Report

There were great numbers and great weather for the last event of 2023, the sun came out after some brief early showers, all 36 players left with at least one of each group using the 'Golf Genius' app to record live scoring during the round. A big thank you to Jim White for setting this up and it was very easy to log-in and put the scores into the app. I had great fun seeing who was doing well and not so well!

The leading group of Andy Heyes and John Sheehan both were doing very well at the turn, as was Jem Edmunds until a few bad holes, but all eyes were on the race for the Order of Merit, with Phil Burridge in the lead by Eddie Moloney having missed an event right behind ready to pounce! Eddie finished with 35 points and Phil came home with 34, but Eddie needed really needed a top ten finish to gain enough points to overtake. As the scores were being entered onto the app and visible on the screen in the clubhouse how many would jump over Eddie to push him down the leaderboard! Well he ended up in 8th place just scoring enough to win the Order of Merit from Phil by 2 points.

A the other end more eyes were on the wooden spoon as Simon Straker finished his round there were a lot of players below him but with more holes left and the scores came in he found himself moving lower and lower, Strakes was even following his progress during his meeting at 2pm with his financial advisor! It was not good for Strakes though as everyone passed him by unfortunately!

MPL had a great day winning the longest drive and nearest the pin, with Bucky taking nearest the pin in two on 18, which made him finish on 39 points with 22 on the back nine to lead on countback ahead of Phil Curl also on 39 points, Stick had 38 points with one hole left but from the middle of the fairway tugged his approach left which hit the cart path and then bounced 20 yards out of bounds, he couldn't get up and down so blobbed the last for 38 points leaving Bucky to take the shield, well played Andy.

After the golf we had the usual meal and presented the awards for the day and all the awards during the year, Jason gave a great farewell speech as Captain, thank you for this year, it's definitely been one getting back to normal post Covid, he also welcomed the new captain for 2024 Paul Baker, who in his words "Possibly the most ridiculous decision ever", but I'm sure his dictatorship captaincy will have a unique style to it and be great fun, he's already looking at some fantastic venues for next year. We had an extra special gift as well for our Chairman how turns 60 soon and is aiming to play all 14 Open venues, with just 2 left to play the Stragglers had a collection and raised £850 to cover his green fees, Bakes presented the card with lots of good wishes, well deserved for all he does for the Society.

Hope everyone has a great winter break and see you all next year!