Our first 27 hole day for
sometime so we should have expected nothing less than gales force winds and
heavy, seriously cold, showers to enhance the enjoyment! Captains Day with 22
eager golfers looking forward to the superb layout that is Cleobury Mortimer
with 27 excellent holes set in the heart of the Shropshire. Perfect for
society golf.
The day started well with
several members helping themselves to coffee and biscuits. Unfortunately
these were for the lady members and not ourselves which got the clubhouse
staff quite excited for a short while!
Our illustrious Captain
had decided on a six nations team competition to run through the day
alongside the normal individual medal and stableford competitions so the draw
was imperative as any chance of being on the winning team meant being drawn
with Roy. The morning nine holes were a team competition with two from four
scores to count on each hole. The object for the Irish team (Captain's team)
was to ensure that we were in touching distance so that the rules would not
have to be bent too severely in the afternoon to achieve the desired outcome.
This was duly achieved with a managable deficit of five shots taken into the
afternoon.
Being perched on top of
the hills meant that we could watch each of the huge black storms approaching
for the duration of the afternoon round and at least prepare for each
downpour before it hit us. It was real fun getting dressed and undressed as
each shower came and went then the sun gently steamed us ready for the next
shower.
The course played to it's
usual standard but the wind had a massive effect on many holes so clubbing
was a major problem. Even allowing for this though the scores were very
respectible with a fair number of members in the mid to high 70's. Les (Home
Alone) Stallard took third place with a 74, Alan (Honestly I'm 20 handicap)
Hadley got second on countback with a 73 with John (Small shirt please)
Vincent taking the glory in first place with another 73.
Longest drive went to Les
Stallard with a boomer down the ever narrowing 4th and Nearest the Pin on the
tricky par three 15th to Mark Todkill.
Most importantly, and not
really to anyone's suprise, The Irish led by our illustrious Captain won the
six nations team prize with the winnings going to the Captain's charity.
Thanks must go to Dave
Adams for organising a superb full day at an excellent venue to a very
reasonable price and we now look forward to the next episode at Cleeve Hill
in July.
