Some people have been struck by Cup Fever, some people have been struck by Cabin Fever, and Chrispy has been struck by Gypsy Caravan Fever. He was super impressed by the Clydesdale and the way it darted into the fray (if not the other thing) and such a good time was had by all that he had to call for fresh supplies of beer by Saturday afternoon. There were no reports on how the suspension stood up to the strain but something must have gone well as Chris broke the news that he is getting married on 28 March next year. Congratulations to the both of you and may the next sixteen be as fruitful and happy as the last.
Mehm and Pepsi managed to shake off the Cabin Fever when they were assured that the rain was mostly gone though it did make them rather late to the blocks. No such problem for Ed though as he was up and at ’em with the sparrows and rather than run the risk of it being declared no contest, he headed off with some other poor unfortunates into the pouring rain.
As it turned out, the wait until the death-knock of the nominated tee times paid off and the few showers that remained, and that recurred for a little while, were more an inconvenience than a problem. Bill was so confident that it was going to be ephemeral that he almost thought about not putting any wet weather gear on but was sure that if he did put it on it would surely go away. Which it pretty much did. Bill also reckons he left something in a bunker at St Andrews and that was his swing which did seem to lead him somewhat astray from time to time today. When Harry teed off, he was the only name on the list for the C grade comp inside but the form of last week was so firmly in the past that he reckoned even if he was the only player, he still wouldn’t win the event. This theory is unlikely to be tested as, by the end of the morning, there were several more names on the board.
As the numbers looked like being small, it was decided that there would be barely enough to warrant the 4BBB competition and the only interest for the day was the ProPin that was supposed to be on the 12th. On the first tee, there was a certain amount of banter about Snags putting it on whichever hole he managed to get onto the green. When the marker wasn’t on the 12th, the natural assumption was that Craig hadn’t put the ball on the green. However, the story is that he just straight out forget – probably thinking about which horse he was going to back in the Derby. So the event was relegated to the 15th and wouldn’t you know it, the Club Captain, Chrispy swept all in his path with a shot to 2.3m.
The other things of interest were the ongoing rivalries between selected members whenever they play. Mehm and Noodles continue their little year-long contest and it seemed that at long last Noodles was going to break his losing run and the jinx of Habib Corner. A five stroke turn-around on the 16th meant that Noodles had leapt into a seemingly unassailable lead with only two holes to go. On the 17th, Noodles proceeded to put 2 out of bounds while Mehm looked to have put his into the hazard. Still anybody’s match. Unfortunately for Noodles, it was not quite and Mehm recovered to actually par the hole and clawed back the lead. A squared result on the last gave victory to the Turk once more.
Chrispy and Craig were also having one of their contests cum slanging matches and Craig was giving Chris heaps when he seemed to have a strangle hold on the match. SOS was so bemused by it all that he was consulting the Apple Oracle, Siri, to come up with answers to some of the questions being asked and as to the likely outcome of the match. It seems that some of the questions about Craig left Siri absolutely stuck for words.
Speaking of SOS, it seems that the new family addition is at last starting to settle in. SOS was so keen to get a good night’s sleep before today’s game that he repaired to the sofa last night but, wouldn’t you know it, bub slept through and SOS tossed and turned in his unaccustomed doss. SOS was also very appreciative of the thought to purchase a welcome gift for the baby and he wants to thank all those who chipped in so generously.
Damo was able to take a break from his coaching duties and graced us with his presence. At the last training, he was persuaded to ‘roll his arm over’ for a few deliveries in the practice nets. Damo being Damo, he bent his back to the task and found out that the body maybe isn’t as young and fit as it used to be and the shoulder was giving him a bit of curry as a result. And perhaps the effects of aging are not so surprising in that the Birthday Birdie whispers that Damian has a celebration due this week. It seems that his son is giving him a new pair of golf shoes but there might be a problem getting them clean after today’s round.
Others lining up for birthday wishes this week are Mal and CraigC. Happy Birthday chaps.
It was a bit hard to do a proper census for next week today so could all members please advise yes or No by email or through the Registration as soon as possible (before Monday preferably) so that we can confirm numbers with the Course Management. We are looking for a big roll up over the next few weeks to try to keep Ed out of the points – the more players, the more chance. Just joking, but seriously, we really would like to see better numbers to maintain our position as the premier social club at Ivanhoe.