Match Report

2001 Spring Meeting

Date - 23rd May 2001
Venue – Links GC, Newmarket
Attendance – 40
Weather – Sunny temp 21-25 deg C

A full field turned out on a beautiful day to play on a course in first class condition. The greens were true and reasonably-paced and there was little wind to start with, no excuses for not scoring well!

Our first group left at 0830 in already pleasant temperatures. Later in the round we came on a watering place which was accessible from 4 different holes - very welcome on the day.

The course proved to be a tough enough challenge for both handicap categories without making progress too slow. I was pleased that we got to play both holes across the gallops from the top tees as the views were wonderful and the shots, although not difficult, needed some concentration as the gallops had surprisingly long grass (maybe the horses have soft feet). There were 2 outstanding performances in the morning round: Mark Phipps and Bob Larbey each scoring 41 points. I heard many tales of woe from other competitors.

Handicap alterations

In the afternoon, Richard Beecroft and Mark Ashton played very well and scored heavily on the stroke holes by making birdies at almost all of them! I was able to observe their play from close quarters. Richard also opened his shoulders at the last to claim the longest drive as well.

See final results (Excel spreadsheet).

Our evening meal was very well received and the service was excellent. Computacenter produced a surprise extra prize of 2 tickets to the Ascot races. The draw produced a popular winner, Colin South. Members were each presented with scorecard holders by Astracom represented by Daryn Dodge and a pack of balls by Conformance Standards Ltd represented by Roger Stinton.

I really enjoyed the day and hope everyone else did too. We now look forward to the Autumn Meeting to be held on 12th September 2001 at Ufford Park. Invitations will be sent out early July.

Happy golfing
George Courtney