14 December - Seniors Christmas Meal and 4-club Competition

Played with Tony and Ken Ayre.  Slow start but scored 16 points in the first nine holes, then 19 on the second half.  Missed out by one point point, with two people scoring 36 and the winner 37.

Disaster of the meal, knocking myself unconscious at the station and not knowing much about the next day.

10 December - Saturday Stableford

Last off, again, but with Martin and Trev so an enjoyable round.  Started very badly, scuffing drive on the first and not reaching the ladies' tee. Single point only on 2 and 3. Then picked up and got 33 on the remaining 15 holes with a couple of putts just stopping on the brink. So could have been okay. Drove better after the first few holes, concentrating on getting a proper follow-through.

9 December - Winter League

Played with George H and Fred, getting really exasperated at Fred's faffing around an slow play. Just 28 points.

7 Dec - Foursomes k/o

With Sam Wallace vs Jim Hopkins and Phil Vince.

Dire to start, losing all first five holes. Lost 7 but won 8 so 5 at the turn. Won 10 with my drive to the green, then 11. Lost 12 despite my drive to the edge of the green, Phil putting dead from a long way out and Sam fluffing his chip. Also lost 13 to a shot so 5 down with 5 to go.

Good par on 14, another on 15, two back. Good shot to 16 then Sam holed for birdie so two down. Won 17 with a 6. Sam's shot on 18 went over the green but I chipped in for another birdie, all square.  Jim's second from the rough on the extra hole went into the bunker, then they took two to get out. Arrived on the green in 7 to our 4, so game over, miracle win.

30 Nov - 3 man team

Out first because had to go to Stevenage after.

With Graham Clark but not very good. Drives not working properly so about 29 points only.

28 November KO

Seniors KO with Colin Lawrance vs Mike Taylor and Steve Ogilvie. Uphill struggle, not playing very well until the last few holes and giving away a lot of shots. Steve went from dire to nicking holes with shots out of the blue. We also didn't hole anything whereas they did. Looked to be on for a comfy win on 14, then Steve holed a long putt for a half, same on 15 where Mike did the same. Then again on 16, Mike getting a par after missing the green.

25 November

Winter League with Jim Hopkins and Colin Lawrance. Bad start, losing ball. Then bad 8th. Started back well, birdie on 11, par on 12. Finished badly, one point each on last four. 31 total.

23 November

Seniors 3 man team with Rod Kennedy and George Hopkins. Played well apart from 11 and 13, otherwise 34 points. Scored 86 taking 2 scores to count per hole. Should have scored all 3 on the par 3s and would then have come second.

19 November, Medal

Frost on some greens and about 2 deg at start. With Trev and Gary, last few again.

Didn't putt well despite good greens, apart from all the leaves and helicopters. Birdie on 8, chip in from edge, boosted outward score to 18, then 17 back, gross 84. Third place by one point. Silly missed tap-in on 10!

18 November - 3 Man team

Friday league, with Dave Rowell and Alan Hootton.  Putts wouldn't go in and a few big mistakes. Just 30 points.

23 November - Seniors

2 from 3 Team.  With Gavin Williams and ... . Played okay, about 34 points but the team didn't do well.  Our score of 73 didn't compare with the winning score of 88.

6 November, Pinheiros Altos

Bus collected us at 8 am. Able to start at 8.26, ahead of our 9.14 booking. Followed a lady and man, and kept up with them all the way.  Two behind in a buggy didn't catch us up either, so a lovely clear run for us. Pete and I won comfortably, 8 pars and 35 points for me. Enjoyable course, starting very tight in trees then opening out. Fairly generous fairways but quite a bit of water.  Didn't take on the hit-the-green challenge on the last but did, along with Pete.  Finished at about 1pm and had lunch outside. Then bus back

5 November - Old Course

Sunny when we were having breakfast but rain as we waited to set off.  Able to start half an hour early at 10.30 because the tee was free, and played four holes before catching up with the pack. Then looked as if it would be really slow but okay for a long while until it slowed up again for the last few.

Trev and I lost to Martin and Pete, Martin getting another good round in. Scored 32 points, despite some awful fairway shots, either very heavy or thinned. Driving well, never in the trees.  Loved the course again but very soggy in places. Very good condition, fairways and greens very lush.  Had lunch at the club house then back for a relax before going out for supper at the same restaurant we went to last year. Lovely filet mignon, very filling.  Stopped of in the hotel bar for a last digestif.

4 November - Pinhal

Left hotel at 8 for our 8.50 start time. Very wet and windy overnight but settling down on the course, some light rain but very pleasant otherwise. Martin and I beat Trev and Pete comprehensively, Martin playing very well. Had bursts of good play but some tree trouble.  Back to hotel after lunch at the club, hour's break then a walk around the marina until a long deluge started. Went to cafe bar until it stopped. Back to hotel for more down time before dinner at the Fisherman's Shack.

3 November

Early start, leaving home at 4.30 to collect Trev. Easy ride to Luton but Trev found he'd got his wife's passport so had to home. He got a later flight, getting to hotel at 11pm. Martin, Pete L and I played the Victoria course at Vilamoura. Everything very quick at Faro, arriving at 10.30 and on shuttle bus by 11. Checked into hotel Vila Gale Ampalius then straight to course. Behind very slow Spaniards so only just finished before the light went. Course very open, quite long. Good birdie on par 3 in second half otherwise so so. Ate at Alfonso restaurant, very good.

29 October - Refos

Played in four with Tony against Simon C and Phil M. Recovered from dormie 4 down to end level. Four birdies in game, one for me on 15. Amazing 23 birdies for the 17 players.

26 October - Seniors scramble

Three man scramble wth Andy Forbes and Dave Rowell.  Just one bogey, on second, but three birdies including my chip-ins on 8 and 15. Played very solidly for most of it, just hitting iron shots heavy or left sometimes. Second to Pete Law's team who eagled the last as Pete's drive rolled up to within 6 feet.

21 Oct - Gents vs Seniors

Cooler but fairly calm, mostly.

Played with Tony against Mark Crowley and Keith Pitts.  Cruised to a 6 & 5 win, not losing a hole and getting to 6 up after 8 then halving the ninth.

Tony played very well and I won several holes to make my contribution.

19 Oct - Stableford and AGM

Cool to start but dry. Moderate wind across the course.

Played with Eddie Moule and Ray Haw.  Great outward half of 21 points, all twos and threes.  Just missed out on 12 th, getting into bunker on right. Very little sand so hit into the steep face three times.

Finished with 17, 38 total, for third place. Then prize giving and brief encounter with the Midweek Trophy -  equivalent of Medal Winners.

15 October - REFOS medal

With Nick Sugden and Simon Bradfield again. Scored badly but hit a lot of good drives, just making mistakes with irons. Very slow because we were last off, with 17 out. Group ahead of us lost almost two holes.

10 October - Haydon Grange

9 holes on Herts course. Big, wide open fairways, very flat and hard. Greens very patchy. Hilary hit some great drives once set up properly.

Seniors vs Haverhill

Played with John Humphreys  vs John Paterson and Steve Spittle.  Played really well, about 80 gross, winning by 7 and 6. Good company, John coming in on a couple of holes but me doing most of the scoring.

REFOS - 1 October

With Richard and Simon Bradfield. Slow to get going, 15 out, but 18 back without playing badly but not that well. Scored on every hole at least.

7 October - Seniors vs Chesfield Downs

Grey day but mild, just a hint of drizzle at times.

Partnered Bob Lee vs Graham and Paul, good company. Played well, holding our side together for a 3 & 2 win, never in any real trouble.

5 October - John O'Gaunt

Neil's day for Cranfield Alumni - bunch of people up there own asses.

Played with Neil and his doddering business partner Don, no golfer but excellent self-publicist.

Played ok but driving a bit divergent, even so 17 out, 16 back so ahppy with that. Won the nearest-the-pin on 4th hole, I think the only one to hit it.

Nice day.

4 October - Final of Midweek Winners

Played against Keith Taylor, nice day, winding getting up towards the end.

Survived the first after bad drive and second, halving in 6. Then par, par, par (great one on 4th, holing long putt for half). Won 5, 6, 7 and 8, lost 9 to a good chip from the rough by KT.

Won 10 with 4, lost 11 to good wedge shot from KT, won 12, lost 13 after hoiking ball left.  Halved 14 in 5s then won 15 with par to end 4 & 3. Very satisfying!

1 October - Battle of Britain

Decent day until towards the end, when the promised rain arrived early. Played with Trev and Dave R. Got 33 points, mostly okay but losing a ball on 6.

30 September - Trip to Wellingborough

Went with Andy Forbes, meeting Keith Cridland and Mick Merry there.

Lovely day, course good. Mick played very well, huge drives and good all round, just tailing off a bit on the second nine.

Played okay, in fact started really well, but also tailed off a bit.

REFOS 1 Oct

Final day of summer league. Mild and hardly any wind so scores much improved all round, only one below 30.

Played with Trev and Dave R and did okay, 33 points despite losing ball on 6th and a few mishaps.

26 September, Seniors vs South Beds

Started to rain when we arrived at 11.30 but holding off until late in the game, otherwise ok. Played with Eddie Moule against the two Irishmen Jim and Joe. Good close game, played well, not much help from Eddie, but very enjoyable. Great par on the SI 2 hole, long drive, 7 to a few yards, nearly birdie. Arrived level on fringe of last hole so agreed on draw. Home a bit late for singing but enjoyed the Spanish rehearsal.

22 September, Pairs Challenge

Played against Great Hadham, John and . John played very well and was the strength of his side. I played well, better than handicap but Alan had a bad day. Reached the 16th green two down and John holed a huge putt. Shook hands thinking that was it then realising I still had a birdie putt. Holed it from about 12 feet! Chance on 17 as I was on in 3 but Andy was through. But he chipped dead so end of a very enjoyable match. Not too disappointed because winning meant a two night finals event at Staverton Park.

20 September, seniors KO vs Sam

Played well, getting off to good start and reaching 5 up. Faltered a bit but ended the game at 3 and 2. 

19 September, vs The Shire

Sam Wallace and I, against Eamonn and Bob, two powerful hitters. They went two up early on but we won three in a row around the turn. Got to 16th all square.and decided to call it a half as it had been a very enjoyable game. Played well, better than handicap, but Sam didn't contribute much.

14 September, Seniors

Three man team but just two of us and a wild card. With Colin Lawrance, scores not great between us but played well enough.

17 September, REFOS and Medal

With David Williams and Martyn, off last. Excruciatingly slow being last off and having one of our group lose two holes or more. 86, 2 over handicap, playing ok.

12 September - Belle Dune again

Superb day again, no-one holding us up. Singles but combined score going towards team prize. Played with Pete against Trev and Alan.  Good par on first, lost ball on second, then very steady scoring for 18 out. Same on back nine, fluked a birdie on 16 with a thinned second to the green, big drive up 17 leading to par, rescued 5 on last for another 18, Good enough to win the overall singles. Also came back from 7 deficit on team game to win by 8.

Tedious at Calais with immediate notice of 30 min delay. Then a security threat in the terminal, resulting in everyone evacuating the building and heading for the departure queues, total chaos. Looked like we'd be there a long time but called to board train at about 6, so an hour late. More delay on motorway but not too bad. Home about 8.15

11 September - Belle Dune

Glorious Belle Dune, lovely day, hardly anyone else there.  Played pairs with Neil, vs Martin and Trev . Began to score really well, pars on 2,3,4 then steady 2 pointers and birdies on 9 and 10.  Neil came in where I didn't so 48 points total. Played 13 particularly well, drive, 7, 9, good chance of birdie. Calculated 39 points individual, despite two blobs at 7 and 17.

Delightfully quick round, no holdups, course as magical as ever. Back for more leisurely shower and change, then to Vauban for afternoon cold wine and nibbles. Martin and I decided to walk the ramparts, seeing the setup for the day's extreme obstacle event. Town full of teams in fancy dress from the time we'd set off.  Asked a lady what the distant two spires were and they turned out to be a monastery.  She turned out to be a very chatty English lady who gave us loads of details about the town and insisted we go back to her house for aperitifs - bottle of champagne and more about her life story.

Rejoined the rest at Froggys, good meal of entrecôte steak, more champagne bought by Neil to toast my birthday, lots more wine ...

10 September - Hardelot Pines

Another glorious day.  Pines this time,  9.50 nominal tee-off time. Packed with Brits as ever.  Two big groups waiting including the lime green shirts we followed. Excruciatingly slow, well over 5 hours. Played singles, with Phil, Trev and Martin, also the second team game where our individual scores carried forward to the fourth round to decide singles winner.

Scored best by 1 point, getting 34. Hitting drives much better, thinking about advice from Phil and Alan to get back to target on back swing, buckle to target on follow through. Straight back to hotel because of time, quick shower and change and off to Darnatal again.  Same excellent meal, this time going very easy on the wine and feeling so much better for it in the morning.

9 September - French Trip

Some delay near Harlow but not serious. Then another because the shuttle had a technical problem with one of the train's doors not shutting.  So late collecting Alan from the MacDonald's in Boulogne, after his few days in Versailles.

Lovely weather and straight onto the Dunes after arriving with 15 minutes to spare.  Played with Phil against Trev and Gary, Gary playing really well and Trev filling in for 47 overall. Phil and I managed 39, neither if us playing that well.

No hold-ups ahead and course playing well but showing signs of wear and the recent hot weather.

On to the Hermitage in Montreuil for quick check in and out again to the Darnatal.  Good meal of smoked salmon starter and very tender steak. The wine kept coming ...

7 September - Seniors 3 man team

With Andy Forbes and ? Did okay but just outside the winning scores by 1.

3 September - Refos

Drawn with Danie again, consecutive weeks after not playing with him over the past year. Fourball game with Danie as partner. Much better golf for 34. Rough had been cut back in some places, so not nearly as daunting.

1 September - Gogs with Steve Williams

Lovely day, course superb. Followed a few groups of three so a bit slow.  Played quite well to win with a par on the 18th. Nice chat and lunch with Steve then back to his to try to diagnose why his laptop was overheating.  Went as far as seeing that the fan spun okay but needed more time to look further.

31 August - Senior Captain's Day

Lovely day for Mike Harrison. Drawn with Sam Wallace and Jim Hopkins, scoring 33 to be just outside the prizes, which started at 34.

27 August, Refos

Warm and calm. Played with Danie for the first time and amazed at some of his shots - reaching the edge of the third with his drive as example.  Didn't score very well, just 29, rough still demanding.

25 August, home vs St Neots

Rain and thunder overnight so a cooler start, soon warming up to a lovely day. Partnered Robin Tinston against Ken and Andy, two very pleasant guys.  Played well and were never behind, getting to dormie 3 and closing out on 17th.

24 August, Seniors

Very hot, hottest this year by the feel of it as no wind. With John Murray and Steve Ogilvie in 3 man team, two scores to count. Scored 37 and 41 but lots of shots squandered by the other two when they were getting at least one a hole and several times two. One more point would have put us in the prizes.

20 August, Captain's vs President's

Played with Keith Cridland vs Steve Rogers and Lee Richardson. They both played very solidly and we were never really challenging. Hit a few bad drives early on but improved.

16 August - Seniors Pairs vs Meridian

With Alan Evans. Recognised John and Norman immediately from Seniors matches.  They started strongly, birdie, par. Then they managed to get down for par 3 from bunker on third, while I was pin high and quite close.
Same thing on a few more holes so we got to the ninth 2 down.

Then we won 5 in a row including my drive pin high on the 289 yard 14th, ground very hard so running well.  Closed out on the 16th with a par.

9 August - Crameri Cup, Berkhamsted

Lovely day and a nice pair of opponents, Nick and Phil. Got a bit lost on the route there but arrived in good time.  Started badly, going 2 down immediately.  Several good chances to even up but they finished stronger on several holes, and we had bits of bad luck, eg running off greens into springy semi rough that made it hard to control the ball.  Got worse and worse to six down, six to go. Then won two holes but halved the next so 4 and 3.

6 August - British Legion

Good conditions but still driving badly.  With Pete and David W, and overall Refos scores quite low, 33 winning.

5 Aug - 10 Hole fun comp

With Hilary, playing with Helen and Stuart Steverson.  Well played Hilary! Finished strongly with pars on 17 and 18, and scores on every hole other than 15. Tied for win.

1 August, Seniors vs Whitehill, away

Very pleasant day, overcast but warm.  Played with Andy Forbes vs Stuart and Ed, starting on the 10th.

Terrific golf from Stuart, he reckoned gross 71 for 17 holes.  Even so, we were never behind, going from 2 up with three to play to level on the 18th tee.  Managed the par 3 for the win.

29 July - Seniors hcp k/o vs Stuart Knight

Got off to another good start, swapped a few holes but finished the stronger, ending up 3 & 2. Stuart made a lot of crucial mistakes towards the end, letting me in.

28 July - Seniors vs Ely, away

Very pleasant day, getting in before some torrential rain over lunch.

Played with Bob Lee vs John and Barry.  Game went back and forth but we were struggling to keep up later on, losing 4 & 3. Mixed driving, better once the game was over ...

26 July - Seniors Scratch K/O

Against Alan Saunders. Off to good start, winning first three. Then it evened up a bit but I finished more strongly to win 3 & 2.

25 July, Seniors vs The Shire

Lovely day.  Left at about 6.45 to be sure of getting to the course in good time.  Bit slow around Stevenage but arrived in under an hour.

Partnered Steve Ogilvie against Paul Johnson (12) and Shanti Shah.  Very enjoyable chat all the way round, match swinging both ways but Steve not contributing much at all.  Ended 2 down.  Drove well mostly but fell foul of the water on the last.

23 July - Pulsatilla Cup, first round

Difficult conditions and a struggle. With Tony and Pete L.  Opted out of tomorrow.

22 July - Bishops Stortford

Partnered Andy Forbes vs Keith Cridland and Gary Fortune. Lovely day, course quiet, played mostly okay including good final hole. Andy and I won.

Seniors Pairs, Plate - 20 July

Plated against Alan and John of Wavenham.  Two pars to start put us 2 up, lost second on the 7th but won 8 and 9. Then 10 and 11, halved 12 and won 13 for 7 & 5 result. Hit ball straight, remembering to turn properly. They were always in the rough so struggling.

Haverhill, 15 July

Lovely day without being hot.  Played with Robin Tinston against short Keith and tall John. Started at 16th and won first three. Then a further three pars but losing two of them to shots. Going very well until the last few holes when I got a bit ragged so after being two up with three to go we were all square on the final 15th. Robin won that, coming in at last!

Crameri Cup, 12 July

At Knebworth against Steve Fenn and Ahmed. Pouring when we were due to start so waited a while. Set off with some clearer patches showing but still raining for a few holes. Won first with my par then second with Tony's. Could have won next two if putts had dropped but held onto lead, playing solidly together. Four up with four to go, losing next but winning the 16th. Very enjoyable chat, particularly back in the bar.

Seniors k/o - 11 July

Against Eddie Collins and John Galloway, partnered by Peter Mitchell. Led all the way to 17, getting to two up with four to go. Then lost 18 to Eddie's birdie.

Captain' Day - 9 July

Grey start and some rain. Windy too. Really punished by the rough, getting just 10 points out and 11 back. Weather improved by the end. Home to the Famjam, everyone having lunch in the conservatory when I got back.

Al

 

2 July, Stableford

Windy, one of those days when the direction changed. Played with Pete L and Alan E, getting 31.  Driving very dodgy still, can't find that secret from Kilworth Springs.

30 June, club vs Bishops Stortford

Played with John Humphreys against a 10 and a 17 hcp.  Went down early on and turned at 2 down but ended level.  Royston won every other match.

29 June, Wednesday. Seniors

Another best two out of three.  This time with Eddie Collins and John Galloway, scoring 42/41 for win.

22 June, Wednesday Seniors

Played with Ray Sammons and Mike Thrower in best two from 3.  Quite windy so difficult scoring.  Won with 78.

22 June - Wednesday Seniors

Captain's Putter on for the captains, after which we played best two from three.

Played with Ray Sammons and Mike Thrower and gt off to a good start from the 15th.  Constant rain, unexpected from the forecast, so got soaked in the rough.  Scored 41 on the outward nine and 37 back to win the comp.

20 June - Plate Comp vs Kilworth Springs

Went with Alan Evans to this club, near Lutterworth.  Left about 7 am and got there by 8.30.

Raining quite hard but got off to a great start, 6 pars, one with a shot, to go 6 up immediately.  8 up with 9 to go, then two halves to finish the match.

Nice guys, David Janssens and Paul, who took it in very good heart.

9 June - Match vs Meridian

Fantastic after a cloudy start, well justifying decision to wear shorts.  Played with Gerry Squires who birdied the second and parred the third to get us 2 up.  Opponents were Colin (beard, irritating) and John (ex radiologist and about 82), giving John 14 shots.

Went to 2 down after a succession of lost holes, then rallied to go one up, then level, then won the last two.  Glorious birdie on the last, shot from 100 yards to 3 feet before Colin did almost the same from the bunker on the right, over the trees.  He missed, I got the putt, so won 2 up.

5 June - Seniors K/O

Played Dave Rowell in the handicap k/o.  He played far better than yesterday, getting 7 pars and a birdie of his 18 handicap, including 1 under gross on the three shot holes.  Went down early but rallied around the turn, then did a nitby on 12 and that sealed it.

4 June, Refos

Played with Richard and Dave R.  Scored 34 despite 3 blobs.  Very grey to start and cold.  Warmed up a bit.

28 May, Refos

Played with Walter and Tony.  Took Draw driver and it went better most of the time.  Just made costly mistakes with the rough as it is, so a few blobs and 25 total.  Nice day after grey start.

27 May, Seniors vs Bourn

Lovely day. Played with Mike Harrison against Jed and Roger. Giving latter 11 shots, too many.  Went ahead early on but then didn't play well enough.  Jed driving very well, me not, often cutting the shots.  Lost 3 and 2.

21 May, Newmarket Open

Played with Tony, Andy and Pete G.  Good first half, bit of a struggle on second.

May 19, Match vs St Ives

Played with Arthur vs Nick Stork and Vice Captain Stuart.

Between us we were very steady, Arthur getting more straight pars but me finishing well with a few single putts.  Started late because Nick was delayed by half an hour.  Soon caught up and then it was very slow as the ones ahead lost more than two hole.

Ended up winning 3 and 2.

16 May, Under 70s vs Over 70s

Played with Dave Booker against Dave Rowell and Robin Tinston.  My golf much better, getting the drives away.  Just thinking grip, posture, not hitting from the top.  Had to make all the running and got to 2 up after 10 but then they played in from there in net par to win 2 and 1.  Rain just getting heavier so walked the last hole.

16 May, Seniors vs South Beds

Played with Sam Wallace.  Lost first three and seemingly the 4th until I realised the opponent had had 6 not 5 as claimed.  Then I had 5 pars in a row to get to 1 up, from where we went further ahead to finish 3 and 2.

May 12. Seniors Pairs vs Welwyn

Played with Alan Evans and struggled still apart from a few good holes.  Alan played well mostly but we were a hole down to the 17th, where my par levelled it.  Couldn't find my drive on 18 despite being only just off the fairway on right.  Alan messed up too so the natch was lost.

May 8, Penina Again

Back out, this time intending to use buggies but able to start earlier than scheduled, when no buggies were available.  Good move to be that bit earlier and reasonably quick.  Ate at the buffet in the breakfast room, this time more traditional food.

May 8, Penina

Early start and no one ahead so round in 3.75 hours. Golf a bit better but still lacking confidence and trying things to stop slicing, none really working.

May 7, San Lorenzo

Back to near Faro for this one.  The drive to the course seemed to go on and on once we were close, as there were other courses we weren't aware of.  Spoke to starter and he said we could get off straight away.  Very fine course with some unusual holes and a few lakes.  Still not hitting drives well but some good holes.  Cracking drive by Martin at the last, getting as far as possible on the dry route. Some Irish lads behind managed to get over the lake on the direct route, but a perilous route.  Rain started as we were almost finished, then it poured so really pleased to have been able to start early.

Ate at Alvor in a torrential storm.  Only ones there and we watched the huge rollers crashing in and the wind lashing the restaurant.  The power kept going off until they realised it was the outside lights that were responsible.  Had grouper fish, delicious.

May 6, Penina

Still grey weather but still okay for shorts.  Not too slow.  Went to Dona Barca in the evening, usual good fish and Vinho Verde.

5 May, Faldo Course, Portugal

Arrived to grey weather, about 15 deg.  Had to have buggies, just as well as the round still took a bit under 6 hours.

Not driving well still, but got two birdie twos in an otherwise pretty poor round.  Found the course a bit too artificial and American style.

Martin feeling unwell with headache in evening, so Tony, Trev and I had the oriental buffet in the breakfast room.

Crameri Cup, round 1

Played Nick and Don from Moor Park.

Contributed a bit but Tony was the strong man.  We got to 4 down with six to go, and Don had an outrageous chip in from under the far bush on 15. So three down, three to go.  Then it began to pour.  I won 16, Tony won 17 with a 5, and arrived on 18 with Tony about 15 feet away to Nick's 8 or so.  Tony got the birdie and Nick missed.  Up the first, with Tony hitting a cracking third into the wind.  His par won the game.

1 May, Bracken

Out in the last group because of being third overall.  Started with 4 putts and really struggled with drives as the round went on.  Pretty miserable 24 points, highlight being a good par on the 8th.  May give this trip a miss next year.

30 April, Hotchkin

Another tough round, just 10 out and finding several bunkers.  Rallied to finish with 17 including a great par on the last, pin high in 2.

29 April - Hotchkin

Drove up with Andy.  Usual tough course, out in 16, back in 11, strong wind.

3 May - Crameri Cup vs Moor Park

First round match against Nick and Don, both powerful hitters.

Lost the first and second to pars and struggled to hold on as they played very solidly.  Won the ninth with a 7 as the wind took its toll.  Three down after 11, 4 after 12.  Then I won 13 and Tony 14.  Tony looking favourite on 15 with Nick out of it and Don almost in the bush beside the green.  Outrageous hack out from him, straight in.  So three down, three to go.  Then the rain started.  Won 16 with 3, with Tony still having a birdie putt.  Then Tony fluffed his second on 17 as I hit two good ones.  Huge shot from Tony to the back of the green, while mine went over. Tony won it with a 5.  Back to one down.  Good drives from us on 18 but my second left short.  Nick in to about 10 feet and Tony about twice that.  Crucial putt from him, straight in.

Back up the first in foul conditions, Don really complaining.  Nick missed right for 3, I was short but Tony hit a glorious rescue club from about 130 yards into the wind.  Two putts for an unlikely win!

1 May - Bracken

Less cold but golf no better.  Played with Ted, John and Terry in the last four, as the group with lowest scores.

Started with 4 putts then hit some good drives but finding the approach shots difficult.  14 out and beginning to feel ok but then a bad back nine of 10 only, getting ragged. 

30 April. - Hotchkin 2

With Clive, Woody and Brian.  Again lots of sand and two blobs on 5 and 6, for just 10 out.  Cutting my drives still and finding the targets so difficult.  Rallied on the back nine with 17, finishing last four in one over.

29 April. - Hotchkin 1

Annual trip with Keith Cridland's group. Gary, Barry, Keith, Ted, Andy, Clive, John G, Woody, Dave Crossley, and two newcomers, Terry and Brian.

Strong wind and cold, making the course difficult as ever. Kept scoring on the front nine for 16 but every hole a battle and several bunkers on the way.  Then had blobs on the short 13th and next hole, struggling to 11 back.  Two great shots on 18 to pin high.

25 April - Home vs Ely

Played with Mike Thrower again, taking on Ian? and John Gray.  Ahead early on and building on the lead to win 4 and 3.  Dry for most of round.

24 April - Hastings Cup

Played with Tony and Richard, 7.37 start.

Cold wind from generally north, and very grey.  All of us played badly on the front nine (51 for me after several in 7th bunker and a few missed shots) then rallied on the back nine (40 for me).  Early because of the choir mini concert in the  Orwell hall.

22 April - St George's Day Club vs Pulsatlillas.

Played with Keith Cridland and did ok apart from a couple of very dodgy drives.  Never more than one in it against Jim Hopkins and John Galloway, ending level.

19 April - Chesfield Downs, Away

Played with Mike Thrower against John & ? giving 7 shots to one and two to the other.  Drove very well with the 12deg Ping under still conditions, ball flying very high but going good distance.  Went ahead on the first then built up a steady lead to end winning 4 & 3.

Calm conditions and not cold.

14 April, Flempton

With Ray Sammons, Nigel Thomas and Paul Brierly.  Very sunny when we started but dark clouds gathering and some thunder and rain.  Started well, hitting good drives.  Then stopped after 9 holes as it started to rain, and had lunch.  Didn't do so well after lunch, cutting drives.

Did well on the short 5th each time, pin high both times but just missing the birdies.

13 April, Seniors - threes

Played with Fred and
Mixed results and a good back nine of 45 after 31 out.

9 April - Rotary Charity Shield

Played with Tony and Trev, last off out of 17.  Arthur's group very slow, losing at least two holes.

Driving badly, maybe because of slight stiffness in back after garden work, and not quite getting my new posture right after Ryan's lesson.  27 points only.

Trev played really well, 22 out, 18 back, only to be pipped by Martyn on countback.  They wer first and second in the Rotary Shield

6 April - Seniors three-man team, two counting

Played with Keith Wood and Keith Cridland.

Good steady stuff for about 35 points.  Finished with 78, all scoring on the 3s, two on the 4s and one on the 5s.  Winners had 85.

2 April - Saturday Stableford

Played with Alan Evans and Walter McLennan.  13 out, 17 back, lots of missed putts and poor chips.

30 March Seniors Silver Jubilee Stableford

Played with Pete Mitchell and John Murray.

Very good round of 18 and 19 points. Fluffed a tap in and went out of bounds at 11 but otherwise driving very well.  Missed winning by 1 shot.

26 March - Refos vs Spanglers

Martyn's event, against the group following us on Saturdays.

Played with David W against Gary Fortune and Matt Deaks.  Conditions not great, grey and cross wind.  Went 3 down after 3 but pulled back to level.  Then dormie 2 down.  Missed a putt on 17 that would have won us the hole, then won 18.  As it was, lost 2 and 1.

Overall win on total points for Refos.  Ham egg and chips for lunch then Martyn's own sponsored prizes.

23 March - Letchworth Scratch Match

Return foresomes friendly, after I'd missed the home game.

Good day, almost no wind and comfortable temperature.  Played with Ken Ayre against Dick Mitchell and Paul Shadbolt.  Started very badly, with Ken's first two tee shots had ended up against trees.  Went quickly to 3 down but then won 4 in a row.

One up at the turn then seesawing to the 17th where we again went ahead after my shot to the green.  ken's drive on 18 found more trees and my attempted recovery ricocheted into the ditch.  Very pleased with the half though.

Team won 3.5 to 1.5 which was a splendid result against the current Div 1 champions.

22 March - Wellingborough

With Tony, Phil and Andrew Petrie.  Winter special price of £30, including ham, egg and chips after.

Lovely day and course in pretty good condition.  Andrew and I played together, winning 2 up.

Hit an amazing 3 wood on the SI 2 hole, from 210 out to the middle of the green.  Hit some good drives too but found the greens difficult.  Andrew played very well and was the main contributor.

21 March - Seniors Match vs Beadlow Manor

A bit grey but light wind only.

Partnered Mike Harrison against Ian Godden and Keith Garwood, getting to dormie 6 and winning 4 and 3.  Keith not feeling very well on the second nine, cold and achy.

Played okay, decidedly average. Won the match 6 : 1 overall.

19 March - Saturday Medal

Played with Alan Evans and Martyn.  Alan scored very well on the front nine, 21 points.  Slightly feel away towards the end for 17 back.

I was a bit indifferent, 15 out and 17 back, missing out on the last three holes after a birdie on 15.

Good score by Danie, 69 gross, 41 points, matched by Arlo.  Then David Williams on 40.

16 March - Seniors Medal

Dry but quite a cold wind from the north east.

Started out fourth with Graham Clark and Derek Hayden but Derek had had enough by the 6th and walked in.  We then went through the group ahead on the 10th and ended up 45 minutes ahead of them at the club house.

Played ok but fluffed several shots for 86/73.  Putted very solidly, not missing anything I shouldn't have.

14 March - Match vs Cambridge Meridian

Played with Keith Wood against John and Patrick Hamilton.  Started at 15 so had to give a pile of shots at the end, 5 in 6 holes.  Went from two up to all square on the 13th but my par on 14 won the match for us.

12 March - Sat Stableford

with David Williams and Mark W.  Steady golf, 16 out and 19 back despite not driving particularly well.

7 March - Seniors 4BBB Knockout

Played against Tony and Robin Tinston.  Didn't play very well and lost 2 down.

Feb 13 - REFOS

cold day with wind from North and some drizzle.  Last off with Neil and Mark W, and held up all the way round.  Played steadily, 18 out and 17 back, with some good short game.  Difficult coming back into the wind, and slowing up more and more as the drizzle got worse.

12 Feb. - Winter League

out first with Paul Davey and Graham Clark.  Started badly and never really got going.  Out in 14, back in 13, 5 blobs.  Hit some poor shots, found bunkers with impossible lies, etc etc.

8 Feb. - k/o vs Jim Hopkins and Roy Wilson

went two down immediately but got them back on 3 and 4. Then lost 8th but won 10th.  Lost 12 to be one down again but I birdied 14 and Derek Hayden birdied 15, then we hung on to win by 1.  Started badly but played ok for back nine.

6 FEB - REFOS

horrible forecast but the promised rain didn't come until later.  Played with Gary and Pete G and started with three pars, all through great short game.  20 for front nine then three putts on 11 and 13 and total mess on 16. So 35 total and third place.

5 Feb - Seniors winter league.

Played well to the 14th, one up on handicap.  Then hit a good shot to 15th but just a bit too right of green, catching the bunker and landing in an unfair position.  No shot, and the attempt landed back in the bunker, on the bit where the base of the bunker was exposed.  Then fluffed the 16th, par on 17 but a fluff short of the 18th after a good drive.  19 out but only 14 back, with three blobs.

4 Feb - East Herts

with Phil, Grant and Tony.  Mild day but the course was quite soft and muddy.  Playing long so struggling to get to greens.  Game went to the last hole where Grant pitched dead from the front bunker to clinch the game 2 and 1.  Didn't play very well.

22 January - with Phil at Gogs - approx 31 points

Old Course, quite hard underfoot.  Played behind a society so slow all the way round.  Not quite there today, having to hit a lot of long second shots.  Went to the last putt in our match, where I lipped out for the half.  

20 Jan - Seniors Teams of 3 - 40 points

Played with Bob Lee and Mike Harrison.

Another good round.  Course not too frozen, just some greens very hard, like the 7th where my good shot bounced far over.

Still driving straight mostly, with some great chips and putts to rescue score.

5 4 5 5 5 5 3 5 6 - 18
3 6 4 4 4 3 3 5 4 - 22

16 Jan - Refos - 37 points

Very cold, never above 3 degrees but fortunately no wind.

Out second with David W and Andy.  Played very steadily for 16 out, 21 back, no blobs.  Making up for short length by good finishing.  Andy's shots over the last 4 (10 points to my 7 points) made the difference as we were about level up to then.  That said, his drive + 6-iron on the 17th was impressive, adding to an earlier birdie when I had none.

6 5 4 5 4 4 5 5 7  -  16
3 4 3 5 4 4 4 5 5  -  21

!5 Jan - Seniors' Winter League - 38 points

First off with Paul Davey and Graham Clarke.  Cold, and frost on the greens to start but thawing later on.

Good steady round of 18 out, 20 back.  Putting well!

12 Jan, Royston with Phil and Grant - 38 points

Quite cold and windy but the threatened rain stayed away.  Lots of worm casts on course but greens very good.  Like them as they are, slightly longer than normal but running true.

Played well again!  Three putts on 3rd and 9th but still 17, scoring on every hole.  Then a solid back nine of 21 points, chipping and putting well to make up for reduced length off the tee compared with Phil and Grant.

Won overall by 6 so still beating them off level.

9 Jan - REFOS - 34 points

With Pete L and Arthur.  No pars until 15th but scored on every hole, two off handicap.  Finished well, 8 points for 34 and third place.  Expected rain but none until we'd finished, and less strong wind.

8 January, Seniors League - 34 points

Played with Steve Ogilvie.  Steady up to last four, two better than handicap.  Good drive on 15th but second shot pulled left so bogey.  Another on 16th.  Two good shots down 17th then shanked 6 iron and double bogey.  Straight drive on last but wedge left short. So 34.

6 Jan - Seniors, 4 clubs and putter - 39 points

Was to have been the monthly Stableford but trolley ban in place because of muddy conditions.

Singles Stableford instead, first out with Paul Davey, taking Driver, 5 Utility, 7, PW and putter.

Foggy to start so a delayed start.  Then played very quickly, getting back over 45 mins before the next ones.

Drove well and played a lot of good shots, out in 41 for 20 points, back in 39 for 19 points.  Good choice of clubs, surviving two bunkers.  Just one 3-putt, on the 11th after escaping the bunker but mishitting the first uphill putt.

5 Jan - Wandlebury - 40 points

Game with Phil and two of his friends from Aspley, Grant and Sam (pro).

Excellent game, Phil and I playing together.  Phil said we were up against it but we went 2 up after 3 holes.  Then a run of three birdies by Sam put us behind up to the 8th when my timely par equalled out the scores.

Goofed on the 10th but then came back in 1 over for the last 8, Good par on 17 to go one up, poor drive on 18th but on fringe in 3 and holed putt.

40 points for me, same for Sam, but his was -4 gross.  Win by 1 up.

2 Jan 2016 - Refos - 33 points

33 points off 12 Hcp. With Martin and Pete L.

Bit of drizzle to start but then mild and less windy than recent times.

Good front 9 of all 2s apart from second, where I scored 1.  Short game good, making up for lack of distance.

OB on the 10th, played from the winter tee; almost cleared the trees but on a tight line.  Three putts prevented a point. Another three putts on the 13th  but 11 points on remaining 5 holes.