CAPTAIN'S DRIVE IN
BLACKMOOR GOLF CLUB
Friday 2nd March 2012
The excellent Blackmoor Golf Club proved a stern test for the 31 Stragglers, and guest Richard "Stiff Legs" Kirby, in the first 'Order of Merit' event of the year - the 'Captain's Drive in'. Once again the sun gods were on our side, with the now infamous scene of pink and blue Stragglers outfits covering the tee boxes, fairways, heather and greens of the Blackmoor course.
It was Andy Buck (38 points) who led the way, winning his first Stragglers trophy, with Dave Brown (37) and the fast finishing Dave Greetham (36) taking the minor places.
2012 Captain, Phil Green (33 points), struck the first tee shot of the day at midday splitting the first fairway and "The Stragglers" were up and running. The first group of Phil, Vice Captain Mark Mellett (32), Phil Colmer (31) and winner Andy Buck (38), turned out to be the highest scoring group of the day.
It all could have been a different story if Dave Brown hadn't 3 putted from 18 inches on the difficult par 4 11th hole. Browner played solid golf throughout and surely cant be far away from his maiden win. Consolation for Browner was picking up 1st place in the 'High Handicappers' competition.
Dave Greetham, who picked up the nearest the pin (9th hole) award on his way to 36 points was left thinking what could have been with an excellent 22 points on the back 9. "Big Stick" must fancy his chances to break his own duck this year. The big hitter from Petersfield will also have one eye on the main prize - The Tom Wilson trophy - long way to go though....
Just outside the top 3 were Al Harris and Mark Copping (both 35 points). Playing in his first event, Al made an eye-opening start to his Stragglers career - the handicap secretary has certainly got one eye on his handicap. Speaking of handicaps, the remarkable Mark Copping, now playing off 6, has come down from 24 in under 18 months. This doesnt seem to have stopped the big man, and if it wasn't for a double bogey on 17, he could have been in the money. Another one to watch for the annual Order of Merit this year.
Longest drive went to Simon Straker (record breaker), who split the tight 16th fairway with a whopper which no one got near all day. Nearest the pin on the 12th hole went to Jeremy Edmunds (minus the pink trousers which are now on sale - 33 inch waist). If anyone has any 36 inch waist trousers, Jem will now be interested. Seems married life is comforting!
Fred Sharrock picked up another wooden spoon to add to his growing collection.
Speaking of trousers, we have our first casualty of the year with "Big Stick" having to make a quick exit to the changing rooms after splitting his. To be fair they have been under considerable pressure for some time now and finally gave way much to the amusement of his playing partners.
The Stragglers will definitely be visiting Blackmoor again. It proved an outstanding venue and one to which we were warmly welcomed - by the captain of the club and the other members we met.
Onwards and upwards! The next event is for the Spring Cup at Tidworth Garrison GC where MPL will be defending his trophy.