Captain’s Blog No 16, (24.10.20)
Dear Members,
With the days shortening and the 2nd wave of the pandemic increasingly affecting our lives, the golf course continues to be a haven and activities at PHGC provide much needed positivity in an otherwise rather gloomy time.
There is now a distinct Autumnal feel to the course but despite the very wet 10 days at the beginning of the month the course has recovered well and is in good condition as we move towards winter. I would like to take this opportunity to thank Andy and his team for all their excellent work on the course this year. Despite very heavy use the course has been very good throughout the summer giving rise to many positive comments from members and visitors.
October sees competitive golf continuing apace in all 3 sections. The Ladies are busy completing their summer season. Congratulations to Lesley Hadfield and Erica Cowley for recent medal wins. In a very close competition, The Margaret Staley Trophy (a mixed Florida scramble) was won by Dave Tweddle, Isabelle and 2 new lady members Gillian O Donoghue and Diane Perry. The Ladies Summer season will be completed by ‘The Lady Captain’s Drive Out’ on Thursday 29th. I don’t know what this involves but I’m sure it will be fun!
The seniors have started their Winter programme and as always, the Tuesday competitions are very well supported and fiercely competitive with excellent winning scores.
Saturday 10th October saw the first weather casualty of the year (the Anniversary Cup had to be postponed and will now be played this Saturday the 24th) but the following day the weather was fine and the course had recovered well to enable the Past Captain’s Trophy to be played. It was great to welcome 10 past captains, for a competitive game and an excellent meal. This is also the occasion where the current Vice Captain nominates his choice for the next Vice Captain. Gordon nominated Simon Hetherington who has contributed much to the club over many years and will be well known to many of you. The Past Captains were delighted to endorse Simon, so it is a great pleasure to welcome his appointment.
Congratulations to Eddie Beardsley for winning the Stableford Shield with an excellent 42pts.
The final act of our Summer season will be the Presentation Stableford on 31 Oct. In lieu of our normal presentation evening myself and Gordon will be on hand by the 18th green to present (in a Covid safe manner) all the medal and trophy winners with their silverware as they finish their round. In common with all competitions this summer we have a large field (there are still a few places remaining) to provide a fitting finale for a tremendous year.
A huge thank you to Brian Palmer and the competition committee for all their hard work this summer in delivering such a great programme of events and thanks to all the members who have supported the competitions in record numbers.
Stay safe
Dave