Q Golf - Official online magazine for Golf Queensland Spring / Summer 2011 | Page 9
“Groot Island has the most magnificent
nine-hole course along the ocean and
we loved our time there. I worked as
a teacher for the Northern Territory
department of education and it was the
best experience in had during my working
career.’’
Wendy and Peter them moved to
Cairns for six years where they joined
Paradise Palms, but all the time retaining
membership of Wantima.
After Wendy retired from teaching in
1996, the O’Connells hit the road for two
years travelling around Australia…playing
lots of golf on all manner of courses.
“We played any golf course we came
across. It didn’t worry us at all. It was a
great way to meet the locals and find out
about their region. Peter and I were both
playing off five or six but it didn’t matter.
We played for fun.’’
Prior to returning to Brisbane the
O’Connells lived at Laguna Quays in the
Whitsundays from 2000 to 2003 enjoying
golf and life.
“
“
Peter O’Connell is a life-member of
Wantima and has been involved with the
club since its grassroots days as a 9-hole
layout.
We were under
armed guard all
the time.
Then, in 2006, Wendy’s proudest moment
in golf came at Bribie Island where she
was victorious in the Australian Women’s
Senior Championship. In a gripping final,
Wendy defeated Jacqui Morgan (NSW)
2-up.
“I guess that’s my claim to fame. It was
the first time I’d ever played the course,’’
she recalled.
www.golfqueensland.org.au
Wendy, 61, struck top form to win this
year’s Queensland Women’s Senior title at
Horton Park in April where she defeated
Headlands’ Josie Ryan in the final.
Ryan, who was runner-up at the 2010
Australian Seniors at Commonwealth
GC, will also be a leading contender for
national honours at Toowoomba.
“That was a big thrill. It was the best I’d
played for a long time’ she said.
Following Wendy’s win at Horton Park she
underwent surgery on a hand and was
sidelined for more than three months.
“I’ve only been back playing and
practising for a short while and just hope
I can re-capture the form I had in April,’’
she said.
“But who cares if I don’t. I still enjoy it
whatever happens…’’
Q Golf Online Spring / Summer 2011 9