Now under new management, Banbury G C was a bomb site, but for the better. The old club house gone and the new one nearly finished, we even had a guided tour with the boss, Chris, showing all the good sides to their new home, which also had a two bay golf course simulator game with 100's of courses to play around the world, very nice.
We all met in the marque as the lounge was being prepared for their Captain's day who were out before us. The other changes to the course were the 1st starting point, it's now at the old 14th par three, then around the outside and back on the inside, different but I found it OK until my trolley battery failed. Also there were a few changes to the some teeing areas, the course was in reasonable shape, but Chris informed us that they would be doing a lot more course management when the club house was finished and through the autumn and winter.
Again we were low on members and it was good to see Chris Huckle back out swinging the lead sorry Chris, CLUB again, he told us that it was three years since he'd been out on a golf course, that's it break it in gently. Also back today was Phil, looking tired and exhausted from catching up on his work load, and Alan Williams looking better than he did at Kilworth, he says that he has to have a pacemaker fitted soon, so it's going to be a hard job to keep up with him when he finds how to use it. Also with us again was Paddy Murray, an ever present guest lately, says he may join next year, we hope so.
There was three 3's and a four out today and a few competitions being played just to add interest to the day, one double and the Jack Miall trophy. I was in the second group with the Sim(p)son's, Bart and Marge, great fun and good company until my battery gave up on the 12th and I had to push the dame thing, I nearly gave up but, as the last six holes were flat, I pushed on, after a few holes we met up with the Captain and Gareth and I cadged a lift, but no Chris, he decided to retire at the ninth felling tired and cold due to the wind and light rain, hope you're feeling better today Chris. Saw Phil this morning he didn't look any better than Sunday as he also finished on the thirteenth, Alan's syndrome.
I had a great time with John (38) and Peter (43) who were really setting the course alight ending up first and second to Bob's delight also on the cutting table was Tony Brock who came third on count back from John. There were some great scores out there again today, the first eight in the thirties, two on twenty nine and last but not least Dennis on twenty six. Nearest the pin on 7th was Tony and the 16th was Paddy. The two's pot was claimed by Hon Capt Patrick on the 18th with a great twenty foot plus putt.
In the competitions, the semi final of the pairs Tony and Dave Crocker defeated a lonely Bob Cubitt, who had to play on his own, 6 and 4. well played Bob for holding out and Dave and Tony for the win. Tony was also the winner of the Jack Miall with a nett score of 69 well done Tony, in second place was Alan Williams with a nett 75. well done all the winners.
At the presentation Patrick thanked Chris Ward for standing in for him at the last couple of fixtures, also wished Dennis a happy retirement and did he want a job. Dennis replied, he was fully employed thank you. Also, he congratulated Martin and Gemma, wishing them a happy life together after their marriage a few weeks ago, and proclaimed, the end of life as you knew it Martin.
Greenwood positions
1/ P. Simson 21pts 2/ J. Simson 19pts 3/ T. Brock 17pts 4/ D. Crocker 15pts 5/ B. Cubitt 13pts
6/ G. Pritchard 11pts 7/ A. Williams 10pts 8/ G. Jones 9pts 9/ P. Stone 8pts 10/ D. England 7pts
11/12 C. Huckle and P Daynes 5.5 pts each.
Next Fixture
Stratford Oaks on Sunday the 25th Tee off at 2pm. If you haven't all ready put your name down please contact Phil ASAP, Tel 01327 700554 or Email daynes61@aol.com closing date August 19th, cost on the day will be £17 plus bits. Please be there before 1-15pm, may get out earlier.
Hold the press Phil has just contacted me and he is trying to change the date to 17th or 18th (looks good) leaving Bank holiday free. Tee time the same.
How to get there.
Take the M40 to Jn 15. On the round about and take the A 46 to Stratford, at the next round about follow the A46 road to Stratford until you see the signs for Snitterfield, turn right (busy road take care turning) and follow the road through the village to Bearley, Stratford Oaks will be on the right after aprox 1 mile.
Captain's Day
Patrick has chosen Wellingborough Golf Club for captain's day this year, on Friday, September 6th tee off 10am. An old established club, Wellingborough is one of the best clubs in the area, it's a good parkland course with not to many hilly bits, well not when I played it last. This is open to members and guests and the cost on the day is £47 The cost includes dinner afterwards.
PLEASE, do your best for Patrick and Captains Day, and make it a great day out. Call or Email Phil now and book a place. We need to know, don't leave it.
COMPETITIONS
The singles is at the semi final stage last date for completion is 25th of August
Phil Daynes v Dave Williams and Patrick Stone v Alan Williams
The Doubles final is to be played by October 6th.
Patrick Stone and Rob Pouncey v Dave Crocker and Tony Brock
Byfield Driver
The Byfield Driver will be played on Sunday October the 20th probably at Banbury Golf Club our usual venue. more information later. Check your diaries and register your interest to play in this prestigious match.
Presentation Night
Another date for your diaries Friday November the 15th. our presentation night at The Windmill Hotel Badby, a venue that every one seems to like and we have made our home, so don't forget it, put it in your diaries NOW.
All the news for now, updates on Stratford Oaks very soon and anything else I have forgotten.
See you all at Stratford
The Blind One
Glyn