Report

Many of us enjoyed some lovely spring weather for 'The Captain's Drive-in' at Goring & Streatley on Thursday. This was our first visit to the course and it was in very good condition, the winter work on the course had meant the first hole had been reduced to a short par 3 with temporary green and the 4th hole was out of play but using their 19th hole as 3A on the scorecard. Other than that the first 4 holes were up a very big hill but leveled out after that only dropping back down on the unusual 17th hole, I think it you got the right line you can catch the speed slope down the hill and make it an easy par 5, but the small green and tricky pin position could cause trouble!

Anyway the course was in great condition, greens were true and quick on some downhill putts, the bunkers and tees were well manicured and the fairways lovely to play off.

Jim White played very well with 38 points to take the trophy, with Alan Green coming a close second with 37 points and 4 people tied on 36 points, David Greetham, Matt Barwell, and Tony Fawcett but on countback (last 3 holes) it was Nick Lawton who came in third place. Stuart Marks came closest to the pin on 9, somehow bouncing it off the top of the bunker and shooting left to within 2 foot of the hole! David Greetham took longest drive on SI 1 and also managed to birdie it along with playing partner Matt Perry-Lewis! Matt Barwell drove the green on the nearest pin on 2 and putted up to a few feet.

The team event was won by Dave Chessell, Phil Curl and Andy Pryce, best 2 out of 3 scores to count, the ammassed a score of 84 points, dove tailing very well on the scoring holes, second as Andy Birch, Phil Burridge and Alan Green with 82 points and three teams behind on 80 points.

We welcomed new members Rob Motson (son-in-law to chairman Andy Heyes) and Richard Gallacher who has been referred to us from long time friend of the Stragglers from Folkestone Dave Curran, lots of good stories with Dave!