Wow, August has come and gone rather quickly. Despite the variable weather the golf course has stood up well to the heavy use. It is good to see so many members and visitors playing during the week, as well as at weekends. Having chatted to some of the many visitors, the general view seems to be that the course is in good condition but difficult. The narrowness of some of the fairways seems to catch out visitors and member alike.
Once again, can I congratulate the winners of the various board competitions completed in August. The role of honour includes; Don Wraight-Seniors Memorial Trophy, Kev Jones-Karen Griffiths Memorial Trophy, Dave Talbot-Seniors DJ Bogie and Ron Robert & Tom McGrady-Seniors Gemini Trophy. A special mention to my fellow Cumbrian, Kev Scaife, for winning both the Neil Harden Trophy and Presidents Day. Well done Marra!
Next month sees the culmination of the Knock-Out competitions on finals weekend 19/20 September. Firstly, can I congratulate those members who have played their way to the semi-final stage. Unfortunately, I will not be joining you this year. Can you believe it, I was knocked out of the Clays Challenge in my Captain’s year! Some members, Michael McHugh, have no respect for the office. Seriously, can I personally wish all those, including Michael, who have made it this far, good luck in the final stages of the respective competitions. Members are also invited to watch the matches on finals weekend, within the Covid-19 guidelines in place at that time. You can walk round with a specific match or switch between matches as the mood takes you. This gives you the opportunity to witness some exciting golf, played by the best players in our club. Details of the finals will be published nearer the time.
Due to the Covid-19 restrictions, we took the decision to cancel a planned Captains charity golf day in aid of the Alzheimer’s Society early in the lock down. This event will now take place during the 2021 season. Fortunately, due to the efforts of one of our lady members, Marian Williams, we all have the opportunity to support the Alzheimer’s Society. Marian well be running a half marathon on Sunday 13th September. Please support Marian by sponsoring her heroic efforts. Donations can be made directly into the Clays Golf Club bank account number: 42557584, sort code:40-47-26, reference: Marian.
The second charity we hope to support is the British Heart Foundation (BHF). This is particularly relevant, as many of you may already know, my wife had, and thankfully survived, a heart attack in early March. Therefore, I would ask you to support the BHF campaign Restart a Heart (Wales). We are working with BHF Wales to arrange a charity element to raise funds in competitions during the month of October. Keep an eye out for promotional posters. Also, if you feel so inclined, please feel free to donate (drink or golf related) items that can be used for raffle and/or competition prizes. Donations can be left at the golf reception for my attention. Your support is greatly appreciated.
Finally, can I remind all members the implementation (November 2020) of the World Handicapping System (WHS) is fast approaching. Members can download resources explaining all the changers to player handicaps and course rating etc. from the Wales Golf website: https://www.walesgolf.org/world-handicap-system-home/
Enjoy the final month of the 2020 season.
Dave Palferman
Captain 2020/1