DUE to the pandemic, and then bad weather last February, this competition has not been played since 2020.
At the beginning of that year Brian Jones asked if there was a use for a crystal putter that had come into his possession. Since the Valentines Mixed had no trophy, I immediately thought of that. Keith Hubbard worked his usual magic with some wood and made a lovely trophy which has been unadorned with winners, until today.
There was a good turnout of 24 pairs, even though it was an early start for some, and a cold wind was blowing in off the sea. The first eight pairs were on their way in when those who played after the Rabbits competition, were going out. Not ideal, but roll on the super new clubhouse, then we can be sociable again. Many thanks to Rhys for running the competition, and Linda for finishing off the report.
The Foursomes format is not an easy one, but probably at its easiest at this time of year when the rough is almost non-existent. The greens, as always, were immaculate but very slick. The new bunkers were easier to get out of, and there were some excellent scores in.
Usually, the upper thirties are winning scores in this format so bad luck to Beth McMann and Mike Williams, and Grant Watkins and Diana Dredge, who with 39 points each must have thought they were in with a chance of winning. But Grant ant Diana beat Beth and Mike on the back nine to take third place, so prizes for 3rd and 4th taken. Second place with 40 points went to Keith Hubbard and Mary Lewis. But first with a remarkable 44 points were mixed competition stalwarts, Georgina Ormond and Paul James.
The organisers said: “It will be a pleasure to get their names engraved on our new trophy, which I will guard until we have a clubhouse to put it in. Next competition is on Easter Saturday, when hopefully it will be a bit warmer.”
