2019 Thorley ‘Pink’ day at North Foreland and Hever Castle

Early June… and that means that we are heading off to see Mr Macve’s old mate, Philip Thorley and the ‘Thorley Pink Day’ held every year down at North Foreland Golf Club in Ramsgate in Kent.

A bundle of us all headed down rolled out early down there for the par3 18hole ‘short’ course.  A nice relaxing start, certainly not straight forward with firm greens and tucked pins.  Great way to start the day, helped by the friendly halfway house staff in the car park providing the breakfast.

We played medal on half handicap (making the calc a lot easier!).  Jaggsy Bri C and I were out after the Pistol boys and had a good walk round.  In the bar before lunch turns out myself and Luke split the bet on a nett51, with Wayne coming in second.

A great lunch at North Foreland, a lovely members club. Managed to avoid the Pro Shop specials this year but the food was top notch and after Phil Thorley gave us the welcome speech we headed out to our shotgun tees for the main ‘Pink Day’ stableford competition.  Mr Thorley was saying that it was the biggest pink day to-date, and that is with Surrey National’s numbers being capped slightly this year.  Its a great day and clearly getting bigger.

I was out ina  4ball with Psitols Luke, Jaggsy and Al Gollop.  We all had phases of patchy golf, few loose shots followed with something half decent.  I was pleased to birdie the long par3 18th (as Stockie did I heard), but not much else to report from me.  Al, Jaggsy and I all coming in with 29-33 odd points.   Luke continued his good ball striking from the morning into the main round and came back in with a very impressive 37points to take the Swashies/Pistols internal bet.  Well played Mr Wildman!

A quick shower and change, and we all gathered at the Pegwell Bay Hotel for the evening meal, drinks, prize giving and auction.

Turns out Luke’s 37 was only good enough for a share of 3rd or 4th place.  The winner was a member playing off 22 (who also won last year) with a huge 45 points.  Blustery overcast day and that score was just too good, noone could get close.  Ponder….

Anyway, we enjoyed a very nice 4course meal followed by the charity auction.  Few nice items up for bidding although most items were out of our pockets it all went very well and yes a couple familiar well to do faces putting in some healthy bids.   However certain faces weren’t too happy when the fines were pulled out by our host Mr Thorley.  Surrey National we managed to swerve the main focus although “Peter End-away” was fined courtesy of Will who measured added Badgers name to the nearest the pin marker after someone had scored a hole-in-one!  Unlucky Badger.  Guy who aced the hole probably got away lightly being fined £250! Ouch.

A great, if long, day once again…. as the evening got late and the beers kept going. 

Big thanks to Mr Philip Thorley for organising.

Next day, 17 weary heads made their way over to our regular post-Thorley Day golf venue of Hever Castle for 18holes and of course their top sandwiches.  They are developing the club house and its all looking good with a bigger seating area and pond beside the existing outside chairs.

Another breezy overcast day, perhaps with a smidge more sun, it was great weather for golf at the always enjoyable Hever.   Myself, Jaggsy and G-Love were the 3rd 3ball and had a good round.  Whilst the company was good the golf was a bit up and down.  Wasn’t Mr Loveless’ day who exploded briefly, but quite loudly and spectacularly, on the long par5 17th. After a slow start I managed to nick a few birdies, two on which were shot holes which helped me come in with 38pts and take the win. 

Wayne and Jaggsy also placed in the final results.  Well played all.

Thanks again Mr Macve

Collective thanks from us all on the organisation from Philip – from liasing with Phil Thorley, getting us down there on time, hotels booked, all monies paid and then Hever all sorted.  A great couple of days – its on June 3rd next year… and whilst numbers may well be capped again, I’m sure most – if not all of us – will be hoping we’re on the list for 2020!