Arguably one of the best things about sport and golf in particular, are the characters and people you meet along the way. The Holden Scramble’s four-person team format has a way of encouraging some of the best personalities to step onto the tee. Whether it is their colourful uniforms, quirky equipment or the witty sledging of teammates, it’s all part of what makes the Holden Scramble unique and the largest and most popular Pro-amateur teams event in Australia.
Some of Bene Cochran's beloved Holden gear.
Bene Cochran is a golfer of 15 years, originally from Townsville and now resides in the coastal town of Drysdale and is a self confessed Holden and Holden Scramble junkie. Bene has played in the Holden Scramble since 1995, when he first started to play golf, but his love for Holden stretches much longer then that.
Ever since the sixties, Bene has had a fascination with Holden and since then he has slowly built up an extensive range of Holden memorabilia including signed panels and engine parts from the V8 Supercars, over 140 model cars and more posters and photos then you can poke a stick at. “I’ve got everything. All of my walls are covered in posters”, says Cochran.
So with a 30 year old love with Holden and a new found passion for golf, the Holden Scramble was obviously his match made in heaven. “I love it” he says, “I look forward to it every year!” Cochran has also well and truly taken advantage of the Holden Scramble $500 Cashback offer, having claimed on his three Barinas and four Astras he has purchased, but insists that isn’t his motivation for playing. “The cashback and the Callaway prizes are a bonus, but the best part of the scramble is you get with some of your mates and you just have a bloody good time.”
Cochran also explains how the Holden Dealers and add so much at the Local level. “When I was up in Townsville, the guys from Tony Ireland Holden were absolutely fantastic and the guys from Winter & Taylor are great as well. They go out of their way to walk around and meet you, they’re so nice to you and they recognise you when they walk in to the dealership.”
Another man, who would agree with Bene’s thoughts on the Holden Scramble is Gary Downie, who has played in the event every year since it’s inception in 1992. Gary has been a member at Kingswood Golf Club for over forty years and hasn’t missed a scramble yet. His partner in crime who has shared most of Gary’s scramble journey is one his good friends John Marsh, who has been a Kinsgwood member since 1965. The two of them now play with their wives in a team of four and have already looking forward to their event in July. “It’s just a really good mix. It’s a good concept, good to play with our friends and wives and it’s just a really good day.”
Like Bene, Gary also appreciates the Holden Dealer’s contribution to the event. “The dealer is great. They put on a good lunch and always make some good speeches.” He also has taken advantage of the $500 Cashback and believes it is a great way to sell cars. “Last year I used the cashback when I bought my wife the new Holden Cruze. It’s a great incentive if you’re in the market. I know friends that have bought cars from Barloworld Holden just because of the scramble and the cashback”
Despite their efforts, neither Cochran nor Downie have been fortunate enough to take the chocolates and experience the Regional Finals, but maybe this year will bring a change in fortune and both Holden Scramble faithful can go the extra step this year. Gary Downie will be playing in the event at Kingswood on July 4 and Bene Cochran will be playing at the event at Clifton Springs on August 28.