience necessary so if they find some form, they will be in the thick of the action.

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.

Leon Doyle (Leondo) & Shane Lawlor (Shano) – They said it couldn't be done. And this team has proved (again and again) that it, indeed, can’t be done. One certainty (you can bet the farm on it) is that if they have the remarkable ability to underdeliver when the chips are down, and the whips are cracking, and everything is on the line on the golf course. Fortunately, it is highly likely that they will surely overperform when OFF the course, so look for a solid showing around the campfire, when all the pressure is off, and the frivolity begins. Two of the nicest fellas and least-imposing competitors to ever tee it up at this event, these two gentlemen of the fairways raise the entire tone of this event with their good sportsmanship, laissez-faire couture, charming repartee and dashing move-star charm. Spend a bit of time with them and you will certainly forget there is a competition going on anywhere nearby. And so will they. A huge chance to win the best clubman awards at this event, but hardly any chance of contending in the WBC itself. Top blokes. No hopes.
 

The Point Addis Bashers – During his life among the Wathaurong tribe, 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.

Kirk Hayward (Joe) & Travis Graham (TG) – Rumour has it that these two certified, card-carrying, A-grade golf nuts have played 36 holes a day for the past month in preparation for this event. They can’t get enough golf and were recently escorted off a golf course for setting up flood lights around the place, so they could keep on golfing after dark this weekend. Alas, they are not entirely on the same page which could be their undoing. Aesop’s timeless fable “The Tortoise and the Hare” is the classic lesson in “Slow and steady wins the race.” At this year’s WBC, this team somehow has the magical balance of both the tortoise AND the hare: Fast-starting, energetic, and confident, yet also methodical, steady and crafty. Unfortunately, the team will most probably use none of these skill sets this weekend and will likely be found napping under a tree until well after the other teams have made their way home and put out the cat for the night.

The Port Phillip Procrastinators – For many years Buckley had heard reports of visits to his local region by groups of Europeans and he had always avoided them. He worried about if he would be punished or pardoned and whether he could assimilate again having forgotten his native tongue and even his name. So he dithered, dawdled, equivocated & prevaricated for years until finally taking the plunge in 1835.

Jerry Nguyen (Jezza) & Tan Nguyen (Tezza) – Better known for their non-Major SGA experience than their BRG Major Championship inexperience, this pair will be looking to make a name for themselves here this week. On the SGA Tour they have proven themselves to be very popular everywhere they go with their unflinching good humour and determination to enjoy their golf and the company of their playing partners. As they tackle this step up in class, they will need to pace themselves to ensure that they have enough in the tank at the business end of the weekend, both on and off the golf course. A wildcard in the deck and not the biggest roughies here this week, they will certainly be backing themselves, even if no one else does. Could surprise.

The Otway Rangers – During his 32 years roaming around the Surf Coast, Buckley rambled and ranged for 1000s of miles including crossing the Otway ranges many times and travelling as far west as Lake Corangamite and as far north as Ballark.

Jodene Tuau (Two-Oh) & Yvonne Grant (The Von) – Throughout history, there have been a handful of truly great and iconic pairs. Batman and Robin. Frodo and Sam. The Lone Ranger and Tonto. Jake and Elwood. Bart and Lisa. Tom and Jerry. Bert and Ernie. Mermaid Man and Barnacle Boy. You get the picture. And this WBC Team fits the precise definition…of a “pair”. There is two of them, so they are mathematically perfect when it comes to defining to individual units combining to make a slightly shabbier combined version of the individual parts that arguably slightly less remarkable than the sum of the parts. There really isn’t much to recommend their chances here. Come Sunday, we expect this “pair” to be so far out of contention, that they will either load their guns and attempt to “Butch Cassidy and Sundance Kid” their way out of trouble, or, (more likely) simply take their hands off the wheel and “Thelma and Louise” over the cliff.

The Pointless Impossibles – Buckley's home for many years on the banks of Bream Creek was near the natural shelter provided by Point Impossible. This beautiful spot, by the mouth of the creek at the south end of 13th Beach, was the place he spent most of his time living out the 32 years until the next Europeans returned to the area.

Dean Mitchell (Deano) & Lindsay Pyke (Pykie) – If trophies were handed out for knowing how to have a good time, then these two bodacious units would need extensions on their pool rooms to house all the silverware. Both have a strong golfing pedigree although they do appear to be a touch under-golfed of late. If late nights, good food, quality refreshments, jocularity and wholesale liver punishment were the criteria that the bookies framed the market on BRG Major Championships, then these two wallflowers would be absolutely unbackable favourites here this week. This couple of flighty stallions will certainly have a good time between rounds and must be given half a chance of getting amongst the action on the leader-board on Sunday arvo if they get their games going. This hard-hitting combo are a pair of golfing superstars are famous for their majestic, sartorial splendour and splendid metrosexual refinement and transcontinental transgressions. They raise the entire tone of this event and give the field here a finishing polish and touch of class it so richly deserves.