We returned to Pine Ridge for our first outing of 2016, weather was kind to us - relatively fresh but at least dry. 16 members and 5 guests allowed for 7 *3 Balls teeing off at 12.30pm. A good round followed.
A few notes from the course:
Our Captain - Dave '1st Tee' Shorter (first outing as captain) fresh from the driving range with confidence, but his jinx continues and although a longer shot, it was very much a grubber. His team mates confirmed after that his Tee shots were good.
We welcome Ray Steele who has joined the society
We also saw extremes of clothing; Darren Anderson was out in a Short Sleeved Tee Shirt, whereas many others had wet weather gear, thermal under clothes and Hats. In fact Darren had a long sleeve shirt on for the meal after so had more clothes on indoors than outdoors!
We must mention John Thorp who, at the AGM took a voluntary cut to 18 only to smash the course and came in with a very nice 40 points. Not always the best move as a big cut will be due and as this is the first match of the season might make the remainder games a bit trickier.
Last year, Michael Prevost was a three time winner, all after some injury, but not this time and managed to get the lowest score, a mere 23 points.
Bryan Carter Chipped in on the Par 3 - 6th.
Colin Turvill Chipped in on the Par 3 - 17th.
Mark Turvill did not have his best game, many Tee shots found the trees but, he always managed to get out ok. He is going to write to Pine Ridge to suggest relocation of Tees to the Trees! Like normal, the provisional shots were straight. He also wore a Step Meter. Allowing for the morning getting to the course (he drove) he still managed to do some 17000 steps, so he either shuffled a lot on the green or he spent a lot of time criss-crossing the fairways.
Frazer spent his fair time in or behind the trees but each time he managed to play straight out.
John Thorp was well wrapped up suffering from a cold. He did not receive much sympathy as he had sent e mail replies 'from Sunny Dubai' and even had the nerve to send pictures. Still he had the last laugh by winning.
We must also mention our past Captain. Paul Beard judged timing to perfection, trying to text or phone people during the meal and the fines period. Wise people had put their phone on silent, so Mr Beard - bring some cash next time!!
Lastly, we have to mention Alan Sutcliffe - his hands must have been wet or his grips need replacing as one of his clubs managed to escape his hands, or was it frustration at another bad shot?!?!
Nearest the Pin in 3 - Hole 14 - Frazer Webb
Nearest the Pin in 2 - Hole 7 - Paul Donelevy
Nearest the Pin - Hole 3 - Paul Beck
Nearest the Pin - Hole 17 - Frazer Webb
Strongest Man - Michael Prevost - 23 Points
Winner John Thorp - 40 Points
Winner John Thorp (again) 40 Points below in photo with this years Captain "1st tee" Shorter - well done all!
Stand in roving reporter: Ian Turvill