Golf is back! We can put the paint brushes away until next winter, clean our golf clubs and return to the fairways. I think you will agree, despite the hottest spring on record, Mark and his team of greenkeepers are doing a great job in keeping the course neat and tidy. Obviously, some rain would help to soften the fairways and spruce up the greens. For those golfers and gardeners praying for rain, can I ask that that you stipulate in your payers we only want the rain between dusk and dawn so that it doesn’t interfere with the golf.
The recent announcement from the Welsh Government relaxing the lockdown rules, just a little, has opened the opportunity to re-start competitions in the near future. See the club website for details of the current guidance and what playing combinations are permitted for social golf. Unfortunately, the current guidance still presents a challenge to members, like myself, who live on the English side of the border. Fortunately, the UK and Welsh Government guidance does provide a little wriggle room as they use words such as “use your initiative” or “people should use their own judgement”. Will this help if you are stopped by the police on the way to the club: probably not. You could try one of the Dominic Cummings defences i.e. childcare or testing your eyesight also known as the Barnard Castle defence. However, make sure your golf clubs are not in plain sight! On a more serious note, when at the club please follow the social distancing rules. As the daily death rate clearly demonstrates, Covid-19 is no joke.
A reminder that when competitions do restart, you will need a valid handicap. In order to obtain and maintain a handicap you will need to have paid your club levy and Wales Golf fees, £30 in total. Details of payment options have been posted on the club website: https://claysgolf.co.uk/handicap-fees/
Finally, can I pass on my personal congratulations to Michael “Mick” McHugh for his hole-in-one on the 17th hole. Also, a big thanks from Lady Captain and myself, for your kind donation to the Captains charity The Alzheimers Society.
The first day of meteorological summer is 1st June. Until next time enjoy your summer golf.
Dave Palferman
Captain 2020