Our annual visit to the beautiful Herefordshire Golf Club at Wormsley was enjoyed by “most” of the entrants, “most” of the time.
Now 33 is an interesting number for a doubles event. Due to an administrative cock-up, which no one admits to, Dave Morris arrived “unexpectedly.”
Simon Redgewell was true to form and arrived his usual 10 minutes late for Captain Ron’s brief, who had decided to come as the “Plum Prince of Pershore,” looking resplendent fully decked out in purple.
Red trousers were the favoured colour of the day, although Roy did turn back the clock with a pair of blue and white patterned numbers. Andy Watkins, opted for red eyes, having been on the lash but an 11am livener sorted him out.
Those who chose to wear shorts, ended up with red legs courtesy of the plague of black flies that were everywhere. Kelvin decided it was better to get a bit warm, than bitten so wore his waterproof trousers all day.
After some jiggery-pokery, due to the numbers and with the Wormsley belly buster on board, the draw was completed, with the normal moaning and groaning as the pairings were revealed.
Being drawn in the last 4 ball is not ideal for getting the low down on what occurred during the round, but some incidents were either witnessed or reported during my limited time in the bar afterwards.
Tim Kilby, still crowing about Leicester winning the Premier league had a football related incident on the 2nd, by hitting the woodwork. A marker post, about 150 yards away, was struck full on by his tee shot resulting in the ball coming back 40 yards. He then followed that up on 3 by failing to get past the ladies tee and refusing to drop his trousers. Despite these distractions, he managed to be level after 18, which is a good score, however, to win in doubles you need your partner to contribute more than -9! Ay Cuth?
Talking of hitting wood, Chris Jolley was apparently saved but one of the smallest saplings on the course, which Robbie Davies hit, while Chris was behind it.
A brilliant shot by Dave Adams on the 5th, saw him 6 foot from the pin, a birdie beckoned, a par was enough for a win against the course. 4 putts later he walked off with a minus and the course chalked up another one.
Big hitting Tony Key, who had the misfortune of drawing me, had joined Andy in a pre-round drink as consolation, decided that the group of Price/Redgewell/Rawlings/Ford, in front needed a bit of geeing up. On the 4th he drove to within 20 yards of them (although never in danger, we got the obligatory scowl) leaving a short pitch to the pin. A fluff, a thin and two putts, saw Wormsley take another.
A few holes later Simon decided to seek revenge by firing one at us off the 8th as we stood on the 7th tee, a good shout of FORE, set us scampering for cover. Keyo put one onto the 14th green as they were putting out and then Pete Jolley joined in the fun by shanking off the 15th as they were on the 16th tee.
Talking of 16 and the unmentionables, having got a reasonable drive away, PJ had another fit of them, hitting two in succession. Much cursing and swearing ensued, followed by the club being reacquainted with his bag at some velocity and Pete skulking off towards the next tee, effing and blinding. Fortunately the Samaritans were in attendance and talked him down!
After all the antics the spoils were shared as follows
Longest drive – Simon Redgewell – only fairway he hit all day?
Shortest shot – Ray Izod – full bloodied shot moved it 1”
Nearest Pin – Mark Roberts – no more than 4” away.
3rd – John Whitehead (-6) & Pete Dodd (+1)
2nd – Roy Amphlett (-2) & Keith Bellwood (-3)
1st – Mark Roberts (+3) & Tony Poyner (-3)
One last thing to report, while loading all his prizes in the car, Tony dropped one of his many bottles onto his winning glassware, presented just 10 minutes before and broke the glass!
Watch out Torquay, you’re next!!