Match report

2003 Spring meeting

Date - 2nd May 2003
Venue – The Stoke by Nayland Club
Attendance – 54
Weather – Occasional heavy showers and strong wind

The weather had been dry for some time, but the forecast for the day of the Spring Event was diabolical. As it turned out, the rain restricted itself to two relatively short periods during the day, but those on the course during those two periods certainly tested their wet weather gear!

The venue has two attractive courses: the Gainsborough and the Constable. Both have plenty of hills (who said East Anglia was flat!) and water to challenge the best golfers. A record-breaking number of 54 people teed off in the morning to play on the Gainsborough course in the beautiful Suffolk countryside. But beauty is only green-deep, as golfers say - the greens left a lot to be desired (at least that's my excuse).

The 18th hole on the Constable course. Driving 196 yards to the green, across water is hard enough, but in front of the club house too!

We had two starting tees both morning and afternoon. In my opinion, those who started on the 10th of the Gainsborough faced the most daunting start: it was here they had to hit a drive parallel to the lake, only to then have to strike another shot with a massive carry over the lake, yet stopping the ball short to keep it in bounds!

Sadly, two people retired injured after the morning's golf (one with a back problem and the other a dodgy knee).

After refueling on ham, egg and chips it was time to face the Constable course on our own in the singles matches. Looking back, I cannot think of a particularly easy hole. Each had some hazard or mature trees to make like difficult - even without the weather. Thus only two people managed to play to, or better their handicaps: Kevin Folan won the high handicapper's prize with 36 points and Andy Randall achieved 39 points to win the low handicapper's prize; both were very impressive results in difficult conditions. See the results sheets for full details.

Andy explaining that he owes his success to George, who taught him everything he knows...

A delicious evening meal and a few glasses of liquid refreshments revived us all for the prize giving - thank goodness I didn't win the mystery low for the third consecutive time! Andrew Wright and Rob Glassford won the 4BBB with 45 points. In singles: Kevin Folan won the high handicapper's prize with 36 points and Andy Randall won low handicapper prize with 39 points. See full results including nearest the pin and longest drives.

The winners of the 2002-2003 knockouts were announced:

• Doubles - Steve Hodgkiss & Roger Stinton
• Singles - David Clark

I had a good time and hope everyone else did too. My thanks go to The Stoke by Nayland Club, the BTRGS Committee members, Rob Haste of Golf Galore (for providing us with substantial discounts on the prizes) and for all of you who played on the day and made it so enjoyable. The Autumn Event will be on 3rd September 2003 at Bungay Golf Club. Invitations will be sent out late June. I look forward to seeing you there.

Iain Wright
BTRGS Captain