PUTTING SESSION FEBRUARY 29TH 2024. REPORT FROM MIKE HEALEY

Seniors - I have once again travelled back home across the River Dee at Holt and I swear that the water level has not dropped since 31st October. With the whole of our November and December senior golf being wiped out, we have managed to date, 8 competitions in 2024, including 4 x Winter League. Today somebody mentioned 20 x putting sessions and he was spot on. Today we played our 20th indoor session but at least it was in yet another format. I believe it is the first time in golfing history that any Ryder Cup event, anywhere, has been decided on putting alone. Another first for Clays senior section. 18 members went into the bag and the first out tallies (Captains) were asked to choose team names. Barry Evans led from the front of his team (Geriatrics) and Peter Taylor captained his team (Tigers) and said he would sort his team's handicaps out. The first two circuits involved Pairs Betterball matchplay and league points recorded. It was then a free for all in singles matchplay to round off the competition. The two teams could not have been any closer until, on the very last putt of the day, the entire competition was hanging and won with one shot. The player asked modestly not to be named (initials MH). A fitting end to a keen but sporting competition. Well done to all who took part. Ryder Cup Winning Team: Peter Taylor, Stewart Poole, Stan Roberts, Bob Brown, Richard Collier, Eric Thwaites, Mike Hollings, Ken Tieszen and Mike Healey Reminders: 18 of us retired to meet other members for refreshments and decisions over the calendar. Looking ahead at next week weatherwise, we are not yet out of this depression. Rather than have an on-off situation, the Nearly St David's Day Trophy has been postponed and moved to Thursday 21st March. 2 apologies: - I reported initially that this event is a tally draw which is incorrect. 43 have already signed up and Don takes those names for a pre-draw, which will be posted in advance of the event (hopefully we will have the 16th tee back in play by then). The 2nd apology is those of you who cannot make the renewed date. Kindly take your name off the sheet if you are now unavailable. If the course is open next Thursday, a kitty comp will be inserted