Yesterday I finally got to play a match that was originally planned in 2020 but postponed due to a waterlogged golf course. Our challengers were Past-Captain Chris Bray partnered by Nigel Brown, and it was great to team up again with Wesley Byatt. With our handicaps there were a lot of shots to take account of, and we settled into a patient battle, halving five of the first 9 holes, with each pair winning two holes to be all square at the turn, and Nigel making a birdie on the 5th, the only hole he didn’t have a shot on, for a win. Wes and I moved to 2 up after 14 but Nigel made birdie for nett eagle on 15 to keep the match very alive and it took a nett birdie from me on the 17th to finally decide the match. It was certainly worth waiting for, a great contest, and thanks to Chris, Nigel, and Wesley for a great afternoon. After ten matches the Captain and Pro have six victories, one halved match, and three defeats, with five matches left to play.
Men’s Golf Blog
Since last month’s bumper blog I’ve been collecting news for this one, though it did rather feel that I’d skipped my homework …
So, we’ve had Club Roll-ups, the 4 Club Stableford and the George Gadd Challenge Cup (medal), some great scoring and lots of birdies and eagles from our better players. Starting with the Club Roll Up of 24th July, our winner was Oliver Hunt with a very impressive 46 points, which has moved him into the ranks of single figure golfers, well done Oliver! Also, a special mention for Leif Skogland who made a fine eagle 2 on the 6th hole.
Fast forward a week and we played the 4 Club Stableford, as a Club event with 66 entrants. It’s always a fun event and the chap having the most fun of all was MG Gurbaxani who brought in a stunning 48 points to win …! Don’t worry everyone, such an exceptional score did bring about a reduction of 3.0 off his handicap index, but what a score. Michael Lever continued his fine 2021 form with neat 38 points as runner-up, and Max Stanley took third place with a nicely compiled level par round of 71. Well played chaps.
Torrential rain on Saturday 7th closed the course meaning the Club Stableford was not played. Onwards to last Saturday when 76 players competed for the George Gadd Challenge Cup. Lots of good golf played guys, with 21 players scoring nett 71 or better. Our winner was Rasmus Best with 67 nett, with yours truly in second place on countback from Club Champion Luke Gorman. Luke’s 68 nett was also a 68 gross, of course, and included an eagle at the 9th, where Max Stanley also made eagle. Super golf gentlemen and warm congratulations to Rasmus whose playing handicap has dropped by six shots under the World Handicap System!
Back to the Club on Sunday morning to join up with Will Hancock versus challengers Rob Findlay and Will Major, playing off 5 and 4 respectively. Luckily I’m used to being 20-30 yards behind the better players off the tee!! We traded the first two holes and halved everything until my 3 nett 2 on 6 bettered Rob’s birdie 3. It was two up after 9 with Will Major’s excellent up and down from the fairway bunker for birdie matched by Will Hancock. We would be 4 up after 13 and close out the match 4&3. Thanks to Rob and Will (x2) for a very enjoyable morning’s golf.
There are still spaces left for this Saturday’s Club Stableford; sign up on IntelligentGolf. Also, coming up on 4th September we have the annual challenge match of the Captain and Past-Captains versus the Club. If you are interested, please make sure you have joined the Men’s Friendly Team in IntelligentGolf, and to designate yourself as available. We’re going traditional with this, early meet-up for coffee and bacon rolls, play the matches, change to blazer and tie for a three-course lunch afterwards. If we get more Members than Captains (we are finite after all), you could be an honorary Captain for the day … so it’s a fun day!
It’s very disappointing to see so many unrepaired pitchmarks, seemingly as usual, on our excellent greens. But I guess those responsible may be least likely to read this blog …
I’m off to Ireland for a week, maybe a little golf but mainly R&R. Enjoy your golf!