2002 - Justin Placek

The Economy Package

There’s a few different type of Mollymook Cup packages you can opt for:

a) The Deluxe Package - say goodbye to loved ones on the Friday morning and enjoy 54 holes of Hilltop pleasure (or pain), cards on Friday night, JB’s brekky on Saturday morning, and dine at the Golf Club on Saturday night. This is the preferred package for most of the MMC field. Whether they get approval to take this package is another story and often requires skilled negotiation.

b) The Premium Package - involves all of the above minus 18 holes at Hilltop. Arrive Friday night in time for Tony’s pizza.

c) The Economy Package involves getting to the course just in time for the first round, driving back to Wollongong Saturday night, returning to the Bombora Hilton to sleep and playing the second round on Sunday morning. This is the package I chose in 2002.

***Note: none of these packages guarantee a technicolour jacket at the end of the ride.

Given I missed out on most of the Mollymook Cup experience in 2002, I will take the liberty of filling in the blanks.

Friday Night

Players arrive at assorted intervals. First beer of the weekend is sunk, followed quickly by the second, third and fourth. Staying hydrated is important for elite athletes. General shenanigans follow. Bazza falls asleep on the lounge. Baldy and Muzz’s armoured trucks arrive carrying coin for cards. Final drinks bell sounds in early hours of morning, after all, tee-off is in the afternoon. Most people get to sleep at some stage, those who snore the loudest generally sleep the soundest.

Saturday

Assorted wake-up times, famous brekky by the Lake mid morning. A well balanced diet is important for elite athletes. Practice swings and goal kicking comp down at Mollymook Oval. Nick & Justin arrive after uni exams on Saturday morning.

First round of MMC 2002 completed. Dreams are realised for some and ambitions are shattered for others. Luckily for myself, I card an 82 and feel pretty good going into the second round.

I lose rock, scissors, paper and become designated driver to Wollongong for rugby presentation. The rest of MMC field head to club where Dan Barrett and Tim Fitz set the pace. Muff can be found sipping cappuccinos with Bazza, both holding onto faint hopes of victory.

Sunday

Wake-up hangover free (one of the upsides of the Economy Package) and ball stays straight off the tee. Turn in good score of 80 to secure my first MMC title after many years of heartache. Crowd goes wild and pandemonium ensues. Jacket is handed from previous years winner in poignant ceremony.

Return to Wollongong in afternoon to civic reception and receive keys to the city.

Key Findings:

• A stress-free build up to the MMC is critical. Keep expectations low. I would recommend becoming a full time student for at least one year (unless you’re single or have no kids) if you are serious about wearing the jacket.

• Being sober is an advantage, and being hungover is definitely a disadvantage. If you have too many sherberts on Saturday night, ensure you are hydrated enough to last the entire second round (refer Muzz, Dano and Monkey).

• Sleeping arrangements are critical. Find room with thickest walls and lock everyone else out of it. If this is not possible, strategically place yourself at opposite end of house from notable snorers. If you are unsure who these snorers are, your local video shop should have a documentary on each of them in the Science & Nature section.

Written by Justin Placek