A fine, slightly windy day saw us return to Hartley Wintney for the first time in several years. 23 players ventured out including our Pro who damaged his worn out knee (like most other parts of his body) and so required a buggy and forced an order change - fine! It was also nice to see a return of John Waghorn who played in his 98th event for the society and Paul Warren, who was dressed in rather sober colours to his normal loud oranges etc. The greens were hard but played well, most found it difficult to hold them but in general the course was in good condition.
To the course, well it would not be a bunkers report without mentioning 1st shot Shorter, yes back to his old ways, he managed the shortest tee shot of the day. However, on the 18th he was the first name on the longest drive and he was not in the first group either. Big hitters Chris T and Mark T had already been through but could not match the finesse that was required on a tricky tight tee shot. As proof a picture of the card is below:
Frazer has adopted a new cack-handed putting style, but it worked and is better than his one handed trial a few rounds ago.
Peter Carfrae manage to hit the bridge on the 12th only to be deflected onto the fairway, whereas Dave Shorter on the 11th hit the bridge from a low trajectory and the bounce that followed was vertically up and into the ditch beneath the bridge!
Paul Beard's eye sight is starting to fail, he took his tee shot on the par 3 17th - which landed in the bunker - whilst the group in front where preparing to putt! He said he thought they were on the 18th tee.
Alan Wood managed to chip into a bunker that was at least 45 degrees to his right.
Mark Turvill on the 12th managed to play the hole without using the fairway or even a putter as he holed his bunker shot, whereas playing partner Chris T on the same hole used the course in a conventional manor but managed to 4 putt!
Matt T holed a 35 foot putt on the first to rescue a par.
Michael Prevost after returning from an operation again played out of his socks, similar to his last operation where he won at Wokefield Park, as they say, beware of the injured golfer.
One mention must go to Paul Healy, winner of this match last year, yes a whole year ago yet he turned up with a non-engraved trophy - he deserved all the fines the captain issued.
To the skill prizes - was it the last groups day?!?
Nearest The Pin on 14th- Paul Warren
Longest Drive on 18th - Paul Warren
Nearest The Pin in 2 shots on 2nd - Macca
Nearest The Pin in 3 shots on 8th - Paul Healy (Only one not in last group!)
The winner with a creditable 37 points - Michael Prevost - seen below with Captain Beard.
Roving reporter: Ian Turvill