As with all big days in our congested golfing calendar, planning and preparation are the keys to a successful day. I am pleased to say the pre-season tick off list of club friendlies worked a treat with a very impressive fifty-two members turning up to play in thirteen four balls. Vice-Captain Phill Davies, professional Greg and Jake can take great credit from the onerous task of assembling this number of participants. The only thing out of your control at this time of year is the weather (it’s a British thing to talk about it constantly). On Saturday it did not let us down – played at the end of a period of relatively dry weather.

This meant the course was in good condition but did not offer a lot of sympathy to those playing, with the greens relatively fast after the recent ironing, flags in some tricky positions, and most of the participants playing off the white tees for the first time this year.

In a right and proper manner, the captain allowed certain elderly and/or high handicappers a concession of playing off the yellow tees. Two groups took up this offer.

After the disappointment of the previous cancellation of the match against Brocton (amazingly not our course - Brocton was flooded), it was good to get the season of intra and inter-club matches away to a flyer with this fixture. The banter flowed throughout, and all had a great time, giving nothing to their opponents. Dennis Vincent was heard moaning (for a change) about he and his partner Steve Matthews being three under for the match but still losing to Gary Mycock and Dave Fowler at the death. Ralph Harrison (playing for the 8^th time that week) with Tony Brindley as his partner made mincemeat of Ross Martin and Craig Stanier. The captain and Greg Rogula lost to Phill Davies and Ross Salmon in a tight battle, in which Phill gave those present a master-class in chipping very close in about seven of his nine attempts at that task. Very impressive.

Roy Morris achieved a magnificent hole-in-one on the thirteenth hole, off the white tee, and supplied the groups with the traditional bottle of whisky behind the bar.

Fortified by a generous supply of wine on each table, gifted by the captain and vice-captain, a contented gathering dined together in good spirits. The meal choice and quality delivered was second to none, and conversation flowed freely.

The captain thanked all for turning up, especially those who had not played before, including youngsters Tom Hodgkinson and Alex Bamford. He also expressed his gratitude to the catering staff for the fayre.

There are many of these types of matches to be played this year. Please give them your support, it is much appreciated.

Captain – Andrew Baxter