Captains Page

Captain’s Report

It is alarming to realise that one third of my year as captain has already passed. Time goes quickly when you are having fun. To say life has been hectic over the last few months is an understatement and the pace appears to be accelerating by the week.

My first official game was the Captain’s Scramble played in a snow storm, the most miserable day possible for which half the field sensibly walked in. But not Dave Honour bless him, who won for the second year running – these Scots are tough creatures!

Men’s Invitation Day was very enjoyable played on Thursday 29th May, however, the numbers were somewhat disappointing, especially bearing in mind the amount of work which our Social Chairman Mark Heaton undertook and for which I give my thanks. Consideration is being given to changing the format to Saturday in order to stimulate more interest. Views from members would be appreciated.

Eight club matches have taken place to date with varying degrees of success and failure. What is more important however is that these matches are played in a very friendly spirit and provide the platform for members of varying golfing abilities to meet each other and have an enjoyable day’s golf and dinner. It has been noted that match managers are having difficulty in raising teams so please put your name up on the match selection sheet in the changing room or telephone the match manager advising of your availability. On this point should you realise that you cannot play advise the match manager by telephone, do not just cross your name off the team sheet and walk away.

It was our fourth yearly visit to Carnoustie when 16 members embarked on what can only be described as a somewhat hectic experience. The odd drop of refreshment was consumed finishing at about 2 am. Believe it or not Wrotham Heath recorded their first victory 4½ to 3½, a remarkable achievement bearing in mind the nature of the course and the amount of refreshments consumed. Our thanks once again to Phil Skelton for the excellent organisation in arranging this great event – long may it continue.

The Captain’s Prize day was truly memorable and appeared to be enjoyed by all participants. I personally buttered 14 loaves of bread commencing at 5 am while my wife was cooking cakes from Wednesday. The windy conditions made it very difficult particularly on the 12th for the Captain’s Challenge for which out of 114 players only 31 finished on the green. I must thank Tony Hodgson & Phil Skelton for giving up a competition day to make this event such a success. Incidentally £332.40 was raised towards the Captain’s Course Projects Fund. My thanks to you all for taking part – very much appreciated. The result was very closely fought, there being a tie between 3 players all on 36 points. The winner was Peter Field on count back for which many congratulations. Incidentally there were 7 players on 35 and 36 points.

Finally I must thank my Vice Captain Eddie Leaver for having to put up with an old septuagenarian in the Club matches. Stan Topliss and Graham Smith also had to experience this dubious honour – my thanks to you all and may I wish all members a happy golfing summer.