Surrey National host the 2018 League Finals Day

A slightly frazzled and under-the-weather Jaggsy welcomed everyone today as we arrived for the Surrey Hills League Finals Day 2018 at Surrey National. 

Weather was manky and just as we headed out it started to spot, then drizzle, then rain, then rain even more.  First hour or so was a bit miserable but things cleared up and we all finished dry and in Autumn sunshine.

Finals Day is a 5-ball texas scramble format, one player from each of the 5 teams in the league and its always a great social day for golf, followed by a nice meal and drinks.

Course in good nick, all the Woldingham lads rueing the fact we’ve ‘grabbed’ their head greenkeeper for ourselves.  Lots of good things said about the course, greens improving even as we head into the colder and darker days.  Nice to see areas being treated, first green coming along well, and more areas being fenced off.   All good stuff.

My fourball of Woldingham’s Darren, Surrey Downs’ Wol, Reigate’s David and Farleigh’s Marcus started at the 11th.  I clearly peaked by holing the first putt from 30ft after a ropey 6iron in… not much to say about my golf from then on.  Woldingham’s Darren very steady off 8 (*makes a note for next year*) and he kept us in a few holes as we ambled our way around.  3 birdie run in first 3 holes showed promise, but a bundle of pars, a bogey on 18, and despite a few finishing birdies, it meant we were securing mid-table mediocrity.  Someone said we were fifth from last, yep sounds about right!  Good 5ball, we all enjoyed it despite the rain and slightly indifferent golf.

Clubhouse and bar busy at the end of the day and we all enjoyed Polish’s carvery.  I think Wayne, Scottie and Mr Loveless were outdone by one guy on Graham’s table who looked like he needed a wheelbarrow coming back from the serving area with his roast.  Sturdy lot the Surrey Hill players.

Farleigh’s Lee probably the luckiest guy on the day who’s shot into the par3 7th lipped out and rested 2inches from the hole.  That would’ve been very expensive.

With teams all pretty balanced and receiving around the same team handicap, Tom’s team came in with a fantastic 11 under gross.  Well done them, however that old serial-winner Phil Macve and his team managed the overall win on the day with assistance from Simon, Mark Nicks, Jack and Dave.  Congratulations to them with a very impressive nett 55.

League Winners 2018 – Reigate Hill

After dinner, Graham Loveless took the mic and shared words about the League and it’s background before handing out the prizes on the day.  Good job Mr Loveless.  Outgoing Chairman Des from Farleigh was unable to make the day being under the weather but sent his best regards, and incoming Chairman Chris Coates – who bravely took up the mantle with “encouragement” from his team mates – announced next year’s AGM and hoped everyone will enjoy next year’s League as they did this one.

Finally, and with a mild poke as a reminder, Chris announced the 2018 League Winners for the second consecutive year to be Reigate Hill.  Team Captain Dean collected the trophy and thanked all involved mentioning some honest truths in managing his lot towards this year’s title.  Congratulations to Reigate.

Well done team Captain Jaggs

Top job organising the day with the club, the other captains and juggling our lot all there.  Thanks also to his glamourous assistance Mr Graham I-love-a-microphone Loveless, and his slightly-less-than-glamorous Vice-captain Wayne.

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Wayne is the SHL 2019 Captain.  If anyone would like to play in the League next year do please speak to Wayne.  It’s a cracking League to be involved in, topped off each year by a great Finals Day.  Yes its a day’s holiday from work, but not one to miss. 

Finals Day is hosted at Farleigh next year, and if their last performance of chain-drinking shots, followed by impromptu golf games on their simulator with some random club throwing in the clubhouse is anything to go by its guaranteed to be entertaining.