Men’s Golf Report
The seemingly never-ending wet weather kept us guessing during the past week, with the course closed on Wednesday and Friday. But the rain gods relented, and it was finally possible to play the Captain’s Charities Golf event on Saturday last, 18th January!
A chilly start with a light frost gave way to a beautiful sunny winter’s morning; well worth the wait, and 52 Members played in teams of four in an enjoyable, mixed stableford event. Thank you everyone for supporting the event and congratulations to the prize-winners. I believe the total amount raised for the two charities is an incredible £1,490.
Very special thanks to Keith Atkins for all his time, effort, and enthusiasm in organising the event. Also, a huge thanks to Richard Le Vesconte for taking care of the scorecards and the all-important cash, Richard Harrison for donating a one-hour golf lesson for auction, Tristan for arranging four weekend guest vouchers for auction, and to Martin Abbott for providing wine for prizes and being our auctioneer on the day.
Further thanks to highest bidders; Danny Gesua (golf lesson), Derek Mason (two guest vouchers) and Jonathan Thornton (two guest vouchers). And even more thanks to Martin (aka Claret Assassin), who could not resist the allure of a bottle of ‘Chateau St Martin’ at auction!
I’ve had many wonderful times at Roehampton Club over the years, but this is one of my best days ever; thank you all so much.
Rewinding to Saturday 11th January, we played the 4 Club January Stableford with 62 competitors, though I use the word ‘played’ very loosely in my case. I must start with a humble apology to George Palmer for my appalling shot from the 9th fairway which just missed him while he was playing the 10th hole. Such a dreadful shot that I didn’t even realise the ball had even gone in his direction … Thankfully no harm was done and George carded an excellent 37 points (73 gross) for second place overall. Our winner was Justin Thesiger with 38 points and Eji Wakiwaka took third place with 36 points, ahead of Simon Lucas and Scott Stanley both on 35 points. Well played chaps!
The Winter Foursomes has proceeded smoothly with round three completed and eight pairs have progressed to the quarter-finals. The play-by date is Monday 17th February. Once again there are some interesting contests in this round. Well played all of you who’ve progressed to this stage.
Just a reminder that the next Club Roll-up, a non-qualifying competition, is on Sunday 9th February, and will be organised by Russell Gooding who will determine the format on the day. Please meet Russell 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.
Vice-Captain Paul Taylor and I are discussing running a fun mixed event for the weekend before St Patrick’s Day; Ireland vs. Rest of the World. The eligibility of certain players for the Irish International Soccer Team has occasionally raised eyebrows over the years. In that spirit, we are inclined to be even more ‘flexible’ and would accept the most tenuous claims of Irishness or Irish connection. Paul is married to Clodagh, from Dublin, so he’s clearly eligible…! The more tenuous and entertaining your reason for declaring for Ireland, the more likely you are to be selected. Of course, if you all embrace the concept, we may just have to play Ireland A versus Ireland B, followed by something chaotic involving Guinness, Leprechauns, and Club Claret. Watch this space!