SENIORS HELPING WITH COURSE CLEARANCE JANUARY 31ST. PHOTOS COURTESY OF MIKE PARKES

CAPTAIN'S NEWSLETTER JANUARY 2024

Captain's Newsletter: January 2024 Welcome to the first newsletter of 2024.I would like to wish everyone the very best for the coming year. Due to the ongoing poor weather we have only managed to get a few winter league matches played . Five of the eighteen holes remain closed. Mark and his team have finally been able to get the machines onto the course and with extra care managed to get some cutting done unfortunately the ground is still too wet to have all 18 holes open. Mark is just as eager as we all are in getting all 18 holes open as soon as possible. Good news, the halfway house is now complete which will be a great addition to the members especially on major competition days. Big thanks to all who helped in getting this project complete. Special thanks to Trig for all his efforts, we are not quite sure if he has moved in there or not, just waiting to see a rocking chair appear out front. Competitions. Last month I attended the Denbighshire AGM where once again Clays picked up the D.G.U. division one winner’s trophy presented to team captain Patrick McHugh. Board competition sign up forms are now available in the reception area please sign up to as many as possible as it is a great way to have a chance in getting your name up on the honours board. Keep a check on the notice board for upcoming DGU competitions also you will find fixtures for year 2024 on IG. Ladies news letter At the end of 2023 our Ladies Xmas party had a gathering of 23 ladies and despite the cancellation of the morning golf competition, it was a successful afternoon, with a delicious Christmas lunch with music, a quiz by Christine Evans and an indoor golf chipping competition organised by Jane Evans. As out attention now turns to the forthcoming golfing season, January started much like December with heavy rain and freezing temperatures necessitating closure of the course. A number of us however have met at the Driving Range for some early season practise and have been out on the course to play a mini Stableford competition and some social golf. There is a planned calendar of competitions for the Section in place until the end of March and weather permitting, we shall hopefully soon be able to play some of the pre planned golf formats. Work commenced in the latter part of last year on raising a number of the Ladies Tees. I am hoping that in discussion with Mark and the Greenkeeping team, work will progress during the coming year on the remaining tees which need to be raised. The calendar of Ladies events and competitions for 2024 has been completed, dates are in the Club diary and the formats set up on IG. Entry forms for the Honours Board Knockout Competitions are now available. Following the success of the Ladies Open last year, an Open has once again been scheduled together with a number of additional Club exchange days. In late March a number of ladies are looking forward to an overnight trip to play The Nefyn and Abersoch courses organised by Lady Vice Captain Shan Stapley, which I am sure will be a great start to the forthcoming golfing season. The Captains’ Supper in March is organised and Mick and I hope that you can join us for this event. Tickets are now on sale from Hayley. As the weather improves I look forward to welcoming everyone back to The Club. Sue Falcus (Lady Captain) And finally from me… Some sad news, Billy Spilsted passed away suddenly at his home earlier this month he was a popular member of the senior section at clays and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time R.I.P. Billy. Tickets are now available from Hayley @ £30 p.p. for the Captains last supper on 22 of March. live band, good food, and hopefully plenty of dancing should be a great night get your tickets asap. As the course slowly re opens for the new season please remember the 3 R’s: Rake, Repair and Replace and most of all enjoy your golf! Best wishes Michael McHugh (Club Captain)

PUTTING COMPETITION JANUARY 30TH 2024. REPORT VIA STUART MILES AND MIKEHEALEY

Well another indoor putting session. 10 seniors turned up, better than shopping or day time TV. Usual 3 rounds of the course, longest putt and obstacle putting. Usual one prize per person, so unfortunately Mick Carnell missed out on the longest putt with his hole in one. Results - Putting: First: Tony Harcombe Second: Stuart Miles (after play-off) Third: Mick Carnell Longest Putt: Ken Tieszen Obstacle Putting: Stuart Leyland

ROUND 2 OF SENIORS WINTER LEAGUE RESULT FROM MIKE HEALEY

Round 2 of our Winter League was played out today and it has to be said that, although not perfect, there is a definitive drying out of the course overall. There were still only 13 holes open but it remained dry and the troops were all in in plenty of time. 29 tallies went into the draw for Round 2 and we played in threeballs. As per usual, there were 10 league points up for grabs and 6 kitty comp prizes added. The winners were as follows: Winter League - Round 2: First: Wyn Jenkins 30 points (10WL pts) Prize Second: Alan Barnsdale 28 points (c/b) (9WL pts) Prize Third: Ernie Williams 28 points (c/b) (8WL pts) Prize Fourth: Peter Taylor 27 points (c/b) (7WL pts) Prize Fifth: Reg Peacock 27 points (c/b) (6WL pts) Prize Sixth: Nigel Davies 26 points (5WL pts) Prize Seventh: Andy Mitchell 25 points (c/b) (4WL pts) Eighth: Bob Jarvis 25 points (c/b) (3WL pts) Ninth: Mick Carnell 24 points (c/b) (2WL pts) Tenth: Mick McHugh 24 points (c/b) (1WL pt)

LATEST REPORT FROM MIKE HEALEY REGARDING SENIORS GOLF ETC

We are experiencing one of our wettest periods on record for Clays Golf Club and Mark and his team are desperate to get going with a back log of cutting and Summer preparation. Just to compound matters, we have also found ourselves in a series of Winter storms, which have left all sorts of debris across the course. I mentioned this after golf today and there were at least a dozen seniors who thought it might be worthwhile volunteering a couple of hours to clear sticks and branches across the course. This is the proposal: I am speaking with Mark on Tuesday next week and he will identify the areas that need the most clearing. On Wednesday morning (meeting at 9.45), our volunteers will gather for instructions and starting at 10.00am we will disperse and clear as much as we can from the said areas, by gathering the debris into piles for the groundstaff to take away. A tractor and trailer will be at our disposal, so it is not a question of walking up fairways with litter pickers. Mark has some soil rakes and leaf rakes for the use of but if you have your own leaf rakes it would help all round. We clear into piles and the groundstaff take it away. With enough of us, I am guessing that we should be able to complete the job in about two hours max. Whatever we do clear, will be very much appreciated and there will be free coffee provided afterwards. There are no guns being pointed at heads but if you feel fit and up to acouple of hours of course clearing then feel free to come along and I'm sure the entire membership will appreciate our input. More info on Tuesday next week. I am aware that Wednesday is Ladies Day for golf and I have cleared the work with both Mark and management. Clearly the ladies that are playing will have priority and we will work on areas without affecting them.

GOLF REPORT FROM SENIORS JANUARY 24TH 2024 VIA MIKE HEALEY

Report First: There were only 9 takers for putting this morning. There are only so many putting sessions a golfer can take before it becomes somewhat repetitive, unless one is avoiding shopping or decorating (or both). Whatever the reason this morning, we endeavoured with our usual circuit, which was admirably won by Richard Collier, closely followed by Mick Carnell - both took prizes. The long putt was bagged by Tom McGrady, who won his stake back and there was a bonus prize for Peter Taylor, who was inadvertently missed out of the qualifier. The final prize, was for yet another group invention, which we dubbed dog-leg putting. A track was laid, all had practice putts and the final play-off was won by Stuart Miles. The timely breakfast baps appeared along with another 5 coffee - seeking seniors, adding to the group for calendar discussion. Another pleasant morning. Admin: Following this morning's putting session, thoughts are heading towards our February calendar. The New Year rain is adding to the late Autumn deluge and we appear to be stuck in a monsoon season. I am neither hopeful for Thursday, nor either of the two days next week, given the forecast. With a lot of competitions to fit in and current course condition, there still has to be some dates in place. Looking forward the February dates, the group this morning discussed bringing at least one Winter League round forward and following up the date for the February medal with Don, this is the first part of the plan: Thursday 25th - Winter League - Round 2 (If course closed - move to Tuesday 30th) Tuesday 30th - Pairs Betterball (Winter League - Round 2) Thursday 1st Feb - Winter League - Round 2/3 (February Stableford Medal re-scheduled for Thursday 15th Feb.) The draw has not been made for the Feb. medal yet, so if you are already signed up, you remain on the list. Obviously, you will need to withdraw if the 15th Feb. is not suitable and similarly - sign up if you wish to be added! The full February calendar will follow after Thursday's report. "Flexibility" is the name of the game

TEXAS SCRAMBLE RESULTS FROM MIKE HEALEY JANUARY 16TH 2024

When I woke up this morning, there was a blanket of white across Farndon and it was very surprising but pleasant to find the course open. On arrival, the frost on the greens was taken into consideration and once again, there was a proposal to postpone the Winter League in favour of another format, that might keep everybody moving in the zero temperature.This was subsequently voted upon and a Scramble was preferred almost unanimously. Without further ado, 27 names went into the bag and 9 x threeballs came out to do battle over 13 holes. It has subsequently been declared that Thursday this week will be dedicated to Winter League Round 1, whatever the weather, so come prepared. In light of the remaining weeks/months, we may reduce the number of rounds for the Winter League. Today the team scores were reasonably good and all 9 cards were within 7 shots of each other, after handicap reductions. There were three team prizes for the Texas Scramble as follows: Texas Scramble Result: First: Wyn Jenkins, Richard Collier and Ken Tieszen 46.5 Second: Mike Healey, Alan Pocklington and Neil Gledhill 47.9 Third: Bob Jarvis, Peter Lord and Tom McGrady 49.2

WALTZ COMPETITION JANUARY 9TH 2024. REPORT FROM MIKE HEALEY

We're back, well some of us are! An early morning committee meeting kept nine committee members away from the course but all will be there on Thursday. The scheduled Winter League was once again delayed and a Waltz played instead. 28 members went into the tally bag and 7 x fourballs came out for their 1, 2, 3 challenge. There are still a number of holes closed and damp patches around certain areas made progression hard work in places but the troops persevered and some good scores were eventually carded. It was great to get out, see smiling faces around the course and get back to the banter and camaraderie afterwards in the clubhouse. I believe there were no three-putts at all throughout. 😋 There were two team prizes awarded today. Waltz Result. First: Barry Evans, Ernie Williams, Mike Drake and Bob Jarvis - 59 points Second: Andy Mitchell, Graham Wright, Peter Lord and Keith Hawthorn - 58 points STOP PRESS - One lost ball found with initials TJM. Could the owner see MH on Thursday to reclaim?!

PUTTING COMPETITION JANUARY 4TH 2024. REPORT VIA BOB BROWN AND MIKE HEALEY

Bob Brown - 16 members took part in today's Marathon session on the outside putting area. 3 rounds of individual. Nearest the pin and finally a pairs better ball which saw 3 pairs tied and numerous play-offs. Great fun all round, topped off, as usual by Hayley's refreshments. Richard Collier - Many thanks to Bob Brown for co-ordinating the events. Winners - Singles comp (2 rounds of 9, plus then 1 round one-handed). 1st Paul Wallace-Jones; 2nd Richard Collier; 3rd Stan Roberts Nearest the pin 1 (Long Distance Putt). 1st Chris Blazdell; 2nd Stan Roberts Pairs better ball (2 rounds). Equal 1st (as couldn't be separated after 2 x extra 4 holes) Stan Roberts / Fred Court and Alan Bottomley / Richard Collier Nearest the pin 2 (long Distance Putt). 1st Alan Bottomley.

PUTTING COMPETITION JANUARY 2ND 2024. REPORT VIA MIKE HEALEY

The hard men of putting were on show today. Twelve regulars and a late entry for the long putt competition. We'll start with the long putt - all had two practice shots at a (bin-lid) putting ring and providing you landed one in the circle you became eligible for a long shot final at one of the holes. Bob Brown started by showing off with one of his trick shots, running his ball right around the inside of the ring before the ball ended up in the centre. He then moved into the final and pipped Eric Thwaites with nearest the pin by about a fingernail. Andy Mitchell suggested Pairs Betterball putting from the outset, which was yet another addition to our putting repertoire. Five circuits were played in total (with direction changes - to throw the brain and take into account the wind) and the overall winners were Alan Pocklington and Richard Collier followed by Fred Court and Mike Healey taking second place. The, by now, traditional breakfast baps were consumed with coffee and for once, everybody remembered to pay. I believe that is a first! Overall an enjoyable morning but it might have been better outside on the course. The weather today and tomorrow does not look good and all bets are off for Thursday.

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.