Our annual charity golf event was held this year at Stapleford Abbotts golf club at which we originally had thirty two players registered, however for a number of reasons 3 players dropped out on the day.
The weather gods were kind to us and the day remained overcast with light winds and most importantly no rain. I think it is fair to say that the condition of the course was disappointing, in particular the greens which clearly need a great deal of work to bring them back into an acceptable playing condition. One of the attendees is a member at the club and advised us that unfortunately the club lost its head green keeper early in the season and they have not been able to attract a new one so the remaining staff have little direction and experience about what to do.
The most important thing was that in spite of the variable green conditions all the players enjoyed the day and in particular Duane Cobham who won with 40 points playing of a 28 handicap. Duane was very happy to accept the trophy and believes that his investment in a very smart remote controlled electric buggy was the inspiration for his success. Second place was taken by Ian Charman with a very creditable 36 points.
In addition to the two main prizes we also had a nearest the pin on a par 3 and nearest the pin in two on a short par 4. The hole suggested by the club for the NP was hole 6, this proved to be very difficult for all the players so this prize was not won, the NP2 was won by Alan Williams.
Following the event, several players stayed at the course to enjoy an Indian meal before travelling home for a well earned rest.
The most important part of the event was money being raised for our chosen charities this year are Parkinson’s UK and the M E Association. In addition to the gift donations made by individuals we had three major contributors, Upminster Golf Club, Ingrebourne Golf Club and Allen Motor Group which lead to us raising the fantastic sum of £529