New faces, new furnishings but
same old outcome..
May welcomes blossom
(especially at Astbury) and the first glimpses of summer but
also the start of mixed golf events on Bank Holidays; where,
this year, it is Muriel Fraser's turn to discard the political
correctness and conventions of "significant others "
and recklessly throw together random mixed pairings for 18 holes
of golf and a relaxed meal afterwards.
The point about random pairings
is that apart from forging many new and enduring friendships it
should also ensure that everyone has the same chance of picking
up a prize ( of which more later). The reality is that, for
many, mixed golf of this kind has the potential in the early
holes to somehow reduce your golfing mental and physical
ability to such incompetence that you barely hit the ball
straight. I am sure Freud would have something to say on the
subject!
On May 31st 30 pairings took up
the challenge once again and with some strong pairings emerging
it was clear that there would be some hard scores to beat - and
so it turned out. Out on the course the signs were that good
scores were being assembled and this was confirmed on returning
to the clubhouse.
This was the first mixed golf
event where the membership could appreciate all the hard
work that has gone into the refurbishment of the internals
of the clubhouse - the redecoration and new furnishings look a
treat and have really brought a new quality feel to the lounge,
dining and bar areas - well done to those on house committee
that have seen this through to such a fine conclusion - but
especially to Gill Hodges and Eileen Murphy.
After the group had shared
another great Carvery meal from Patsy and Peter,
Muriel highlighted some suspiciously obscure Scottish tartans
that might be the source of the carpet design before moving on
to announce the winners.
Once
results were announced all this luxury of surroundings did not
distract the more cynical members from noticing that a familiar
face was yet again on the winner's podium, the old Official
Measurer himself, Dr Nigel Hodges. This time partnered with
Margaret Jones they returned an excellent 41 pts just beating
Gill Hodges and Eric Johnston into 2nd place (on back 9). 3rd
were Ann Barry and Bob Egerton on 40 pts.
In their winner's speech and in
a truly pathetic attempt to sound shocked and humble, Nigel (
who has now finished 3rd, 1st and 1st in this year's mixed
events) attempted to transfer responsibility for the win onto
Margaret's shoulders with some ludicrous concoction about her
strong leadership and great playing. However the truth must also
be that inside this highly professional, urbane facade there
lies a tiger ( no, not that kind of Tiger) but a winner, a man
to have in your corner -- but
hang on! How come you only got 25 pts playing alone in the
previous day's Stableford? We need answers !
We have to wait until August
for the next event - but we all enjoyed this one immensely.
