2018 Nelson Match Report
The third outing of 2018 took the Parrots to Nelson Golf Club. A dry day throughout with 15 players making the trip.
In the morning’s nine holes, Frank had the same 10pts that he got when I played with him at Kirkby in the morning but, mercifully, talk of handicapping was kept to a minimum following his win in the afternoon at Kirkby! Could history repeat itself, it’s tough playing off 8!
But the morning had joint winners with both John Cottam and Warren sharing the meagre prize on 18pts apiece. Well done John and Warren.
It was lunch on the terrace, and for the first three group’s there was an opportunity to get involved in a bit of rules controversy as Martin Greenaway, in the last morning group, landed on the gravel perimeter to the clubhouse patio (after nearly taking Franky out whilst he was innocently eating his lunch!). Was Martin’s ball out of bounds or not? The white posts were confusing, the white lines were confusing, the local rule on the scorecard was confusing! However, once you understood the lingo and that ‘grip’ was East Lancashire for gravel, Martin’s ball was declared OOB.
The afternoon round scores were, well decidedly average, except for three people, at opposite ends of the scoreboard. Mel, the current scourge of Fleetwood Golf Club, had just 7pts for the first 9 holes and would only improve that to 23pts for the whole round, making him the lowest scoring player of the day. Naturally, he was my doubles partner for the afternoon, and it was a minor miracle that we managed to win the back nine in a overall heavy defeat!
Of the other 12 players, 9 had scores within the buffer zone, from 29pts to 33pts (what fantastic handicapping!). The only exceptions being myself, Mike and morning co-winner, JC with 28pts apiece. Topping the buffer zone bunch was a very steady Pete Whiteside, who would come 3rd with 33pts.
So that left just two, and they were both in a buggy together! The good vibrations these two must have had between them as they cruised round the course, could have rivalled the Beach Boys!! With a great 36pts, but only enough to claim second place, was that most mercurial of golfers TJ, who obviously remembered to put his golf shoes on this year before stepping onto the first tee!
But, back from injury, which has seen him miss much of the last few months golf, and making a triumphant return in his first appearance on the Parrots tour this year, it was Bill Pye (with his new bionic hand), who was this week’s winner with a magnificent 38pts. Bill had an incredible 16pts in the first five holes of the back nine!! As one Fleetwood member is prone to saying... Unbelievable!!
So, congratulations to Bill who also becomes the first player in the society this year to actually beat his handicap!!
Talking of handicaps, not many handicap changes this week, but here they are :–
Bill Pye 28 to 25
Tony Johnson 21 to 20
Glenn Wellard 6 to 7
Mel Johnson 16 to 17
The updated leaderboard has already been posted to the website by Phil, with Mike Barnes being a surprising table topper, considering he hasn’t featured in the prizes yet this year. It won’t last!!
Next up on the tour is a new venue Hart Common. If you don’t know where that is ask Jim, as it was his suggestion! Also, please note, this round takes place on a TUESDAY 5th June, so don’t turn up a day late!
Glenn
