2001 - Nick Fitzgerald

A school boy's dream comes true

2001 signalled a changing of the guard for the Mollymook Cup. Gone were the days of the high handicapper domination. Now would begin the time low markers took over. An unheralded schoolboy amid the stress of the HSC was set to take his place in the greatest tournament of all.

Around 5.30 on Friday evening JP had the dubious honour of transporting Motormouth to the 5th Annual Mollymook Cup. Tony’s Pizza was firmly in their sights, and whilst pizza they did have, Tony’s it was not. The trip was to come to a devastating halt outside Nowra Fair when, stopped at the lights, JP’s red bullet bit the dust. 5-Iron came to the rescue however, and ensured the boys would have their assault on the Cup.

After the usual Friday night of excessive drinking and cards, the Famous Fifteen made their way to the hallowed practice green for some pre-round banter and lunch (pies of course). This small task however, signalled the beginning of the psychological war young Nick Fitz would battle against himself and the other fourteen. Whilst he may be known for biting off more than he can chew, he was unaware of the damage caused by the previous nights foreign pizza. A lacerated throat was the diagnosis and liquid was only thing on the menu.

Saturdays round was done and played and the pre-round feelings that MPGA had put together a tough layout proved true. Nick Fitz was the clubhouse leader on 33 in a tight contest closely followed by another surprise packet in Little Timmy Fitz – most agree he hasn’t been the same since winning off the stick and the wooden spoon in the same year. Tim ‘Dribbles’ Gray and the honourable host rounded out Sunday’s lead group. All attention for the time being though would be shifted to the evening’s festivities.

Let the record show that JP would outdo all comers in the drinking stakes, but the more history defining moment came from the defending champion Muff. All those lucky enough to receive the so-called ‘Golden Ticket’ to the cup were aware of its prestige, but it was the reception from the local Mollymookians that had Muff in awe. Whilst the beers flowed and we were lucky enough to watch the Dragons come from seventh to beat the second placed Bulldogs, a local bride spotted ‘The Jacket’ and spotted a photo opp with a true star. Poor Peter McGovern was subjected to a transvestite hen (not that there’s anything wrong with that) sitting on his lap in one final moment of madness before the big day.

Along come Sunday and a buzz was in the air (or maybe it was just Nick). It was moving day in the Cup and hopes were high for many in one of the tightest run events in the short history. The lead group would set the early pace however, with Nick Fitz blitzing his way around the front nine in 24 points, a performance unmatched to this day. ‘It’s a foregone conclusion’ was the message being sent around the course. Not so said young Wingnut who has prided himself on his Sunday charges in recent years. As the so-called uncatchable leader fell asleep on the back nine on Sunday (mainly attributable to being refused EXIT from the club on Saturday) young Todd made his charge. And charge he did. Few could believe when the Cups inaugural playoff was called and back to 18th for a second time Nick and Todd would trek.

The 37th tee was a place filled with tension. Pressure beyond the young boys’ expectations. The momentum was to swing when Wingnut uttered those immortal words, “Hey Nick, you nervous? I’m shaking”. “Nup” came the swift reply whilst shaking in his own spikes. If Nick had learnt one thing from the elder statesman, it was not to show weakness in a situation like this. The rest is history, Nick made a career-defining par to win Cup. Todds moment in the sun would come at a later date.

As recalled by Nick Fitzgerald