What a busy week!
Friday evening saw a packed clubhouse for the Captain's Prize Giving Dinner. One hundred people sat down to watch as all the year's winners were invited to receive their prizes. The whole evening proved to be great, from the seamless organisation to the first rate catering on the night and the efforts of all involved to make the occasion one to remember.
Joe Hughes, winner of the Kent County Playing Fields Cup made it a special night for himself with Mum, Dad & Granddad on hand to celebrate his victory. A great effort Joe. Rob Osmond crowned a fantastic season that saw him win the Captain's Prize by collecting the Golfer of the Year award, a well deserved accolade for one of our most consistent performers. Through the year Rob played 44 qualifying rounds away from the club and in that period his handicap has moved from 0.9 to 1.0.
One surprised attendee was Captain Steve Howard himself, who was amazed when he was announced winner of the H.J.Taylor Bowl, awarded to the player with the best three monthly medal scores between May and September, so no mean achievement to win.
I felt honoured to be part of such a wonderful event and to share in so many cherished moments as one after another, members stepped forward to be acknowledged by their peers. Well done to everyone that collected prizes and to all involved with my coaching during the year. It's been a pleasure teaching you all.
The events of Friday gave way to Saturday and the AGM. This year saw a strong attendance with another one hundred in the building. Some interesting points were raised, with members from across the categories asking interesting and searching questions.
The election of board members returned Karen Sinden for a further three year term and Peter Hynes as a new face on the board, replacing Keith Hills who stood down after a three year tour of duty. The meeting also voted overwhelmingly to make the Lady Captain a voting director for the term of her office. Therefore Sue Siddle becomes the first Lady Captain to enjoy a vote at board meetings, a step toward the 21st century and a big well done to all concerned. This year's vice Captain, Terry Heaver, is already a Board Member.
And so to Sunday and the annual event that is the Captain's Drive In. Sue and Peter entered into the spirit, arriving on the tee in full Charlie Chaplin regalia and thus the clowning about commenced.
Hampered by a Bowler hat that refused to stay put, a moustache that didn't want to have a relationship with his top lip and a quarter to three foot position, Peter managed to get his first drive back over his head for a negative distance. Admittedly he was using a walking stick and a sponge ball. His next attempt, using his driver, was much better travelling a remarkable yardage, far too far to be reported here. Sue came up with a cunning plan to ensure the Captain's Charity got off to a solid start. Stringent preparations, consisting mainly of Brandy, Champagne and some other stuff, ensured her drive travelled less distance than the lowest chosen in the sweepstake.
A thoroughly entertaining afternoon ensued with Sue's Nephew producing a top notch show from his very versatile repertoire; he flew in from Scotland for the occasion and well done Sue for getting him here on time. Sheer willpower won the day I think.
This year our Captain's Charity is Teenage Cancer Trust, all your efforts and contributions to this cause will of course be very much appreciated.
Thank you to Rosie Shotton for donating her Drive In sweepstake winnings to the cause.
Ladies Stableford
Last weekend's Ladies Stableford witnessed what is probably the lowest winning score of the year, as Jenny Walker produced a 42 point haul to blow the field away. Jenny has been a student of mine this summer and the work we have put in is clearly paying dividends. The transformation in her game has been a marked one, on top of which we've had some great fun on the range.
This round sees Jenny's handicap tumble from 28 to 24.8 and I'm sure there's more to come. Keep up the good work Jenny, just reward for your endeavour.
Blue Tee Day
Our competition to christen the Blue course next Friday is building a head of steam, all are welcome, so don't be bashful about joining in. Just talk to the Shop to book your slot.
The idea of this course is to provide members with additional options for enjoying their golf. Playing from different tees now and again will allow different aspects of your game to get a work out. Whether it be playing more wedge shots into greens, using long irons off the tee, or simply mixing it up with your mates for a bit of fun, the layout is there for all to enjoy.I'm sure we all enjoy the ultimate test of the monthly medal, but it doesn't have to be full on every time. The choice is there, why not give it a go? You never know, you may just find you like it!
Celebrate Christmas with us.
Christmas orders have started coming in thick and fast. We have all you need for the perfect golfing Christmas all under one roof. We offer GREAT VALUE, with GREAT PRICES plus the AFTERSALES SERVICE you can't find online.
Click here to see the 'Probably the Best Raffle in the World'.
If we don't have what you're looking for in stock we have our Click & Collect service. See image to find out more.
We are also offering a 10% discount on all Glenbrae crested orders placed up til December. For those that haven't previously owned a Glenbrae sweater, they really are a special quality garment. Pop in and browse the brochure whilst we show you the product. You won't be disappointed.
Soon to be displayed are the all new TaylorMade RSi irons.
From a first glance these irons look great but they also feel superb and extremely well balanced. They come in two models, the RSi 1 and the RSi 2. The 1 series is much more forgiving and easier to launch in the air, a real distance club. Whilst the number 2 model is more refined and easier to work the ball …. It still goes miles mind!!
First impressions for me as I hit some shots, super fast off the club face and no loss of distance for off centre shots. I like them.
We have a range of waterproof clothing to match any outlet. With the choice of FootJoy, Sunice and Oscar Jacobson suits in stock we feel we have a fantastic selection to choose from.
Srixon AD333 2 Dozen
And just arrived from Srixon is the AD333 2 dozen tube of balls. This will make a super Christmas present, I really like the product, it's different!
RRP on this product is £49.90 but we are offering them at just £29.95!
We only have twelve in stock, first come first served as ever.
As I wrote last weeks piece, Jack Colegate was mounting his push toward a card for the Challenge Tour next year. Needing a top four finish in Egypt, Jack stood in a tie for fifth and just one shot away from a share of third with 4 holes to play. Sadly it wasn't to be as a bogey saw him slip back and eventually just miss out.
All is not lost however as his 11th place finish on the EuroPro Tour order of merit will certainly earn him some Challenge Tour invites for next year. He also has second stage of Tour School to look forward to and the chance of earning a full European Tour card.
