The year marches on relentlessly.

 

For the last few years I’ve tried to enter as many LUGC County events as I can – they are normally 36 holes for £20 and always played on good courses – great value for a day out !

 

This year’s Lincolnshire Open Championship was held at Belton Park on 3^rd September – the windiest, wettest day I have played golf on this year and sadly meant my game was literally blown away resulting in an embarrassing two NRs. I wasn't the only one though as Craigy Boy NR'd in the morning but then did a gross 70 pm - determination !! Despite all, it was still an enjoyable day out.

 

The next day Friday 4^th September I entered the Midland Mid Amateur at Torksey, Lincoln Golf Club one of my favourite courses in the county. Again it was wet and windy and after the day before I was keen to play a bit better. I managed a 79-5-74 which was good in the conditions and finished 3^rd gross in my age category – the “Old Farts” !! Thanks to Cate for caddying in pretty foul weather !

 

We rushed back to Stoke for the September Presentation Evening that was again well attended – good to see so many people there.

 

Saturday 5^th September and the Jim Tear Memorial for Past / Present Officers. Scored well, 74-5-69 and was really nice to see Jim’s daughter Julia and family with ex-Captain Norman Woods who attended the evening dinner. This is always a very pleasant occasion and was especially for me this year as Jim was a big friend of my father’s and they introduced me to the game at Stoke so many years ago !!

 

Cate and I had a few days off the next week, doing a tour round York and Durham, thoroughly enjoying the precious time away.

 

We came back on Thursday 10^th September for me to play in the final Capt / Pro Challenge match versus Kevin “Butch” Bond and Mick Andrews – Angus and I managed to win 3&1 to set up a final play off match between Bob Griffin / Simon Glencross v Mick Bailey / Robin Harris. Nine matches played, won 7 – lost 2 = not a bad partnership. Thoroughly enjoyed partnering Angus during this season long competition, a definite highlight of the playing year.

 

Friday 11^th September and the C Team Catastrophe – I can see now why it’s called that !!   I was drawn to play first out with C Team Captain Roger Smith and his guest Phil – I played / scored really well and notched up 38 points !! What followed however was a really surreal evening in the clubhouse decked out as if it were Christmas Day !! Carols for music, party poppers, crackers and Roger’s crap jokes !! The lads that turn out for the C really enjoy their golf and each other’s company and there is an obvious enjoyment of what they do – good luck to Stan for next year !!

 

The next day, with a bit of a headache in tow, saw me play my last social team match of my captaincy – the friendly fixture at Newark and also the last chance to partner Angus. We played ok but came up against Newark Captain Barre and pro Peter Lockley in great form and we were turned over 4&2. The team lost 8-2 as well so overall we drew the home & away games 10 all – a fair result all round !!

 

Many, many thanks to Simon Glencross for his excellent running of the Social Team, second season doing it and hopefully he will do it for a few more years yet.

 

The following Wednesday (16^th September) and the eagerly awaited annual Pheasant Pluckers Tour. Off this year to Northumberland and was really good to meet up with Lady President Ruth & Treasurer David Greenfield at their second home, Bamburgh Castle on the first day. They were there celebrating their 50^th Wedding Anniversary the previous weekend when the whole family attended and played the course !

 

The nine intrepid Pheasant Pluckers enjoyed the northern hospitality as usual (some a bit more than others eh Mick ?........) and we played some pretty good courses – Bamburgh Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle, Goswick Links and Linden Hall. The weather was fantastic for the time of year with four days of sunshine and for the coast very little wind - excellent !! I’m looking forward already to 2010 as we seem intent on going back to the same part of the country.

 

Returning to work and a whole week without any golf was a bit of a relief having just played 14 rounds over the last 2 weeks. However, Saturday 26^th September and the season ending “A” and “B” team Fandango ! Didn’t play too well myself on the day but watched Vice Captain John Booth put together a very competent game of golf. A break with tradition this year - the evenings entertainment was provided by A Teamer Paul Lewis and his rock band “No Compromise” who were absolutely brilliant – well done Lewie !!!!

 

October is nigh ......... and the eagerly awaited County Finals !!