|
|
|
|
|
Thank you to those who played at Hankley Common yesterday.
After the chaos of the last 18 months, it was wonderful to see a turnout of 72 players (including 28 guests). It must have been an early start for many as the clubhouse lounge had a healthy compliment of members and guests by 7:15 – 15 minutes before it was officially due to open!
Hankley Common is a very special heathland course. It sprawls over 164 acres of heather, rowans, oaks, pines and birches. Walking the manicured fairways, it feels like another 18 or 36 holes could easily fit on the site. The heather was in bloom and absorbed golf balls from stray shots – many not to be seen again. A credit to the course that, after the heavy rain and thunderstorms of the last few days, the fairways were dry and all the greens were in use. The only negative was that the greens had been hollow tined two weeks previously and were far slower than you would normally expect.
Our golf day was the first shotgun start of 2021 for Hankley Common. The first challenge of the day, for many, was to navigate to their start tee. The car park by the 10th tee became pretty crowded, but everyone seemed to be in place by the time the shotgun was fired. Despite a slightly cloudy start, we were soon blessed with blue sky and 23 degrees. The course is a good test of golfing skill and this was reflected in the scores that came in. Only 3 golfers bettered par. Well played David Locking, Joff Suter and our top guest, Bradley Aldridge.
After the staggered meal times, social distancing and limited cuisine at other golf events this year, it was marvellous to see a dining room full of conversation and laughter, with everyone enjoying a first class carvery.
Following lunch, our President, Nick Haigh, said a few words.
- Thank you all for coming out to support the Society today. It’s the first time in over 2 years that we have had an event this large.
- A special welcome today to all our guests, including our only lady golfer, Kirsten Roberts. Opening up our major golf days to guests has been a great success. Friends and colleagues have been able to enjoy the fabulous courses we play, and many have become members as a result. Welcome today to our newest member, Matthew Lowe.
- Thank you to the staff at Hankley for making us so welcome. The carvery was amazing.
- Thank you to Automotive Assets for their ongoing generous support of the event.
Apologies for the confusion over the prize giving. It was all a little rushed after golf to get the prizes out on display and put all the scorecards in order. My fault completely. Thank you for bearing with proceedings
Hopefully finally corrected, winners were as follows:-
Division 1
1st place Joff Suter 38 points Penrose Bowl
2nd place David Locking 37 points Lombard Cup
3rd Place Martin Broome 36 points
Longest Drive & NTP Bradley Aldridge
Division 2
1st place Nigel Bayliss 34 points Shell Mex Trophy
2nd place Stephen Maxwell 34 points Lombard Cup
3rd Place Roger Prowting 32 points
Longest Drive Mike Bell
NTP Stan Chicksand
Guest
1st place Bradley Aldridge 37 points
2nd place Clive Murrell 36 points
3rd Place Cris Honeywill 34 points
Well done to all of you.
Our next Member / Guest Day is at Walton Heath on Thursday September 16th. Currently less than 30 have put their names forward to play. Please could I encourage you to put your name forward if you are able to attend.
Paul
11/08/21