Swindle Daily Results and Reports 2024
Friday 19th April 2024
Nine swindlers were expected this morning, however ten Seniors arrived bright and early. After the roll call it became clear Sharpie was the 10th man. As he was supporting the Hammers the night before he was welcomed and received the sympathy vote from most of us.
Balls in the bag with Ray, Greg and John P. out first. Followed by Winesy, Kim & Ken with Simon, Chris, Don & Sharpie in the last group.
The forecast was for a chilly, but dry morning. The chilly part was correct, but the dry bit wasn't. Around 10am the heavens darkened and down came the wet stuff. The first two groups braved it out and carried on to the end. The four ball had more sense and legged it back to the club house club for an early coffee (no biscuits, again..)
Congratulations to Winesy with 31 points win £5, Kim second with 30 points (off 12) & £3, and Greg with 28 points (off 5) £2.
Ray
NB Eds notes:
It's possible that Sharpie did 'mention' to me he wanted to play, but I don't suppose his memory is any better than mine on that!
Following on from the last report ...he did do it then....Greg I mean, in for another place and another cut!!
And a shame Hughes 1st outing in the swindle ended so badly! Its a trend - it was Rex's last time!
Balls in the bag with Ray, Greg and John P. out first. Followed by Winesy, Kim & Ken with Simon, Chris, Don & Sharpie in the last group.
The forecast was for a chilly, but dry morning. The chilly part was correct, but the dry bit wasn't. Around 10am the heavens darkened and down came the wet stuff. The first two groups braved it out and carried on to the end. The four ball had more sense and legged it back to the club house club for an early coffee (no biscuits, again..)
Congratulations to Winesy with 31 points win £5, Kim second with 30 points (off 12) & £3, and Greg with 28 points (off 5) £2.
Ray
NB Eds notes:
It's possible that Sharpie did 'mention' to me he wanted to play, but I don't suppose his memory is any better than mine on that!
Following on from the last report ...he did do it then....Greg I mean, in for another place and another cut!!
And a shame Hughes 1st outing in the swindle ended so badly! Its a trend - it was Rex's last time!
Friday 12th April 2024
A midday shotgun start for a late notified event sent the 10 of us to the Warley back nine then onto Childerditch to finish. The separate Winter Doubles Final match, consisted a little unusually of a 3 ball (Dave H v Kevin B and Tim), because of Dave Skinners injured shoulder - we believe it was an over exuberant celebration to his 1st place in the 1st GOY event (!) - decided that they could get round before the Shotgun started, so headed out to the 1st.
Ash, Don and I formed the 1st group and made swift progress, but by the 5th on Childerditch, Don's back had 'had enough' (that sounds a familiar golf name?) and he couldn't face doing the finishing hills so went off in pursuit of coffee. So even quicker we were back in before 11.30, with the 2nd 3 ball following pretty soon after that. Then came the long goodbye wait for the last 4 ball group. We gather one reason (only one) was that the excellent driving and mapping skills that were recently used by Ken in getting all the way to Sardinia in his 4x4 had deserted him - perhaps he needs to try using a steering wheel to hit some of his shots!
Although it was much improved on Childerditch it wasn't an easy course to play, so again scores were low all round. Ash played very solidly to muster his 31 points and earned himself a 2 shot cut. Dennis... well Dennis....did very well.....to get 29 and also got a 2 shot cut. Greg just pipped me on a better back 3 with 28 points each to take 3rd and a 1 shot cut. He did, mind, play off only 6 shots, so a 35 in real money. That's a win or place in the last 4 out of 4 games - surely at a 5 HC he can't get in the next one!!
Ash, Don and I formed the 1st group and made swift progress, but by the 5th on Childerditch, Don's back had 'had enough' (that sounds a familiar golf name?) and he couldn't face doing the finishing hills so went off in pursuit of coffee. So even quicker we were back in before 11.30, with the 2nd 3 ball following pretty soon after that. Then came the long goodbye wait for the last 4 ball group. We gather one reason (only one) was that the excellent driving and mapping skills that were recently used by Ken in getting all the way to Sardinia in his 4x4 had deserted him - perhaps he needs to try using a steering wheel to hit some of his shots!
Although it was much improved on Childerditch it wasn't an easy course to play, so again scores were low all round. Ash played very solidly to muster his 31 points and earned himself a 2 shot cut. Dennis... well Dennis....did very well.....to get 29 and also got a 2 shot cut. Greg just pipped me on a better back 3 with 28 points each to take 3rd and a 1 shot cut. He did, mind, play off only 6 shots, so a 35 in real money. That's a win or place in the last 4 out of 4 games - surely at a 5 HC he can't get in the next one!!
Wednesday 10th April 2024
All 10 players showed up early for a quick get away with Dennis, Winesy & Mike P. in the first three ball. The fairways had been cut since Monday's competition and the course was looking in good shape. Well done to the ground staff. Surprisingly low point scores were once again in play. Congratulations to Mark taking first place with 33 points and Mike P 31 points and second place. The battle for third place was between Kim & Dennis, both with 28 points and a back nine of 16 points. Kim's last six holes was 11points and Dennis 10 points. Well done Kim !!!
Ray
Ray
Friday 5th April 2024
Golf WhatsApp was busy this morning (sort of). Ash had come to believe that I have special predictive powers about rainfall. He messaged he was coming despite his worries and wasn't too happy that, having stopped at 8am, it then restarted (lightly) at 8.05! And we had another early morning Les message to tell us he wasn't coming - except that both he has sent recently have appeared in WA in the afternoon! He really needs to change his clocks!
Anyway, some light rain for 2/3 holes and then all fine. But underfoot we were back to square one with very very wet conditions.
Fool of the day - At the 1st I reached for my putter - Oh dear. Still in the carry bag at home. Breaking all rules I used Bill and Dennis' for the 1st 9. Not brilliantly, but got me by. Dennis remembered that he has a spare one in his car. He generously offered it up at the turn - it's the new Ping he says. Didn't look new, but hey ....On the 10th green the putter gets used - 'Pingggg" - Mike T looks round 'has someone's phone just gone off?" No it's the sound of the Ping putter - drove us mad. A Vander special Dennis says. Not Ping either. Was happy to give it back to Dennis.
Mike T had a day when his score was one for the dustbin - well he certainly hit the bin very hard on the 17th tee. Maybe the stress of arranging the Ladies - Seniors day is getting to him - mind you he won't be there, having deputed it all to Ken (who has got to play with Delray- lets hope her sense of humour is good that day when she finds herself in some rather odd spots on the course!).
Conditions are poor, but it does seem that for now 31/32 ish scores are the new 36s. The spoils were divided up between 3 x31s. Greg doing a double with 2/2 1sts with the BB9 overall. Gordon 2nd just edging out Ray in 3rd on count back. Dave S got his £1 back and no cut and was very happy as it meant he went back to his full HC.
Only two birdies today - Ray on 7th and Dave S on the 18th
It was good to see Robbo in the club when we came in (Chris having brought him up) sharing some stories and catching up.
1st GOY Monday - lets hope the recent swindle 'proper rules' games have prepared us a bit better!
Anyway, some light rain for 2/3 holes and then all fine. But underfoot we were back to square one with very very wet conditions.
Fool of the day - At the 1st I reached for my putter - Oh dear. Still in the carry bag at home. Breaking all rules I used Bill and Dennis' for the 1st 9. Not brilliantly, but got me by. Dennis remembered that he has a spare one in his car. He generously offered it up at the turn - it's the new Ping he says. Didn't look new, but hey ....On the 10th green the putter gets used - 'Pingggg" - Mike T looks round 'has someone's phone just gone off?" No it's the sound of the Ping putter - drove us mad. A Vander special Dennis says. Not Ping either. Was happy to give it back to Dennis.
Mike T had a day when his score was one for the dustbin - well he certainly hit the bin very hard on the 17th tee. Maybe the stress of arranging the Ladies - Seniors day is getting to him - mind you he won't be there, having deputed it all to Ken (who has got to play with Delray- lets hope her sense of humour is good that day when she finds herself in some rather odd spots on the course!).
Conditions are poor, but it does seem that for now 31/32 ish scores are the new 36s. The spoils were divided up between 3 x31s. Greg doing a double with 2/2 1sts with the BB9 overall. Gordon 2nd just edging out Ray in 3rd on count back. Dave S got his £1 back and no cut and was very happy as it meant he went back to his full HC.
Only two birdies today - Ray on 7th and Dave S on the 18th
It was good to see Robbo in the club when we came in (Chris having brought him up) sharing some stories and catching up.
1st GOY Monday - lets hope the recent swindle 'proper rules' games have prepared us a bit better!
Wednesday 3rd April 2024
Another low scoring day by the good field of 18 players that swindled.
Normally 34 points would barely get you in the leading group but today that was an excellent score posted by Greg. I happen to have played with Greg and can vouch for excellent shots and overall play in only his 3rd swindle game this year.
The next best was a very solid 30 points from Ray, although I did briefly overlook that when initially awarding 2nd place to MarK!
And Mark was another who was only playing his 3rd swindle game and who also happened to be in the same group. Mark says he's definitely going to have more time to play this year so watch out; a rising star amongst a few falling to earth!
We came across a new course feature as we went round - as the time it looked a bit like our own ‘bridge of sighs’ - that was being built as we passed by the main lake (which when full has tended to flow out across the 16th fairway). The new drainage channel and bridge should certainly keep our feet drier in future although I suspect golfers sighs will still ring loud from the 7th and 16th tees when drives go awry!
We had a discussion about the old chestnut of 'gimmies'. We all know it's the length of a grip handle. We all know that some have very long handles...some are generous about giving and some generous about receiving. I know that some will say, but it's only social golf, but our start line is 'social golf with an element of competition'. We're all more relaxed about the rules in swindles. But if we play competitions, it's no great help to us to take long gimmies. So, even if we are offered a generous one, its also up to us to take it, or just say 'thanks, but too long' and putt out. Reminder over.......until the next time!
Normally 34 points would barely get you in the leading group but today that was an excellent score posted by Greg. I happen to have played with Greg and can vouch for excellent shots and overall play in only his 3rd swindle game this year.
The next best was a very solid 30 points from Ray, although I did briefly overlook that when initially awarding 2nd place to MarK!
And Mark was another who was only playing his 3rd swindle game and who also happened to be in the same group. Mark says he's definitely going to have more time to play this year so watch out; a rising star amongst a few falling to earth!
We came across a new course feature as we went round - as the time it looked a bit like our own ‘bridge of sighs’ - that was being built as we passed by the main lake (which when full has tended to flow out across the 16th fairway). The new drainage channel and bridge should certainly keep our feet drier in future although I suspect golfers sighs will still ring loud from the 7th and 16th tees when drives go awry!
We had a discussion about the old chestnut of 'gimmies'. We all know it's the length of a grip handle. We all know that some have very long handles...some are generous about giving and some generous about receiving. I know that some will say, but it's only social golf, but our start line is 'social golf with an element of competition'. We're all more relaxed about the rules in swindles. But if we play competitions, it's no great help to us to take long gimmies. So, even if we are offered a generous one, its also up to us to take it, or just say 'thanks, but too long' and putt out. Reminder over.......until the next time!
Monday 1st April 2024
10 of us on a very busy and rather slowish BH morning. But very kind weather.
The ‘thrill’ of knowing that we were, overnight, greatly improved golf players with much reduced handicaps added an air of expectation. Or, as we offer balanced, alternative views, there was an air of dread!
A few questions about what some individual HCs were and out we went. As we expected it wasn’t a great scoring day, apart from one exception.
Our equivalent of amen corner (4,5,6) is always a good indicator of the days golf. Over the 3 holes the scores were:
0 points. 2
1 points. 1
2 points. 3
3 points. 0
4 points. 2
5 points. 2 - well done for one of them Les.
6 points. 0
And only one birdie from 180 holes played - it would-be embarrassing to mention whose!
Undoubtedly the day went to Tim with his outstanding score of 39 points - 24 on the back 9. That earned him £5 and a 2 shot cut.
Great for Ray that he got 2nd with his 32 points, shame that Ray also picked up a 2 shot cut for £3!
And Kim just pipped me on the last hole with 2 27s in play for the last £1 and no cut.
It has to be noted that a few were on big swindle cuts as well today, but lets hope we all get used to the new low ones quickly!
The ‘thrill’ of knowing that we were, overnight, greatly improved golf players with much reduced handicaps added an air of expectation. Or, as we offer balanced, alternative views, there was an air of dread!
A few questions about what some individual HCs were and out we went. As we expected it wasn’t a great scoring day, apart from one exception.
Our equivalent of amen corner (4,5,6) is always a good indicator of the days golf. Over the 3 holes the scores were:
0 points. 2
1 points. 1
2 points. 3
3 points. 0
4 points. 2
5 points. 2 - well done for one of them Les.
6 points. 0
And only one birdie from 180 holes played - it would-be embarrassing to mention whose!
Undoubtedly the day went to Tim with his outstanding score of 39 points - 24 on the back 9. That earned him £5 and a 2 shot cut.
Great for Ray that he got 2nd with his 32 points, shame that Ray also picked up a 2 shot cut for £3!
And Kim just pipped me on the last hole with 2 27s in play for the last £1 and no cut.
It has to be noted that a few were on big swindle cuts as well today, but lets hope we all get used to the new low ones quickly!
Friday 29th March 2024
Small group for a Friday - Bank Hol, Ash's forecast of rain and carry only (wasn't sure why
really) and for those with foresight, the WP equivalent of Baltimore, although in this case we've all been saying for ages that the 9th bridge would give way soon. Perhaps the seniors should be employed as bridge assessors? We couldn't find out who was one the bridge at the time!
Not a day for great golf so low scores brought rewards - good practice for next week playing off lower Hcs!
Kev, Ray and I played with Dave S. When he said to us that his driver had come out with him, we assumed it was his chauffeur. But no, his 5 wood was at home and the big one was in the bag. Dave certainly persevered although the rewards were thin - much like quite a few of his shots! I can hardly talk you say, but mine was the putter! But we did have a close coffee game, Kev and I only losing it on the 18th.
Honours went to Kevin B whose 32 points brought him a fiver and a cut of 2 (to be taken off whatever his HC is from Monday under the new system - as we will do if on a Swindle cut at the time). Mark and Spiggy shared 3, but Mark just pipped it on a BB6/3.
As most will know Spiggy often has to shoot off quickly after golf "to see the cleaning lady". There have been many ribald jokes about that as you can imagine, but I actually didn't realise that it was just that he is completely hooked on the below and apparently spends hours and hours on replays.
Monday is the day for downloading the new GG App and seeing the reality of your new golfing standard!
NB After Ash's latest rain forecast was so very misguided we understand that his business has been placed into liquidation - or will do as soon as it rains and is wet enough to do so!
really) and for those with foresight, the WP equivalent of Baltimore, although in this case we've all been saying for ages that the 9th bridge would give way soon. Perhaps the seniors should be employed as bridge assessors? We couldn't find out who was one the bridge at the time!
Not a day for great golf so low scores brought rewards - good practice for next week playing off lower Hcs!
Kev, Ray and I played with Dave S. When he said to us that his driver had come out with him, we assumed it was his chauffeur. But no, his 5 wood was at home and the big one was in the bag. Dave certainly persevered although the rewards were thin - much like quite a few of his shots! I can hardly talk you say, but mine was the putter! But we did have a close coffee game, Kev and I only losing it on the 18th.
Honours went to Kevin B whose 32 points brought him a fiver and a cut of 2 (to be taken off whatever his HC is from Monday under the new system - as we will do if on a Swindle cut at the time). Mark and Spiggy shared 3, but Mark just pipped it on a BB6/3.
As most will know Spiggy often has to shoot off quickly after golf "to see the cleaning lady". There have been many ribald jokes about that as you can imagine, but I actually didn't realise that it was just that he is completely hooked on the below and apparently spends hours and hours on replays.
Monday is the day for downloading the new GG App and seeing the reality of your new golfing standard!
NB After Ash's latest rain forecast was so very misguided we understand that his business has been placed into liquidation - or will do as soon as it rains and is wet enough to do so!
Wednesday 27th March 2024
Eight 'normal' swindlers today, with another 10 of the 12 'would be' Senior Team 'trialists' playing in a Bogie, who also elected to play in the swindle, 3 of whom ended up taking a place in the top 4! Ray was kind enough to organise what was a complicated swindle day, whilst I busied myself masquerading as one of the 10.
The day's swindle honours went to Dave H with an excellent 37 points playing off 8, earning himself a cut of 3 to 5.
Kevin S also had a good day earning himself 35 points whilst playing off a 2 shot cut. So another 2 shot cut for him bringing him down to 17.
It was Kim's 1st swindle of the year, after recovery from his conversion to 80% bionic status, with just one more knee to get fixed. Don't think there is much hope for the remaining 10%? Anyway, the usual cry of 'beware the injured golfer' rang true with a very good first effort of 34 points. So straight to a cut of 2 shots and off 17 for the next game.
And taking the 4th spot for a one shot cut was Capt Mike playing his 1st game back on his full 22 HC (!! I know!!).
And, And, it would be amiss of me not to mention my own single claim to fame for the day with a rather excellent par on hole 4. Not been many of those around for a while!
And, And, And, at the end of it all Bill had to go off, cards in hand, to review 'form' amidst the 'runners and riders' (he's a horse man) to reach some conclusions about who are in and who are out. Although I'm not aware of any seniors who have yet come Out!
Just one more swindle playing off HCs that we have become very accustomed to, before we all lose our 3 or 4 shots from next Monday onwards. Even I might be inclined to have a farewell drink Friday!
G
The day's swindle honours went to Dave H with an excellent 37 points playing off 8, earning himself a cut of 3 to 5.
Kevin S also had a good day earning himself 35 points whilst playing off a 2 shot cut. So another 2 shot cut for him bringing him down to 17.
It was Kim's 1st swindle of the year, after recovery from his conversion to 80% bionic status, with just one more knee to get fixed. Don't think there is much hope for the remaining 10%? Anyway, the usual cry of 'beware the injured golfer' rang true with a very good first effort of 34 points. So straight to a cut of 2 shots and off 17 for the next game.
And taking the 4th spot for a one shot cut was Capt Mike playing his 1st game back on his full 22 HC (!! I know!!).
And, And, it would be amiss of me not to mention my own single claim to fame for the day with a rather excellent par on hole 4. Not been many of those around for a while!
And, And, And, at the end of it all Bill had to go off, cards in hand, to review 'form' amidst the 'runners and riders' (he's a horse man) to reach some conclusions about who are in and who are out. Although I'm not aware of any seniors who have yet come Out!
Just one more swindle playing off HCs that we have become very accustomed to, before we all lose our 3 or 4 shots from next Monday onwards. Even I might be inclined to have a farewell drink Friday!
G
Friday 22nd March 2024
We had a good sized group of 17 today but sadly that didn’t include Ash because he was sure it would rain all morning and had dropped out. Privately we thought it was more likely that the strain of getting up and coming early on Monday had tired him out and he needed an extra lie in. And of course as it turned out that, apart from a very short period of light rain, it was a dry morning. Ash’s weather forecasting business has lost its contract with the Seniors, but his golf clothing business is offering bargain rain gear with the Seniors logo.
As one of the few 'still working' seniors Andy managed a rare appearance this morning. We learned from Spiggy as we crossed paths that he was playing very well. We noted that H was showing a lot of interest in this information from Sippgy, who later advised us that they had worked out that Andy was young enough to be Hs son. We’re thinking of asking Andy for a photo without the beard just to do a bit of comparing?
You learn all about people as you play golf and interestingly an early version of H was as a Messenger in the city. I’ve always thought it was a pretty confused place and now I have a clue why! I also learned that Ian P now has the grand title of Assistant 2nd Cut Outfield grass cutter at Hutton CC. ( well something like that anyway). Anyway we’ll now know who to go to if we need some professional input into course conditions and how to master the rough.
The first thing today’s eventual winner said as we gathered around the 1st tee was that as he hadn’t been in any bunkers recently - as our group moved off the 2nd tee we noticed Dennis standing in the bunker next to the 1st green! But it obviously went much better after that as D went on to record an excellent 40 points to take 1st place (£6) and earn a cut of 4 shots .
Very well done Dennis. So down to 15 shots for the next game, but that will become 12 when the new HCs come into play from 1st April 😂
Kev. came in 2nd with a very good 38 points and received £5 and a 2 shot cut.
Less money for 3rd place, but Andy’s cash payment (£3) for 37 points also earned him a 2 shot cut.
And as 4th paid out £2 Dave S earned another cut of 1.
We had a few very low scores out there today and I was one of the leaders amongst them! I suppose proper winter rules might have killed off some of us.
Nb in trying to avoid the threat of rain today we encouraged players to move on quickly and most certainly did their rounds quicker than in Monday’s speedfeast. So well done to us all.
NB Beware injured golfers - Kim's back next week!
As one of the few 'still working' seniors Andy managed a rare appearance this morning. We learned from Spiggy as we crossed paths that he was playing very well. We noted that H was showing a lot of interest in this information from Sippgy, who later advised us that they had worked out that Andy was young enough to be Hs son. We’re thinking of asking Andy for a photo without the beard just to do a bit of comparing?
You learn all about people as you play golf and interestingly an early version of H was as a Messenger in the city. I’ve always thought it was a pretty confused place and now I have a clue why! I also learned that Ian P now has the grand title of Assistant 2nd Cut Outfield grass cutter at Hutton CC. ( well something like that anyway). Anyway we’ll now know who to go to if we need some professional input into course conditions and how to master the rough.
The first thing today’s eventual winner said as we gathered around the 1st tee was that as he hadn’t been in any bunkers recently - as our group moved off the 2nd tee we noticed Dennis standing in the bunker next to the 1st green! But it obviously went much better after that as D went on to record an excellent 40 points to take 1st place (£6) and earn a cut of 4 shots .
Very well done Dennis. So down to 15 shots for the next game, but that will become 12 when the new HCs come into play from 1st April 😂
Kev. came in 2nd with a very good 38 points and received £5 and a 2 shot cut.
Less money for 3rd place, but Andy’s cash payment (£3) for 37 points also earned him a 2 shot cut.
And as 4th paid out £2 Dave S earned another cut of 1.
We had a few very low scores out there today and I was one of the leaders amongst them! I suppose proper winter rules might have killed off some of us.
Nb in trying to avoid the threat of rain today we encouraged players to move on quickly and most certainly did their rounds quicker than in Monday’s speedfeast. So well done to us all.
NB Beware injured golfers - Kim's back next week!
Wednesday 20th March 2024
A dozen booked to play and 12 in the clubhouse well before ‘drawn balls’ time - and that included Ash! He’s decided to start implementing his NY Resolution about getting up earlier - just 3 months late that’s all. And he’d turned up with his stopwatch. We also had Don back for a re-start so we had to do some quick reintroductions in case he’d forgotten who we were.
With the course beginning to look like a golf course again - cut fairways and greens and some bunkers restored - a good game was expected. It was an eventful day. Early on we noticed that all the white tee markers were placed as far back as possible. Thus we might decide to send Kev out in the 1st group every time from now on as we could have done with his trick of ‘ moving them forward’, especially on the 7th!!
On the 3rd recently reconstructed tee we came upon Warley’s wildlife, although this one was a bit lifeless. There was a later discussion about how it might have come to its end. Ray, thinking back to his recent experience, quipped that it had recently had a few bites of a WPs sausage roll !
With the course beginning to look like a golf course again - cut fairways and greens and some bunkers restored - a good game was expected. It was an eventful day. Early on we noticed that all the white tee markers were placed as far back as possible. Thus we might decide to send Kev out in the 1st group every time from now on as we could have done with his trick of ‘ moving them forward’, especially on the 7th!!
On the 3rd recently reconstructed tee we came upon Warley’s wildlife, although this one was a bit lifeless. There was a later discussion about how it might have come to its end. Ray, thinking back to his recent experience, quipped that it had recently had a few bites of a WPs sausage roll !
The course was playing better than of late (although we were still enjoying full PWP incl out of bunkers) but we couldn’t get on the 18th as a grass cutter had broken down and then a truck came to help and despite the accuracy of all our shots were thought maybe we shouldn’t aim for the patch of green containing the hole as we might not be able to clamber over the machinery! Two points each for the 18th.
So to the results. Its was definitely H’s day. A 42 point score was well out in front. Playing off 24, H was also playing off a 7 shot cut - imagine 42+7 = 49 points potential!! Check your Fantasy Teams !
We had three 38s carded, but a B9 review gave 2nd to Ash, 3rd to Dave S and 4th to Kev.
Ash’s stopwatch came into play as he had secretly recorded the time taken by the 1st group, which he put at 4hrs 30 mins. As I was in the 1st group I hotly disputed that as it was 4.15. And don’t forget we had to contend with a longer walk than usual to the white tees, the need for a formal meeting to review wildlife preservation on the course, searching for lost balls on the fairway under cut grass, spending time observing how many men it takes to repair or move a grass cutting machine and offering helpful suggestions on how it might get repaired etc etc. Don’t forget the 1st group paves the way and sorts out all the problems so that the others can sail through.
So to the results. Its was definitely H’s day. A 42 point score was well out in front. Playing off 24, H was also playing off a 7 shot cut - imagine 42+7 = 49 points potential!! Check your Fantasy Teams !
We had three 38s carded, but a B9 review gave 2nd to Ash, 3rd to Dave S and 4th to Kev.
Ash’s stopwatch came into play as he had secretly recorded the time taken by the 1st group, which he put at 4hrs 30 mins. As I was in the 1st group I hotly disputed that as it was 4.15. And don’t forget we had to contend with a longer walk than usual to the white tees, the need for a formal meeting to review wildlife preservation on the course, searching for lost balls on the fairway under cut grass, spending time observing how many men it takes to repair or move a grass cutting machine and offering helpful suggestions on how it might get repaired etc etc. Don’t forget the 1st group paves the way and sorts out all the problems so that the others can sail through.
Friday 15th March 2024
We had 14, and Steve B had checked to make sure Ray was there, so who was the missing 15th? Ash was of course the last in the clubhouse - he managed it twice in one day I see! Although his ball was pulled out 1st to play in the first group.
Players were requested to get round quickly to avoid the threatened rain at 12.
A lovely warm day - Spring acoming. Ground conditions improving and some fairways cut so all on the up.
Lots of conversation about the excellent WHU result in the clubhouse afterwards, but it was the ups and downs of Cheltenham racing that featured in our round, with our two experts Bill and Dennis talking form and odds.They didn't mention Joe's bit of excitement at the more explicit forms on show at the track though.
Spiggy kept on about something that I warned him would have to be mentioned in the write up, but do you know what, I genuinely can't recall what it was!! Very worrying!
Playing the 17th, as the last group, we were getting very anxious about the rain clouds above, and we definitely noticed a slowing down by the group in front as they wandered down to play the 18th. Sure enough we just got the green and swoosh, down it came. Those 4 names are on my card.
Anyway, Dennis and I had a hard fought game in securing free coffee from Bill and Spiggy, only to wander in and find that Les's pocket's are very shallow and he was busying emptying them by treating us all to a birthday drink. I didn't ask how old, but he still had one of those leather purses with a draw string.
On the results front it's interesting to note that Steve-Belly has played 5 games so far in the Swindle and has had 2 wins and 1 place already, which has taken him to the top of the table. Handicap check chaps?? Or would that be more bullying? Nevertheless, an excellent 40 point score game him 1st place and there was collective pleasure in awarding him a 4 shot cut!
No umbrage in the above of course, given my 2nd place with a 38, and I suppose the new HC of 15 will at least get me used to the idea of playing off 3 shots lower from 1st April. Perhaps everyone else should volunteer to play off 3/4 shots lower in the week before 1st April!
As we said Greg's back - but despite the big score on Monday, he had a more modest one today, but good enough to get him in the frame on 3rd on his 2nd swindle outing. Although, bored with us already, he's now gone off to Portugal for a while!
With trolleys now back on we look forward to seeing some recently missing faces.
Players were requested to get round quickly to avoid the threatened rain at 12.
A lovely warm day - Spring acoming. Ground conditions improving and some fairways cut so all on the up.
Lots of conversation about the excellent WHU result in the clubhouse afterwards, but it was the ups and downs of Cheltenham racing that featured in our round, with our two experts Bill and Dennis talking form and odds.They didn't mention Joe's bit of excitement at the more explicit forms on show at the track though.
Spiggy kept on about something that I warned him would have to be mentioned in the write up, but do you know what, I genuinely can't recall what it was!! Very worrying!
Playing the 17th, as the last group, we were getting very anxious about the rain clouds above, and we definitely noticed a slowing down by the group in front as they wandered down to play the 18th. Sure enough we just got the green and swoosh, down it came. Those 4 names are on my card.
Anyway, Dennis and I had a hard fought game in securing free coffee from Bill and Spiggy, only to wander in and find that Les's pocket's are very shallow and he was busying emptying them by treating us all to a birthday drink. I didn't ask how old, but he still had one of those leather purses with a draw string.
On the results front it's interesting to note that Steve-Belly has played 5 games so far in the Swindle and has had 2 wins and 1 place already, which has taken him to the top of the table. Handicap check chaps?? Or would that be more bullying? Nevertheless, an excellent 40 point score game him 1st place and there was collective pleasure in awarding him a 4 shot cut!
No umbrage in the above of course, given my 2nd place with a 38, and I suppose the new HC of 15 will at least get me used to the idea of playing off 3 shots lower from 1st April. Perhaps everyone else should volunteer to play off 3/4 shots lower in the week before 1st April!
As we said Greg's back - but despite the big score on Monday, he had a more modest one today, but good enough to get him in the frame on 3rd on his 2nd swindle outing. Although, bored with us already, he's now gone off to Portugal for a while!
With trolleys now back on we look forward to seeing some recently missing faces.
Friday 8th March 2024
It's beginning to feel as it we are unwelcome. Course closures and then Fri we arrived and the bar was closed. But too hasty in our judgement - there was a warm welcome awaiting upstairs. The bar was being 'done up' by the club staff - Waynes World of Change.
Childerditch and the back 9 for the 12, 18 holers. Aging is a bad thing isn't it? We knew it was going to be a special day for Ash when arrived on the tee, gathered the 4 balls in from his group and threw them up for coffee partners. Picked up his ball and announced he was playing with Bill. Someone pointed out that he wasn't holding his own ball, but he played with Bill anyway! But it was a relationship that was put under extreme pressure. I am told that there was a loaned and lost ball, from when on Ash gave Bill the cold shoulder, only for Bill to put a solidly hit shot straight into Ash's back! Didn't find out if they won the coffee though, as it turned out to be Ash's 74 birthday and he kindly bought us all a drink (you might have noticed that the 'Club" comps have gone up to £3! No link at all).
Highs and lows were birdies for Dave S, Ian P and Ray, low was Dennis' 7 blobs! But D did hit one excellent shot to the 14th par 3, which took us a while to find - see below - think that's the deepest I've seen one.
It was good to see Greg back playing after his long trip to Auss and NZ. And although he didn't play with in the swindle, Steve Benton made a star, 'unseasonably' early appearance, playing for the 1st time this year with some 9 holers. His best weather full outing could be another month away at least!
It all ended up with 3x 34s. After HC checks and Best Back 9s and 6s it came out as
1st Dave S for a further cut of 2.
2nd Ian P finding a little early form, also with a 2 shot cut (new rules), and
3rd Bill with a 1 shot cut
And Ray's best back 9 score lifted him to a 33, and 4th place for his £1 back and no cut.
Childerditch and the back 9 for the 12, 18 holers. Aging is a bad thing isn't it? We knew it was going to be a special day for Ash when arrived on the tee, gathered the 4 balls in from his group and threw them up for coffee partners. Picked up his ball and announced he was playing with Bill. Someone pointed out that he wasn't holding his own ball, but he played with Bill anyway! But it was a relationship that was put under extreme pressure. I am told that there was a loaned and lost ball, from when on Ash gave Bill the cold shoulder, only for Bill to put a solidly hit shot straight into Ash's back! Didn't find out if they won the coffee though, as it turned out to be Ash's 74 birthday and he kindly bought us all a drink (you might have noticed that the 'Club" comps have gone up to £3! No link at all).
Highs and lows were birdies for Dave S, Ian P and Ray, low was Dennis' 7 blobs! But D did hit one excellent shot to the 14th par 3, which took us a while to find - see below - think that's the deepest I've seen one.
It was good to see Greg back playing after his long trip to Auss and NZ. And although he didn't play with in the swindle, Steve Benton made a star, 'unseasonably' early appearance, playing for the 1st time this year with some 9 holers. His best weather full outing could be another month away at least!
It all ended up with 3x 34s. After HC checks and Best Back 9s and 6s it came out as
1st Dave S for a further cut of 2.
2nd Ian P finding a little early form, also with a 2 shot cut (new rules), and
3rd Bill with a 1 shot cut
And Ray's best back 9 score lifted him to a 33, and 4th place for his £1 back and no cut.
Wednesday 6th March 2024
Back to a bit of normality today as we had the WP back 9 to play and then over the road for Childerditch.
Some first hints at drying out a bit, but still very wet. We all know that the Childerditch hills are are a test for some and that showed in the results. But the greens were, given the conditions, in pretty good shape.
I think 9 of the 11 players were on some level of cut which is perhaps a sign that the wider spread of cash and cuts is working! Look out for MT when he next plays - 9 shots back in one go!
But today honours went to Dennis with an excellent 37 (unfortunately I had to witness it, but fortunately we were coffee partners). A modest cut of 2 for his £6 cash.
Dave S came in 2nd with a 35 having just got back to full HC. The new system also gave Dave a 2 shot cut for his £3. He wasn't too happy!
As a regular also ran this year (5 low payout places out of 12 starts) Gordon took 3rd for £2 and a cut of 1.
Ash came out with our 'quote of the day' when struggling up the 8th, he remarked maybe I should 'retire -tired'.
Some first hints at drying out a bit, but still very wet. We all know that the Childerditch hills are are a test for some and that showed in the results. But the greens were, given the conditions, in pretty good shape.
I think 9 of the 11 players were on some level of cut which is perhaps a sign that the wider spread of cash and cuts is working! Look out for MT when he next plays - 9 shots back in one go!
But today honours went to Dennis with an excellent 37 (unfortunately I had to witness it, but fortunately we were coffee partners). A modest cut of 2 for his £6 cash.
Dave S came in 2nd with a 35 having just got back to full HC. The new system also gave Dave a 2 shot cut for his £3. He wasn't too happy!
As a regular also ran this year (5 low payout places out of 12 starts) Gordon took 3rd for £2 and a cut of 1.
Ash came out with our 'quote of the day' when struggling up the 8th, he remarked maybe I should 'retire -tired'.
Monday 4th March 2024
We had to phone Bear Grylls today to check our expedition itinerary and compass skills to get round the complex mix of 18 holes. Some didn't get that far, but took the easy route of travelling across the road and doing 9 holes. The 12 remaining 'good and true men' set out on a journey from 1 to 5, then to 17 and 18, then to 10 to 15 and then 9, and finally over to to Childerditch to do the 6-9. It was a hard and tiring journey, over hills, through mud, through water, avoiding fires and choking smoke, Dennis's balls etc.
Our chief Boy Scout Roger P showed his true colours, putting in an impressive performance of endurance, amassing 42 points in the process. RP was (my) partner in our coffee stakes v Dave S and Steve B. It was lucky for Roger, as I did all the hard bits scouting ahead, so had to work very hard to amass my score pf 21 points! Needless to say, with a 42, we added the free coffee to our card quite early in the game!
For his efforts Roger took the £6 1st place, with a 3 shot cut.
Bill and Ken played in the same group and both had 33s. An executive decision was made about what actually counted as a BB9 on the rather confusing card and Bill scrapped home taking £3 and a cut of 2. Ken took 3rd - £2 and a cut of 1.
At one point in our game Steve B said he was 'going out with Roger' - Dave and I looked at each other, but recognising the sensitivity involved in asking more we just moved on. Anyway Steve's £1 for 4th will boost the 'going out' fund a little.
NB A tip for you - I wore my hiking boots today, rather than golf boots, and they worked brilliantly and were definitely a major contribution to my score of 21.
Our chief Boy Scout Roger P showed his true colours, putting in an impressive performance of endurance, amassing 42 points in the process. RP was (my) partner in our coffee stakes v Dave S and Steve B. It was lucky for Roger, as I did all the hard bits scouting ahead, so had to work very hard to amass my score pf 21 points! Needless to say, with a 42, we added the free coffee to our card quite early in the game!
For his efforts Roger took the £6 1st place, with a 3 shot cut.
Bill and Ken played in the same group and both had 33s. An executive decision was made about what actually counted as a BB9 on the rather confusing card and Bill scrapped home taking £3 and a cut of 2. Ken took 3rd - £2 and a cut of 1.
At one point in our game Steve B said he was 'going out with Roger' - Dave and I looked at each other, but recognising the sensitivity involved in asking more we just moved on. Anyway Steve's £1 for 4th will boost the 'going out' fund a little.
NB A tip for you - I wore my hiking boots today, rather than golf boots, and they worked brilliantly and were definitely a major contribution to my score of 21.
Wednesday 28th February 2024
Just 10 bag carriers today. Lovely still, warm (relatively) day for golf. Still wet underfoot, but not so wet! Although more rain promised this week so……………..
Everyone had a sob story about their lower than should be scores today, including moi. Dave S likened my slightly frustrated, over the top response, to a 4 putt on hole 13 - after getting on the Green in 3 - to a mini Steve A. (Sorry Steve). But true - although the putting had been very poor all day.
Ray started with 10 points in the 1st 3 holes, but then hit a brick in the wall. Kevin talked fondly of his chip in birdie - somewhere... had given up listening - but he was pleased to have got of his cut of 13 over and back to 22 - all ready to score highly on his return from the Maldives.
Anyway the days honours went to John P with 37 points - cut 2, (despite the 2nd shot on the 11th that hit the Oak full square and ended up back near the 11th tee!). 2nd place to H on 36 also with a cut of 2 and another booby prize to me with 35 - cut 1.
Well done to all the prize takers.
Everyone had a sob story about their lower than should be scores today, including moi. Dave S likened my slightly frustrated, over the top response, to a 4 putt on hole 13 - after getting on the Green in 3 - to a mini Steve A. (Sorry Steve). But true - although the putting had been very poor all day.
Ray started with 10 points in the 1st 3 holes, but then hit a brick in the wall. Kevin talked fondly of his chip in birdie - somewhere... had given up listening - but he was pleased to have got of his cut of 13 over and back to 22 - all ready to score highly on his return from the Maldives.
Anyway the days honours went to John P with 37 points - cut 2, (despite the 2nd shot on the 11th that hit the Oak full square and ended up back near the 11th tee!). 2nd place to H on 36 also with a cut of 2 and another booby prize to me with 35 - cut 1.
Well done to all the prize takers.
Friday 23rd February 2024
Open, not open, trollies, carry only - only the rain and wetness itself generates so much chat! But regardless, 7 swindlers and a doubles KO semi final went out. Another reasonably warm and fine day for Feb, which belied the underfoot conditions - never cleaned my, now failing, boots so much.
One of the Oaks (dying one) now gone approaching the 16th and they were busy clearing the right hand side of the 6th fairway of bushes, brambles etc etc. So more light, clearer views and fewer lost balls?
PWP and no bunkers so supposedly inflated scores - not that they were that high.
Dennis came through as winner with 35 points, earning a cut of 2 for the grand sum of £4. Ray slipped into 2nd place with a 32, with cut of 1 and £2, and Gordon took the booby prize £1 with no cut.
In the doubles semi final KO Kevin B and Tim overcame - by a respectable margin- Steve A and Dave O. The winter doubles final will be played between Dave S and Dave H v Kevin B and Tim.
One of the Oaks (dying one) now gone approaching the 16th and they were busy clearing the right hand side of the 6th fairway of bushes, brambles etc etc. So more light, clearer views and fewer lost balls?
PWP and no bunkers so supposedly inflated scores - not that they were that high.
Dennis came through as winner with 35 points, earning a cut of 2 for the grand sum of £4. Ray slipped into 2nd place with a 32, with cut of 1 and £2, and Gordon took the booby prize £1 with no cut.
In the doubles semi final KO Kevin B and Tim overcame - by a respectable margin- Steve A and Dave O. The winter doubles final will be played between Dave S and Dave H v Kevin B and Tim.
Friday 16th February 2024
14 players, a bit of a sodden course, but a warmish Feb day. One singles KO semi final to be played, but all in the swindle.
With one exception, scoring was in a similar vein to recent games with PWP and no bunkers in play.
In our 4 ball game we had to keep double checking what we were seeing, as we kept hearing references from Ash (by way of comparison) to Rory’s driving skills. He was obviously experiencing something we weren’t seeing! Anyway that ended up in a discussion about a new name for Ash - we thought maybe ‘McIash’!
Belly and Dave S were engaged in their singles KO, which ended up in a 4-3 win for Belly.
Not surprising with a score of 44 points in the swindle game, which included 7 pars! £7 for his efforts and a cut of 4, but as that’s only his 2nd swindle game, and we know we are only a division two choice, we may not see him again until the final! He says he’s off to Porto next week and hoping for another 4-3 win…………..
In 2nd was H as he know wants to be called. He says he is removing all the baggage in his life, so he can be more of a free spirit, so what’s the point of carrying around more letters than he needs. Anyway a very solid 37 points earned him £4 and a cut of 2.
In 3rd it was good too see Mike P with 36 points (off a cut), £2 and another cut of 1. Mike needs to be convinced that his game is good enough to play in some competitions - hopefully these recent successes will convince him of that.
I noted a couple of birdies : John C on the 8th and Ian P on the 16th.
Full results below.
It was good to see Robbo up the club doing a bit of a catch up - Chris had kindly taxi’d him.
Spring is the time we 1st have the opportunity to spot the rare Bob P golfing model, but we had an early appearance this year as BoB had got his car out and tried out the route - just in case he’d forgotten. He says he’ll be back soon.
With one exception, scoring was in a similar vein to recent games with PWP and no bunkers in play.
In our 4 ball game we had to keep double checking what we were seeing, as we kept hearing references from Ash (by way of comparison) to Rory’s driving skills. He was obviously experiencing something we weren’t seeing! Anyway that ended up in a discussion about a new name for Ash - we thought maybe ‘McIash’!
Belly and Dave S were engaged in their singles KO, which ended up in a 4-3 win for Belly.
Not surprising with a score of 44 points in the swindle game, which included 7 pars! £7 for his efforts and a cut of 4, but as that’s only his 2nd swindle game, and we know we are only a division two choice, we may not see him again until the final! He says he’s off to Porto next week and hoping for another 4-3 win…………..
In 2nd was H as he know wants to be called. He says he is removing all the baggage in his life, so he can be more of a free spirit, so what’s the point of carrying around more letters than he needs. Anyway a very solid 37 points earned him £4 and a cut of 2.
In 3rd it was good too see Mike P with 36 points (off a cut), £2 and another cut of 1. Mike needs to be convinced that his game is good enough to play in some competitions - hopefully these recent successes will convince him of that.
I noted a couple of birdies : John C on the 8th and Ian P on the 16th.
Full results below.
It was good to see Robbo up the club doing a bit of a catch up - Chris had kindly taxi’d him.
Spring is the time we 1st have the opportunity to spot the rare Bob P golfing model, but we had an early appearance this year as BoB had got his car out and tried out the route - just in case he’d forgotten. He says he’ll be back soon.
Wednesday 14th February 2024
A day for romantics. Although they all stayed at home to take their wives and partners out somewhere lovely. The rest of us, even Bill, who had to buy his wife flowers to get a signed release form, turned up to play golf! Just joking Bill - I realised half way round that my wife's V card and gift were still in the cupboard at home!
The threat of no trollies and hardy the best golf conditions recently saw plenty of drop outs. It was very wet underfoot and, briefly, quite wet from above, but overall a reasonable day for mid Feb as it was mild.
One doubles match, with all 4 agreeing to also play in the swindle, gave us a field of 11.
The match was a semi-final - although it was also the first game for both sets of players! We really do need to review the viability of winter doubles?! RS and GA were 5 down to DS and DH after 11 holes, but clawed back to -1 upon reaching the 18th. There the climb back ended in a climb down. We had a 1st when DS drove off the 10th - his ball landing in the ground around the former hedge that was in the process of being re-worked by a digger. Couldn't find it and worked out that it had been run over-covered in fresh earth! Ruling ??
In the swindle it was all pretty close with JP playing off his full HC of 30 taking top spot with a solid 37 points. 2nd place was decided from the 3 players on 36 points - interestingly all on pretty hefty cuts (good news for Bill for the the Essex Seniors trials). Ash took 2nd and Dave S 3rd on BB9s from Kev.
A special mention for DH who carded a very good 35 points off a cut HC of 5.
And a special mention for Dennis 😥 who wasn't in the clubhouse when we came in!
The threat of no trollies and hardy the best golf conditions recently saw plenty of drop outs. It was very wet underfoot and, briefly, quite wet from above, but overall a reasonable day for mid Feb as it was mild.
One doubles match, with all 4 agreeing to also play in the swindle, gave us a field of 11.
The match was a semi-final - although it was also the first game for both sets of players! We really do need to review the viability of winter doubles?! RS and GA were 5 down to DS and DH after 11 holes, but clawed back to -1 upon reaching the 18th. There the climb back ended in a climb down. We had a 1st when DS drove off the 10th - his ball landing in the ground around the former hedge that was in the process of being re-worked by a digger. Couldn't find it and worked out that it had been run over-covered in fresh earth! Ruling ??
In the swindle it was all pretty close with JP playing off his full HC of 30 taking top spot with a solid 37 points. 2nd place was decided from the 3 players on 36 points - interestingly all on pretty hefty cuts (good news for Bill for the the Essex Seniors trials). Ash took 2nd and Dave S 3rd on BB9s from Kev.
A special mention for DH who carded a very good 35 points off a cut HC of 5.
And a special mention for Dennis 😥 who wasn't in the clubhouse when we came in!
Friday 9th February 2024
Seven swindlers showed up early this morning to a very quiet clubhouse. After yesterday's torrential rain the chat was should we go out or go home. Kevin B. checked his phone and advised blue skies and sunshine were forecast. Decision made and out we went across the car park to the first tee. Heavy rain followed. Kevin B re-checked his phone app and announced he had read the forecast for Barcelona not Brentwood. You couldn't make it up.
The three ball of Ray, Spiggy & Bill managed a combined score of 8 points on the first hole so any second thoughts about playing were soon dismissed and the rain stopped. A speedy and enjoyable round followed, finishing at 11.15am.
The four ball of Kevin B, Kev S. Dave S & Dennis kept up a very good pace to finish at 11.30. Congratulations to Kev. S. with 35 points ( 14 plus 21 ) on his last cut of 15. (he wasn't too pleased) to win £4 and first place.
Ray
The three ball of Ray, Spiggy & Bill managed a combined score of 8 points on the first hole so any second thoughts about playing were soon dismissed and the rain stopped. A speedy and enjoyable round followed, finishing at 11.15am.
The four ball of Kevin B, Kev S. Dave S & Dennis kept up a very good pace to finish at 11.30. Congratulations to Kev. S. with 35 points ( 14 plus 21 ) on his last cut of 15. (he wasn't too pleased) to win £4 and first place.
Ray
Wednesday 7th February 2024
Heavy rain overnight made the conditions very wet & muddy for the eleven swindlers. The first three ball included a semi final ko between Bill and Dave H. with Kev making up the trio. My four ball partnered me with Richard F. against Don & Dave Skinner. What a difference two days make (for me) as I went from hero to zero. No excuses, just one of those rounds!!! Well played Dave S. who didn't need a driver. His five wood was on fire and helped him to first place with 37 points off 18 (being his final round before going back to 22 ).
Well done Richard F. for second place with 36 points on count back and recording a handicap card. Third place was Ash with another good round, 36 points off 14
Congratulations to Dave Handley who managed to defeat Bill in a close match, 3 & 2 to reach the ko final.
Well done Richard F. for second place with 36 points on count back and recording a handicap card. Third place was Ash with another good round, 36 points off 14
Congratulations to Dave Handley who managed to defeat Bill in a close match, 3 & 2 to reach the ko final.
Monday 5th February 2024
All Seven swindlers arrived for an early kick off. Ray, Les, and Dennis were first out of the hat followed by Sharpie, Capt.Steve, Badger, & Winesy. Dennis struck the first ball and decided to lay up 30 yards before the ditch. Ray & Les used the strong wind to their advantage and both picked up 3 points on the first. Dennis must have been thinking about the Spurs result as after six holes he had also scored 2 "goals." A good second half of 20 points gave him a respectable 28 score.
A speedy round in under 3 hours saw us back in the clubhouse at 10.50. Thanks for the coffee Den.
We started to get concerned when the four ball "behind " hadn't appeared by noon. But all turned out well and Winesy explained they had stopped on the way for bacon rolls which was understandable as the kitchen is closed for the rest of the week.
The scores were examined and third place of £1 went to Badger, Second place £2 to Winesy and First place £4 to Ray.
Ray
A speedy round in under 3 hours saw us back in the clubhouse at 10.50. Thanks for the coffee Den.
We started to get concerned when the four ball "behind " hadn't appeared by noon. But all turned out well and Winesy explained they had stopped on the way for bacon rolls which was understandable as the kitchen is closed for the rest of the week.
The scores were examined and third place of £1 went to Badger, Second place £2 to Winesy and First place £4 to Ray.
Ray
Friday 2nd February 2024
A reasonable field of 15 players turned up mainly on time for the Friday swindle. Ladbrooks and Hills had checked the handicaps and Dennis was the pre-event favourite back off of his full handicap of 23. Though you have to be careful when Bellie turns up and Richard F is still lurking off of a useful handicap.
Ash gave us all a chance announcing that he had left his lucky ball at home, but still insists that the silly Coventry hat he wears is his real lucky charm.
We thought that playing off of winter rules only had brought the scoring back into a form of normality, but were soon to be disabused of such ideas.
The wild man from the northeast had just been biding his time and posted an impressive 45pts with 27pts on the back nine, including a chip in for a 3 on the 10th for 5pts which I witnessed.
John Carter kept up his good early season form with a very good 40 pts off of a cut, and Dennis took 3rd with 39pts which included a missed putt for a birdie on 18, anyone would think he actually keeps a score in his head.
Bill
Ash gave us all a chance announcing that he had left his lucky ball at home, but still insists that the silly Coventry hat he wears is his real lucky charm.
We thought that playing off of winter rules only had brought the scoring back into a form of normality, but were soon to be disabused of such ideas.
The wild man from the northeast had just been biding his time and posted an impressive 45pts with 27pts on the back nine, including a chip in for a 3 on the 10th for 5pts which I witnessed.
John Carter kept up his good early season form with a very good 40 pts off of a cut, and Dennis took 3rd with 39pts which included a missed putt for a birdie on 18, anyone would think he actually keeps a score in his head.
Bill
Wednesday 31st January 2024
After a long day at the drive -in on Monday 12 seniors had enough energy, and/or a strong enough desire to get out of the house to turn up and play 18 holes. I managed to get the Mike Ps confused from the emails, wondering why we had Badger in our draw that morning. Very welcome of course. Note to me : Must check names more carefully.
Anticipating a cold morning Kev had bought along his own bottle of Bovril to make a hot drink! Don’t you love the cheek of old people! And surprise, surprise Ash was early! Well only by 1 min, but improvement is improvement. He was obviously very keen to keep his winning streak going.
Steve A and Bob B decided that they wouldn’t be able to keep each other warm enough playing on their own in the Stragglers spot so joined us in the 12.
We decided to keep the Comp rules going from Monday and played PWP on fairways and close mown areas - fringes only, with bunkers in play unless marked GUR. That will now continue unless conditions on the course get much worse again. We assumed scoring would come down!
Kev and I played with Dennis and Ray and had an excellent match with very close individual scoring. That the scoring was pretty poor didn’t affect that. Unhelpful that Dennis finished the last 2 holes well (2 pars), squaring our match on the 18th and securing a BB9 than me!
As we thought scoring was indeed LOW. But in keeping with the plan consistent golf was rewarded with a (rare) win for John C on a lowly, but still best overall, 33 points, on a BB9! £6 and a cut of 2.
Ash did keep it going with a 2nd place 33 who only received £3 but also a cut of 2! New system at work.
Bill held his head in hands when awarded 3rd place on 32 points together with £2 and a cut of 1.
Don gracefully accepted his £1 back and no cut for his 30 points.
Bill will be Swindle organiser for Friday’s game.
Anticipating a cold morning Kev had bought along his own bottle of Bovril to make a hot drink! Don’t you love the cheek of old people! And surprise, surprise Ash was early! Well only by 1 min, but improvement is improvement. He was obviously very keen to keep his winning streak going.
Steve A and Bob B decided that they wouldn’t be able to keep each other warm enough playing on their own in the Stragglers spot so joined us in the 12.
We decided to keep the Comp rules going from Monday and played PWP on fairways and close mown areas - fringes only, with bunkers in play unless marked GUR. That will now continue unless conditions on the course get much worse again. We assumed scoring would come down!
Kev and I played with Dennis and Ray and had an excellent match with very close individual scoring. That the scoring was pretty poor didn’t affect that. Unhelpful that Dennis finished the last 2 holes well (2 pars), squaring our match on the 18th and securing a BB9 than me!
As we thought scoring was indeed LOW. But in keeping with the plan consistent golf was rewarded with a (rare) win for John C on a lowly, but still best overall, 33 points, on a BB9! £6 and a cut of 2.
Ash did keep it going with a 2nd place 33 who only received £3 but also a cut of 2! New system at work.
Bill held his head in hands when awarded 3rd place on 32 points together with £2 and a cut of 1.
Don gracefully accepted his £1 back and no cut for his 30 points.
Bill will be Swindle organiser for Friday’s game.
Wednesday 24th January 2024
Another storm ( Jocelyn this time ) couldn't stop 12 swindlers from meeting up in the clubhouse (yes, it was open) for a catch up prior to the draw. The main topic was how lucky The Blues (aka Chelsea ) were beating Boro to reach the Carabao Cup final. Don pretended he hadn't heard the result... Well Don they deserved their victory, only spending a billion quid to get there.
Another windy start for three, four balls.
Ash, Henry, John C, Mike P. led the charge. Followed by myself, Bill, Don & Den. The first goal was scored by Don who parred the first for a 4 pointer. Pochettino was soon on the blower requesting him to be on the subs bench Saturday. After the Lord Mayor's show comes to mind, as that first minute strike was the highlight of the round.
A close match followed with Don & Den just taking the honours.
Good overall scores, especially from the first group who had 1st, 3rd & 4th places. Congratulations to Mike P. with the only 40 pointer. Mike wins £6 and is cut 3. Well done to Kevin S. (after review ) with 39 points, £3 win, cut 2. Results below.
1) Mike Pearce 40 points off 43, won £6, Cut 3 to 40
2) Kev S. 39 points off 17, won £3, cut 2 to 15
3) John Carter. 38 points off 17, won £2, cut 1 to 16
4) Ash 37 points off 16, won £1 no cut
5) Richard S. 36 points off 26, bb9 23
6) Dennis 36 points off 19, b9 ,20
7)Ray 33 points off 21, bb9, 15
8) Don 33 points off 29 b9, 14
9)Dave S 32 points off 19
10) John P. 30 points off 30, bb9, 18
11) Henry 30 points off 28, b9,17
12) Bill 25 points off 18
Ray
Another windy start for three, four balls.
Ash, Henry, John C, Mike P. led the charge. Followed by myself, Bill, Don & Den. The first goal was scored by Don who parred the first for a 4 pointer. Pochettino was soon on the blower requesting him to be on the subs bench Saturday. After the Lord Mayor's show comes to mind, as that first minute strike was the highlight of the round.
A close match followed with Don & Den just taking the honours.
Good overall scores, especially from the first group who had 1st, 3rd & 4th places. Congratulations to Mike P. with the only 40 pointer. Mike wins £6 and is cut 3. Well done to Kevin S. (after review ) with 39 points, £3 win, cut 2. Results below.
1) Mike Pearce 40 points off 43, won £6, Cut 3 to 40
2) Kev S. 39 points off 17, won £3, cut 2 to 15
3) John Carter. 38 points off 17, won £2, cut 1 to 16
4) Ash 37 points off 16, won £1 no cut
5) Richard S. 36 points off 26, bb9 23
6) Dennis 36 points off 19, b9 ,20
7)Ray 33 points off 21, bb9, 15
8) Don 33 points off 29 b9, 14
9)Dave S 32 points off 19
10) John P. 30 points off 30, bb9, 18
11) Henry 30 points off 28, b9,17
12) Bill 25 points off 18
Ray
Monday 22nd January 2024
Following storm Isha overnight 18 seniors turned up for the usual chat and coffee before the draw . Well that was the plan. Except no staff were there to open up. At 7.45am plan B was put into action. The new meeting place is now the car park where the draw took place. Two 3 balls & three 4 balls were now raring to go and take on the wind at the first tee. Wait a minute ..what was Ash doing ? He's bent over fixing his trolley ? No he isn't ..he's finger is stuck in the mechanism.. Don't panic Captain Mainwaring , Winesy our chief contractor is assisting him in the removal of his digit. it's not going well so first aider Northern Ken lends a hand and yanks his pointer out bringing tears to Ash's eyes. Well done Ken ..Can you imagine going to A&E ( 12 hour waiting time ) with a golf trolley clamped around you finger.
Back to the golf..What a difference three days make. The freezing ground of Friday had now turned the course back into a wet land. No more pitching into the pond / lake for trick shots onto the 4th & 8th green. A good pitch today on the greens and it was a plugged ball !! The strong winds kept the scoring below 40 for the third time this year. Congratulations again and for the second swindle running to Captain Mike who came out on top with 39 points winning £8 and a cut of 3 to 13. Second place went to Ash (beware of the injured golfer ) with 38 points, third place on count back Kev S. 37 points & 4th place to Don.
Let's hope for a smoother start on Wednesday..!!
1) Mike Tringham 39 points off 16, Won £8... cut 3 to 13
2) Ash Patel 38 points off 18, Won £5... cut 2 to 16
3) Kev Sandford. 37 points off 19, won £3 cut 2 to 17..back 9, 22
4) Don 37 points off 30, won £2 cut 1 to 29. back 9, 21
5) Ken 36 points off 28
6) Kevin B 35 points off 11
7) Ian P 35 points off 26
8) Ray 34 points off 21
9) Mike P 33 points off 43
10) John C. 33 points off 17
11)Dennis 32 points off 22
12) John P. 32 points off 30
13) Sharpie 30 points off 32
14) Dave S. 27 points off 19
15) Winesy 24 points off 34
16) Tim W 24 points off 26
17) Les 22 points off 31
18) Chris 21 points off 29
Ray
Back to the golf..What a difference three days make. The freezing ground of Friday had now turned the course back into a wet land. No more pitching into the pond / lake for trick shots onto the 4th & 8th green. A good pitch today on the greens and it was a plugged ball !! The strong winds kept the scoring below 40 for the third time this year. Congratulations again and for the second swindle running to Captain Mike who came out on top with 39 points winning £8 and a cut of 3 to 13. Second place went to Ash (beware of the injured golfer ) with 38 points, third place on count back Kev S. 37 points & 4th place to Don.
Let's hope for a smoother start on Wednesday..!!
1) Mike Tringham 39 points off 16, Won £8... cut 3 to 13
2) Ash Patel 38 points off 18, Won £5... cut 2 to 16
3) Kev Sandford. 37 points off 19, won £3 cut 2 to 17..back 9, 22
4) Don 37 points off 30, won £2 cut 1 to 29. back 9, 21
5) Ken 36 points off 28
6) Kevin B 35 points off 11
7) Ian P 35 points off 26
8) Ray 34 points off 21
9) Mike P 33 points off 43
10) John C. 33 points off 17
11)Dennis 32 points off 22
12) John P. 32 points off 30
13) Sharpie 30 points off 32
14) Dave S. 27 points off 19
15) Winesy 24 points off 34
16) Tim W 24 points off 26
17) Les 22 points off 31
18) Chris 21 points off 29
Ray
Friday 19th January 2024
Nine hardy souls ( or bloody idiots ) left home with minus 5 degrees outside . Three groups of 3 balls came out of the hat.. Teeing off at at 7.50 it had warmed up to minus 2 degrees. The greens were harder than Vinney Jones and frosty as a snowman's " nose ".. The sun was shining which made looking for the balls very tricky, and a slow round was ahead. However, Two very good scores of 41 and 40 were achieved from our new captain and Tim on his first outing this year. A consistent score of 38 ( having blobbed the 17th !! ) from Dennis for third place. Well done all.
1st. Mike Tringham, 41 points, off 19, Won £5, Cut 3 to 16,
2nd. Tim Wayman 40, points off 29, won £3, cut 3 to 26
3rd. Dennis 38, points. off 19, won £1, no cut
4th. Henry 35, points off 28 back9, 21
5th Dave Skinner 35, points off 19 back9, 18
6th Ken Paton 33 points off 28,
7th Bill French 32 points off 18,
8th Ken Sandford. 30 points off 19
9th Ray Wells 27 points off 21
Ray
1st. Mike Tringham, 41 points, off 19, Won £5, Cut 3 to 16,
2nd. Tim Wayman 40, points off 29, won £3, cut 3 to 26
3rd. Dennis 38, points. off 19, won £1, no cut
4th. Henry 35, points off 28 back9, 21
5th Dave Skinner 35, points off 19 back9, 18
6th Ken Paton 33 points off 28,
7th Bill French 32 points off 18,
8th Ken Sandford. 30 points off 19
9th Ray Wells 27 points off 21
Ray
Wednesday 17th January 2024
It was reported as expected to be the coldest day of the year so far, but although cold, is wasn't the worst we've had. So apart from the early drop outs the full 10 arrived and on time. A salute for Ash, although he was still last!
Dennis, Kev and I went out in the 1st 3 ball. The greens were rock hard, but we left a few useful lines on the greens to assist others. Things improved a little by the back nine. We had a smooth journey round the course getting in by 11am with the 2nd 3 ball some 2/3 holes behind and the 4ball even further back. So with lots of waiting time Kev offered to get the sausage rolls in - best part of morning!
Very fitting for our new Trophy Secretary, Richard F arrived intent on showing us that winning games/trophies/cash is all the same and to be desired, especially as it will keep him in a job. His successful and improving game over the last year had resulted in his crowning as our official Top Bandit (we have others still of course) and his HC has reduced quite a bit - this year should see it reduce more of course! I gather Dave H and Richard discussed a 'champagne' bet that involved a HC reduction target for Richard, but ultimately the fizz went out of it and it went flat and unresolved!
Anyway, very well done to Richard on his 42 points for £5 and a cut of 3. That man Dennis has been showing some early form and quietly (??) getting places to boost his earnings and position, here taking 2nd place for £3 and cut of 2. And in 3rd (although neither Dave and Bill were keen to take 3rd place and another cut) was Dave who took it on the BB6.
Dennis, Kev and I went out in the 1st 3 ball. The greens were rock hard, but we left a few useful lines on the greens to assist others. Things improved a little by the back nine. We had a smooth journey round the course getting in by 11am with the 2nd 3 ball some 2/3 holes behind and the 4ball even further back. So with lots of waiting time Kev offered to get the sausage rolls in - best part of morning!
Very fitting for our new Trophy Secretary, Richard F arrived intent on showing us that winning games/trophies/cash is all the same and to be desired, especially as it will keep him in a job. His successful and improving game over the last year had resulted in his crowning as our official Top Bandit (we have others still of course) and his HC has reduced quite a bit - this year should see it reduce more of course! I gather Dave H and Richard discussed a 'champagne' bet that involved a HC reduction target for Richard, but ultimately the fizz went out of it and it went flat and unresolved!
Anyway, very well done to Richard on his 42 points for £5 and a cut of 3. That man Dennis has been showing some early form and quietly (??) getting places to boost his earnings and position, here taking 2nd place for £3 and cut of 2. And in 3rd (although neither Dave and Bill were keen to take 3rd place and another cut) was Dave who took it on the BB6.
Monday 15th January 2024
19 down registered to play and an anticipated cold start didn’t stop them from all being on time for the draw. But wait - late message from Ash - still on the way. Just clearing the frost : ho ho! Odd, 19 on list - 19 balls - 19 players in the clubhouse. But Ash is on the list and he’s not here? Despite a few of us scanning the list and checking the room we couldn’t pin down the discrepancy! So 5 four balls with Ash slotting.
Dave H and I were playing our KO singles in a 4 ball with Dave S and Ivan who were also playing their KO. Dave H and I decided to play the swindle as well. So 18 swindlers in all.
It was COLD and conditions were not easy. Arriving on the 2nd tee I heard ( quote of the day ? ) Dave S say ‘I've just used Ivan’s hole’. A bit of mirth! But it was all about getting your tee in the ground.
The 4th pond received 3 of our balls, but Ivan’s spent some time skiding around on top before coming to a rest in a playable (with extreme caution) lie! He got it up and won the hole from DS.
Dave H and I were playing our KO singles in a 4 ball with Dave S and Ivan who were also playing their KO. Dave H and I decided to play the swindle as well. So 18 swindlers in all.
It was COLD and conditions were not easy. Arriving on the 2nd tee I heard ( quote of the day ? ) Dave S say ‘I've just used Ivan’s hole’. A bit of mirth! But it was all about getting your tee in the ground.
The 4th pond received 3 of our balls, but Ivan’s spent some time skiding around on top before coming to a rest in a playable (with extreme caution) lie! He got it up and won the hole from DS.
My golf wasn’t going well : 4 played and 3 down! And it didn’t get better as I was 7 down to Dave H at the turn. I think Ivan was about 5 down to Dave S ! Ivan and I had a little motivational chat - well a bit of talking out loud to yourself and telling yourself to buck up!
And things got better, although our match had reached dormie 4 as we approached the 14th tee.
Arriving at the 16th tee (back to 3 down) the 2nd quote of the day came from an unnamed lady golfer to Dave (H), “ I didn’t recognise you with your trousers on” : more schoolboy mirth!
Sorry if a lot of this is about our match, but it was a good one!
Dave S managed to overcome Ivan’s fight back, but on the 16 they shook on a 3&2 and Dave relaxed. Dave H and I meanwhile fought on until the 18th which resulted in an ‘all square’ finish over 18! Cold, thirsty and a bit tired, should we toss for the result or play on? One more hole we decided, so over to the 1st. Halved hole - one more? Yes, to the 2nd. But an agreement to toss up after that if needed. It was! Dave through to the next round. A rather strange, but certainly interesting match, even if not high scoring.
Thanks to Ray for sorting out the results while Dave and I were still battling out on the course.
And well done to Kev who finally found some winning form again, with 2024 'nearly bandit' Ray taking 2nd. That man Dennis managed to get in there again and was smiling big when I came in with my score! KB added another £1 to his table lead at the min. A cut HC of 12 should quiet him for a while!?
G
NB It was Sharpie - I think he did tell me beforehand that he was playing!
And things got better, although our match had reached dormie 4 as we approached the 14th tee.
Arriving at the 16th tee (back to 3 down) the 2nd quote of the day came from an unnamed lady golfer to Dave (H), “ I didn’t recognise you with your trousers on” : more schoolboy mirth!
Sorry if a lot of this is about our match, but it was a good one!
Dave S managed to overcome Ivan’s fight back, but on the 16 they shook on a 3&2 and Dave relaxed. Dave H and I meanwhile fought on until the 18th which resulted in an ‘all square’ finish over 18! Cold, thirsty and a bit tired, should we toss for the result or play on? One more hole we decided, so over to the 1st. Halved hole - one more? Yes, to the 2nd. But an agreement to toss up after that if needed. It was! Dave through to the next round. A rather strange, but certainly interesting match, even if not high scoring.
Thanks to Ray for sorting out the results while Dave and I were still battling out on the course.
And well done to Kev who finally found some winning form again, with 2024 'nearly bandit' Ray taking 2nd. That man Dennis managed to get in there again and was smiling big when I came in with my score! KB added another £1 to his table lead at the min. A cut HC of 12 should quiet him for a while!?
G
NB It was Sharpie - I think he did tell me beforehand that he was playing!
Friday 12th January 2024
The cold lifted a little for the day and the temperature made for a comfortable round of golf. PWP everywhere, including placing outside bunkers made it a bit more pleasurable. But also of course slightly (!) falsifies the scores! Nevertheless some very good scores which picked up some heavy cuts.
We arrived to a darkened and locked clubhouse, Ken being one of the first to be there and certainly first in the door. But come the draw no Ken and no ball so he was relegated to the last group. Probably an uninteresting story going on there somewhere!
So 15 went out. The course was in pretty fair playing condition, although our 3 ball at the front had to await new holes being cut for the first few holes. Out on the course we met James and co who were busying making a few more tree adjustments. He promises that there is a lot of work planned for the greens to overcome the excessively wet conditions they have suffered this year so far. Very good to hear.
The scores ranged from 27 up to 42. The latter excellent score being recorded by Dave H' ere sometimes! Playing off 9. A bit worrying for me for Monday as we are due to play our singles! Perhaps the weather will help! Dave earned himself a cut of 4 and so will need a remarkable performance in one of his next 4 outings playing off 5 to get in amongst the winners.
A quick card adjustment placed Dave S on 40 points in 2nd place, just keeping out Capt Mike on 39. Cuts of 3 and 1 respectively.
And the '£1 back and no cut 4th place' was battled out by Ash and Dennis both on 38. Ash's sleepy front 9 of 13 points, was nearly doubled on the B9 when he came to full wakefulness and amounted 25 points. Just good enough to keep Dennis out.
Going to be very cold next week so ...............we'll see.
We arrived to a darkened and locked clubhouse, Ken being one of the first to be there and certainly first in the door. But come the draw no Ken and no ball so he was relegated to the last group. Probably an uninteresting story going on there somewhere!
So 15 went out. The course was in pretty fair playing condition, although our 3 ball at the front had to await new holes being cut for the first few holes. Out on the course we met James and co who were busying making a few more tree adjustments. He promises that there is a lot of work planned for the greens to overcome the excessively wet conditions they have suffered this year so far. Very good to hear.
The scores ranged from 27 up to 42. The latter excellent score being recorded by Dave H' ere sometimes! Playing off 9. A bit worrying for me for Monday as we are due to play our singles! Perhaps the weather will help! Dave earned himself a cut of 4 and so will need a remarkable performance in one of his next 4 outings playing off 5 to get in amongst the winners.
A quick card adjustment placed Dave S on 40 points in 2nd place, just keeping out Capt Mike on 39. Cuts of 3 and 1 respectively.
And the '£1 back and no cut 4th place' was battled out by Ash and Dennis both on 38. Ash's sleepy front 9 of 13 points, was nearly doubled on the B9 when he came to full wakefulness and amounted 25 points. Just good enough to keep Dennis out.
Going to be very cold next week so ...............we'll see.
Wednesday 10th January 2024
15 well wrapped up players - all noting that Ash was at home in bed - arrived to play. It was a day that the ladies turned up to play what would have been a very appropriate Mudlarks Comp a few days ago, only to find it it was more Crisp-concrete today. Imagine what it was like at 7.50 in the morning! So the 1st nine for us was cold, bouncy and, with frozen greens, ' bumpy and turny’ ( my grandson talks a bit like that!) on the putts. So lots of excuses for poor scores. But the sun came out on the back nine and it warmed a little making things a bit more manageable - for some….
I happened to be out in the first 3 ball with Kevin B and Badger - in the worst conditions of course! Kevin had a day when he might just as well have used a poker- it was so hot. In from all angles. An excellent score of 38 gave him 1st place, £7, but under the new rules a cut of 3. Henry came in with an excellent and very close 37 and took 2nd with £5 and a cut of 2.
On the reported results Dennis just pipped Gordon for 3rd with a 33 v a 32, and walked off with £2 and a cut of 1, with Gordon getting his £1 back for 4th, but with no cut.
However, a review of the cards later revealed errors which reversed this - Gordon 3rd on 32 and Dennis 4th on 31.
But the real highlight of the day was uncovering Joe’s secret new hidden talent as one of Essex’s significant online ‘influencers’. This was revealed over coffee with him and Mr Derby. It seems that a ‘Damascus’ moment came to Joe in the form of IT understanding. Not only does he now do WhatsApp and Email (which put him straight into my IT Competent group), but I now find that he has been busy exploring Google (using voice to search as well as typed questions) and, quite frankly astonishingly, was able to complete his tax return (for millions of course) using voice technology linked to a web based HM Tax server. These unheard of IT skills have now moved Joe into my IT Expert group. So don’t forget, if you’re having a problem - ‘just ask Joe’.
NB Ian Patterson played his 1st game with us for ...ages... Ian plays guitar. I know this - I've seen and heard him- not a bad player. He reckons that the next time he plays golf with us he is bringing it along. Visions of Gunga and co from the past I said (politely of course) oh no! "Not to play he said. I’m sure I can do better with that than with my clubs!” We all have a day like that sometimes Ian.
I happened to be out in the first 3 ball with Kevin B and Badger - in the worst conditions of course! Kevin had a day when he might just as well have used a poker- it was so hot. In from all angles. An excellent score of 38 gave him 1st place, £7, but under the new rules a cut of 3. Henry came in with an excellent and very close 37 and took 2nd with £5 and a cut of 2.
On the reported results Dennis just pipped Gordon for 3rd with a 33 v a 32, and walked off with £2 and a cut of 1, with Gordon getting his £1 back for 4th, but with no cut.
However, a review of the cards later revealed errors which reversed this - Gordon 3rd on 32 and Dennis 4th on 31.
But the real highlight of the day was uncovering Joe’s secret new hidden talent as one of Essex’s significant online ‘influencers’. This was revealed over coffee with him and Mr Derby. It seems that a ‘Damascus’ moment came to Joe in the form of IT understanding. Not only does he now do WhatsApp and Email (which put him straight into my IT Competent group), but I now find that he has been busy exploring Google (using voice to search as well as typed questions) and, quite frankly astonishingly, was able to complete his tax return (for millions of course) using voice technology linked to a web based HM Tax server. These unheard of IT skills have now moved Joe into my IT Expert group. So don’t forget, if you’re having a problem - ‘just ask Joe’.
NB Ian Patterson played his 1st game with us for ...ages... Ian plays guitar. I know this - I've seen and heard him- not a bad player. He reckons that the next time he plays golf with us he is bringing it along. Visions of Gunga and co from the past I said (politely of course) oh no! "Not to play he said. I’m sure I can do better with that than with my clubs!” We all have a day like that sometimes Ian.
Wednesday 3rd January 2024
Those not prepared to don waterproof knee boots, wet gear and carry a load, dropped out! Apart from Ash that is, who clearly didn't rise in time so sent a very late message that he wasn't coming because of the rain that morning ? What rain?
So 8 ready for a hike, if not too much golf. Although as it turned out we do have some who can perform in the rough, with two over 40 scores coming in from Bill 1st on 43 and Mike T 2nd on a 41. With the new cash and cuts system for 2024 Bill gets a 3 shot cut for £5 and Mike a 2 shot cut for £2. (NB if they hadn't got 40plus scores it would have been 2 and 1). Gives us all a better chance on Friday! Well done guys.
And in the new 3rd place Dennis' 38, got back his £1 and no cut. First blood to him in the new challenge round.
Highlight - Two double birdies on their cards today for Bill (8th and 17th) and Gordon (11th and 16th).
So 8 ready for a hike, if not too much golf. Although as it turned out we do have some who can perform in the rough, with two over 40 scores coming in from Bill 1st on 43 and Mike T 2nd on a 41. With the new cash and cuts system for 2024 Bill gets a 3 shot cut for £5 and Mike a 2 shot cut for £2. (NB if they hadn't got 40plus scores it would have been 2 and 1). Gives us all a better chance on Friday! Well done guys.
And in the new 3rd place Dennis' 38, got back his £1 and no cut. First blood to him in the new challenge round.
Highlight - Two double birdies on their cards today for Bill (8th and 17th) and Gordon (11th and 16th).