Senior Golfers Report
Every message from the Club this month seems to emphasise the prospects for good weather and wonderful conditions for golf. Having played three times in the last week I can testify to the fact that shots are going further, and the greens are getting quicker. For example, I reached the green on the 11th in two and got over the ridge on the 18th with my drive which seemed impossible feats for a septuagenarian only a month ago. It reminds me how much we owe to the hard work and skill of the greenkeepers in making our course such a pleasure to play on.
Having also spent two evenings in Golf Committees in the past fortnight, I am also aware how much the behaviour of our fellow Members affects the enjoyment of our rounds of golf. The penny seems to be dropping about the importance of repairing pitch marks. I notice fewer left unrepaired on the green than previously. But Members have still been less attentive in repairing divots than we should be. Keeping the course in good shape is the duty of all of us.
It is important too to keep up the pace of play. The course is ideally set up to complete a round in good time; the rough has not yet grown as high as it will in a few weeks’ time and there is a good deal of run on the fairways. Slow play can not only spoil the enjoyment of our partners but also affect the groups of players following behind.
The Seniors have held two team Stableford competitions on the last two Wednesdays. Last week, the winning team of Mo El-Guindi, Gilbert Ellacombe and Nick Pack scored a total of 76 points while Nick was the individual winner with 38 points. One minor complaint was that the scoring on several of the submitted cards was not properly recorded and I think it brought home to me the importance of recording scores correctly. Well done to Mo, Gilbert and Nick.
Yesterday we played another team Stableford, this time with each player having the opportunity to claim a Mulligan during their round. In excellent playing conditions, the winning team was Brian Hall, Prachaya Jumpasut and Ken Pratt with a total of 89 points and the best individual scorer was also Brian with 40 Stableford points! Congratulations to Brian, Prachaya and Ken.
Next week the Seniors start their season of matches hosting Surbiton on Monday and Wimbledon Common on Friday. These matches are thoroughly enjoyable and enable others to play on what Roehampton Club Members know to be a well set up and maintained course.
The Senior Mixed team is also starting its match programme shortly. They are still a few male players shot, so if you haven’t signed up already and are interested in playing friendly matches against other Clubs, please do sign up via IntelligentGolf.
Next week we are playing our monthly Grail competition. Spaces are still available. Seniors, please sign up.