Seniors 13th putting session December 19th 2023. Report from Mike Healey

Seniors - The inevitable happened after overnight heavy rain so we headed for the studio for our 13th putting session. (is this a record?) 12 putting addicts still turned up indoors for their kitty comp fix and breakfast bap. Ken Tieszen finally won with a single putt, after a prolonged play off with Barry Evans. Barry went for the killer blow on the penultimate hole and was waving his arm in glory as the ball lipped out at the last. He was a worthy runner-up! Tony Vorster was runner-up in the long distance putt and today's winner (44 my A**) was Peter Taylor with a glorious hole in one. Today's golf - short and sweet - coffee - prizegiving - nuff said! Thursday 21st - If the course is open there will be a Pairs Betterball over the 13 holes........ but it is looking unlikely given rain in between and gales with rain forecast for Thursday itself. If closed - some more putting but it will start at 10.00am. Breakfast baps at 11.00am and Hayley is opening the bar for a little tipple to say Merry Xmas midday - ish - and NO the beer is not FREE. See you Thursday unless you like wrapping presents or chasing sprouts

2023 Seniors Xmas party. Report from Don Wraight

Senior Xmas Party 2023 - Tuesday12th December. What a day!! The course being closed was not unexpected given that most of the other courses in the area are also closed. The pre-party Scramble was organised by Don and ready to go but not missed, as Stuart Miles kindly organised a short putting session for the regular golf addicts. Very loud Xmas jumpers were on show and the prize was won surprise, surprise, by our top-winning prize winner of 2023 – Mick Carnell. Time to put the glad rags on and what a magnificent effort was made by all of the seniors on show. Old jumpers and over trousers miraculously morphed into sartorial elegance. I didn’t know they scrubbed up so well - it reminded me of Cinderella. The actual meal began on the dot at 2.00pm but all attendees were at their seats in plenty of time for pre-festive presentations and it was a pleasure to present the following: The immediate Past Senior Captain, Chris Jacques was the first recipient, following thanks for his two-year stint in office and he was presented with a Xmas gift on behalf of the entire senior section. We moved onto the annual Devon outing in June - Les Williams, Mike Scott and Neville Bassett were mentioned for the Forrest Trophy and the 28 My Aspidistra award, but unfortunately, they were not present to receive their trophies. The remaining Ramnee Trophy was collected by Liam Roddis, with a magnificent accumulation of 167 point over the 4 days. The Donderbuckles Trophy (best nett medal through the year) was also presented to none other than our Club Captain – Mick McHugh with a nett 64. The two course Xmas feast ensued and the wine flowed throughout. The food was delivered with precision and was excellent in both quality and quantity. There were many comments about how good the food was but Don sidled up to me and said that the food was not good…. “It was bloody brilliant!!” Time for the thank-yous: Hayley was first up and she was thanked for her efforts, not only on the day, but throughout the year. She received a bouquet of flowers and a generous collection by way of thank-you from the floor, to share amongst the catering/waiting-on staff. Mark Jones was next up and both he and the greenkeeping staff were thanked for their continuous efforts throughout the year. He was also --presented with a generous token of thanks to be shared, from the senior section. At this stage, I felt it only right to extend my thanks, once again, to Steve Monk and Don Wraight who organised yet another superb Xmas Party. At this stage, the troops were ordered not to hail their taxis as there was going to be a draw, not only for early subs payment but the remaining bottle prizes from the cancelled Scramble. The winner of the malt whisky for early subs was club President – Chris Jones. All of the names that signed up for golf and party attendees went into a hat for three bottles of red and three white. The winners were Peter Lord, Peter Bowen, Alan Barnsdale, Barry Evans, Vic Rogerson and Jon Falcus. I can honestly say that those winning names took some remembering given the amount of cloud that has entered my brain since. Quiz sheets had been left on the table from the very start and the troops carefully filled the answers in whilst eating and drinking. Chris Jacques was the quizmaster and he took the floor following the raffle draws. The answers were disseminated and scores calculated. The winning table belonged to Don Wraight et al. who were presented with a veritable parcel of large Toblerones. Don “Bailey” Wraight kept the party going with snaps and photographed all of the presentations. The attendees were given the word - “conviviality“ at the very beginning and the whole occasion was held in great spirit. All were thanked for their attendance and wished a safe journey home.

PUTTING 3 BALL KNOCK OUT DECEMBER 5TH 2023 REPORT VIA MIKE MIKE HEALEY

Today we had to cancel our 9 hole Scramble (course closure) but apparently most of the other courses in the area are also closed, so there is a little satisfaction to be gained from that. The weather and conditions have both been appalling, making any ground maintenance nigh on impossible for Mark and his staff. 18 regulars still turned up expecting some form of golf, so our ninth putting session became a threeball knockout, starting with groups of three teams in each of the six pools. They were split into two sections and there were clear cut winners after three laps of the circuit. The winners of each section went on to a final with prizes for both the victors and runners-up. Just to keep matters fresh and ticking over, we also held a single long-putt comp. which was won after a play-off. All retired to the restaurant for refreshment and whiled away half an hour until the AGM started. Barry Dare will circulate the individual Officer's reports and results for the AGM election of officers for the year 2024 Putting Knockout results: First: George Hughes, Mick Carnell and Barry Evans Second: Mick McHugh, Colin Brown and Bob Brown (aka Mrs Brown's Boys) Long-Putt Competition: Stuart Miles

Captains Newsletter November 2023

Captain’s Newsletter: November 2023 Since my last newsletter we have played very little golf due to the continual wet weather, thus a very short report. We did however manage to get a few turkey trots played ,well done to the winners and runners-up. The seniors made the best of the bad weather by turning out on Tuesdays and Thursdays in large numbers to take part in some indoor putting competitions organised by Mike Heeley with bacon baps, coffees and a bit of banter afterwords, well done Mike . I will be attending The AGM at Denbigh on 6th of December where Patrick McHugh the Clays team captain will be presented with the Inter club division one team winners trophy and Tom Price also from Clays will be presented with county seniors stableford winners trophy .I will also be picking up the inter club fixtures for 2024. The concrete base for the halfway house is now complete, the building is ordered ,due in this week. I expect it to be in place on the 5th tee sometime in the near future the raising of the ladies tees is ongoing. Two have been complete however bad weather has hampered progress meaning the remainder will be put back till next year. Ladies Captain, s Report Unfortunately the weather has taken a turn for the worst, which has, as expected, restricted some of our planned golfing events in the Ladies Section. Hopefully the Law of Averages will mean that the very wet Autumn will be followed by a dry winter! Having said that I am delighted that we have been able to play 3 games in our tinsel trail, a series of mini competitions forming part of our winter league. For 2023 this format concludes at our Ladies Christmas party at the beginning of December. The first 2 games played were over 9 holes and included a Greensomes format and an Individual Stableford. The third game was an indoor putting competition. The intention is to run a further league after Christmas up to the end of March, weather permitting, which it is hoped will keep us all engaged in playing golf and meeting socially over the winter months. There is much discussion regarding the re rating of the slope index of the course, particularly amongst the Ladies Section which will see a sharp fall in the slope index from the red tees. The impact on Ladies handicaps will not be evident until our golfing season gets underway in April. The informative email from Josh clarifying these changes and those of the WHS was welcomed and much appreciated by the Ladies Section. Last week Jane Evans represented us both at the Welsh National Counties AGM to receive the Purves Fourball trophy, which will hopefully find a place in our trophy cabinet at Clays shortly. A Save The Date notice for March 22nd, Captains Last Supper, further details to follow and how and where to obtain tickets will be announced shortly. In conclusion if there is an opportunity to get back out on the course soon, happy golfing! Sue Falcus (lady captain) And finally from me… A reminder when we do get out on the course please keep all trollies behind the white lines around the greens, rake bunkers replace divots and repair pitch marks. So until next time enjoy your golf, fingers crossed the weather will get a bit dryer soon Kind Regards, Michael McHugh (Club Captain)

Putting Scramble November 30th 2023. Report from Mike Healey

Putting Scramble - I have to confess that we are now completely at a loss for new ways of putting. I believe we have exhausted all formats possible and would even consider a token prize for a novel idea next time. 16 numbers went into the tally bag, which divided us into pairs. Obviously the format was a little quicker than normal, with couples sharing one ball and taking alternative turns on each hole. We managed to complete no fewer than seven circuits today with all scores being fairy close from first to last. There was no need for putt-offs however and two prizes were awarded at the end. We had a third prize for an individual, long-distance nearest the pin - read on. Putting Scramble Results: First: Tony Vesty and Peter Taylor Second: Barry Evans and Brian Beaton All had a practice on the long-distance putt and Barry Evans was coming closest until a magnificent putt by Billy Spilsted dropped into the cup near the end of the session, thus picking up the remaining prize. Well done all - good fun today.

Putting multiplier November 28th 2023. Report from Mike Healey

Seniors - Just for a change, we headed indoors for the putting circuit. Our Tuesday mornings are definitely cursed, in terms of getting on the course and so Round 1 of our Winter League moves on to Thursday this week. For the stalwarts who turned up, 20 in total, we held a putting Multiplier, with pairs being decided on age (oldest with youngest). Four circuits around the studio, in reverse order, became a test and there was a marked difference between first and last results. The top three cards were awarded prizes with an extra consolation prize going to the worst card, on the proviso that the pair put their prize money towards a putting lesson: Multiplier Putting Result: First: Mick Carnell and Billy Spilsted Second: Barry Evans and Richard Collier Third: Bob Brown and Mike Healey

Pairs betterball Putting November 23rd 2023. Report via Mike Healey.

- I don't think I have ever written a report quite so early. Once again I will start with admin. We expected the course to be open today but Mark was beaten once again by the inclement weather. Should the course be open next week we are aiming for Round 1 of our Winter League (Individual Stableford) on Tuesday, no matter how many holes are open. If still closed, we will keep pushing it back but the December Medal on the 7th will take priority. Early next week, I will publish and e-mail the December calendar. This is a timely reminder of the Senior AGM, which takes place on Tuesday 5th December after a kitty comp scramble in the morning. The nomination sheet for committee positions has been posted on the board and remains there for further names, should you wish to add to the list. You have already received a copy of the agenda but this will likely be sent out again just prior to the meeting. Today's golf - Pairs Betterball Putting. 23 tallies appeared initially on the board and the draw began. Pairs began to materialise but somebody had misplaced the wrong tally. A certain person wasn't there - well..... we are seniors!! 22 in number was perfect and I add my thanks at this stage, to Steve Graham for coming up with three more ideas for putting comps.We set off for Pairs Betterball on no fewer than four circuits of the track. Holes in one were flying in and the scoring was kept to a minimum on all of the dedicated score sheets. There was an outright winning couple but putt-offs were required for the minor places. The whole morning affair was concluded with a long range nearest the pin competition before ascending up stairs for our regular morning refreshments. There were five prizes in total: Betterball Putting: First: Mick Carnell and Barry Dare Second: Stan Roberts and Mick McHugh Third: Andy Mitchell and Barry Evans Fourth: George Hughes and Malcolm Williams Nearest the Pin: Barry Evans

Seniors Golf report November 21st 2023 from Mike Heale

What a fantastic turn-out once again. No fewer than 27 seniors arrived for a mixture of putting and chipping, which included nearest the pin. My thanks, first and foremost, go to Paul Wallace-Jones for arranging for the range balls and overseeing the chipping, plus adjudicating nearest the pin. We were also able to complete the putting competition on the outdoor putting green. The weather was cool all round but it was refreshing to get out and get some fresh air. There were five prizes in total before all retired for breakfast baps. Winners of the putting competition: Nigel Davies and Mick Carnell Winners of Nearest the Pin: Tony Harcombe and Tom McGrady Overall Eclectic Winner: Richard Collier

Champion league results November 16th 2023. Report via Mike Healey

Seniors - having travelled across the isthmus between Farndon and Holt this morning, I can see how the Welsh Sea in between is affecting the water table and why our course is closed currently. The forecast is surprisingly not great for next week. We have decided to postpone the Ken Lawrence Trophy until after Xmas (drier weather - better course conditions) and also advised all for flexibility in terms of other competitions.We are aiming to get the November Medal in next Thursday and Round 1 of the Winter League before the end of November so the kitty comp calendar will undoubtedy undergo changes. We are seeing different faces for putting but some might be tiring of the indoor sessions. It has been proposed to add a chipping element to proceedings so next time we meet (course closure) half of the members will be escorted by Paul Wallace-Jones to the driving bays where he will set up chipping and nearest the pin competition, while the other half continue with some form or other with the putting indoors. We will then break and groups will swap over before retiring for prizes and baps upstairs. You may need a couple of short irons extra (distances unknown). Today - the plan was to have teams of 4 vying for the Champion's League Final. Odd numbers didn't work out so we played in pairs for our first rounds of putting, separating into a Champion's Group and a Europa Group. Quite a few members during the course of the morning slotted holes in one, so there is some evidence of improvement. All moved to their respective groups and began the final. There were penalty shoot-outs to decide who qualified but the end results from the two finals were clear cut: Champion's League: Winners: Mick Carnell and Richard Collier Runners Up: Steve Graham and Ken Tieszen Europa League: Winners: Tony Harcombe and Andy Mitchell Runners Up: Bob Brown and Bill Kelleher

Putting Competition November 14th 2023 Report via Mike Healey

Where do I start? I think firstly, by suggesting we need to raise some funds for a putting studio extension. No fewer than 25 senior members arrived this morning with putter in hand and not one golf ball forgotten. We immediately split into two groups for the "Killer" putting as promised. Session 1: All players were allocated with three lives and the groups played continuously (10-15 minutes) around new circuits. If anybody three-putted, not only did they lose a life but had to play the next 2 holes with just one hand (cruel taskmaster!) At the end, all players with their 3 lives in tact became Division 1 and any members who lost 1,2 and 3 lives became Division 2. Session 2: The two divisions then set off on their separate circuits and this time all putts were counted, leading to 3 prizes being allocated to each division. It was tight and both divisions required play-offs but it did not finish there. Session 3: was a long-range putting competition sub-titled Target Golf and it was a step too far for the majority of players. After one practice shot each, followed by a competitive attempt, many fell by the wayside. It was continued until we had a single winner but the troops gladly retired for their coffee and bacon baps. The conviviality could not have been better. Read on for results: Division 1 Winners: First: Tom McGrady Second: Paul Wallace-Jones Third: Tom Pierce Division 2 Winners: First: Pauline Peacock Second: Malcolm Williams Third: Colin Brown Target Putt Winner: Colin Brown I have saved the weather aspect until now. It is highly unlikely that the course will be open on Thursday. We are looking at the possibility of outdoor putting but do not wish to churn up that facility. Mark is looking at the weather and possibility of using the putting green but will not give me a decision until 7.40am on Thursday morning. I will ping immediately but if you are already travelling, it might be an idea to put some golf shoes in the boot. The fall-back for all aspects is the putting studio (Team/League putting) followed by breakfast baps.

Putting with a difference November 4th 2023. Report from Mike Healey

Great turn out today but what was the difference in "Putting with a difference?" 22 members arrived with their freshly polished putters (only one forgot his golf ball this time!) and all listened intently to instructions. There wasn't a great deal of difference in the course except the middle six holes had to be played with one hand only. That split the men from the boys. What they didn't know was the fact that they were also playing with an unknown partner. The tallies came out and their allotted numbers were added to the pre-draw on the sheet. Competition was fierce as per but the banter flowed and it was interesting to watch styles, especially with one hand. Some placed their non-striking hand in their pockets (casually), some used two hands to line up but struck with one (professionally) and others simply placed their hand behind their back (reverently). All in all, it was a fun morning with the following winners after two play-offs: First: Stewart Poole and Peter Taylor - (62 putts combined) Good to see Pooley back - straight in for the kill! Second: Steve Monk and Mike Healey - (68 putts combined) Third: Mike Hollings and Tom Pierce - (69 putts combined)

Seniors putting competition November 7th 2023. Report via Mike Healey

What a very sociable morning the senior group have just had. The course was almost opened this morning by Mark but the inevitable overnight rain caused the damage and we were once again thwarted. It mattered not, there was a contingency plan. 18 seniors arrived for 9.00am and enjoyed a good hour of putting in the indoor studio. Three laps of the small, short course eeked out the hour and it became very competitive indeed, so much so that a play-off was required. A few of the photos... may follow. The ubiquitous £1.00 was thrown into a kitty and the proceeds divided into four prizes. Hayley arrived on cue to make bacon baps with coffee for everyone and those present whiled away yet another convivial hour. Winners of today's putting were: First: Mick Carnell (31 putts) Second: Bob Brown (32 putts) With 33 putts Bill Kelleher, Barry Evans and Peter Taylor faced a play-off for the remaining 2 prizes. Third: Bill Kelleher and Fourth: Barry Evans - Peter Taylor missed out after the second hole play-off.

Seniors 2 scores to count. Report from Mike Healey along with other news 0ctober 31st 2023

Seniors - as you all know, I keep a weather eye before competitions and report conditions along with the golf scores. Having listened to the overnight rain at home and further, reading about the hole closures this morning, I did not expect so many members to turn up. No less than 34 seniors threw their tallies into the draw for a Two Scores to Count competition. We had to split into 2 groups of Three- and Fourballs with 2 prizes for the threes and 1 prize for the fourballs. The course was always going to be damp and going was heavy but we persevered. The competition was followed by the Senior Committee's last meeting of the year, preceding our AGM (Reminder - Tuesday 5th December - place in diaries) so I am indebted to Bob Brown for overseeing the incoming cards, scores and distributing the prize money at the end. Please find scores and winners below and read on for more admin/information: Threeballs - Two to Count: First: Mal Williams, Ernie Williams and Mike Healey - 59 points Second: Barry Dare, Graham Wright and Mike Drake - 48 points Fourballs - Two to Count: First: Andy Mitchell, Bill Kelleher, Tony Harcombe and Mick Carnell - 54 points I have mentioned ground conditions above and we are lucky that the course is currently open, with many around us being closed today. The next storm to hit GB is due tomorrow night (Wednesday) with the likelihood of either ground closure or extremely heavy ground as a result. Because of the forecast, we have postponed the November Medal until Thursday 23rd November (2 weeks hence). Should the course be open this Thursday, a kitty comp will be arranged for the numbers that arrive. Next - Thursday 9th November is scheduled to be our Ken Lawrence Memorial Trophy. There will be a tally draw as normal and the competition is an Individual Stableford. The competition is held annually on behalf of the Royal British Legion and all of your entry fees go to the National Poppy Day Appeal. We have set a fee of £5.00 but if you feel generous and would like to give more - feel free. All fees will be collected in reception The AGM is already in your diary (Tuesday 5th December) and it is this time of year that we look to nominate a new committee. The nomination form will be posted this week and you will see familiar names of committee members who are prepared to stand once again in their current role. There will be, however, a number of resignations, so the form will have spaces for new nominations to be voted onto the committee. Conversations have been had with a number of individuals but it is up to those members to find a proposer and seconder if they are interested in contributing to the work of the committee. Xmas Party - In order to finalise all the arrangements for pre-party golf, table plans/seating, food and wine orders, etc. it is imperative (should you wish to be present on Tuesday 12th December) that you sign up for the morning golf (if you wish - not compulsory) and more importantly, give your £15.00 to Steve Monk as soon as possible (with your Annual Subs - £5.00 - if you haven't already done so.)

Captains News letter October 2023

Captain’s Newsletter: October 2023 Unfortunately, the weather has not been kind to us resulting in the closure of the course for one of the final events of the calendar year the Presentation Day. The morning Texas scramble had to be called off, so we made a late decision to change the time of the presentation ceremony to ten o clock. My thanks to everyone who turned up to celebrate with the winners and runners up. Big thanks also to all members who participated in the presentation day prize giving. Competitions Fantastic result for our DGU team winning their final match against Abergele 6 ½ 1 ½ which means we are top of League once again. Congratulations to Patrick our DGU captain on picking a winning team. Patrick will be presented with the DGU winners trophy later in the year. Ladies Captain, s Report In our final Club event of the season we were able to celebrate the achievements of our Competition winners at a quickly rescheduled Presentation event. I would like, once again, to take this opportunity to thank everyone for entering the Competitions and to convey my warmest congratulations to all those who were successful and to thank everyone for supporting the event at short notice. Jane Evans and Beverley Hood reported that they had a great weekend at St. Pierre Golf Club in Chepstow, having reached the final 16 in the Daily Mail Foursomes Competition. Sadly on this occasion however they were not able to progress through any further rounds. We all recognise that this was a huge achievement to have successfully reached this stage and thank you for representing The Club in such a prestigious competition. In the Purves Cup, a North Wales wide competition, the Finals were played at Abergele Golf Club against a pair from Mold Golf Club. I am delighted to announce that Jane Evans and partner (modesty forebids naming) won this competition. The Presentation of the trophy is in early November at North Wales Golf Club. In our recent Tri match against Llanymynech and Mile End, I am pleased to report that this was won by Clays Ladies Team who retained the trophy with an outstanding win. The Llanymynerch course was new to many of the team and the match was played in challenging weather conditions, which I understand is not unusual! Now that the main competition season has ended, a winter calendar of golf has been drawn up with a plan to play a mixture of kitty team and individual 9 hole competitions in the Ladies Section. It is hoped that the scheduled formats will encourage as many of us as possible to play on a Wednesday and keep the Section integrated and in touch over the winter months. It is great news that Mark and his team have commenced work to raise and level some of the ladies tees which will be an ongoing programme over the next year. Poor weather delayed the start of the work initially but now Hole 4 and Hole 15 have been started though further heavy rain has hampered any further progress. I would like to thank Mr Lewis, Mark and his team for making this improvement on the course and fellow golfers who gave up their time to help with this project. A report regarding the recent reassessment of the course slope rating has been received by Management. It has indicated in particular a significant change in the ladies course slope rating the implications of which are not yet fully understood. I understand that Management have queried some of the recommendations in the report and requested validation of the points raised and are awaiting a response. Josh has advised that once all the information is available to him he will notify Club Members of any changes and if any, forthcoming implications. It is hard to believe that our Ladies Christmas party preceded by a 9 hole kitty competition of 3 clubs and a putter which is scheduled for December 3rd, is rapidly approaching. We have a series of kitty league competitions running up to this event and I am pleased that many ladies are able to attend the event. The calendar for the 2024 season is being finalised and as with other sections of the Club we are in the process of scheduling NWLCSA, exchange days etc for 2024. It is anticipated that the Club calendar for all Sections will be available to view by the end of December. Hopefully this will give all Members a chance to make plans for 2024. My thanks to Lady Vice Captain, Shan Stapley for organising an overnight golfing trip to Nefyn in late March. Many ladies have already signed up for this and will be a great date in the diary to look forward to after the winter months. Finally plans for The Captains Last Supper are currently under way , so there is an advance save the date for Friday March 22nd. We hope to be able to confirm arrangements for this shortly. Thank you to Lady Vice Captain Shan and all the ladies for your continued support and help, Sue Falcus (Lady Captain) And finally from me… The White tees have been put away for the winter this doesn’t mean companions are over , Keep an eye out for turkey trot comps. where turkeys and wines are on offer. On the 9th of November the seniors section will hold their annual memorial day compaction looking further ahead captains last supper well be on 22nd of March a date for your Calander . So until next time enjoy your golf, fingers crossed the weather will get a bit dryer soon Kind Regards, Michael McHugh (Club Captain)

Pinehurst competition October October 26th 2023. Report from Mike Healey.

Today's competition - Pinehurst. This format was borrowed from the Pinehurst GC in North Carolina. It was invented by a Mr Chapman and it sometimes goes by that name also. So, 28 Seniors braved the early rain, which had virtually disppeared just after 9.00am. Having their tallies drawn in pairs, there was some intrigue as to the actual format and after a lengthy explanation, the troops set forth to try their luck and know-how. Swapping second shots confused a few, but alternate shots to the green seemed to settle everybody down, with group movement flowing nicely. Ground conditions, following a week of rain, is still affecting scores for the majority but not for today's four winning groups, although combined handicaps in some cases, came into question. There was a buzz in the clubhouse afterwards and it was generally agreed that the format was not only entertaining but also involved a little thought regarding tactics. At the top of the scoring there was some countback required - please read on for the four winning pairs: Pinehurst Results: First: Paul Wallace-Jones and Ernie Williams - 31 points (c/b) Second: Alan Barnsdale and Peter Taylor - 31 points (c/b) Third: Nigel Davies and Damian Atkin - 31 points (c/b) Fourth: Richard Collier and Mick Carnell - 30 points

Individual Stableford over 13 holes October 24th 2023. Report from Steve Monk

23 of us turned up today to play an individual stableford kitty competition. 13 holes were open, including a shortened par 3 1st, and although the ground was naturally soft following the weekend rains, the course and especially the greens maintained their good playing quality. Plus, despite a somewhat adverse forecast, the weather stayed dry and warmish and so we had very pleasant conditions in which to play. Five prizes were on offer today and the winners of them were: 1st - Alan Barnsdale with 29 points 2nd - Stuart Leyland with 27 points 3rd - Peter Lord with 26 points 4th - Steve Monk with 25 points 5th - Mick Carnell with 24 points

Seniors Individual Stableford October 19th 2023. Report from Steve Monk.

So, today's competition was scheduled to be a '9 x 3' + '9 x 2' event. I was thinking of changing this to a Bonus Ball to avoid a similar comp to the Waltz played on Tuesday, but it turned out that we played an individual stableford competition as we had only 11 players. I think the weather forecast put most people off, and there had been significant overnight rain which made some of the surfaces squelchy and even waterlogged. However, enough of the holes were playable for Mark to keep the course open for us. The weather forecast turned out to be incorrect and we played an enjoyable round in warm and mostly sunny weather - with no rain at all. Results were: 1st - Bob Jarvis with 30 points (on countback). 2nd - Mick Carnell, also with 30 points. 3rd - Nigel Davies with 29 points. There were also 2 x cards of 28 and 1 of 27, so competition at the top was close. Steve Monk

Waltz competition October 17th 2023. Report from Steve Monk

The game was a Waltz today, and between 8.40 and 8.45 we were going to run this 3 ways. At 8.40 we had 27 players, so nine 3-balls. At 8.42, we had 28, so seven 4-balls. At 8.43, we had 29 - one of those awkward numbers of players. However, despite the derision and tut-tut's to the last player to arrive, everyone is always welcome and of course, the more the merrier! So we ended up with 3 x 3-balls and 5 x 4-balls, playing as two separate competitions. Holes 2, 16 and 17 were closed due to the rain over the previous few days. Hole 1 was played as a par 3, but the other 14 holes were fully open so the game was played over the 15 holes available to us. Despite a chilly start, the temperature rose steadily and the day turned out to be perfect for golf - not even a gentle breeze was blowing. Results were: 3-balls - 1st - David 'Mole' Jones; Liam Roddis and Peter Lord with 56 points. 4-balls - 1st - Tony Jackson; Tony Harcombe; Mick Carnell and Neil Jones with 67 points. 2nd - Richard Collier; Ian Ketland; Neil Gledhill and Peter Fraser with 66 points.

Mile End Open results showing Clays members

2nd Place: Eric Thwaites & Peter Fraser 3rd Place: Nev Bassett & Mal Williams Near Pin 3rd : Eric Thwaites Twos: Mike Holling & Colin Brown Hole 3rd Clive Davies & Richard Collier Hole 17th Dave Jones & Alan Bottomley Hole 7th Eric Thwaites & Sean McMcarthy Hole 3rd

Individual Stableford October 12th 2023. Report from Mike Healey and Steve Monk

For those that made Clays yesterday, Mike received the following report from Steve and remains in his debt for overseeing the kitty comp. "The plan was to run a Bonus Ball competition, but due to a combination of the course being slightly reduced due to waterlogging, plus the fact many seniors played yesterday and received a thorough soaking in atrocious conditions at the Mile End Open, only 10 turned up today for our kitty competition. Consequently those of us present decided to play an individual stableford competition instead of the Bonus Ball, with everyone being able to start from the 1st tee. The 1st hole was down to a shortened par 3 and the 16th and 17th holes were closed completely. Other than these reductions, the course played remarkably well considering how much rain it received yesterday." Well done to all who turned up, especially the three winners. Also, please read footnote below. Results were as follows: Individual Stableford Results: 1st - Alan Barnsdale, with 34 points. 2nd - Mick Carnell, with 27 points. 3rd - Bob Jarvis, with 25 points (c/b).