Our leading lights

VALENTINE’S Day wasn’t just about chocolates and flowers.
What a weekend it was, with the ladies leading the way.
Let’s tee off with Sunrise Beach golfer Katherine Kirk, who nearly pulled a remarkable victory at the Ladies’ Masters Tournament.
Despite playing the first day with borrowed clubs and new clothes due to a plane mix-up, the delightful former Noosa Golf Club junior fired in a four-under 69 to be the clubhouse and event leader for the last hour.
Unfortunately definite star of the future, 18-year-old Su Oh, barnstormed her way to victory with four birdies on the trot.
Katherine won the event back in 2009, when her mother Pauline ran on to the final green to start the celebrations.
Mum and dad Frank were again foot soldiers during the four days of play, cheering and struggling with every shot their daughter played.
Dad couldn’t help himself when Katherine rammed home a 30 footer on the 11th to start her charge, clearly over the ABC coverage “you bloody beauty” was heard across the country.
Frank and Pauline have – like a lot of sporting parents – done the hard yards over the years.
I can remember walking around the Tweed Heads course in the early ’90s when covering the Greg Norman Junior Classic.
On most occasions I would bump into Mr and Mrs Hull, Mr and Mrs Bowditch, all following and supporting their young stars of the future.
Sunburnt, tired and sometimes a little grumpy having to keep their kids’ eyes on the ball, and always offering support.
I can only hope Katherine’s great form continues at this weekend’s Australian Open.
Althought I am not sure if she can handle another four days with her former champion Kirra surf-boat rowing father.
Kawana young gun swimmer Chelsea Gubecka dominated the Australian Open water champioships in WA and put herself into Olympic contention.
She has already represented Australia but the Rio Games is her ultimate goal and, despite being only 16, she has won the Noosa Tri Eyeline Swim twice.
Speaking of Rio, Cooroy’s equestrian whiz Billy Raymont has set his sights on an Olympic berth after securing his spot in the games train-on squad.
If selected for 2016, Billy would become Cooroy’s second Games rep, after Tim Armitrano in 2008.
Congratulations to Rosemary Callaghan for organising Saturday’s Betty Blockbuster Pink Stumps in aid of the McGrath Foundation at the Matt Thornhill Oval.
It was a terrific day for fund-raising for Rosemary, who lost her mother to breast cancer.
Great raffle prizes with solid support from locals and a chance to win a Michael Clarke signed bat for game day watchers.
The Thursday girls group has a terrific fund-raiser with luncheon next Thursday at Bertoni’s Noosaville.
It’s the first of their monthly get-togethers raising money to help students from low-income families access school-based activities and school programs.
Should be great day, give Di Kirby a call 5474 1184.
In finishing the woman’s theme, what about the rocky performance of our new Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk, three years ago not enough members to fill a tarago, today leading the state.
Until next time.