CAPTAINS CORNER
Gentlemen,
In my Captain’s Corner piece for the August 24 Newsletter, I reported on a very positive start to the season, (3 Wins, 2 Draws and 1 Defeat), and both a successful Captain’s Tour at Old Thorns and Captain’s Day at Harleyford. In particular, I highlighted the good company, the enjoyable golf, and the tasty refreshments, (both meals and liquids!)
I am delighted to say that the second half of the year continued in much the same manner, though our results fell away somewhat as we came up against some of our historically stronger opponents. Matches were lost to Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Sussex and Essex, but we did beat Cambridgeshire, and were also leading against Kent at Flackwell Heath, when play was abandoned because of torrential rain.
In the 4 Counties matches we were 4th in the South tournament, but 2nd in the North competition. Our team for the latter was captained in my absence by Vice Captain Bob Barnes. 2nd place shows good promise (!) and I wish him well for 2025, and hope that he enjoys every minute of his year
The year was brought to a close with the Autumn Meeting held at Gerrards Cross. The winner on the day was David Forrest who scored 38 points, beating local GX Captain, Dusty Miller, by 2 points. Bob Barnes came in 3rd, which was enough for him to win the Order of Merit competition for the 2nd year running. Can he make it 3 in a row in his captaincy year? Perhaps unlikely, unless he breaks tradition and plays on his Captain’s Day at Whiteleaf on July 3rd
Before closing, I just wanted to give you a few statistics that you may find interesting;
- In the 14 county matches (including 4CN and 4CS) we played 106 pairs matches (212 players), and were represented by 58 different members and 5 local club captains.
- Interestingly out of the 212 appearances, 92 (42.5%) were played by 10 members, with the Captain playing in 13 out of the 14 matches
Whilst it is always likely that there will be some dispersion in representation, I would have liked to see more players being involved in more matches, When the forms come round at the end of this year, do please put yourselves forward for more matches and get involved.
All that remains for me to say is thank you again for electing me as Captain for 2024. I have thoroughly enjoyed the experience, both the golf, and even more importantly, the fellowship of all our members. Particular thanks go to all the Committee members who have done such an outstanding job this year, and made my life so much easier.
I really hope that you have all enjoyed your membership this year, and look forward to seeing as many of you as possible at the Spring Meeting at Sandford Springs on the 14 April 2025.
Colin