WELSH GREENSOMES QUALIFIER MAY 28TH 2024. REPORT FROM MIKE HEALEY

Seniors - The postponed practice round scheduled for today became the Qualifier for the finals in September at Holyhead Golf Club. We have simply run out of dates to fit in any more events that might end up being postponed. Apart from being a qualifier, we had extra pairings playing the same format and all were included in a kitty competition. The qualifiers had their handicaps checked and all players were given their set number of strokes from the handicap ruling - 60% of lowest handicap and 40% of highest handicap combined. The draw was then made from three different tees and set times. All of this was posted just after 8 o'clock this morning. I have to report that I am somewhat disappointed that we had four no-shows on the day, throwing the draw at that point into total disarray, after all of the organisation that had gone on beforehand. The very least that the organisers might expect is a courtesy phone call regarding illness and I believe there are numerous contact numbers, least of all in reception at Clays. It is particularly important when you have already signed up for events, either on the board or through ig. The competition - 7 extra seniors showed up ad hoc and were slotted into pairings quite easily but that was expected to happen. Fortunately two pairings teamed up, but not until they had started playing. Can I thank both of those pairs for sensible golf thinking and all other participants who took on different partners to enter the competition. 4 pairs simply entered the kitty competition and a further 11 pairs threw their hats into the qualifier (15 pairs in total). We set off in drizzle but it would appear that nobody received a soaking and short sleeves were on show towards the end, with the temperature reaching 19 degs. The scoring was not as high as expected but there were some worthy winners. The winners below will go on to represent Clays at Holyhead GC on Thursday 5th September and we wish them all the best in the finals. The second pairing become first reserves for the same event and must make provision in their diaries. Welsh Greensomes: First: Andy Mitchell and David Mole Jones - 38 points (Qualifiers for finals in September) Second: Alan Pocklington and Peter Lord - 36 points (Reserves) Third: Damian Atkin and Stewart Poole - 34 points (c/b) Fourth: Alan Barnsdale and Mike Healey - 34 points (c/b)