Hoebridge hosted this year's Christmas bash and 14 members and 1 guest ventured out on what turned out to be a very pleasant day, weather was fine, course was obviously wet but it played very well, the greens were on the slow side but at least you could throw the ball at the pin. The wind played its part, 3 of the 4 skill prize holes were into the wind. The 16th Par 3, playing 180 yards required a full driver plus.
Still, we are thinking of renaming this event to the Paul Healy invitational. He won this for the second year running and this year he won all the nearest the pin prizes, he tried to creep out after the AGM but clinking of the bottles made the task impossible. At least the longest drive went to Frazer, who reported that his driving was not an issue, it was just around the green and putting, often reaching the edge or on the green in two only to blob the hole!
Paul Beard's last match as captain was noted by him teeing of first, and sharing a buggy with Dave Flavell. Macca breathed a sigh of relief as he had a new trolley and was a couple of groups behind. The last time Macca had a new trolley, Captain Beard managed to run over it on the first hole, not even reaching the ladies Tee, this time it made all 18 holes unscathed!
Paul B and Dave F orienteering skills have not improved much as they turned up on the first Tee, wondered why a group had jumped in front of them, they were attempting to find the 10th!!
Prev made his mark, Looked like a Green Goddess on the first hole, he complained the wind took his sliced shot to the right- nothing do with the slice then?!! He managed one shot through his legs and even better, on one hole, his Tee shot went through his playing partners buggy' fortunately they were not in it at the time otherwise a lot of cleaning up would have been required.
Some of the above attracted a fine, others fines, such as Bah Hum Bug Frazer, John T, Macca and Matt for eating before the captain, Captain for not attending the last event which was partly chosen as it was closer to his house - he rubbed it in by sending a picture of clear blue skies from Portugal, Dave Shorter fined for his first Tee Shot - not because he failed with it, just because it was his first Tee shot and it attracted a big cheer!! Alan Sutcliffe got his days muddled up and wore Pink which was the captains day colour - he claims it was prawn - still pink!! Dave S did complete a practice swing which nipped the top of the ball - enough though for it to fall off the Tee.
Quote of the day must go to Dave Flavell, before we teed off he announced, on the 5th Hole - 'don't go down the middle', Dave, this is a bunkers event; we never go down the middle! Really, he meant it was boggy and was aimed a buggy drivers.
Last word must go down to Paul Healy, for the second time this year turned up with a non-engraved trophy! When checking, he was not the only one, Mark Harris and Dave Evans had also failed to complete this task for 2012 & 13.
The Yellow Ball Team competition this year had an extra challenge, who could hit Macca the furthest!! Yes, our captain produced yellow Balls with Macca's face on, I don't know but I am sure he winked at you just before you Tee'd off in an attempt to put you off! On completion of the rounds Macca looked no different, so we obviously did not strike the ball hard enough.
To the results:
First Place - Paul Healy
Second Place - John Thorp
Third Place - Paul Donlevy
Skill Prizes:
Longest Drive - Hole 8 - Frazer Webb
Nearest The Pin in 3 shots - Hole 3 - Paul Healy
Nearest The Pin in 2 shots - Hole 14 - Paul Healy
Nearest The Pin - Hole 6 - Paul Healy
Strongest Man - Frazer Webb
Team prize went to Ian T, Dave Shorter and Tony Peters.
The winner, Paul Healy, seen below with Captain Beard.
This is my last report as the roving reporter after 3 years in the role. I hope you have enjoyed reading some of the reports. I look forward to reading the new incumbent's renderings!
Roving reporter: Ian Turvill