Captain’s Blog No 10, (30.07.20)
One of the great features of golf is that it is a sport accessible to all ages, this has been clearly demonstrated over the past fortnight at Pryors Hayes.
A real highlight of my year so far was to be present to welcome competitors and their parents to the European Junior Tour event that Roger put on at Pryors Hayes last Thursday. This is one of a large series events Roger organises each year.
Obviously, the programme has been somewhat curtailed this year but there was no disguising the youthful exuberance or the sheer talent of the competitors last week! It was really thrilling to witness.
Over 30 boys and girls, aged from 7 to 14 took part all of whom are potential future golf stars. Several youngsters from PHGC were in the field with Michael Stonehouse returning a nett 66. Well done to everybody involved.
Like most members I have long been aware of Roger’s involvement with Junior golf but seeing the tour event up close really bought home what a wonderful job he does and what a great advert his activities are for Pryors Hayes.
Perhaps towards the other end of the golfing age range, it was also great to take part last Friday in the first full ‘nine and dine’ event of the year. These are always fun evenings. There were over 30 competitors who played a 3-ball waltz followed by an excellent meal (thanks Bill).
A huge thank you to Norma for organising everything, particularly for her meticulous planning of the arrangements in the clubhouse to make sure we were all Covid safe. I think this has set a benchmark for future group dining experiences while the pandemic persists.
While on the subject of age, I played in my first senior’s event of the season on 14th July. One of my playing partners was the remarkable Walter Gilbert. Walter is apparently over 90, but you wouldn’t know it when you watch him play golf.
Golf really is a game for all ages!
Some recent highlights;
In the Ladies Section, the Senior Ladies Trophy was won by Sue Hulme, one of the longest standing and most senior lady members, with a wonderful score of 41pts with her new junior clubs!
By contrast the July EWGA medal was won by one of the younger members (and fellow Barrow resident) Sophie Runciman with a nett 67, someone to look out for in the future!
In the Seniors, the monthly medal was won by David Hollingwoth with a nett 59!!! That’s not a misprint it really was a 59.
The monthly winners of the stableford prizes were; Division 1 - Graham Jones 42pts, Division 2 – Mike Taylor 38pts, Division 3 - Ian Craven 38pts.
In the Men’s section the Chairman’s Trophy was won by Matthew Jones with a nett 66, narrowly beating Jack Craven who had an excellent 72 – 5 – 67.
Well done to all recent winners.
Jack’s excellent gross score of 72 is the latest in a series of low scores from our low handicappers (mostly relative youngsters) which promises a very competitive club championship over the weekend Aug 8th and 9th.
Remarkably we already have over 100 entries for the club championship, it should be a really exciting weekend.
Looking further forward, there are still places available on both Captain’s away days (Henlle on Sept 20 and Eaton on Sept 21st, details on the Captain’s noticeboard).
It would be lovely to fill both days, please contact me if you would like to join us on one or both.
Until the next time, stay safe and enjoy your golf
Dave