All golf club captains hope their Captain's Day will be fine and a memorable occasion. This year, it was almost a forlorn hope for Helen Morgan, considering the weather for the last three months, that it would be dry, but nevertheless the day was great fun and certainly memorable. At 9 am, the first three competitors, which included the president, Anne Morris, set out (on Captain's Day you must play whatever the conditions, it is an unwritten rule of all clubs). They were back in the clubhouse, closely resembling drowned rats, by 9.15 saying that in spite of the course being technically playable, it was far too wet to contemplate playing 18 holes. Gradually, everyone arrived and the morning was spent watching the rain and drinking, tea or coffee, I might add! Eventually, after consulting all available weather forecasts, Helen decided we would play a shortened course of 12 holes beginning at 2 pm, when we were assured it would be dry. Well, it was, but by then an extremely fierce gale force wind was gathering speed. Nevertheless, nothing daunted, everyone set out with high hopes. This year, Helen had decided on a String competition with a Stableford. This meant we had no specific shots at designated holes, but were each presented with a ball of shiny green garden string cut to our total handicap allowances with one-metre for each shot. It was like having bisques available at each hole and we could use our string anywhere cutting off appropriate amounts to represent a shot. If it had not been so windy the laughter all this generated, would have been heard all over the course as we fought to control the string and not lose the pieces we cut off. It was all great fun and judicious use of the string meant we didn't need to hole out in difficult conditions, that is if we hadn't already lost the ball in what now resembles a jungle in much of the rough. (My biologist background ensures I support National Park wholeheartedly in their control of grass cutting, but my golfing soul does not!) Eventually, we all returned to the clubhouse and our enjoyment of the day continued with a very enjoyable meal mingled with envy for those who had won one of Helen's beautiful prizes. It had been a great day and one we will all remember and we are sure Helen will too. Thank you very much Helen.
RESULTS
Captain's prize - Rhian Walters 25 pts (on back two). Division One (Handicaps 9-23): 1. Anne Morris 25 pts (back three); 2. Linda Evans 25 pts; 3. Pam Cole 23 pts. Division Two (Handicaps 24-35): 1. Jean Charnock 19 pts; 2. Ann Follon (back three) 18 pts; 3. Mary Lewis 18 pts. Division Three (Handicap 36): 1. Mary Williams 11 pts (back three); 2. Senga Waddilove 11 pts; 3. Barbara Morris 10 pts. Granny Rowlands Salver: Anne Morris 25 pts. Veterans Salver: Barbara Shaw 20 pts (back three). Twos (with judicious use of string): 12 competitors won two balls each. Eleven competitors won one ball each. B.M.S.