Even more Captain and Pro matches to report on! Firstly with Richard Harrison and our challengers Simon Dixon and Richard Bayley, who showed great determination in overturning a 2 hole deficit at the turn by winning 4 of the next 7 holes, especially with Richard making nett birdies on holes 10 to 12, on their way to go 2 up after 16 … Somehow I found a rare moment of skill to get up and down out the left hand bunker for a par on 17, and Richard H holed a terrific putt to win the 18th and halve the match after another great morning’s golf.
Men’s Golf Blog
If, like me, you are hoping for golfing redemption after a disappointing Autumn Meeting, you’ll be looking forward to this Saturday’s Club Stableford, fully subscribed with 102 players. Unfortunately the weather forecast looks dreadful at the moment, so come prepared …
Just a reminder that there is a reserve list for the competition, currently with five players on it, so please do check your tee time for the day and if you find now that you are unable to play then make contact with Louis or Tristan soonest. Also, out of courtesy, please notify your playing partners. If, on the day you find you are unable to play, please notify the Club as soon as possible and also your playing partners. Players not making their tee time without prior notice given may receive sanctions from the Committee. For male golfers, that will mean a letter from the Captain advising that you will not be permitted to enter the next signup competition, which is the Club Stableford on 31st October.
The following Wednesday, I joined Joe Biggs to take on challengers Danny Gesua and Graham Post, both students of Joe’s, as Simon and Richard are of Richard Harrison. Joe is obviously doing something right, because we had a terrific battle with Danny and Graham. With only 1 hole halved on the front 9, and even with Joe making 4 birdies over those holes, we were just 2 up at the turn. A fine birdie by Joe on the 11th put us 3 up, and a couple more holes were traded before this most enjoyable match, with only 3 holes halved, ended on 15 with a 4&3 victory.
Next up to challenge myself and Richard Harrison, on last Sunday’s windy morning, were past-Captains Tim Fulstow and Richard Lurcott, both in fine golfing form. In contrast to the previous match, this was to be a match of halves and fine margins, and a fine display of how to play golf in windy conditions by Richard Harrison, especially with birdies on 8 & 9 playing into a 2 club wind. Even at that, we were just one up at the turn, then 2 up after 11, from which we halved the next 6 holes for 2&1 victory. This included 2 more fine birdies into that strong wind for Richard, for us to just hold off a fine challenge by the Past-Captains.
And finally, to yesterday’s match where Charlotte Nutt and I met challengers Nicholas Silver and Charles Haswell, on a rather overcast afternoon. Again, both of these players are regular students of Charlotte’s coaching, and as I was to learn, among her star pupils! I’m proud to say that I’ve now played golf with an Olympian, as Nicholas was one of eight golfers selected for Team GB to play in the Special Olympics in Abu Dhabi last year. Our match was all square after a closely contested front 9, with the challengers dovetailing very well, and impressive ball striking by both. Little did I know that the half on 9 would be the last one, with Nicholas winning 3 of the next 4 holes in fine style, both challengers having 2 putts to win the conceded 14th, and Charles closing out the match with tap-in par on 15. Super match and my hearty congratulations to Nicholas and Charles on their fine golf!
Congratulations to our Scratch team on their victory over Cuddington last Saturday, which takes them into the third round versus Windlesham. Also a special mention for Alex Tonge, who reached the semi-final stage of the County Championships played at Woodcote Park last weekend, before being defeated by the narrowest possible margin of 1 up. I believe being placed in the last four also keeps Alex in the County 1st team, very impressive.
The Fourball Betterball 2020 knockout is progressing well with some 3rd round matches already completed. The play-by date is 18th October.
Also a reminder that entry is still open for the the Men’s Winter Foursomes knockout and the Senior Winter Knockouts.
Finally, please ensure that you are equipped with a good quality pitch repairer and repair any pitch-marks you find on the greens. The Marshals may ask you to produce a pitch repairer before you tee off, be prepared and make use of it! Also, you must have your bag tag attached, and it must be appropriate for the day and time of play …
Enjoy your golf!