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Men’s Golf Report

I’d hoped for some cold, dry, weather so the course would have some chance to dry out, and mostly that’s what we’ve had in the past two weeks. Perhaps now is the time to start hoping for a Lottery or Euromillions win, long overdue, but I expect both will remain out of reach!

I’d like to congratulate Charles Bowen-Rayner on taking up his role as Junior Captain on Sunday last. Charles is a fine golfer, playing off a 5 handicap, and I’m pleased to report that his drive-in was much more impressive than mine! I did set a low bar, admittedly … Richard Harrison had warm words for both Charles, and his predecessor, Lauren Gooding at the drive-in. It’s fair to say that Richard and his PGA team, as well as the Club, are rightly proud of both young people.

Men’s Golf Committee

Roger Perry commences his third year on the Men’s Golf Committee, having joined us at the same time as Vice-Captain Paul Taylor. He looks after the mid-week mixed events during the season as well as running a number of weekend roll-up stablefords.

Roger is, perhaps, the Committee Member most immersed in Club life, along with his wife Marie. As well as golf they are very active Members of the tennis and bridge sections; Roger previously serving as the Bridge Section Treasurer. As well as being active in the Men’s Golf section, Roger is also a regular competitor in the Seniors’ Golf section. It’s technically possible that there are Members who live nearer the Club than Roger and Marie, but that’s a very elite group!

Out on the course we can see that this phase of bunker works is nearly complete and will look terrific in the spring. The course is drier than a couple of weeks ago but as ever, with winter golf, keeping the ball on the fairway is a must! The greens are excellent for this time of year, but there are still far too many unrepaired pitchmarks …

Due to the ongoing works, the 1st December Club Roll-Up was changed to non-qualifying due several holes being temporarily shortened for H&S reasons. I wondered if anyone would show up, but Roehampton Club Members are made of stern stuff and I was joined by thirteen golfers! We played a team competition with the threeballs counting their best two scores at each hole but counting all three scores at the par 3s. We had two fourballs and we would adjust their scores to account for the extra player. Or so I thought, but the threeballs took first and second places! Take a bow Richard Spalding, David Birn and Paul Tustain, who scored one more point than Richard Lurcott, Malcolm Turner and Andrew Walker. We were rewarded with a dry, bright enjoyable morning.

Some interesting Stableford scores have been recorded on the shortened holes none more so than Vice-Captain Paul Taylor’s hole-in-one on the 15th for 7 points in a recent friendly game, his first! Well done Paul. 

The Men’s December Stableford was played on Saturday last, with a field of 44 players. Our winner, with a very impressive 43 points was Justin Barton. David Birn had a fine round scoring 39 points for second place, with Tom Reed in third place on countback on 38 points, just easing past Jo Cochrane and Graham Terry. Well played all of you.

A number of Winter Foursomes matches, currently playing round two were settled over the weekend. It looks like there are just two matches to be completed by the play-by date of Monday 16th December. 

The next Club Roll-up, a qualifying competition, is on Sunday next, 15th December. The organiser is our Immediate Past-Captain, Martin Abbott. Please meet Martin in the Club Café from 7.30am. The draw will take place at 7.45am, with the first group teeing off at 8am (off the 10th tee).  Entry is £5. Remember to enter your scores at the touch-screen terminals after completing your round.

Finally, I’d like to thank Keith Atkins for organising a Charity Golf Event for the Captain’s Charities on Saturday next, 14th December. Also, thank you to all who are taking part; it’s hugely appreciated.

 

Gerry Dennigan | Men’s Golf Captain