What an excellent weekend, which everyone thoroughly enjoyed, clearly a testament to the brilliant organisation of Chris Cox – massive thanks to him from all the players. We were a total of 30 this year, some regulars absent due to conflicting Fathers’ Day schedules. New Covid rules meant everyone had to wear masks inside, with all BEGS players at designated tables and full waitress service. Comment of the weekend came from Andy Powell, who on remarking about the slightly slow food service Friday evening was concerned the “soup of the day” might end up as the “soup of yesterday”, once it arrived. Overall, the comments about the food quality were all very complimentary - well done Thorpeness.

Commendable achievements included David Knights completing the Longest Day Golf Challenge which meant playing four rounds of golf in a day which was the Friday preceding Thorpeness! He skilfully broke us all to donate £420 to the MacMillan charity – well done Knightsie, a worthy cause indeed. A shout out to local lad, Jim Stewart, who drove up from nearby Poole Harbour to take part in the weekend, a mere 250 mile trip each way which took him about six-and-a-half hours, 50 litres of petrol, four big macs and three large Americanos with dairy free vegan goats froth. Well done Jim, the 2021 winner of furthest distance travelled to the Summer meeting. Diamond Geezer of the weekend was Trevor Marsh, who sadly was unable to join us for his first ever Summer meeting, but contributed £150 of his hard earned cash into the kitty for wine at the meal. We missed you, Trevor, but the wine went down a treat - thanks.

The Saturday foursomes were played in great conditions, despite the monsoon downpours of midday Friday. Scoring for some was brisk and they made it look easier than it was for other mortals. I refer, of course, to the winners of Knightsie & Skipper Cox. The latter seemed unable to miss any putts outside 15 feet and managed to hole one twice that length, as well as chip in. Their winning stableford score of 39 points was nothing short of awesome - a treat to witness.

The Singles were played on Saturday afternoon, with time very tight. Another star performer rose to the top, namely Bob Childs (BEGS’s version of Freddy Couples) amassing an insurmountable total of 38 points with his customary smooth swing. Hot on his heels was the formidable Ildi who came in with a solid 36 points.

Nearest the pin was Knightsie, whilst Paul Farren claimed the longest drive. Ray Nicholls won the longest drive in the rough and John Madden was closest to the pin in two shots at about three inches (had his 2nd gone in the hole and not landed to three inches obviously he would not have won this!).

With the dinner start time pushed back as the final group finished close to 8pm, this just meant more drinking time for the early groups. Dinner was excellent and towards the end, the Cox brothers set about drawing the pairings for Sunday’s Greensomes, using the tried & tested BEGS version of “higher & lower”. As the evening wound down, there were numerous casualties succumbing to the rigours of 36 holes - and perhaps excessive compensating medication.  Eventually everyone retired for the night, with the usual suspects a shade later (and earlier) than others.

The final day’s St Andrews Greensomes started in heavy rain. Scoring was tighter than a shark’s bum at 100 fathoms. The winning score was an impressive 38 points by David Cross & Duncan Brown, whilst second place a mere point behind on a count-back went to Treasurer Chris Cox & Hon Sec James Pendered on 37 points. Third place was Jim Stewart & John Chapman, both teams no doubt thinking of at least one short putt they missed.

Nearest the pin was John Chapman. Bob Childs let rip with the longest drive, Ray Nicholls again failed to find a fairway but won the longest drive in the rough. And, with his partner James Greenly, they won closest to the pin in two. Jonathan Bird gave a moving speech to award a tankard in memory of his dad who was a much-loved pillar of BEGS matches & meetings, sadly missed but not forgotten

Viktor Ludorum – David Knights, (in second place one point behind was John Madden)

Best score under 40 year’ age - Paul Farrren

Best score 40-65 age – David Knights

Best score over 65 “Vet” – Andy Powell

Bob Bird tankard (best score on Par 5’s) - David Knights

Noddy Collins award – Duncan Brown

Best coloured balls – Simon Cox

Next match is Lloyds at the Berkshire on 9 September, anyone willing to play please contact Bob Childs who is match manager.
 
** Annual Dinner **, the revised date is Thursday 7 October 2021, usual location of the HAC, black tie dress code. To book your tickets please contact Chris Cox or James Pendered.