It had to happen one day! For some time now our golf days have been blessed with nothing worse than the sun retreating behind the clouds. Today it was pay- back time for those of us contesting the much coveted Gibbs Away Day Trophy on Friday at Rufford Park GC, usually one of our favourite venues.
Not too bad on arrival; an excellent breakfast; nice to meet-up with old friends; nice to welcome Harry Clayton & Graham Smith; and particularly nice to welcome Martin Gibbs. Martin declares that not only will he be a more regular attender but he will be receiving, rather than donating, prizes once he gets loosened up.
It will be our pleasure to witness it Martin.
Previous winners Pete Barson & Mark Clements, accompanied by yours truly i/c the pencil, went out up front in steady drizzle with plan B that if matters got too bad 9 holes might well suffice. Fortunately, or maybe not, the conditions weren’t quite bad enough to warrant leaving the course, so 18 holes it was.
The day’s format was that invented by the good Dr Stableford, with our own little twist of Pairs 9 holes BB; followed by the remaining 9 with aggregate scores- totalling 54 pts for those who played to their handicaps. But that is on a more golf friendly day.
Winners:
1st Andrew Hounsfield & Andrew Fearn 51 pts.
2nd Steve Cassells & Billy Barker 50 pts.
3rd Pete Barson & Mark Clements 47pts.

Followed none too closely by Josh White & Bill Russell, and Pete Sears & Graham Smith, both on 43 pts. Josh & Bill claiming 4th place on the strength of seniority ( jointly 160 yrs of it!) Well done on both scores gents.
Average team score on the day – 40 pts.
Other awards:
Longest drive – Mark Clements. Nearest the 13th pin – Mark Clements.
Nearest the 17th pin – John Gelsthorpe*

Gelly tells me that having consulted his 3 playing partners (who were playing 7 & 8 irons), carefully weighed up wind direction, taken into account age and lack of recent practise, and the need to clear the water he decided to go for more club - so took his driver! Full run down on the shot from Gelly when you next meet.
The Martin Gibbs 18th in 2 Challenge : Phil Barker, Pete Barson, James O’Connor, Alasdair Morrison, and Ed Hine. Further credit to Pete & James, who then went on to get their birdies. Impressive stuff both.
The Phil Barker Birdie Challenge – unclaimed again, although I understand that Thommo was quite close. More so as the evening went on.
Finally, our thanks should go out to Martin for hosting the day. Charles, supported by Tim on the desk. Plus Charles & Pete Barson who donated prizes.
Nick M.
Photos can be found "HERE"

Diary dates:
11th May BPGC Charity Day. Now full. 30+ GS entrants.
25th May. The NRFC Open. Gainsborough GC. A few vacancies via Dicky & Thommo.
22nd June. The Barker-Hine Golf Day. Norwood Park GC. Entry info to follow.