Conditions for the first Turkey Trot of this festive season on Saturday, November 29, were appalling. Persistent, heavy rain in the morning made scoring difficult for most, but not for 'Dazzling Danny' Butler, who played magnificently to knock up a splendid 42-point tally. This was exceptional in the conditions, as were the performances of John Chirnside and Brian Norman, who both scored 38, John taking second place on countback. Roger Thompson and Mel Neale each recorded a two.
It was with some relief that a large turnout of Seniors took to the fairways on Thursday, November 28, the previous three mid-week stablefords having been a complete washout. Handicap committee member Terry Whiston was the winner with 39 points, with Mel Beeley second with 36 and Roger Thompson third with 34.
Improving weather enabled both mid-week stablefords to be played the following week. There were sizeable entries on both occasions and, with the course having dried out comprehensively after the heavy November rain, there were some high scores.
On Tuesday, December 3, it was Derek Jones' turn to shine. His score of 45 was one of the best of the winter season at Trefloyne and prompted an immediate response from Terry Whiston in his handicapping capacity, not least because Terry himself was runner-up with 43. In third place was Alex Evans with 38.
Two days later and Alex became, and surely will remain for some time, the youngest winner of the 'Seniors' stableford, improving his Tuesday score of 38 to 41 this time. Runner-up, again, was Terry Whiston with 39, and in fairness to Terry it can now be recorded that his handicap has been reduced. Graham Wharton was third, rueing a poor start, as he finished with a 24-point back nine for 37 points in all.
The eclectic competition has finished and the result will be reported next week along with the result of the Junior competition, in which Leighton Gwyther failed to improve his score but still retained his lead after round five.
With one round remaining Leighton stands on 55, with Daniel Brace second on 56, and Matthew McMann and Luke Laidler joint third on 57. Ashley Evans is fifth on 58 and Nathan Lewis sixth on 61. All to play for in the final week!
Members are reminded that the third and final turkey trot takes place tomorrow (Saturday). The Christmas Spirit competition is on Saturday, December 21, and the 'End of Year' competition is on Saturday, December 28.