It was perfect “Northcliffe weather” at the Lambourne fixture, with blue skies and a warm breeze.

Added to this was a golf course in amazing condition after all the recent rain with slick greens and pretty firm fairways to make it a wonderful golfing treat.

So much so that there was unanimous support for a return next year.

Conditions being so good resulted in good scoring with the Society keeper of the handicaps, Ian McGowan, showing that a winter break did not upset his golf swing.

The fact that he had recently been away in Sweden visiting his brother and enjoyed a couple of games including a local “pro-am” competition where his team just got beaten certainly helped.

His 38pts was good enough to win the “Caird Cup” with 38pts, but only just by one point with HQP’s Steve Sharp scoring 37pts.

Ian was cut 2 shots from his playing handicap of 15 with Steve cut one shot from 20.

Close behind with 35pts in 3rd place was David Crump off 17 with Joe Marvel 4th4 pts off 5.

Champagne for “Nearest the Pin” on the 5th was won by Ian with guest Rex Galbraith winning on the 17th.

The guest prize was won by Malcolm Ginger with a very solid 36pts.

Society vice-Captain Barry Theobald presented the prizes and when he asked all the players if they thought a return next year would be a good idea, everyone without hesitation said it had been a tremendous day and should be firmly fixed as a Society golf venue.

There were 4 winners in the “2’s” competition with David Crump taking home £12 for 2 x 2’s and Steve Sharp, Ian McGowan and guest Rex Galbraith £6 each.

Ian wisely backed himself in the fund raising “Back the Winner” competition and with no one else selecting him, won £50 with £25 into the funds.

Garth Burden
Pictures: Ian McIlgorm