The Ryder Cup has nothing on our annual Byfield Driver competition against old rivals Chipping Warden which took place on Sunday 15th October at Banbury GC, a change of venue (our choice) from previous couple of years where we had played at Cherwell Edge GC.
Six pairings from each side competed in match play format with 90% difference in handicaps given.
To start the day we all met at 09.30am for the pairings draw and some much welcomed coffee and bacon rolls, The Byfield golf society pairings were picked by our 2017 captain Tony Brock (h-cap 23) who led off with his partner for the day Paul Fawcett (8), group 2 saw John (no p) Simson (28) paired with Martin Fawcett (15) group 3 Rob Pouncey (19) and Paul Fitzell (18) group 4 Dennis England (15) and Dave (colonel) Crocker (24) group 5 was Paul (greeny) Green (23) and Paul (found it) Collins (20) and bringing up the rear guard in group 6 was Richard (dick turpin) Darlison (17) and Will Humpreys (21),
Everyone standing on the 1st tee watching could have been a bit of a nervous thing, all hoping that the dreaded air shot didn’t rear it’s ugly head, (lol) thankfully everyone seemed to get off alright some left some right and some straight down the middle,
The course was not in fantastic condition some tlc is (definitely) needed around the place, but the weather was fine and warm and as the round unwound the golf improved in some quarters and not in others and some new friendships were born. The course had a lot to offer with a variety of different shaped holes some up some down, doglegs left and right and a long par 3 in all a very varied course for most abilities.
Tony & Paul took an early lead against Jamie & Burt but were unable to get away, at one stage their three hole lead was cut back to one before finally clinching it on the 17th.
Rob’s & my match in group 3 swung backwards and forwards all day with only 1 halve hole in the front 9 holes and very similar on the back 9 but unfortunately we never managed to take the lead, with our opponent Steve managing to putt in from off the green from 20 foot and, on the next hole, chipping in from green side.
We knew it was going to be one of them days.
After about 4 hours something the 1st group arrived back at the clubhouse and started the wait for the results and other groups to start coming in, one by one over the next hour the groups started to arrive back at the club house and it appeared to be a close match, with 4 groups in the score was 2-2 so it was going down to the last two groups which both went to the final hole.
In all it was a fantastic day’s golf with friends old and new, everyone seemed to enjoy themselves by the tales being told whilst most supped a well earned beverage. Funniest thing of the day, John (no p) Simson when accused of being a bandit, as John himself said, “I’ll take that as a compliment”
Well done all who took part, I’m already looking forward to next year's competition at a venue of Chipping Warden's choice.
RESULTS ON THE DAY
GROUP
1. Tony & Paul v Burt & Jamie Won 2 & 1
2. John & Martin v Ian & Pete Won 3 & 2
3. Rob & Paul F v Steve & Tony Lost 4 & 3
4. Dennis & Dave v Alex & Dave Lost 3 & 2
5. Paul G & Paul C v Dan & Ray Lost 1 down
6. Richard & Will v Don & Rory Won 1 up
Byfield Golf Society 3 Chipping Warden 3 therefore, as the current holders Chipping Warden retain The Byfield Driver.