Captain's Away Day - Ladbrook Park Golf Club - Friday 16th June
The day started in absolute confusion for those travelling under their own steam. Unfortunately, in his wisdom, our Professional had directed everyone to Drayton Manor Theme Park! Greg had published the wrong post code in the newsletter the previous night, so the only obvious punishment was a fine later in the day going towards the Captain's Charity.
Things ran a lot smoother for the other golfers travelling on the bus once we had managed to get all the equipment on board our heritage Leyland Tiger. It's truly remarkable the amount of luggage 40 bus bound golfers need for one day's entertainment.
After the usual banter on the bus our minds drifted to the perfect round of golf that we were all about to have. Expectations were high. Starting with a perfect birdie on the first having driven the brook at 280 yards. Well how wrong can you be, having fired a drive into the trees on the right and knocking it out of bounds after a ricochet off a tree with the smallest trunk imaginable. Was it a tree or was it a sapling?
We were greeted on arrival with great hospitality and a very warm welcome, blessed by great weather and a fantastic golf course in magnificent condition. 76 Leek members teed off from 10am until 1pm with the assistance of 2 very helpful gentlemen from Ladbrook Park.
Rob Steele Ladbrook's assistant pro offered to undertake a Captain's challenge with all proceeds going to the Captain's charity on the 8th hole, hitting his driver whilst standing on a step ladder with the ball resting on a 5ft tee. Incredible to see and profitable for the charity.
A whopping £410 was raised during the day towards the Captain's charity. A big thank you to all who contributed.
I would also like to mention past Captain Dave Gallimore's hole in one on the nearest the pin 12th hole. A par 3 at 176 yards, if my memory serves me correctly. Lovely to see he's hitting his driver as well as ever!
I must congratulate John Moss and Mike Turner who returned a fantastic score of 46 points to win the overall prize. Wonderful Fayre was followed by a prize presentation and 76 merry members safely returned home.
As famously stated by Brian Hanrahan: ''I counted them all out, and I counted them all back. They were unhurt, cheerful and jubilant.''
Here's the results from the day:
- 1st Place - John Moss & Mike Turner 46 points
- 2nd Place - Phill Davies & Andy Damjanovic 42 Points
- 3rd Place - Mark Shea & Nick Damjanovic 42 Points
- Nearest the Pin 12th Hole - Dave Gallimore
- Longest Drive 18th Hole - Dan Smart
Dave's Hole-In-One
As mentioned earlier Congratulations to Dave Gallimore for his hole in one on Captain's Away Day. Our group was standing on the tee when he hit the ball and it was a fantastic shot with a 4 iron that never left the pin.
As we were all cheering it in the reality of an expensive round dawned on Dave especially as there were 76 players!
If you can remember he also had a hole in one on his Captain's Day Away 3 years ago.
Daily Mail Foursomes
Congratulations to Jayne Baxter and Jenny Cordon who have now progressed into the 6th round of the Daily Mail Foursomes after beating a couple from Turton Golf Club, Bolton by 5 and 3. Best of luck in the next round.
June Extra Stableford - Thursday 15th June
Division 1 Geoff Lawrence 40 Points
Division 2 Mike Leese 37 Points
Division 3 John Isaacs 40 Points
Division 4 Peter Palfreyman 30 Points
Jubilee Trophy
As this 'may' be the last time that I organise the Jubilee Trophy, I would like to thank everyone who took part in this enjoyable afternoon, playing with excellent juniors and members who we have never ever met.
This trophy was given by the Ladies section for the purpose of getting to meet all sections of the club. I sincerely hope it will continue for many years.
Thank you very much indeed for all your support.
- Frances