A dry, cool and cloudy day meant absolutely perfect golfing conditions as the 7^th LC Trophy teed off at Cobtree Manor on the traditional first Saturday in June date. 

 

The runners and riders this year were missing three regulars in Martin (wedding – not his own) Cliff (financial) and Matt (thinking he is still 24 and got injured playing rugby).  However, there was a fourth player who failed to make the first tee….

 

With his 50^th Birthday approaching on the Thursday, Ian managed the spectacular feat of breaking his arm at work and following this up two days later with a Homer Simpson style tumble down his stairs from almost the very top. It was a rather drastic way of pulling out. I know I get a bit uptight about people not showing up, but really, there was no need to go to these lengths. If you don’t want to play; you can just say so.

 

But it did not stop him from driving the buggy and becoming the honorary photographer for the day.

 

After 18 holes we had two players tied on 34 points and it was Les Hewson who triumphed over Paul Walsh on count back and took the trophy. We shook hands and handed over the trophy and took the winners photograph………….BUT WAIT………Paul asked to see the cards and at that exact moment I could see straight away that I had made a monumental cock up with the count back. I could feel the blood rushing to my face, yet at the same time I went cold.

 

In a schoolboy error that was both shocking and embarrassing, I had mixed up the in scores and out scores and given Les the trophy an account of his better out score (score over the first 9  holes for you non golfers reading). But count back is the score over the last 9 holes (the “in” score). Les had come back in 15 points; Paul in 20. It was Paul’s trophy for the third time – Not the unfortunate Les. 

 

Les – I am truly sorry.

 

However, in small consolation he will go down in history for having the trophy for the shortest ever period. About 30 seconds. And at least he saved on the engraving cost.

 

The build up to the week was a little difficult as we tried to fill the spare places. Without it, it may have meant increased fees or loss of deposit. Thankfully, Ian drummed to two extras in Lionel and Ernie and although they were part of the competition, they were ineligible to win the trophy.

 

And so it proved to be the case as Lionel came home as day winner with a very steady 36 points. He had teed off with Ernie in a two ball and from the moment I saw him strike that tee shot, I felt that he was in with a shout.  Playing off 22 and hitting such a sweet shot always gives you a chance. But 36 points meant he was no bandit and there were no grumbles. Ernie found his 16 handicap a bit of a stretch, but still came home in 3^rd place with 34 points.

 

In the second group, I played the best I think I have ever played from tee to green. Not losing a single ball tells the story. However, I putted like Ray Charles and missed 4 very short putts which were short enough to be “gimmies” on non trophy days – that’s how short they were. I three putted 11 times in total so missing out by 2 points means that I tossed away a golden opportunity to retain the Trophy.

 

Charlie had his first LC trophy outing and scored a creditable 18. Although he struggled at times to keep the ball on the short stuff, what was encouraging was that he kept making the same error. That is much easier to fix than what I was doing at his age which was some left, some right and some two yards ahead. Charlie hit the ball quite well but consistently pushed everything to the right which means once he has cured that, he will develop a massive hook. Welcome to golf Charlie! No doubting that he will be a genuine contender in a few years time.

 

Pete played some lovely stuff considering it was his first outing for a year. He won the longest drive (although I was 30 yards ahead, but in the light rough) so he has a crate a lager to share. A fantastic birdie on the par three 12^th could have set him up for a run at the trophy, but sadly an 8 at the tough next hole meant he couldn’t build on it. Pete used his irons off the tee and it worked well for him. He also putted out consistently…something I was envious of.   

 

Les started like a train. He picked up 18 points in the first seven holes and despite one or two blow ups in the middle of the round was comfortably in the lead. Looking at the cards, he lead by 4 points after 15 holes. But a disaster at the greenside bunker at the 16^th, where we saw more sand coming out than a Sahara storm - and no ball meant he scratched that hole. With a net par next and only scoring a point on the last meant that he came up agonisingly short. But overall Les played with a lot of consistency and is clearly helped by those all expenses paid trips for corporate golf in Spain.

 

In the final group, after a nervy 1st tee shot, Botty decided to leave his driver in the bag and continue with his trusty 8 iron from tee to green which served him well.  But unfortunately he couldn't quite read the speed and turns of the greens to convert his good iron play into more points.

 

Lyn started well and lead the group at the half way stage on 16 points. Good consistent play, keeping the ball on the fairway and lagging putts to two feet will always help your score and Lyn managed that, but tiredness crept in on the back nine and that saw her challenge for title fade.

 

Baker surprised the group as neither Lyn nor Tony had played with him before. His drives were straight and iron play impressive but can't putt for toffee. He would surely have been in the mix if he could judge how far 15 feet is.

 

Walsh started badly, his driving was erratic at best and losing 4 balls on front nine proves just how wayward he was.  But for his rescue shots and putting would surely have been way off the lead, but he held it together on back nine to finish with an impressive 20 points and take title from Les on count back – after a re-count.

 

And so to next year when we all agreed that it would be an away day. It will be at a hotel spa so the partners can come too and enjoy the facilities while the blokes (and Lyn) trudge around the 18 holes swearing and cursing.

 

We will be selecting and booking a venue shortly. We will also be opening a bank account so people can put in £25 a month if they want to, so the price does not come too much of a shock next year it also ensures you will all be there!!!

 

The date will almost certainly be June 5th - so please keep that weekend free.

 

 

SCORES:

Lionel Bartholemew - 36*

Paul Walsh - 34

Ernie Hartley - 34*

Les Hewson - 34

Danny Ruler - 33

Tony Botting - 32

Pete Robinson - 30

Antony Baker - 29

Lynda Walsh - 25

Charlie Wilbraham - 18

 

*ineligible for Trophy