Olga Rees Match Play Trophy
Posted on: 16 April
The Final of the Olga Rees Match Play Trophy was contested on Wednesday 16 April between Shanaiah Fernando and Jennifer Cox.
Early nerves from Jen put her into a bunkers on the first leading to an opening hole loss, then two more bunkers on the second, but with a great up and down the 2nd was halved. Shanaiah’s turn for nerves came on the third, hitting her second from in the trees on left to the right bunker leading to Jen winning the hole and squaring the match after 3. holes.
Both players settled into the match after that and the quality of golf raised a level and after alternating winning holes the match was square through the turn.
It was a pleasure to watch Jen’s steady down the middle game, and Shanaiah’s wonderful long shots followed by lobs that land and stick next to the flag. Both players demonstrated why they had made the final.
Shanaiah had to give 24 shots in this match which was a bridge too far with Jen playing steady golf all day to win on the 16th 3/2. Both players played exceptionally well in what was a tight contest and with great Yarra Yarra sportsmanship.
Congratulations to both Members on making the final and to Jen Cox on winning the 2025 Olga Rees Match Play Trophy.
The perpetual trophy for this event was donated by Mrs. Olga Rees in 1958 as a replacement for the Woorilla Trophy which was first presented for competition in 1925. Olga Rees had won the Woorilla Trophy three times, entitling her to keep it in her possession.
Olga Rees was a Member from 1946 to 1992 and Club Champion on 9 occasions. Lady Captain from 1958 to 1959 and a member of the 1950 Pennant Team which was the first Yarra Yarra Team to win the Pennant. Olga Rees also played on winning Pennant Teams in 1951, 1959, 1964 and 1970. She held the course record between 1966 and 1974 and won the Victorian Foursomes Championship twice in 1950 with Jean Christian and in 1958 with Maureen Day. Following many years of outstanding service to the Club Olga Rees was honoured in 1981 with life membership.
