Pego Golf Society – Competition Report – August 31^st 2010

A slightly overcast day, with a forecast of sunshine and breezes, welcomed 39 society members and three guests to Oliva Nova for this week’s competition. Our guests were Roger Teideman (a ‘holiday romance’ type friend of Malcolm Cannon), Steve Fraser (Brian Redfearn’s son-in-law) and John Costigan (an almost constant guest, this week invited by Stevie Legg). The guest prize was won by Johnnie with a well crafted 28 Stableford points off a handicap of 11.7. I fear his points total would not have been sufficient to get him among the prizes on, quite literally, one of his society’s (Montgo) days, but he did avail himself of what I assume is their more relaxed dress code by swanning around the clubhouse in a collarless shirt – we trust he won’t be committing this particular faux pas again (although he could be forgiven on this occasion as Campbell’s uncle, a society member, was similarly attired!!).

The weather was perfect for golf and the course was in decent condition, though showing signs of the recent hot weather (greens burning up a bit, the odd bare patch on the fairways) and much increased ‘holiday golfer’ traffic (divots not replaced, unrepaired pitch marks); once again I found the greens a little slow, but that comment loses all credence in light of the excellent winning scores!

I would like to thank my playing partners for a very friendly and amusement filled round – Dave Pointer, whose 20 points on the front nine were not matched by his collapse on the back nine (14 points) but was still sufficient to get him among the prizes – El Tel Leary, Dave’s buggy partner, who’s sense of humour is overshadowed only by his lack of decorum – and our esteemed Captain, Brian ‘he of the La Sella headgear’ West, whose excellent ball striking was totally eclipsed by his lack of direction, accumulating a rather embarrassing 23 points! On the subject of poor direction, Barry Levett may want to enrol his electric trolley in an orientation course; whilst returning to the 16^th green to putt out he released his trolley to run down the hill towards the 17^th tee. On his arrival at the 17^th tee he was very perplexed as to its whereabouts as it was nowhere to be seen. Whilst searching through the undergrowth and streams he dispatched Trevor Nash up the 17^th fairway in case it had run up there – Trevor returned empty handed and Barry’s perplexity was fast turning to consternation. Someone then suggested that they follow some tracks, which led them across the 9^th tee, across the 8^th fairway, across the 10^th fairway, through the rough, finally ending up against the wall close to the driving range, about 800 metres from where he’d last seen it – and the wheels were still spinning!!!!

Dave Pointer, Ronnie Webb’s able (or should that be ample?) stand in was called upon by Captain West to announce the winners of the ‘extra’ competitions; the 2’s pot this week was shared by Stevie Legg (having converted his Nearest the Pin on the 16^th), Ian Robertson and John Chessher. The format of the Balls in the Water Competition changed this week to allow up to three people to guess the same number (or calculate in Bill Pike’s case – but he was missing the vital ‘Les is playing’ information this week!) so there are no longer runners’ up prizes. The BIW’s pot this week was shared by Thelma Saul, Stevie Legg and Martin Gates, the latter garnering the Nearest the Pin prize on the 3^rd, but perhaps, like me, he found the greens a little slow (although he’s not renowned for his handling of the flat faced club) as he failed to convert for a share of the 2’s pot!

As is normal, Captain West announced the prize winners:

Division 1

Winner – Brian Redfearn with a ‘0.6 handicap reducing’ superb 39 points off 6.9

Runner up – Malcolm Cannon with an excellent 38 points off 12.3

Third – Alan Barwick, also with an excellent 38 points but off the higher handicap of 16.4

Division 2

Winner – Stevie ‘should you be allowed to win this many prizes?’ Legg with an excellent 40 points off 19.9

Runner up – IPC Dan Gibbs with another excellent knock and 38 points off 24.4

Third – Dave Pointer off 19.1

Captain West closed by reminding us that his Captain’s Day is on September 21^st and he’s looking forward to a good turnout to support him on his special day.

I’m sure we’re all looking forward to next week’s Yellow Ball competition (hope I’m paired with someone who understands Jim’s rules?!) which will, once again, be at Oliva Nova, on Tuesday, September 7^th with the first tee time at 8:50, registration at 8:15. Details may be found on our website, the address of which is www.pegogolfsociety.net. (Don’t forget to check the play list on Friday to make sure your name is included if you want to play!)