Men’s Golf Seniors Report
Coming into the Christmas period, I have been occupied in trying to organise the Seniors’ Christmas nine holes and lunch on Wednesday of this week. The incidence of COVID, either by direct infection or by the need to self-isolate, has played havoc with the start sheet for golf and the attendance at lunch. Assisted by the unflappable support of Francesca Marini in the Events Office and Operations Manager Tristan McIllroy, Tristan McIllroy, we managed to have a successful morning and lunch despite poor weather on Tuesday making the course rather wet!
Over 60 players took part, and the following were the prize-winning golfers:
Front Nine Greensomes
Winners: Jim Kumar and Don McKenzie 19 points
Runners up: David Bouch and Clive Nicholson 18 points (countback)
Third Place: Robin Laidlaw and John Gilbert 18 points
Back Nine Four Ball Better Ball
Winners: Michael Godfrey and Andrew Guest 21 points (countback)
Runners up: Peter Rold and Ken Ukoko 21 points (countback)
Third place: Nigel Brown and John Cardwell 21 points (countback)
Nearest the pin on the seventh Peter Rogan
Nearest the pin on the thirteenth Duncan Christie-Miller
Congratulations to all the winners. I hope they enjoy their Champagne, wine or other prizes.
The Club provided an excellent Christmas meal which was well appreciated by all attending.
Nature notes
While I was playing a couple of weeks ago with Neil Taberner on the 15th hole, Neil’s ball was approached by an inquisitive crow. After a couple of attempts, the crow eventually managed to get Neil’s ball into its beak. What was even more surprising was that the crow tried to fly off with it. After two or three goes at lift-off, the crow managed to start flying. Naturally we hoped that the bird would quickly deposit it enormous burden by the hole. But when we saw it fly across to the second tee with the ball still wedged in its beak, Neil and the rest of the group accepted the ball as lost, marvelling at the feat of strength shown by the crow. Unfortunately, I did not have the presence of mind to take a photograph of this unusual happening.
Course etiquette
I recently attended meetings of the Men’s Golf Committee and the main Golf Committee. A common theme in the discussions was the need for golfers to repair pitch marks as, at this time of the year, permanent damage to the greens can result from unrepaired marks. Naturally I was keen to point out that seniors were generally diligent in repairing their pitch marks but there is no doubt that we all should redouble our efforts in this regard.
It was also brought to my notice that last week after the seniors’ roll-up, one player was spotted bashing their shoes together in the changing room to remove mud and leaves. It has been irritating that the air-jet cleaners have been out of action, but such behaviour leaves a dreadful mess to be cleaned up. The Men’s and Ladies’ Captains are keen to raise the standard of etiquette and general behaviour on the course and I am sure that Seniors will wish to play their part in these matters.