1.         The beautiful autumnal weather for our Westerham day made being out there a pleasure, whatever your score. The course was interesting and in good condition. At the beginning the starter told us we needn’t drive long at most holes and he was absolutely right as quite a few of them incorporated dog legs where an over hit drive could mean you ran out of fairway. The style of the Clubhouse suited the surroundings beautifully . All in all a highly enjoyable day.

 2.         For Steve Little it was a very successful one. He’s been playing well enough recently to reach the Pairs Finals and on this occasion he did just enough to win the day with 39 points. It was a narrow victory on Countback from Richard (whose effort off a handicap of five saw him go round in just over par) but it takes our winner into the line up for the Captain’s Bowl in February so well done Steve. 

 3.         The Stick Competitions were a challenge on a testing course (and in fading light for those at the back) but both BAGS and Guest winners reached the later sections of the 9th hole. Dave Christie is always difficult to beat in the Stick and he recorded his third win in the history of this event.

 4.         Although Roger still leads the Chairman’s with 115, Steve’s Westerham round has propelled him to 111 with a throwaway score of thirty so a 35 at Effingham would take him into the lead assuming Roger did not better his third best score of 38. The only problem for Steve is that he has a knee procedure scheduled for early November and may well not be fit enough to play in December so Kevin and John Hawley may be Roger’s biggest rivals.

 5.         Dave Christie leads the Treasurer’s by a big margin but the par 3 competition is very tight as current NQ Ernie would lead by a small margin from Hedley and John Davies. That one really is too close to call and could be decided by one shot at an Effingham par 3.

 6.         While Effingham is in our minds, our current numbers are sufficient for the Club to give us exclusive use of the course until 1.30. That and the fact we can use two tees for starts means that we can offer a few extra places, primarily I imagine for guests as most BAGS members are down to play. So here’s your chance to give a friend a chance to enjoy one of the best events of the year with a late start and an early dinner at a Club renowned for its hospitality. The OOP will be issued within the next few days so please contact me if you want one of the places on offer.

 7.         Congratulations to our finalists in the KOs. Steve Rout will play Harry in the Singles and Les will take on Chris Romain in the Seniors. Last year’s winners Mike C and Nigel will play Steve and John Hawley in the Pairs. Should be some good matches there.

 8.         You may have seen on the web site that appropriately Chris was the BAGS representative when the Royal Marsden new unit was opened recently by William & Kate and our enormous contribution to the Charity over the years was recognised by the inclusion of our name in the list of donors. Chris has not told us whether he chatted about BAGS with the royal couple but if you see a lot of detectives around the Effingham Clubhouse on December 7th, you’ll know he’s got them as guests on that day!!

 9.         Our arrangements for the Spain tour are now in place with 32 people on the list for either a 5 or 7 day stay. It’s been a complex set of arrangements with all the variables but the group flights are now committed. If anyone still would like to join us, you can join a waiting list for accommodation and make individual bookings for the flights.

  10. We’ve had a good response to the BAGS Dinner on Jan 27 and many tables are now organised. We’re now close to the point where we’ll have exclusive use of the restaurant which would be an ideal scenario so if you’d like to join us for what promises to be a great start to BAGS’ 19th year, please get in touch.

 11.You’ll be pleased to hear that Brian Wynn continues to make good progress and hopes to  join us for dinner at Effingham. Looking forward to seeing you there, Brian.

 Hope you are enjoying this ideal golfing weather. See you in early December.