THE HISTORY
The origin's of The Scheggia Cup can be traced back to mid year 1999 at a trophy manufacturer in Myers Flat, a small town on the outskirts of Bendigo. During that one day of Leroy's work experience, a trophy was crafted, and thus the legend was born "Scheggia Boxing Day Cup". In typical Hepburn style, the golfers experienced bucket loads of rain, which caused a cancellation. The match
was rescheduled to the February of 2000, and has been played for every Boxing Day since. The first 4 years saw only two winners of the trophy, and a few of the younger family members came up with a ingenious idea whilst enjoying an ale after the 2002 round. The original (And most sort after) Scheggia Trophy, which is awarded to the best score. The winner of this trophy also received the coveted green jacket. To win this trophy you must be a blood or marriage related Scheggia Family Member. The second trophy is the "Scheggia Handicap Trophy". This will be awarded to the golfer who improves the most shots on their previous Boxing Day score. The winner can be any player and they also receive the "Brown Jacket".
2005 saw the inclusion of 3 new golfers. David, Jason and Travis Stevens. This also meant the quality of the round improved significantly. So much so, that Travis had the lowest score of the day. It was Trav's first tee off in the Scheggia Golf Challenge, so he didn't have a score to better from the previous year, thus making him ineligible for the handicap trophy. And due to not being a 'Scheggia', he was ineligible for the trophy & green jacket. After a few beers at the Savioa and a few more at Aunty Marie's, the committee (Ron & Leroy) decided it was time for a new trophy. It is named the 'Ring-in' award and is awarded to the player with the lowest score who is ineligible to win the Scheggia trophy. THE COURSE
Hepburn Golf Course is situated just a 5 minute drive from the tourist Mecca of Daylesford. As you first step foot out of your car, with serenity almost allows you to hear the echoes of laughers still haunting the fairways from last year's challenge. The first hole is probably rated the kindest hole of golf in Australia. Unless you are Brendan, a golfer will find it very difficult not to hit it straight down the centre of the fairway. The second is a very deceiving par three that if hit far enough, can roll back nicely onto the green. The course consists of 7 par 3's, 10 par 4's and 1 par 5. It is a fairly hilly layout, but is no match for the fine and able young Scheggia golfers. THE PUB
Arguably the most important part of the day. After a quick stop at Auntie Maree's for a kiss & hug, the boys take the long, hard walk up the hill to Merv's Savioa Hotel. The walk can be testing, especially after the 4.5 kilometres covered at the Gold Course. The climb may be unwelcomed, but the prize waiting is worth the trip. Without a word of a lie, the beer that flow out of the taps at Merv's pub is Australia's finest. There aren't too many rules at the pub, but one that is a bit of a tradition is to always drink out of glasses, not pots. This took some getting used to, but in is strictly enforced to any new golfers. Sessions at Merv's have been known to go for over 11 hours, but of late have been limited to a few hours due to the age of most golfers and their Wives/Girlfriends.
