1.         Sorry about the delay to the newsletter. It was originally postponed so it could incorporate the post Ifield standings which had to wait for Ian’s return from holiday. When I received them I decided to hold off until I could incorporate the Tour details. 

2.         Ifield was an enjoyable day on a course which, if unspectacular, offered a pleasant challenge. Most of the 50 players had not tackled the course before and it was Phil Seymour who rose best to the demands it made with an outstanding 41 points. This was his second BAGS win, the first going back to 2002 at Nizels in Kent. Well done Phil and the only downside of your victory was that it gave Ian an opportunity to reduce your handicap before the tour…

3.         Congratulations also to Roger who was the Ifield runner up which gave him a huge leg up in the Chairman’s to 115 as he takes a lead of three over Kevin into the remaining two events of the season. Dave Christie continues to head the Treasurer’s by a healthy margin as does Hedley in the par 3. Remember though that these two competitions can turn on a sixpence. 

4.         We have a large field for Westerham and a reminder that the money is due by the end of September. When you pay (or separately if you prefer) do remember to send your Stick details so these can be incorporated on to the scorecards. Could I ask those who filled in their details on tour to send me them again as these seem to have gone astray in the hotel dining room! The shots range at the moment from 29 to 44….

5.         The KOs are now approaching their later stages and we already know that Chris R will play Les in the Seniors Final. There’s a cracking Pairs match in prospect between Ian/Chris and Mike C/Nigel at the appropriate venue of Wisley. Please liaise closely with Roger on the Singles and Pairs so he and John can try to schedule the Finals at Effingham, ideally on the same day in October.

6.         What a superb BBQ Mike and Glenn organised. The weather was fabulous and the setting, overlooking the lake, was idyllic. Our thanks to them and all who helped with food or on the day. The next social event will be the Annual Dinner at La Meridiana on Friday January 27 and there has already been a good response. It would be appreciated if you could confirm if you are likely or unlikely to be there so we can confirm to the owner that we have sufficient numbers to have exclusive use again.

7.         With next season still in mind a few people have asked about the list of events for 2012. This was previously distributed in the summer but I’m attaching it to this newsletter so you can record the dates in your diaries. It’s an exciting list of venues and the Booking Form will be sent out in late November.

8.         There’s been a good response to the Charity event next year. We have bookings for 13 buggies from likely participants so if you do decide you need one, you’ll not be alone.

9.         Now to the Tour – those who went to East Anglia ahead of the main event and played Hunstanton on the Monday sadly hit the full force of Hurricane Katia as they battled their way round what must have seemed like 36 holes. Out of 20 people the winning score was 26. Nuff said! Though the wind was still around on the Tuesday and Wednesday, it was a more sedate affair though we were exposed on a truly magnificent Royal Cromer course offering fantastic views at every hole. The sea was also visible from every hole at Sheringham and coastal path hikers took their lives in their hands as BAGS took their drives! The tour climaxed at the excellent coastal heathland course of Thorpeness where Mike C (you know who I mean) became the first player to notch back to back tour victories in the Secretary’s Cup ahead of Steve Little and Andy Harper. Well done Mike and we are all in awe of your 38 points off 8 on a difficult course in tough conditions at Cromer. Glenn won the Plate with an excellent 34 at Thorpeness. The trophy will be a nice house warming present when he moves, fortunately not too far away. There was only one hole’s rain out of 72 and the hotel was great so everybody left happy. On that note please do let me have your Spain 2012 deposits soon then we can tie up the arrangements to ensure another successful tour