Down In One Golf Society
Newsletter Issue 10 - May 2004
Introduction
This year is proving to be our best year yet starting with the competition for the 2003 Christmas Trophy followed by the Spring Equinox Competition and the Spring Golf Break, with many more competitions planned.
Christmas Competition and Meal
Unfortunately this event, which was held at Pachesham Park on 17th January, did not draw the expected crowds and was only attended by Andrzej, Rod and Rob. Rod won the trophy with 15 stableford points over 9 holes. The evening meal taken in our South Eastern HQ was enjoyed by all of the competitors.
Spring Equinox Competition
Andrzej, Ian, Richard, Rob, Rod and guest COD John King played in this competition at Tyrrells Wood on 28th March. At first Richard was declared the winner on 38 stableford points, with Rob coming second on 34 points. However when the Secretary checked the scores on his computer he discovered that Richard’s society handicap was 21 not 22 and his own was 29 not 25. So Richard graciously handed over the trophy during our spring golf break in Swanage
The presentation of the Spring Equinox Trophy
Golf Break in Swanage
This time we took advantage of an offer from the Wrights of very reasonably priced accommodation in Swanage. Sadly the Country Member, Security Officer and New Member were unable to attend this event, the first due to back problems and the others due to more pressing commitments.
The accommodation was very comfortable and Richard’s cooked breakfasts were much appreciated by the hungry golfers.
David in the trees
Andrzej, Rod & Richard in front of the house in Swanage
We started our break on Friday 14th May with an 18 hole stableford competition for the Secretary’s Cup at the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club.
The weather was magnificent and the views over Poole harbour and surrounding area superb. The golf did not really do the venue justice, as the winning score was only 23 points. Both Richard and Rob achieved this score, but Richard was awarded the Cup on count back.
Richard at the Isle of Purbeck
As on numerous previous occasions the prize for Nearest The Pin remained unclaimed as no one managed to reach the green on the 141 yard 9th. The picture on the left demonstrates the veteran’s accuracy on the par 3s as he attempts to come out of the trees having pushed his tee shot some 30 yards to the right of the green on the 184 yard 11th.
The competition for the longest drive was more successful with Andrzej beating Richard by several yards on the uphill 377 yard 12th.
Presentation of the Secretary’s Cup
The President at rest
In the evening the Bankes Arms in Studland Bay provided a welcome rest from golf. The President was particularly exhausted after both a hard day’s golf in the sun and the effort of trying to persuade the bar staff of the merit of salad over vegetables.
At Bulbury Woods
Richard and Rod teeing off
Bulbury Woods golf club was the setting for Saturday’s competitions for the President’s Putter and DIOGS Bowl. With only 5 players we were unable to play the usual three knockout rounds of match play so the organisers opted for a stroke play competition over 18 holes to determine the finalists for each trophy.
Presentation of the President’s Putter
Our final competition on Sunday was played at Dudsbury golf club. This course was on our way home and the journey to it involved a short ferry ride from Studland Bay to Sandbanks.
Playing in the heat of the previous two days had taken its toll on all of us so we opted to hire buggies. However the problem turned out not to be the heat but the thick rough, as not only was it hard to find the ball but when found it was nearly impossible to get it out.
The net scores for the finalists were Rob 75, Rod 77, Andrzej 77 and David 85. So Rob played against Rod for the putter and Andrzej played against David for the bowl. Both matches were closely contested with Rob winning his match on the last hole and Andrzej winning his match 2&1.
In the evening we decided to walk in to Swanage to seek out a suitable eating establishment. We hit upon an Italian restaurant and visited the pub opposite while we waited for a free table.
David telling it like it is
In the end Andrzej won the Treasurer’s Trophy with 28 stableford points and he also won the Longest Drive. Rod won Nearest The Pin and Richard won the Tous Trois Trophie with a total of 16 points, which was a credible average of 2 points for the par 3 holes played on Friday and Sunday.