The Moaner Trophy
Sport: Golf
Gender: Men
Typically Held: April
Course: Championship – white tees
Summary: Four Ball Best Ball Stableford friendly interclub match, between Royal Sydney and New South Wales Golf Clubs, usually played on a Thursday in April and hosted in alternate years at Royal Sydney and NSW Golf Club. 2021 at Royal Sydney. Teams are awarded 1 point for a win, 1/2 point for squared match. 16 players per team from each Club. In the event of a tie, the winner of the previous year’s event retains the trophy.
History: Initiated by Denis Lenagan, Captain Royal Sydney 2004-08 and Member of New South Wales Golf Club, in 1999 when the unofficial “Thursday Group” game at Royal Sydney could not take place due to the greens being renovated that day. As a result, 12 Royal Sydney members were invited to be the guests of NSW Golf Club Members on that Thursday. This led to an agreement for the Royal Sydney members to reciprocate the invitation the following year, with a dinner to follow.Thus, a “loose” arrangement was established to hold an annual match at alternate Clubs, with dinner to follow. The numbers grew to 24 for each team, reduced in recent years to 16.
In 2000, Dr B.W. Lum, the unofficial Captain of the “Royal Sydney Thursday Group”, donated the trophy, a pewter-coloured golfer swinging a club, held and engraved by the winning side. Dr Lum named it the “Moaner Trophy” in playful recognition of his observation of D.M. Lenagan’s reaction after most golf shots. In 2006, Robert Dick (Captain, NSW Golf Club) donated the silver-plated ice bucket he found “under the stairs” at NSW Golf Club, to be the trophy for the winning Four Ball Best Ball score on the day.
This became an official interclub event in 2006.
Traditions & Standards: Modified shotgun when at Royal Sydney (1st and 17th tees). Top tee is used on 1st hole. Presentation of trophy and prizes at dinner after play.
Dress: Jacket and tie for dinner
Conditions of Play: Click here
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