The 2nd Friends of Askean RFC Charity (Friends) Golf Day was held on Friday 28th July at Pedham Place Golf Centre. It is an excellent venue for a Society Day, forgiving enough to a high handicap golfer and yet challenging to the low handicap golfer who wishes to take on the pins. We were blessed with a pleasant summer’s day, almost sun block weather in late afternoon!
Bacon rolls and hot drinks were served at 10.15 am and our Golf Day Host, Friends Treasurer, Ian Johns outlined the day - a Stableford Competition with 4 other contests
There were 4 x 4 ball matches:
It was excellent to see Askeans 1st XV stalwart Ciaran bring along his friends, James Matt and Ash to support ‘Friends’ and Askeans.
There were some impressive highlights:
· Matt hit the longest drive with ‘Old Woody’
· Ciaran re-loaded at the 1st and hit a 6 iron 200 yards
· James had 3 pars in a row
· Ash parred the 5th despite never leaving the rough on his way to the green
Sean, Paul and Shutey (our intrepid roving golf reporter, his on course report follows!) – played for Askeans in the 70s and 80s – Sean plays golf reasonably regularly, Shutey at our Golf Day and whenever he visits another ‘70s/80s legend Paddy Norton in Oz, Paul every few years and Michael is just embarking upon his golfing odyssey!
It was really good to see Ian John’s golfing pals coming along again. Many Thanks to Mick, Kevin, Mark and Hugh for their regular support and their generosity in providing raffle prizes and giving donations- They are also really good company!
This proficient group of golfers brought up the rear, ensuring groups behind did not force through! Nick was defending his title from our inaugural Golf Day – He was totally relaxed and in contention for top spot once more. Chris and Bob kept up with Nick until on a par 3, where all 4 were surrounding the green off the tee, Nick casually chipped in for a birdie!
The golf ended in late afternoon and we retired for a thirst quencher at the bar and then into our own private room for an excellent supper of Ham, Egg & Chips, followed by the Awards & Raffle
Results
Overall Competition
1st - Sean McManus 38 (Won on countback)
2nd - Nick Patten 38
3rd – Chris Jeffries 37
Nearest the Pin - Hole No.7 - Ian Johns
Longest Drive - Hole No. 13 - Hugh Regan
Old Woody – Hole 12 James Coffey
Sean reflected the sentiments in the room in his gracious acceptance speech, saying what an enjoyable day it was and urging more Askeans and Friends to come along next year to support a worthwhile cause.
It was indeed an excellent day and £415 was raised. Many Thanks to our golfers, from Askeans and our guests who supported the day, those who donated raffle prizes so generously and of course to Ian Johns for his excellent organisation and making it so enjoyable.
We look forward to our 3rd Annual Golf Day in 2024!
Shutey, our intrepid, roving on course golf reporter posted this report !
‘I pitched up (see what I did there) well in time for the bacon rolls which were delicious.
That was the highlight of my day as it all went downhill from there. The one real plus was that unlike last years’ event there wasn’t a monsoon raging outside.
I was looking forward to my Mulligan – until I found out it was a free shot off the tee, rather than a free shot of Irish Whisky - I used up my Mulligan with my first attempt at hitting the ball.
Paul and Michael shared a ball as it was Michael’s debut on a golf course. Sean in our group wasn’t having much of a day …he hardly took any shots at all, whereas I was frequently close to double figures – he also ignored my advice and instead of enjoying a few putts on the greens, insisted on sticking his ball straight into the hole.
If there had been a prize for most lost balls or most hits then I would have been well in the frame.
We then reached the 13th where everyone had to have a go with this old wood…this was somewhat of a surprise for me as it was a right handed club and I’m a south paw (or whatever a lefthander is). To everyone’s surprise my right- handed whack was a tad more impressive than I’d been on the previous 12 holes with left handed clubs. To my consternation, Sean said that I had to leave the club on the tee for the next lot to have a bash with.
By the 14th hole I had given up any hope of picking up a prize except maybe in the raffle.
By now I was really tired – but hope was on the horizon as Ian J drove over the hill in a buggy. I waved frantically - he mistook my attempt to thumb a lift as a signal that I was having a great time! He gave me a thumbs up back and steered of in the opposite direction.
I managed to stagger through to the last hole where Paul carded his sole par of the day (It’s not how you start it’s how you finish!) and I spent considerable time in the bunker ending up with a quadruple bogey.
I’d like to pretend that put me out of contention but that had happened on the first tee!
Afterwards, we gathered for an excellent meal and awards and despite earlier hopes I didn’t even get one of the many raffle prizes.
Ian thanked everyone for such a good turnout and a great day and for helping add to the funds for ‘Friends’.
Despite my obvious lack of talent I had a fantastic day with some great mates and we all laughed a lot – and Sean played really well!
A big thanks to Ian for all the excellent organisation.
Already looking forward to next year!