Course Closed… now what?
As Strongbow mentioned in his speech at the start of the day, Jezza and Brian had 60years to pick a day for their special birthdays, and they chose one when it p8ssed down for the last 48hours.
The day promised only showers but… the rain which had been shedding down for two days left tee’s under water, swimming pools in the fairways and the greens would’ve been hammered if golfers walked on them. Rob and Matt Stock called the day off at 10ish. After much deliberation the following day’s Ryder game was also scrubbed on the basis of forecasted rain later in the day and overnight.
The birthday boys were presented with the gifts we all put in for. Some very nice Paul Smith cufflinks each which so happened to reveal certain feminine imagery if you looked at them from different angles. And each received some very nice Footjoy Contour shoes with “Jez 60” embroidered on Jezza’s and “Yeti 60” (or Yeti-Go!) for Brian. Thanks to Matt Strong for organising that, who also mentioned we were celebrating “The Gun’s” Saville’s 32nd birthday too.
Jezza’s up in front of a captivated audience
Games, games and more games
With the course closed, what to do. A recovery plan for the day was swiftly put into action after the first pints were pulled at 10am. Sean saddled up and nipped home to bring out his games arsenal. Matt Stock kindly jumped in his car and bought his darts board up. We then had darts, snooker, Indian pool, indoor bowls, cards, chess, backgammon, drafts… and even more board games.
After a few Guiness’ Jerry was soon announcing that he once held an Indoor Bowls title from a holiday he took in the Isle of Wight many years ago. After I think Lee beat him, he staggered off into the other bar… this was probably about 12.30 in the afternoon!
The afternoon shot by with games of killer darts and killer pool, and after food the karaoke kicked in… opened up by Peter “The Irish Sniper” Hinkson, with Prit leading the song selection (ie, bullying) ably supported by the crooning of Stevie Mac. Sean did unleash the explanation for the frequent feedback on the PA but it didn’t stop Peter, Lee Snashfold, and Stevie taking top singing honours (sorry ladies, the boys did smash it!). Police were nearly called when Wayne started murdering some song but we all survived unscathed.
Fantastic spread organised by Pam, lasagne for lunch then a huge finger buffet in the evening.
Simon’s impressive trousers matching the seating
Trousers of the Day prize went to Simon B who selected a camouflage option which cunningly matched the seating in the club house. Pool Game of the Day went to Winkle who (loudly) 7-balled me, only then to be beaten twice in row as I restored some balance. The Irish Sniper took early dominance of the pool table, till the 10th Guinness kicked in. Last player on the table as the bar was closing was Janine who’s desperate practicing took in a full wine glass on the table beside it. Least Bravest Person Award must surely go to Al Saville who did a desperate David Blaine disappearing act at the mention of karaoke. So brave.
Sunday’s Swindle… the day after
10 of us dragged ourselves out of bed a bit woolly-headed for the next day’s tee times. As it happened to course was open and playable if still quite soggy underfoot. We did have a strong cold wind but the threatened showers never materialised.
Scottie Yule threatened to take the course apart early on but a lost ball in the soggy rough on the 9th called a stop to that. Graham Adams probably wanted to take the course apart physically given the dour response we got when we asked how he was getting on on the 12th fairway (he was walking on our 14th fairway at the time).
Simon “The Trousers” Bailey took the front and overall with a very respectable 35 points.
Photos from the day (apologies for my awful phone)
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It has just turned 12.30 on Monday still feeling the effects from a fantastic birthday bash and once again thank you all for making it a great day