The weather forecast had improved considerably over the previous 24 hours, and while there was a noticeable nip in the air after the slight overnight frost, the sun was shining brightly, and continued to do so for the rest of our day. A gentle breeze was hardly stirring the leaves around the course. This did gather pace somewhat as we moved on to the back nine, but never enough to seriously influence a true-hit shot, or the direction of aim during a comfort-break.
We always play Kirtlington on this first weekend of October, the weather never disappoints, and nor did the course this year, which lived up to expectations, and if anything, was better than ever. Our Captain was moved to pass on his congratulations to the staff for the excellent condition of their course. The primary rough only beckoned if you were wide with your shot, but if you accepted the invitation, long, flattened, wiry grass was likely to envelope, then swallow, your ball. But we know we shouldn't go there, don't we? The greens are often large, undulating and protected by bunkers. The previous day's rainfall and the overnight frost had dampened them sufficiently so that good approach shots usually held, and thoughtful putting was well rewarded.
In addition to our usual competitions, the Kevin Tomalin Memorial Trophy is played at the last fixture of the season, and this year six of the qualifying eight members were present and competed.
So, four fours teed off at the appointed hour down the opening par five. Yours truly drew the Captain's leading group for the first time this season, with Dennis and Peter completing our group, and the weather, the fine course, and the company made for a most enjoyable round. Dennis was in aggressive mood on the beach at the 10th, and at his second attempt, the blade of his wedge parted company from the shaft at the hosel, travelling much further than the ball. Dennis was also in athletic mood on the 16th when Peter's tee shot seemed to join the "gracing" sheep*. His vault of the electric fence was most accomplished and was much admired by the watching flock. All to no avail, as in the meantime, Peter's ball turned up some 75 yards further on. During the round, the Captain frequently got into the wrong buggy of the two available, probably more to do with the presence of Peter's lunch of pork pie and sandwiches than Chris' poor eyesight. However, our Captain rarely got it wrong on the course itself, and strung together an excellent 18 holes' play.
*gracing: "seemingly effortless beauty or charm of movement"
Results:
Dave Crocker won the Kevin Tomalin Memorial Trophy Stableford competition on count back from Glyn Jones. Dave Williams was confirmed as triumphant in the Greenwood Trophy.
Nearest The Pins: 4th: Dennis, 16th: Tom. There were no "twos".
Stableford. T
here were some cracking scores, with six totals of 36 pts or more. Overall by far the best of the season, and possibly a reward for some for time spent on the driving range beforehand...........
1st: The Captain 42 pts (22 pts out, 20 pts back), 2nd: Alan 40 pts, 3rd: Bob 36 pts, 4th: Dave Crocker 36 pts, 5th: Glyn 36 pts, 6th: Ian 36 pts, 7th: Tony 34 pts, 8th: Dave Williams 34 pts, 9th: Tom 33 pts, 10th: Martin 31 pts, 11th: Dennis 29 pts, 12th: Peter 28 pts, 13th: John 27 pts, 14th: Rob 24 pts, 15th: Paul 18 pts, 16th Craig 16 pts.
Next Events:
Byfield Driver - Sunday 19th October at Cherwell Edge, arrive 10.00 am for 11.00 am tee off. Bob Cubitt is organising, and needs urgently final confirmation of your attendance if you have not already done so.
Annual Presentation & Reunion Dinner - Friday 14th November at the Windmill, Badby. 7.30 pm for 8.00 pm. Reservations and menu choices now being taken. Email to me soonest please. This is our Captain Chris Ward's final function of the season, and he will then be handing over to our Captain for 2015, Dave Crocker.
So, this being my final fixture report of the season, I would just like to record my thanks to Bob Cubitt for stepping in and submitting reports during my recent enforced absence.