August 2017
The August weather left much to be desired. The promise of hot summer days replaced by cloud and rain. On a positive note the course turned from brown to green and looked a picture. The month started like any other with the Medal competitions. Danny Doyle won the Mid-week version and Steve Cooper found some form to win the Monthly Medal. There was a new event on the calendar this year in the form of the 4-Ball Aggregate Pairs. Both players nett stroke play scores would be added together in what promised to be an interesting experiment. All those entered reported that they enjoyed the format, even though it had pushed friendly relations to the limit. The best card at the close of play belonged to Brian Umney and Brian Purton with Mark Dowling and Mark Forster in second some eleven shots back. In the Mid-week Stableford Club Captain Graham and Vice-Captain James both tied at the top of the standings. This time it was Graham who came out on top, exacting some revenge on James for recent defeats. The penultimate round of the Stableford Cup was a close run affair. All the leaders were there eager to cement their challenge ready for the final round next month. John Dixon, who is having a very satisfying year came out on top with Michael O’Connor back in second.
The annual Ash Valley Masters took place at the end of the month. Once again, despite the fact that this is a medal competition, there was a good strong field. Playing in the early groups Mark Dowling returned to the clubhouse quite content with his efforts and a nett 71. He had every right to feel confident based on previous competitions and the less than average scoring. It must be disappointing to play at the front of the field and have to wait until the last group is home to find that you’ve been beaten. But sadly for Mark this was his fate. John Waters, a new member since November, showed everyone a clean pair of heels with a mouth watering 67 to claim the title. It was no surprise to those at the Club who have witnessed John working on his game most days of the week.
