Seniors’ Autumn Medal
This week we played for the Seniors’ Autumn Medal. 62 players signed up to play with a gratifying number of low handicappers among them. Entrants to the Autumn Medal have had their scores aggregated with their score in the Spring Medal to give a result of the two Medal competitions combined. Two trophies were therefore awarded. The combined competition was keenly contested as fifteen golfers led by Peter Bateman, the Spring Medal winner, had scored between nett 70 and 73 in May and so quite a few entrants had a decent chance of winning the combined Medal.
On a beautiful albeit warm day, scoring by the field was excellent. A third of the field played to their handicaps and there were some terrific individual scores. In the competition for the Autumn Medal, the 61 starters were led home by former Seniors chairman Quentin Robey with a phenomenal nett score of 64. The other places were filled by David Moss with a nett score of 66, followed by John Wyn-Evans and Peter McGovern on nett 67. Nigel Candelot recorded the best gross score of 74.
In the competition for the Medal combining the results of the Spring and Autumn medals, John Wyn-Evans was the winner, with a combined nett score of 140. Suresh Vara, last year’s winner, came second on countback while the Spring Medal winner Peter Bateman was third on nett 141. Roy Martin recorded the best gross score of 157 followed by Suresh Vara on 158. Congratulations to all the winners on their terrific performances.
One problem we face is how to deal with a competition which encompasses players with playing handicaps between 4 and 28. My own view is that we should maintain an overall competition allowing handicaps (maximum 28) to level the playing field. To ensure that the better golfers are not completely disadvantaged as a result someone with a high handicap having a lucky day, we also award a prize for the best gross score.
Summer Eclectic
Yesterday was the penultimate opportunity for Seniors to improve their scores in the summer eclectic. Before the Medal, the leaders were Ken Pratt and Hassan Dajani on nett 51, with David Bouch on 53 and Gilbert Ellacombe on 54. The final round will be on 27th September at the September Grail.
Other Autumn events
Throughout the Autumn and Winter, we will have competitions every Wednesday except on 13th September when we cede use of the course to the Ladies for their Autumn meeting. I hope as many Seniors as possible will join us as often as they can.
Senior AGM
On Wednesday 25th October we will hold the Seniors’ AGM. To enable it to take place promptly, as last year, the day will involve a shotgun start teeing off at 9am. It was a success when this was done in 2022 and I hope it will become a tradition in years to come. I hope as many seniors as possible will sign up to play and attend the AGM.
Etiquette and pace of play
The Club in the daily update on the condition of the course emphasises the importance of repairing pitch marks, replacing divots and keeping up a good pace of play. Several seniors have complained to me about the slowness of play not only during competitions but also in matches. Making others on the course play slowly spoils their enjoyment of their rounds. I was amazed that during our invitation day where we played with a shotgun start, one group took three quarters of an hour longer than all the others. That not only affected the group behind them but also caused the meal to be delayed by half an hour.
Given that the current practice is to play ready golf, we can all follow a few simple precepts to ensure we don’t hold up others. Always be ready to play your shot when it is your turn. Think in advance about what club to use – a straightforward thing on our home course. Be ready to putt in turn by doing some preparation for your putt when others are putting ahead of you. Place your trolleys or carry bags on the right side of the hole ready to move to the next tee.
If you are falling behind the group in front and have a group behind waiting for your group to play, consider letting them play through. The game is meant to be enjoyed by all. Remember that you may be affecting the enjoyment of others.
Douglas Millar, Chairman
