The fun competition for Ladies morning on Thursday, 15th December was ‘Blind Date’.

The Ladies play an individual Stableford competition in threes, but not their team partners. Each lady is randomly drawn with another, and the scores of the two ladies are added together; which could be disappointing if you had a dream round and you were unfortunate to be drawn with someone who had a day to forget!

The mild, but dull misty day gave way to a downpour, which caught out the last groups to come in. Most ladies stayed and waited to hear who was their blind date for the day. The winners were Sue Stilwell and Jane Ball, with 77 points, in second place were Maureen Goodsir and Carol King, with 76 points, in third place, were Cynthia Miller and Heather Woodland, with 70 points; in fourth place were Gill Russell and Jackie Walker, with 66 points, and in fifth place were Corrina Bates and Jenny Howarth, with 64 points on countback.

What a difference a day makes, with the weather, anyway! With Saturday being continuous rain, Sunday dawned bright and sunny, which was much appreciated by the Mixed players gathering for the final Mixed Fun Competition of 2016.

A Two Ball Scramble was the format, with a tenth of combined handicap. The day was glorious, so good scores were expected. 35 points from two couples had to be separated by the final back three points. Margaret Seery, playing with Charles Holmes, managed to edge out Corinne and Danny Durbin by having seven points from Corinne and Danny’s five to come in fourth place. In third place were Gail Proctor and Shane Phelps, with 37 points.

Second, with 39 points, were Jackie and Martin Walker. In first position, with an amazing 44 points, which included six birdies and the rest pars, were Terri O’Shea and Mark Wintersgill. Congratulations to them. The group enjoyed a festive Christmas meal in the restaurant, with much laughter and chatter.

For her last job as outgoing Ladies’ Captain, Bobby Appleby presided over the Christmas meal and presentation evening. Bobby spent the afternoon ferrying up all the trophies from her year to the Montgomery Suite and wrapping up the raffle prizes for each table. Amid Christmas music and much laughter, the ladies arrived looking very festive in their finery.

A buffet meal was very much enjoyed by all. As coffee and mince pies were served, Bobby read out a poem by Betty Beadle, which she had written after playing golf with Gill Russell and Heather Woodland; it was obviously one of those memorable games! Bobby had also found a few up-to-the-minute jokes which she told – none risqué at all!

Bobby was helped to draw the raffle for each table by Pauline Young, the current Ladies Captain. Part of the raffle monies goes to her charity this coming year, the RSPCA.

The Trophy Presentation followed with delight by some, as they had forgotten they had won something! A new trophy this year, presented by Bobby Appleby, was a tiny ceramic bird on a plinth, given to

Maureen Charlton as she had the highest Birdie score this season as well as an Eagle.

A standing ovation was given to Betty Beadle when she received the final award of the evening from Bobby, the Ladies Captain’s Trophy, for her unfailing humour, tenacity, love of life, wonderful cakes and reaching the wonderful age of 86 and still playing golf! Happy New Year to all and a great 2017 of golf.

Seniors

A Winter’s Day Moon seemingly close enough to touch provided the early starters with their very own magical moment on a beautifully clear December morning. A Four Ball Better Ball competition was the format for the day and some very good scores were recorded, with only two points separating the top five teams. Some deemed it necessary to already sport their newly

acquired Christmas jumpers and hip flasks also made their annual fashion statement!

Results: Terry Thatcher and Bob Earney, 46 pts, Rob Thain and Phil Toogood, 45pts,

Leo Seddon and Kevin Gould, 45pts, Paul Cains and Laurie Barlow, 45pts, Bob Baker and Steve Banfield, 44pts, Tim Waller and Doug Nash, 43pts.

Nearest the Pins on 5th, Kevin Seery, 8th, Bob Baker, 14th, Ham Ridene and 15th, Steve Ball.