Fighting the monsoons on the M40 on the way to Reigate Hill in the quaintlynamed Gatton Bottom, it did cross this scribe’s mind that he could be doingsomething less damp with his time, particularly as the packed wet gear was for moderate British weather rather than Arctic convoys !
I had, of course, failed to take into account Mike ‘Kit-Kat’ Kerlogue’sremarkable network of contacts as the rain miraculously ceased on entering the golf club car park and we were even treated to bursts of spring sunshine as we made our way around the green and pleasant land that is Reigate.
Although one or two fairways carried surface water and bunkers were puddled, the course was in very good condition with sub aqua gear not being required. The greens, with their interesting contours, proved a test for all of us.
It was disappointing that there were only eleven players and that we had not received sick notes from a number who had indicated they would turn up on the day. No doubt this was due to the early inclement weather but it is insensitive to Kit Kat who puts a lot of effort into organising the day.
Sick notes that were proffered came from: Mike Windett (alias Divot) who had a starring role as a wizard in Dialysis Alley in a Harry Potter remake. Peter Bothwick (alias Nick Faldo), yes him, captain, Both, President, him, who had a sporting engagement in Amsterdam – nudge, nudge.
Andy Thompson (alias the Norwegian Eurovision score) who did show to cheer us off but pleaded a medical infirmity which precluded him participating.
At this juncture we would normally have a group photo but our organiser was fed up with members not making the first tee on time. He just took a photo of his starting group so they could start playing (I use the term loosely)!
Team A: Mike Kerlogue; Chris Bell; Graham Warley
Team B: Alan Badcock; Bob Green; Nigel Howl; Mike Jones Team C: Rod Benwell; Gary Brady; Justin Lawes; Keith Spiers.
All the above teams had a yellow ball to love and nurture round the course and all duly lost them!
Team B were the yellow ball winners managing to keep hold of it until the eleventh and amassing a few points on the way. Shown here receiving their prizes from Deputy Captain Rod Benwell.
The winner of the Syd Humphries Trophy Trophy for the best stableford score by the high handicappers (24 or
over) was Justin Lawes with 25 points points after countback. .
Overall winner on the day was Graham Warley with some score that was too high for us to remember
Contenders for the Steve Beckett Trophy for Shanker of the Day were:
The President, him, Captain Faldo, Bothwick, for non-attendance due to a sporting fixture on foreign soil.
Nigel Howl for playing on any fairway but his own.
Keith Spiers for peppering Alan Badcock’s buggy on the 15th (whilst Alan was in it).
Bob Green for stealing Alan Badcock’s buggy on the 11th and then tryingto play with Alan’s clubs as well.
It was judged by all that the theft of another’s buggy and not knowing yourown golf bag was a most serious offence and very worthy of the Steve Beckett trophy which will be presented to Bob Green once it has returnedfrom it’s spiritual home with Andy Thompson.
The evening was rounded off with a chicken pie dinner and hearty dessert served with relish by the Reigate Hill GC staff. We were joined by Mike Gee who generously provided wine and conversation to round off an excellent day.
Just in time to tune into Talk Sport and listen to Tottenham’s famous victoryagainst Ajax – our President’s voice (yes him, Faldo, captain, him) was in there somewhere, shouting on his beloved Spurs.
( Scribe to the Shanks report – Nigel Howl )