Derek Finds The Extra Three Points

After our visit to Burapha today, the main talking point back at Links was how good this course is. Fairways are green, with plenty of run, and greens in great condition albeit a little slower than expected, however, they were running true and turning when they should.

It should then come as no surprise that 19 of the 42 players recorded a score of handicap or better and all but six had 30 points or more.

Steve Moxey was in the lead three-ball which took just three and a half hours for the round. He came in looking very pleased with himself as he had scored 40 points, which won him the ‘A’ flight honours.

A young Japanese player, Takuya Okuda, joined us for the first time and, playing off a handicap of six, had 38 points to win a countback for second.

Rana Gurnam had another good one, scoring 38 points but losing that countback.

Last Monday Derek Phillips had 39 points but was beaten for the ‘Jacket’ by Rana. This time he scored an extra three points to turn the tables and win ‘B’ flight and, of course, the Green Jacket.

Tony Browne has been in and out of the placings recently and today he won second spot on countback, on 38 points, to beat Tom Herrington who put in an improved performance.

Near Pins ‘A’ flight: Paul Kennedy, John Harrison, Steve Lynch, Steve Moxey

Near Pins ‘B’ flight: Colin Davis, Derek Phillips, Gerry Hanrahan, Tom Herrington

‘A’ Flight ( 0-15)

1^st  Place – Steve Moxey (9) – 40 pts

2^nd Place – Takuya Okuda (6) – 38 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Rana Gurnam (12) – 38 pts

 “B” Flight (16+)

1^st  Place –  Derek Phillips (16) – 42 pts

2^nd Place – Tony Browne (16) – 38 pts c/back

3^rd Place – Tom Herrington (18) – 38 pts

Best Front Nine ( non winners) – Peter Lacey – 21 pts

Best Back Nine ( non winners) –  Andy Roberts – 22 pts

Phil’s injury is keeping him from playing right now but he decided to go for a hit at the driving range. The first swing caused enough pain for him to stop before starting.

Driving back to the clubhouse, he stopped to watch some of our players on the ninth green.

One of them had three putts that would not go in and, in frustration the club was, well best not describe it here, but we should not do that. Fortunately, no damage was caused to the green, caddies or players. But, a ‘silly hat’ was in order for Peter Lacey.

Greg Thomson just had one of those days and got to wear the ‘wig’ for the lowest score.

With green fee vouchers, the price today was nice, the course in wonderful condition and the weather pleasant enough. What a shame that there are not many golfers around currently. Each course we have been to in the past couple of weeks is almost empty, good for us, but not good for the clubs.

Let’s get back to normal quickly.