West Surrey 2011

1. West Surrey provided one of the best BAGS days we’ve ever experienced. The weather was sheer perfection, particularly considering it was only the third week in March, and the course which always looks attractive with its fine views over the Surrey Hills, was in great condition with the greens fast and true.

2. At 8.30 am our new Captain drove off into the mist which was soon to disappear, though the length of his drive did not take too many risks of the ball being lost in the fog! None of this mattered to the early birds’ audience who were treated to a joyful and amusing cameo well orchestrated by the two Mikes and our photographer TT. The results can be seen on the web site (well done Ian on a great presentation) and totally personify the BAGS spirit. It was indeed a memorable occasion for all lucky enough to be there.

3. When we got down to the serious stuff, a familiar name from last year made it clear to his rivals that he’s not going to be displaced without a fight. Kevin won two events last year in April and May, was a member of the winning Charity team then finished runner up at Worthing in July. With 38 points at West Surrey it’s clear he’s going to be a force to reckon with in 2011 as he held off strong challenges from Glenn and Harry (despite ankle problems) who were just a point behind. Having marked Kevin’s card on this occasion, I can vouch for the fact that he should have no trouble playing off his new handicap of 24. Well done sir!

4. Mike C (sorry, the real Mike C!) celebrated his first round as Captain with a very creditable 29 and is particularly grateful for the support from those who so generously raised Charity money with their Drive in guesses. Of those who do not often make it on to these pages, I’d also like to congratulate Derek Pye on a steady round which I’m sure he thoroughly enjoyed.

5. Just a reminder (again) that any 2s achieved during a round should be ringed and be made prominent in some way so that our Captain and Vice can spot them and include them in the 2s money pool. With over 60 cards to go through, it is just not fair to expect them to spot a 2 unless it is highlighted in this way. It is therefore the responsibility of the scorer and the player concerned to make sure this happens. In BAGS we try not to have more rules than are necessary but this one will remain even if we risk (as on this occasion) disappointing those concerned. 2s are rare so let’s make sure they are recognised.

6. Thanks also to all who have supported the KOs competitions. Roger and John will be drawing the pairings in the next few days and will issue them soon afterwards. Do make sure that you then make early contact with your opponents so you can keep to the deadlines.

7. I understand Chris’ request at the WS dinner for more Charity hole sponsors has already resulted in two more offers for which we are as always very grateful. There is now only the odd Golfathon round available which gives you the certainty of a summer 4 ball for £100 at an attractive local course with the possibility (if you’re lucky in the draw) of getting one of the top picks of RAC, West Hill or Burhill. These rounds are ideal if you have a group you could put together for an occasional summer outing. Contact myself or Chris if you want to be in that draw at Littlehampton.

8. Which brings me to our next event taking place in less than 3 weeks time (for which the money is now due). Links golf is very different but hugely enjoyable so if you are not down for April 15 or are playing but would like to have a guest, we do have a few spaces and would love to see you there. Sadly Mike cannot make it so VC Ian is calling on PCs Roger and Glenn to help him on the day.

9. If any of you is interested in occasionally joining a few of us who have formed a group called the Monday Men playing (guess what) on a Monday morning at a different course organised on a rotating basis by its players, you’d be very welcome. It’s 18 holes plus a drink and a sandwich afterwards with nothing formal in the golf but just a chance to play on a variety of courses at a very reasonable price amongst a BAGS group plus a few you’ll know or soon get to know. We started the idea in October last year, have already had some great days on local courses and intend to have many more through the summer.

1st      Kevin Hawkins with 38 points
2nd     Glenn Ward with 37 points
3rd      Harry Medhurst with 37 points

The guest prize was won by Scott Morrissey with 40 points and second was Bruce Kennedy with 38 points.

Afternoon team competition (best two scores, double points on 1st, 6th and 12th)

1st with 57 points, Glenn Ward, Simon Cheung, Geoff Roy
2nd with 54 points, Roger Boychuk, Steve Little, Tim Akers
3rd with 52 points, Andy Harper, David Jackson, Patrick Murphy

Thanks to Hedley for going through every card and putting each par 3 result into the spreadsheet. It is therefore deserving that he came out with the best par 3 scores at West Surrey, closely followed by Jim Cattermole and John Davies in 3rd position, both who got birdies on the 12th.

Most new captain's are nervous for their drive-in, but with everyone entering the "how far will he drive" competition Mike C was particularly anxious to hit a clean shot. Perhaps a quick prayer to the golfing gods would help.

With £75 to the person with the most accurate prediction everyone else thought a quick prayer might help as well.

Those who opted for a drive at the long end of the range are perhaps going to get their prayers answered as a certain Mike C steps forward onto the tee.

The answer was 47 yards. Mike was disappointed and was unfortunate that the dew on the grass slowed the ball down rapidly. However, Mike recovered well and went on to get one of his best BAGS scores for a long time and finished in the top half of the field.

Well done to Mike Corliss for being great sport. Thanks to Mike Christieson for adding some extra fun and to Terry Taylor for the photos.

The closest guess was myself, with 55 yards. The winnings have been put in an envelope and will be brought to the charity day for the auction, silent auction, raffle tickets etc so the money will find its way back to the Royal Marsden.