Friday 16th May - Bristol & Clifton GC
An early start saw the intrepid BAGS members meeting for coffee and an early tee off at the beautiful Bristol and Clifton golf course. The weather looked decidedly grey but thankfully the rain held off for the morning round and the majority of the afternoon. Up for grabs today were the Eric Phipps trophy and Winter Bowmaker cup.
Some people opted for a buggy in the morning. My playing partner Marc Funnell was tasked with picking up our buggy. Everyone collected pristine electric buggies except Marc that is who, much to my horror, turned up in a lovely vintage gloss white buggy with loud petrol engine (I reckon he took the course marshals buggy by accident). I heard Marc coming long before he came into view and could only stand in shock as he sped across the car park arms waving and laughing his socks off. Anyway, less of that and lets get onto the golf.
The course was in magnificent condition offering a challenge for all levels. The greens, although damp from the morning dew, were fast and true by midday.
The captain (that’s me) teed off first with all BAGS members in attendance offering various tips / advice and verbal abuse! Thankfully my first tee shot was straight and true and the Eric Phipps trophy was well underway.
Marc and Tim, defending champions, started well against a strong pairing of Alan Diaper and (new BAGS member) Steve Griffiths. This pairing was soon into their stride and a tight match ensued with both pairings giving no quarter. Some dazzling iron shots and accurate putting saw the pairs turn with one point in it. Unfortunately, Alan and Steve could not keep the momentum going for the full eighteen holes and faded with two holes left.
I hear some of the other matches produced some good tight games as well but the overall winners for the Eric Phipps trophy 2008 were Tim Wollaston / Marc Funnell with 42 points with Alex Dadley / Jody Frayne finishing second with 41 points and Alan Diaper / Steve Griffiths in third with 39 points.
Ray Baxter found the sweet spot on his driver sending his Pro V1 flying down the 13th fairway, setting a bench mark for the mornings “longest drive” which could not be beaten, even by the big hitting Mark Wright. Marc Funnell won the A.M. nearest the pin, but missed his 160cm putt for a birdie much to his disgust.
After a quick lunch of soup and sandwiches, we were ready for the afternoon Winter Bowmaker competition. The fancied team of Mark Wright (now sporting a pair of shorts even thought it had started raining), Jody Frayne and Nick Hancock did not disappoint and won the P.M. competition with a creditable 74 points. Tim Wollaston / Ray Baxter / Marc Coombs finished in second place with 71 points and Steve Jones / Chris Sheahan / Marc Funnell in third with 67 points (on count back).
Marc Funnell found the fairway on the 11th to win the P.M. longest drive with Steve Griffiths finding his range and accuracy to win the P.M. nearest the pin on the 16th beating earlier efforts by Marc Coombs and Chris Sheahan.
To cap an eventful days golf, Luke Donald (Ranked in worlds top ten) turned up to watch the BAGS members home, presumable being tipped off that our golf society was playing at the B&C golf club. If Jody hadn’t kindly pointed him out I would have been none the wiser. Maybe I could partner Luke in the pairs competition at my next captains day! If your free Luke give me a call. Any suggestions for his handicap?
The food in the evening was fantastic with Marc Coombs winning the food eating competition as usual. Marc hit top form polishing off his huge roast beef dinner (plus seconds) followed by home made apple pie and custard in record time.
All in all a great days golf. Bristol and Clifton looked after us impeccably and I can’t recommend their course enough for those who could not make this day.
Thanks to all BAGS members who played today and roll on Friday July 4th for my second Captains day at Henbury Golf Club.
Regards
Tim Wollaston
BAGS Captain 2008