ACADEMY THWARTED BY THE RAIN AGAIN
6th May 2024
VP SPRING GOLF OUTING GRACES IDYLLIC DUNSTANBURGH
31st Mar 2018
After the deluge, on Sunday 24th March, 15 ventured up the Northumberland coast to be a present during a very popular Captain's Day at idyllic Dunstanburgh Castle GC. After the customary bacon roll & coffee, 5x 3bbbs set off led by Nigel Campbell, Alan Fletcher & James Ruddick ,who finished 3rd with a very creditable 73 points, featuring 40 on the back nine. Two to score per hole, Stableford points.
Second to tee up were Chris Campbell, Peter Crane & James Brown, who compiled 66 points with a bold 7 at the Castle hole. Third away were Colin Belfield, Graham Bruce & DDS, whom, helped by an eagle 2 at the par 4 5th by Graham, amassed 80 points & emerged winners on the day. Graham scored 23 points on the front nine.
Fourth away were Dave Thompson, David Martin & John Ruddick who amassed 70 points including an excellent 7 at the par 4 8th. Last away, & eventual runners up on 76 points, with 40 on the inward half, were Chris Harker, Stuart Latimer & Mike Tait. Regular strong scoring throughout except the 2nd.
A most convivial day with lovely weather, albeit a stiff breeze in parts but very little fairway waterlogging, ended with the traditional soup & sandwiches & a presentation of golf balls to the 1st , 2nd & 3rd placed threes.
We are indebted to Chris Harker for arranging the very competitively priced venue whose customer service & catering was exemplary, to Stuart who travelled from Bristol, to Graham all the way from Cambridgeshire, & to all those who responded to numerous text messages, for being taking part ! The smiles on entry reflected the warmth of shared remembrances. (Slats horizontal at extra cover as he thwarted Richie Richardson in a cup tie at Gateshead Fell !!!. Pecker's sixes to win cup finals.)
We plan to play again in early October. There is a possibility that Close House may be available. More on that soon. The cricket season starts, one week later than planned, this weekend. !! Hope to see you soon.
Author: Duncan Stephen