Winter Start Times

Just a reminder that we tee off at 10.50am from now until spring and that mats are compulsory on fairways. Due to a communications mishap I wasn't able to publish last Thursday's result but Arthur Thompson won (lo sing 4 shots) and Tony Davis second losing 1.

An update on Joe Penrice, he's still being kept under observation at Carlisle as they can't find anything obviously wrong so he'll be undergoing another couple of days of test and hopes to be home by Tuesday.

Handicaps

Following Thursday's WHS submissions several Sandpipers have had their yellow tee handicaps adjusted. Terry Bunn, John Parker and  Arthur Thompson all lose a shot whilst Gerry Fisher and Charles Woodhouse both gain one.

I'm starting a new sheet for November so please check the details I'm carrying forward are correct.

Tuesday 25th October

24 played.  Unfortunately Joe Penrice had a slight "incident " (I gather it was on the 3rd) when he collapsed and had to be helped back to the clubhouse.  Although he recovered, an ambulance was called and he was taken to hospital in Carlisle as a precaution.  Clark, one of his playing partners on the day, returned with him to the clubhouse and helped get clubs etc back to his car.  At this stage I'm not sure how Joe's progressing, but we all wish him a speedy recovery.

Meantime, runner-up from the remaining 22 who completed a round, was John Wraight with 36 points, and whose (Sandpipers) handicap reduces from 7 to 5.  Winner on the day was new member - Roger Coy, keeping up the tradition of new members posting a winning score on their first outing - with 37 points.  Roger's opening handicap of 32 reduces as a result to 29.

Tuesday 18th October

Twenty six turned up today for the Texas Scramble and Colin Campbell with Joe Holmes very generously  dropping out to leave eight 3 balls. Organiser Brian Taylor abetted by Terry Bunn and Tim Herbert won with 62 + 1 sixth narrowly beating the rest of the field according to Brian's calculations.

Welcome back to David Houldridge who found that even playing with the Sandpipers was better than work.

Texas Scramble

The diary Texas Scramble displaced by the Brindley Salver will be played on Tuesday 18th October, weather permitting.

Thursday WHS Entry Clarification

Whilst the decision taken at the AGM to enter all Thursday scores as General Play scores, this need not be an immutable rule, particularly when considering course and weather conditions. A decision on this can be taken before play if it is clear that the weather will adversely affect play and scores. I am informed by Joe Campbell that if conditions deteriorate substantially during a round, such that several players give up and walk in, he can abandon that day's 'competition' in the computer system so that no scores are recorded by the WHS system. Our objective was to give players the opportunity to maintain or even reduce their WHS handicaps, not for handicaps to creep up.

With regard to the course conditions, if there are for example temporary tees or greens, the course may not be 'qualifying' with regard to WHS rules. This is checked with the Professional before play. Also, a course can be 'qualifying' even if mats are used on the fairways, Club competition scores using mats will be entered into the computer for WHS purposes during this winter.'

This might answer a few of the comments we have already had. '

Brian (Hon Secretary)

Thursday 13th October

Fog depleted the field to seventeen today and although Steve Whitehead (12 - 11) is shown as the winner on the official printout he was relegated to runner up to Brian Taylor (15 - 12) when points were adjusted by Sandpiper handicaps. Two players got two shots back. I can't publish the result sheet until WHS indexes are updated tomorrow.

Brindley Salver Result

I'm informed that twelve pairs played today in reasonable conditions. 

Harry Wright and Terry Bunn won with 43 points (29 - 27 and 14 - 12 respectively)

Highlight of the day was Bob Finlinson's hole in one on the 6th. three players got 2 shots each back.

Unfortunately today's results couldn't be recorded on the usual sheet but an online version can be viewed from the link on the side of the blog.

Today's scheduled Texas Scramble will now take place next Tuesday 18th weather permitting.

Brindley Salver

As next Tuesday's forecast looks promising the A Brindley Salver greensomes will be played for commencing at 11.00am. Those not familiar with the format should arrive early for instruction. 

Handicap Adjustments

 Just for information, the scores recorded for general play yesterday have given an extra yellow tee one shot allowance to David Frith, John Parker and Vince Ross.

Thursday 6th October

Fourteen took place in today's inaugural trial for everyone to enter a general play score for handicap. Not the best conditions with a strong west wind  resulting in Clive Milburn and myself having the two winning 31 point scores. Lucky Clive beat me on the last 6.

It will be interesting when the updated WHS indexes come on line tomorrow to see the effect on the stroke allowances of those who played.

Another AGM decision intended to make our games more inclusive was to permit those who wish to, to play off the green tees for the full round. Designed for those who struggle with the carries the course has no par 5s and a slope index of 112.

Congratulations to Steve Whitehead on reaching another birthday and appreciation for his generosity in inviting everyone to help him celebrate the occasion.

AGM

Fairly well attended despite the poor weather, the main resolution passed was a trial period requiring everyone to register a general play handicap score via the computer every Thursday.

Brian thanked Willie for his committee service and welcomed Gilmour as his replacement. Subs remain at £5 and are now due.

Our most senior member Tommy Neilly was invited to present our trophies to the winners.

The Secretary's and Treasurer's reports will be incorporated on our web site in due course.

Tuesday 4th Competition

A bit late notice but in view of the poor weather forecast and the early start is has been decided to postpone the Brindley Salver to some later date.

The AGM will commence at 2.00pm.