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02/07/07 |
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Sunday 27th November I have been pondering the issue concerning slow play which is current among our happy little band of golfers. The best analogy I can think of is the 70mph speed limit we have here in the UK on motorways. Obviously it is not compulsory to drive at 70mph and drivers can tootle along at 50 or 60 mph, or slower if they wish. When driving at something slower than the rest of the cars on the motorway, cars are expected to drive in the inside lane. The problem arises when drivers fail to check their mirrors and are ambling along in the outside lane at less than 70mph. If they check behind them there are cars flashing their lights asking them to get out of the way and move over. The courteous drivers move inside immediately, receive a friendly wave from the passing motorist who is driving normally, and everyone gets to their destination at a time and pace of their choosing. These rules can be found in the Highway Code just as the rules about slow play can be found in 6 -7 in the R&A Rules of Golf. Saturday 26th November See 'TOGS' week 9, for scores. At the risk of becoming a bore, oh all right, I am boring....
...Slow play again reared it's ugly head today. There is a
website dedicated to the etiquette of golf (and that is what the problem is,
not slow play) called: Even if you are not a member of the 'TOGS', I suggest you read this excellent piece all about how to play golf at a pace acceptable to others. If you are not putting into practice these simple measures then, J'accuse! A bit of common sense and we can all get on with the game without having to offend our mates. We all have our little mannerisms when playing, which is fine. High or low handicap has nothing to do with it either. The word to describe the problem and offer the solution is, etiquette. If we can all say that we practice ready to play golf, why are we waiting?
Wednesday 23rd November - WAGS 1st - Coin Stevenson (23 / 22) = 37 points
35 points: Dave Archbold / Bill Fletcher* Hoots mon tha's a Scotsman aboot. Colin Stevenson joined our happy little band and immediately came out on top with his (very generous) 23 handicap. He is now off 22! Once he is 'waggled a couple of more times it will be game on. Monday 21st November There were five of us playing stableford off full handicap on another fine, crisp, sunny autumnal day. Coming out on top with 40 points was Raff (16hcp) closely followed by Arch (14) with 38 points. I (11) was happy with my 35 points and finished ahead of Le Frenchman and Olly. Very enjoyable game in good company rounded off with a toasted teacake and pot of tea. I was just happy to be there! Saturday 20th November
See 'TOGS' Week 8 The founder member of the 'FLOGS', Dave Rowntree, wins a prize for spotting the dates for Mon / Tues. & Wednesday are but figments of my vivid imagination. It's good to know that people are paying attention to these very important messages!
Wednesday 15th November - WAGS 1st - Daz Ridley** (6 / 5) = 38 points
34 points: Tony Sarginson** (guest) Tuesday 14th November Just about to leave for the gym I received a phone call from a pseudo Frenchman wanting a game of golf. In the interest of Anglo Franco relations I obliged. I also pocketed his unspent Euros. Monday 13th November Three lefties together playing a friendly threeball. Brian Liddle, Ken Oliver and yours truly. Thanks for the cream cake chaps. See you Wednesday. Sunday 13th November A bonus round of golf following an unexpected phone call. Daz (6), Oor Willy (12) and I (11) played this afternoon. Our gross scores were 78, 83 and 80 respectively with 5 birdies between us. We enjoyed ourselves so much in our three hour round of golf that we decided to write off any prize money in an amazing display of philanthropy. Saturday 12th November See 'TOGS' week 7. Thursday 10th November Thought I would nip onto the course and see if I could find my lost property, by having another round with John Raffle, my third this week. No success I'm sorry to say. He beat me fair and square again, although I did play much better. If no significant improvement is forthcoming I fear what my score might be on Saturday. Monday 7th & Wednesday 9th November Lost property: I seem to have lost my game and would be grateful if anyone who finds it could hand it in as soon as possible. Thank you. My next scheduled thrash about in the soggy grass is Saturday, with the 'TOGS' No 'WAGS' game (Wed) because there are still too many missing with work and holidays.
Saturday 5th November The scores will be posted on my return from Edgbaston. I am away with the Great Britain Transplant Cricket Club - GBTCC - for an indoor net at the Test match venue in Birmingham. My mate the bookie has Bill Fletcher today's favourite at 3 -1 with Doug Walker at 4 -1 and 6 - 1 bar. Thursday 3rd November Rosco, Daz and I had a game playing stableford using our 'TOGS' handicaps, which are 10, 4 and 6 respectively. My 31 points and Alan's 34 were not good enough to challenge Daz's 37. Cream cakes come and cream cakes go!
Wednesday 2nd
November
At last night's AGM, which was as dull as any AGM can be, a shaft of light appeared in the guise of former captain Denis Hudson. When the open forum arrived Denis walked to the front of the sizeable audience and using the microphone proceeded to 'tell it how it really is' in an extremely coherent and understated manner. To paraphrase him:
As Denis returned to his seat he was applauded by the majority of the members. Thank you Denis, coming from such a senior, respected member, the points you raised carried more weight than any of us young bucks could ever hope to achieve. We await the outcome with bated breath. It is fair to say that those who have so much to say about the state of the club and course, yet do nothing, were made to look silly last night. In fact some, and I can think of one in particular who moans constantly (no, not Rosco) were not even at the meeting. I reckon we should cut his handicap by two shots. That will keep Daz happy and by the way Mr Ridley only takes 1 sugar. |
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