The all day event at The Drift for the “Putt Putt” cup in memory of Macca was a resounding success.
With a long day ahead, the Fines Master really had his huge notebook to hand and looked down (?) on the assembled golfers with some relish.
Alan B. once again called the FM Hitler, scoffed 2 bacon rolls, beating the FM to them again, ruined the first tee with his iron, requiring remediation from an excavator and, along with John T. , being cold and having tops on over their golf shirts. John T. was obviously fined again for wearing a very classy (not!) Machu Picchu hat and looking a d**k. Fair play to the person who sold it to him though and it did keep the sunburn away.
The extra competition to select a winner caused the usual confusion and comment with Colin T., Dave S., John T. and Sam B., all betting on themselves to win (what hubris). Tony F. made an incorrect entry on the 'pick a winners' sheet, by putting John T. next to his name causing panic in John as he had already picked himself.
Prev had a very creased shirt, a very offensive belt and, with Darren, Tony P., James & Chris T., all wore long trousers. Frazer was having some senior moments: gave different times to be at the venue and to save time before the matches had pre-fille some left over cards from last year - shame the Drift had changed yardages and reprinted new cards since last year - confusion amongst many players ensued. Not that it mattered to most!. Frazer was also fined for being a naughty, spoilt tempered boy on the 12th.
On the 1st tee Tony P, assaulted the FM (there was a queue, but he was in there first) and Darren, James & Prev's, 1st tee shots were all woeful.
Dave S's, tee shot on the 1st ended up on the inside of his left foot. (Strange really, as when he played football he always played inside right). Matt T. did not even make the ladies tee on the 1st.
Paul H. did a bit of slow play on the 4th, waiting for the tee to clear so he could go for the green, and missed. On another tee he took his putter by mistake....more delays!.
The FM's tee shot on the 8th never made the ladies and his team had to use it in the morning Texas scramble. Tony P. played a shot from the rough backwards through his legs and managed to hit the correct ball. Dave F., when talking about the playing groups, stated that he was playing with himself. Everyone gave him a wide berth after that.
More minor infringements were coming thick and fast but still attracted fines. Matt T. stated that he was taller than the FM....this could come down to a tie break!; James was late; Ian T. was generally talking rubbish; Tony F. looked a scruff with his shirt untucked. Jack, shared a buggy with Dave S and then walked the course. Tom, stole drivers from the pro shop (he is the Boss after all); James stated that he was Simon Templar, i.e. a saint. Ian T & Tom, talking about playing with each others balls in the shower and Dave F. getting lost in the shower.
Last but not least, Tony F. had his hat on, on the 18th , whilst shaking hands and Mike sat before the Captain at dinner.
Thanks to the generosity of members in support of the “Macca” fund we were able to add another approximately £400 to the fund, making the grand total from 3 events almost £1,000. Well done to all members for their commitment to his memory. We all miss Macca a lot and there will never be another one like him, but we are sure that he will always be with us in spirit and memory.
Going through the past Drift games we have played it was noticed that Macca won a 2013 event at the Drift, with the same number of points (39), as did Chris T. our members winner this year. What a coincidence! and congratulations to Chris.
The overall event winner, Jack Redknap below being congratulated by Captain:
And very fittingly, as a close mate and having spoken at Macca's funeral, the members winner Chris Turvill collecting Macca's The Putt Putt Jug.
Roving reporter: John Thorp