We gathered in the club house for our regular coffee, some bacon rolls and chat before the draw for the day. As the Captain was contending the doubles final, the captain elect, Patrick Stone, did the honours leading the way with Chris Ward and Rob Pouncey. There were no buggies out today as the course had not recovered enough from the torrential rain Thursday and Friday. It was strange not seeing buggies around the course but us infirm members made it, all in good time to. Apart from a few wet areas the course was in good shape the greens were a bit bumpy and slow but in reasonable condition and the rough was the same as
usual, rough.
I went out in group two with Dave Crocker and Martin Crooke first time with either player this year. This was Martin first season with us and the first I've played with him and today he came in third on count back with three others on 34pts his best of the season. Once he gets his short game together he will be really dangerous. I seem to remember saying that about a Mr Pouncey earlier in the season. Once again this week two of the top players were in my group. Dave seemed to plod on but scored on every hole ending up with 37pts and Martin with his long driving seemed to be edging towards high scores but just failed on his short game, shame as he would have been up with the winner. Me I managed to keep up the pace, but had a run of one pointer’s which dropped me down the ratings.
There was some good scoring today with the first twelve getting 30pts or more with lots on count back with the rest in the mid 20’s. Like last year, there was a runaway winner on the day with 45pts, Rob Pouncey, well done Rob. Second with 37pts was Dave Crocker and third on count back Martin Crooke on 34pts from Dennis England, Alan Williams and Bob Cubitt. Nearest the pin on the 4th was Dave Crocker and the Sixteenth was Patrick Stone. The Two’s was shared between Glyn Jones and Nigel Pullen and finally, Phil Daynes won the longest drive on the 18th in aid of the charity.
Also played today was the Kevin Tomalin Trophy won by Dave Crocker, from Dave Williams, Alan Williams and Glyn Jones. The doubles competition was won by Alan Williams and Nigel Pullen who beat Alan Povey and Dave Williams 3 & 2.
Well done to all the winners today and throughout the season and your good selves who participated in the competitions and turned out for the entire Greenwood and Captains Day this year with out your support we would not be here, thank you.
Greenwood placings:
1. R. Pouncey 21pts 2. D. Crocker 19pts 3. M. Crooke 17pts 4. A. Williams 15pts 5. D. England 13pts 6. B. Cubitt 11pts
7. P. Stone 10pts 8. A. Povey 9pts 9. D. Williams 8pts 10. N. Pullen 7pts 11. C. Ward 6pts 12. G. Jones 5pts 13. J. Simson 4pts
14. P. Daynes 3pts 15. P. Simson 2pts, T. Brock and B. Stringer 1pt each.
The Byfield Driver
Some members may not know much about the Byfield driver. It’s an annual competition between golf societies of Byfield and Chipping Warden. Played, on and off, since 1979. Its format is a doubles competition made up of six pairs, 1pt for a win ½ for a tie. I’m glad to say we have won it for the past two years and will do our best to retain it for another year. The team is picked by asking members who would like to represent the society in this annual event. Some years we have just enough, others not enough, and then too many. This year we had too many, but Chippy came to us and asked if we could get fourteen so all who put their names forward hopefully we will all get a game.
I have the unenviable task of picking the team, some members will be disappointed but I try and pick the best team and pair the right players together, so I’m sorry if you’re disappointed. This year’s team is;
Glyn Jones (capt), Dennis England, Dave Williams, Phil Daynes, Chris Ward, Alan Povey, Bob Cubitt, Tony Brock, Dave Crocker, Gareth Pritchard, Alan Williams, Patrick Stone, Drew Chamberlain and Nigel Pullen
The match will be played on Sunday October 21st at Banbury Golf centre, Aynho Road, Adderbury, Nr Banbury where it’s been held for the last few years. The first tee is 10am so be there by 9am, please, so I don’t have hassle and you can have breakfast or a roll before you go out. Cost on the day will be £20, cheque's made payable to Banbury Golf Centre.
After the match and presentation there is a buffet at the Hare and Hounds Wardington at a cost of £6 well worth the money if you haven’t been there before, let me know if you will be attending, your wives or partners are welcome as well.
If you are unable to play let me A.S.A.P
Presentation Night
Thank you for your response and menu choice for the night, there are still a few out standing members to reply so please get them to me as soon as possible. Payment by cheque, made payable to the Byfield golf society or cash, sent or given to me before hand please, as I do not want to be handling moneys on the night. Just to remind you the cost is £16 for members and £26 for wives, partners and guests. There will be transport from the Byfield area, route and cost later there will be an increase this year but it’s still cheaper than a taxi.
All members with Trophies make sure they are engraved and clean for presentation. Bring them with you or arrange for someone to bring it back if you cannot attend.
Finally
On behalf of the society our thanks to our outgoing Captain, Alan Williams, for the way he has marshaled us this season and kept us up to scratch. One more task Alan then you can relax and get the ticker back in shape, many thanks.
And many thanks to, to Dave Williams (the hatchet man) who sprang his retirement as Handicap and competitions secretary yesterday. I think he must have lost a few fingers while axing Rob Pouncey 5 shots this week. Many thanks Dave, for bringing together the handicap structure, under great pressure from some members, but you proved it was the right way over the years.
Dave you have been a stalwart member of the committee and society for many years and on behalf of the members, thanks for your support. You can now slip back into ranks and as you say cause havoc to the next incumbent.
Position Vacant - Handicap and Competitions Secretary
That it for this week. See the Byfield Driver team members at Banbury Golf Centre on Sunday the 21st of October at 9am sharp.
Regards
The Blind One
Glyn