The Club Championships took place on Saturday 19th June the day after the course had been flooded by torrential rain. An early start for the ladies as there were only four entrants so they were able to play in twos at the head of the Men’s Club Championship field. The weather held for the day, although cold it was dry. The morning round showed how difficult the women found the course with none of the contenders breaking par. Only four shots separated the field so all to play for. The afternoon was a different story with Lauren Gooding defending her title in style with a Gross 71 ending the 36 holes with a total 154 shots. Interestingly apart from Lauren and Danit’s unmentionable on the 14th the difference between the morning and afternoon rounds was only a couple of shots. Charlotta Lyckeus won the nett and we ended the day with bubbles on the terrace.
I would like to add that it was an eventful day for one of the men who managed a hole in one from the third tee to the second green! He wasn’t one of those playing in the Men’s Club Championship. I am sure someone else can match this achievement but I have yet to hear of it!
We had an excellent turn out for this event and I have received some excellent feedback about how enjoyable participants found it. I recommend you read Gerry’s report which promises to be more entertaining than my version! There were some very good scores so well done to Therese Swanson and Nick Greenwood for their excellent 47 points and Keith Atkins and Katy Preston for their 44. I do hope the winners manage to play in a regional competition.
Close to 30 ladies, of every level of ability and experience, braved appalling weather to watch Annabell and Sammy Fuller provide a master class on the short game. Sammy has a back injury that has kept her from hitting balls for the last two months, so she provided the commentary with Annabell providing the magic. They started about 100 yards from the 18th green, with an explanation of where they would or would not aim and why. The pin was located on the front right side, slightly hidden by the bunker. The girls explained that in most circumstances, they would not aim directly at the flag, but instead attempt to hit to the safer middle/left side, in order to ensure themselves a birdie putt. It was a revelation to know that even the experts calculate to avoid trouble. We moved on to uphill and downhill lies, pitches over the bunker, bunker shots and then bump and run shots, or as Sammy called them 50/50s (half of the way in the air, rolling the other half of the way to the hole). The outdoor portion of the clinic ended with all the ladies attempting chip/pitch shots from three different spots, with the girls offering tips and encouragement. Even with the temptation of a sleeve of balls as a prize, no one managed to sink their shot.
We then retired inside for a question-and-answer session. The girls provided insight into their lives as university and top amateur players, told us about their golfing inspirations as well as their ambitions for the future. Both girls are incredibly eloquent and mature, and it was lovely to see, especially for those of us who have watched them from their time on the Wee Wonders tour!
On Monday 28th June, Annabell is raising money in memory of Granville Lloyd for the Laurie Todd Foundation. She is playing 72 holes during the course of the day. She will be joined by Members who have signed up to play 9 holes each with her. We wish her well and thank her for raising funds for this charity.
The Ladies’ 36 Hole Pearson Trophy is being played next Tuesday. There are only eight ladies signed up to compete in this event so if you are keen on playing then do sign up.
The sign up is open for the George Gadd and Grannies Vase as well as the match v the me on 10th July. If you wish to play in the latter and have not put your availability on Intelligent Golf please do so, so Bridget can pick the team.
I am sorry to inform you that Barbara Summerside has died. Barbara was Lady Captain in 1992 and an active member of the ‘Business Ladies’ (now known as Weekend Ladies) going so far as to donate the only cup that the weekenders play for. She will be fondly remembered by those of us who knew her and was a fully active member of the ladies’ section always turning out to play in Club competitions and matches. Our condolences and best wishes to her family.
