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Romiley Golf Club
August 2011 Newsletter
Ken Cooper President Romiley Golf Club
Relaxes with his grandson, Ellis
President’s Day Sunday 21st
August 2011
Mr. President spent a great deal of thought on the
placement of tees and pin positions. He asked your
editor to drive him round to check that the ground
staff had actually followed his instructions. Various
adjectives came to mind as your editor saw what he
had done. Sadistic and cruel were just two of those
adjectives. When he surveyed the 6th
green he
couldn‟t stop chortling where the pin was fiendishly
placed on the brow with the bunker‟s gaping mouth
waiting for errant putts.
What a gorgeous day on which to play golf and the
excellence of the course was commented on by so
many people. Well done the Greens staff.
Roly and Sandra Hewitt Lynn and John Spence
John and
Sandra were the
only couple to
compliment the
President on his
pin position on
the 6th
. Why?
They parred it so
no problem.
Rachel Broster had not looked forward to teeing off
in her first competition never mind the fact that it
was President‟s Day. So when her drive went
sweetly down the middle she literally jumped with
sheer joy and relief.
Mr. President takes us back to the old days and
had the men teeing off the old 6th
tee.
The dining room was beautifully decorated by Mr. President‟s wife, Rosalind and his daughter, Sarah
Paula Hough with Mr. President and Andy Reed
Winners of President‟s Day
Andrew Rexstraw and Pres Duncan Challen and Janet Godfrey Denise Booth
Longest Drive Men Second 36 points Longest Drive Ladies
The incredible, incorrigible Maurice Hall surrounded by Mr. President‟s family, Rosalind, Nadine and Sarah.
Maurice acted as M.C for the evening in his usual elegant style. He belies his age in the best of ways. Maurice had
nothing good to say about the President but he was glad to be asked as he would “glad of the money.” In 1969
Maurice and his wife won President‟s day and it was decreed from that time that there could be no husband /wife
partnerships in future.
Mr. Vice Captain, Derek Worthington, said an interesting grace that had to be listened to carefully.
“We go now to find our plate as we prepare to masticate.”
Ladies Stableford, August 4th
, 2011
Diane Houghton - 35 points Pamela Cunnington – 33 points
Maureen Marsden Angela Wheeler Darrell Parker Mark Kitchen
Nearest Pin 2nd
Ladies Third - 35 points Nearest Pin 11th
Men
Romiley Mens Open Sunday 7
th August 2011
1st
Les Hattersley 79 -15 = 64
2nd
Ollie Shore 81-14 = 67
3rd
Ross Gregory 80-9 = 71 (v)
Les Hattersley
Les had a look of disbelief as he came off the 18
th green. He had managed
his nett 64 despite having a double
bogey on the 17th
and a bogey on the
18th
. Les plays his golf at Denton now
but was a Junior at Romiley once
upon a time.
Steve Harrison had a hole in one on the second. He just
had to equal Anne.
Vets Centenary Cup Holes 1 – 14 Friday, 5
th August 2011
Your editor had the privilege of playing
alongside Harry as he won the Centenary
Trophy with a nett 55. Seeing as he 3-putted
from nowhere on 4 holes it could have been a
phenomenal score. His short explosive back
swing seemed to hit the middle of the fairway
with boring consistency and his next shot
always seemed to give Harry a chance. Well
played.
Rose Bowl and EWGA Medal Thursday 11th
August 2011
Winner Astrid Ceelen
87-13 = 74 CPO
Second Francine Walburn
102 -28 = 74
Cautionary Tale
On the 6th
August the Burchall Goblet was called off because
of torrential rain and thunder. Recently a golfer was out on
the course with 3 other gentlemen for a regular weekly tee
time. They teed off and got around to the back nine when it
started to rain.
When there was a little lightning way off in
the distance they decided to head in. They
waited under a tree half way in when the
rain became very heavy. When it let up a
little bit three of them then continued in but
one guy decided to wait it out under a 50'
pine with an overhang of 10' while standing
next to his bag.
Minutes later a lightning bolt struck his bag
and push cart as he was holding onto one of
his clubs killing him instantly.
Most of the items in the bag simply
disintegrated from the heat and intense
initial zap - including the labels to his ping
irons and Cleveland woods (which all
popped off). The electricity burned holes
into the bottoms of the clubs. The strange
thing is the tree under which he was
standing had no sign of a lightning strike. The bolt literally went sideways under the tree to the golf clubs.
Lesson to be learned - If you are caught out on the course or water ... distance yourself from anything metal
OR graphite. (Did you know that lightning rods are often made of graphite?)
Put your cart 50' away from you! When you see lightning off in the distance
GO IN IMMEDIATELY-, DON'T WAIT.
Vets v. Mellor Friday 12th
August 2011
On Friday, 12th August Romiley vets welcomed the team from
Mellor for another round of „friendly‟ matches. The day was a big
improvement on the previous Saturday; those members of the team
who had played then cast occasional nervous looks at the sky.
They needn‟t have worried. The weather was fine, the course was
excellent and the overall result being a comfortable home victory.
Mellor will get an early chance for revenge when the teams meet
for the return fixture in early September.
Keith Selby, author
Malcolm Booker, Chair of the Vets –
pleased at the victory.
Centenary Cup Round One Saturday 13th
August 2011 and Centenary Cup Round 2 Sunday 14th
August 2011
Winner Gary Williams 76-11 = 65 2
nd Mark Smith 73-6 = 67
3rd
Peter Milnes 72 -5 = 67
Winner Phil Morley 78-13 = 65 2
nd Mark Kitchen 74-5 = 69
3rd
Peter Milnes 74-5 = 69
Centenary Cup Overall Result
Winner Peter Milnes 67 + 69 = 136 2nd
Gary Williams 65 + 72 = 137 3rd
Phil Morley 73 + 65 = 138
Peter Milnes and Gary Williams were the last two out but the first two in the competition. As Peter prepared to take
his drive at the 16th
he knew he was having a very good round and thought he had gained a few strokes on Gary. His
drive soared out of bounds. His second hit a tree to the right! Playing another provisional ball down the middle
Peter was 5 off the tee and saying good bye to the centenary Cup. BUT….. the second ball had actually rebounded
back into play. A 3 wood saw him only needing a pitching wedge. This left the ball just 14 inches from the hole.
Peter missed. On the 18th
Peter holed a 9 footer. It was only as they sat down to check their scores that Peter
realized just how close Gary had been and how essential that final putt should be holed.
Peter Milnes Gary Williams
Junior Stableford, President’s Trophy, Sunday 14th
August 2011
This competition was played in glorious weather. The winner
was Luke Walker playing off 20. Despite not scoring on two
holes he recorded a very creditable 32. Last month Luke won the
Juniors Captain‟s Prize. He has been taking advantage of the
group lessons that have been arranged with our Professional,
Alex White, and it is clear these lessons have paid off. Only two
months ago Luke‟s handicap was 28 and he was delighted to
learn that his handicap has now been reduced. Clearly he has a
lot a potential. The Trophy was presented to Luke by President
Ken Cooper.
Richard Nuttall Bob Blundell Luke Walker
Clarke Thompson Harry Doyle
Handicap Cup Round 5 Wednesday 17th
August
2011
Winner Dave Skillington 83-17= 66
2nd
Steve Baldwin 78 – 11= 67
3rd
Mike Andrew 80 – 11= 69
9 hole qualifying Comp Friday 19th
August 2011
Winner Graham Walker 22pts
2nd
Nigel Ingle 18 pts
3rd
John Knighton 17 pts
Peter Milnes 71-4 = 67
1st Division Winner
Seniors‟ Trophy Winner
2nd
Joe Doyle 75-6 = 69
3rd
Loui Bovis 78-7 = 71
Monthly Medal and seniors’ trophy Saturday 20th
August 2011
Vinnie Walker 81-14= 67
2nd
Division Winner
2nd
Harry Parker 85-17 = 68
3rd
Roly Hewitt 86-18 = 68
John Beaver 90-20 = 70
3rd
Division Winner
2nd
Warwick Bailey 91-19= 72
3rd
Nick Gorman 94-20= 74
Captains Away Weekend – 30th
/31st July 2011 at Swindon Golf Club, Dudley, West Midlands
Martyn Wilson, Author
Back in March 2010, even before he was Vice-Captain, I was unlucky enough to be in Smithy‟s company when he
announced that he was intending to hold an Away Weekend during his year as Captain, and I was also foolish enough
to agree to “help” him with the organisation.
I quickly realised that “help” meant do everything to arrange it, in the certain knowledge that if all went well, he
would take the credit, and if it didn‟t, I would be castigated for being wholly responsible.
After months of painstaking research, including visiting potential venues, I located and provisionally booked Swindon
Golf Club near Wolverhampton as the place to go, and recommended to the Captain that he should view the websites
for both the course and the suggested hotel before finalising the deal.
He then spent several months doing neither of these simple tasks before I was contacted in mid June by the Club to
enquire whether our provisional booking from January was still in place, because another group wanted the same
weekend. This finally spurred our Captain into action, and the event was confirmed.
22 intrepid golfers made their various ways to the West Midlands to participate in the inaugural “Romiley Golf Club
Captain‟s Away Weekend”, and it must be said that everyone did have a fantastic time.
Mr Captain had said that he did not want any special
privileges for him or the President in the draw for
partners, so it was fitting that his name came out of the
hat last of all, with Mr President only one before him.
The evening session started with a wholesome meal of
Steak & Kidney pie, with lashings of potatoes and
vegetables, and a good helping of pudding – just the
foundation required for the intake of liquid refreshments
which inevitably followed.
The Mount Hotel provided our overnight accommodation, and was
originally the home of the Mander family, famous for producing paint.
It had been built in the style of a baronial hall, complete with oak
panelling and minstrels gallery in the dining room, and at breakfast on
Sunday Ray “Hollywood” Hayes remarked that he was considering
decorating his dining room at home in the same style.
“On Tour” rules prohibit any publication of the evening‟s activities,
but suffice to say there were a few bleary looking faces the following
morning.
Day 2 took us back to Swindon for a Singles Stableford event coupled
with a Captains v Presidents team match based on the aggregate scores
of all of the players.
The highlight of Day 2 was a hole in one by Joe Doyle at the 17th
hole,
which he promptly followed with a birdie at the 18th
. That was 7 points
on just two holes. It‟s a shame he only managed 21 points on the other
16.
The President‟s team won the challenge by a substantial margin, and
the individual event was won by Jim Millington with 32 points,
followed closely by Ian Kershaw and the writer with 30 points each.
Jim had also backed himself in the event, and was a member of the
President‟s team so he probably came home with more money than he
arrived with.
Swindon is a relatively short and undulating course, but with plenty of
mature trees, which the President used to his advantage on several
occasions during the second round. The course was generally in good
condition, although everyone found the greens difficult to read, and
some of the pin positions were “interesting” to say the least.
Nevertheless the weekend was a tremendously enjoyable event, which
of course was entirely due to the Captain‟s ability to delegate, and I
have now been asked to “help” the Vice-Captain to organise something
for next year.
Joe Doyle
Setting the sartorial standard
Geoff Higgins and Keith Selby
Winners
Vets‟ Doubles K.O. 2011
Romiley Vets 4 Ball Betterball 2011
The two matches took place on Wednesday, August 24th. In
the first, Bob Stirling and Colin McManus raced into a 2 hole
lead over Roly Hewitt and Bill Swindells. They had further
chances to extend their lead, but putting frailties let them
down and Roly and Bill staged a strong come-back, finally
prevailing one-up.
In the second, owing to an unfortunate misunderstanding,
Denis Hall found himself faced with the prospect of playing
Geoff Higgins and Keith Selby on his own ... and a valiant
effort he made of it, too. Having levelled with a two on the
eleventh, he held his own with some excellent golf until going
one behind on the seventeenth. Even then, he had a chance to
square the match on the last green, but his otherwise
dependable putter let him down, allowing Geoff and Keith to
squeeze home, also one-up.
The day we went to Blackpool
Thursday, 18 August
Didn‟t we have a lovely time the day we went to Blackpool
A beautiful day, a coach all the way and all for the price of a meal you know
On the way back we couldn‟t cuddle Jack or open a bottle of cider
But we did sing a few of our favourite songs as the wheels went around.
Thankfully the dreaded sea breeze stayed away for our Exchange Day at Blackpool North
Shore and a coach ride and view of the beach and Tower on the seafront drive (even with the
road works) put the ladies in holiday mood.
Virtually all the holes could be seen from the stylish clubhouse in the centre of the course.
From that viewpoint the fairways looked pretty flat and uninteresting but once out there it
was surprisingly undulating, hilly in parts, and not at all dull. The grass just off the fairway
was luscious and hid the ball well and here and there was high wispy rough and scrub where
the ball disappeared without trace, but ladders weren‟t needed to climb out of the bunkers and
the greens were excellent.
View of the 18th from the clubhouse. The same green from the 18th fairway!
First out were Lady Captain, June Bury and Lesley Williams, and it‟s embarrassing to report
that once or twice they were lost on the course and had to ask for directions. In their defence,
there were no arrows pointing the way and no-one in front to follow. Thankfully the ladies of
Blackpool didn‟t have the same problem at Romiley and in fact some of the ladies enjoyed
the course so much they have requested information about our Ladies Open next year.
Three RGC ladies actually didn‟t play but came along anyway for some seaside sale shopping
and the meal. There were bargains galore, including a new hat, which could well have had
“Kiss me Quick” on it for all we know, and one lady who hadn‟t taken any golf shoes was
able to bag a bargain pair from the pro.
The Blackpool air, that‟s what it must have been, had the effect of making the ladies burst
into song because Lady Captain treated us to a song in her speech and then on the journey
back, in true coach trip style, there were songs but with very clever words, courtesy of June
Levy. The coach driver had been very friendly and happy to drive his golfing passengers, but
after the third song he threatened to jump out. Can‟t think why. We certainly enjoyed it.
The Trippers‟ Trophy (or more accurately Second were Pauline Walker, Diane
the Singles Knockout Cup which was taken Houghton and Sandra Hewitt with
by mistake) was won by Margaret Berry, less points than the winners.
Angela Slate and Lynn Schofield, best two
scores, with loads of points.
A great day out thoroughly enjoyed by all. Thanks to Lady Captain and to Sandra Davison
for organising the day which went like clockwork save for a minor hitch on the coach when
we found an extra lady from somewhere. Still, it‟s better than losing one.
As we know Margaret Berry died unexpectedly on 25th August just a few days after this event. Angela Slate had been asked to
write a few words about the winning team of herself, Margaret
Berry and Margaret‟s daughter, Lynn Schofield.
This is printed as a small tribute to Margaret.
“Trying to find our way around the course at Blackpool was a
nightmare as there were no markers. But Margaret, Lynn and I
negotiated the twists and turns and were delighted with a score
of 80 points.
The 18th
green has two very deep bunkers on either side and
Margaret found one of them. I suggested she needed to use the
point of the club house roof as her guide but Margaret pointed
out she couldn‟t even see the roof. It did not prove to be a
problem as Margaret put her ball right in the centre of the green
and finished with a short putt.”
Lee Prendergast – Spiderman
Four years ago Lee’s two girls, Grace and Jessica aged just 11 and 9 let out a
scream which sent him racing upstairs. They pointed at a spider. “it’s huge ,
dad!” “Big?” said lee. “No way. I’ll prove it to you.”
The next day he returned home with a goliath spider. “Big!” said Lee “Now that
IS BIG.” And so started his dedication to collecting spiders. His girls get the
pleasure of naming them; names like Geraldine the goliath Spider, Tigger the
sun Tiger, Pandora the common pink toe. Lee has 12 exotic spiders and two
bearded dragons. When your editor visited to take photos I thought lee would
be handling them but in fact he was ultra cautious but reassured me by saying
things like,” One bite here, John, and your dead.!
Well, one man’s meat is another man’s poison. Your editor will not be joining
lee in his passion for Arachnids.
Lee Prendergast, Golfius Spider
Rarely seen at home Pokey the very dangerous Pocathera Spider
Ben, the bearded dragon
Geraldine the Goliath Bird-eating Spider Fergie the Brazilian White Banded Spider
(nothing to do with Man United!
Hi John. Here is a photo of myself and Sandra Hayes presenting 580 pound in cash to my chemotherapy
nurse Oonagh and my trial research nurse Simeon. (male). The money was raised at the 60,s night and we have another 580 cash to give to the head and
neck dept where Ian smith captain attends. Regards Debbie x
Debbie Costello and Sandra Hayes are proud to hand over £580 in cash to Debbie‟s chemotherapy nurse,
Oonagh and trial research nurse, Simeon. You will
recall that the money was raised at the spectacular 60‟s
night.
Telephone System at RGC
There is now one telephone number for Romiley
Golf Club:
0161 430 2392
All other numbers have been discontinued. On
ringing, you will be given a choice of options
(Office, Professional, Bar, Caterer etc), so press the
relevant number. When the Office & Professional
Shop are closed, please leave a message on the
answering machine.
Fax No., Website and email addresses remain
unchanged.
Vets Jubilee Salver Holes 1 – 14
Friday, 26th
August 2011
A thrilled Barry Logan shows the winning
card. “My driving was perfect. My putting
exceptional. What more can I say?”
Anyone who has seen Barry drive will know
that what he considers “perfect” is when the
ball disappears at 45 degrees to the left before
re-entering the playing area having described a
beautiful semi circle to land 220 yards down
the middle.
Men’s 2nd
Invitation Day Saturday 27th
August 2011
Mark Kitchen with his partner, Steve Bridgman of
Ellesmere G.C. winners of the 2nd
Invitation day with 42
points were presented with their prize by Mr. Vice, Derek
Worthington. Coming down the 18th
Steve said to Kitch,
” Sorry I haven‟t been able to help you with the score. We
must be nowhere near.” Kitch thought to himself that a
par on that hole would bring them in with 42 points
which would be most acceptable. And so it proved.
Prize Vouchers
Gift vouchers issued by Matthew Ellis may be redeemed
with Alex White, our golf pro. These ME vouchers are
valid until Monday 3rd
October 2011.
Cheshire County Foursomes Championships
Sunday 28th
August 2011
Stephen Foster Ron Harrison
Secretary of CUGC Only entrant from RGC
Member at Chester GC
In the field of 64 players - 59 of them were off single
figures.
2nd
Senior Men’s Open
Tuesday 30th
August 2011
Malcolm Booker and Bob Nicholl (Werneth Low)
won this competition with 43 points. Malcolm was
a last minute stand-in to take the place of Bob‟s
missing partner. What a result. Malcolm started
with 4 pars and they did not have any one pointers.
Friendly Match: Romiley GC vs Bramall Park GC 17th
August 2011
On Wednesday 17th
August our President led the team in the friendly match with Bramall Park. After the match our
President, Mr. Ken Cooper, welcomed our guests and eventually (!!) invited the visiting President to respond. In his
own inimitable fashion, and always one to impress, he duly introduced Mr. John Reid, President of Prestbury Golf
club! Oh well Mr. President, it has been a long year – for all of us! The results were announced and of the 8 matches
Romiley lost 3. The pairs were asked to explain themselves and Martyn Wilson, partnering the President, agreed it was
all his fault as did the Vice Captain‟s partner, Alan Costello. When asked to explain their defeat Mr. Kevin Jones had a
straightforward explanation – “Coz Beavers did not play very well”. Kevin was actually more succinct but censorship
has intervened. Of course, as usual, win or not, it was a great success and everyone thoroughly enjoyed their evening
and long may they continue.
Richard Hale, author
Pictured is our President,
Mr. Ken Cooper
and the President of Prestbury –
whooops! – Bramall Park Golf Club,
Mr. John Reid.
It looks like Ken‟s been forgiven
Corporate Sponsors’ Day, Tuesday 23rd
August 2011 16 teams gathered at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, 23
rd August 2011for the inaugural Corporate Sponsors Day, a 4BBB
Stableford competition. As they gathered at the first and tenth tee everyone expressed delight at the weather. Your
editor was heard muttering about rain arriving at 1 p.m. Fortunately, he was wrong yet again and the competitors
enjoyed the very best of weather on a glorious course.
Martin Clark and Charles Haworth are absolutely delighted to be winers as they represent Wings Restaurant in
Manchester. Sorry. That should be “winners”; it was the quantity of the grape they consumed that caused that
error. The grape was that marvellous wine “Chateauxneuf de Pape.”
They had both been drinking Red Bull. Why? Because it gives you WINGS. What more could you want.
A full report can be viewed on the web site.
New Editorial Team
Audrey Jones, Martyn Wilson, Phil Roberts, Chris Broster, John Glynn