A fine Spring day greeted 24 Old/Oldish Harlequin golfers at Clandon Regis golf club all keen to drive  pitch and putt their way around 18 holes of lush green pheasant filled fairways endeavouring to win the various famous trophies whilst trying to avoid. The now infamous Stoppani award (aka The Sod) for the lowest score!  The dreadful winter deluges meant that the ‘going’ was soft and therefore making scores difficult to come by, not to mention the usual collection of wayward hooks,shanks and cries of anyone see where that went?

After a quick shower (if you remembered to bring your own towel) it is was into the bar for a pint or two and tales of “If only….I hadnt  gone into the bunker on 17 / hit the tree on 12/ bounced of a pheasant on 9 or in  Stopper’s case..all three! ?)

After Curry and Crumble the day was rounded off with the Awards Ceremony Trophies were once again graciously presented by HRH The Duchess of Blackwater aka The Lovely Lesley Robert’s

Howell Thomas Cup : Alan Thomas 36 points (Runner up Nick Silk 35 points)

Tudor Williams Salver: Graham Halsey aka Corpse with 11 pars!

Murray’s Mug for Nearest the Pin ( and it was very near!) Brian Gegg

Luigi’s (Tony Lewis) Bucket NP in 2 Harry-John Burroughs

Looker’s Jug for Longest drive: Snake Hips (not for long) Ray Dudman

And finally The Stoppani trophy (The Sod) was retained by Micky O’Sullivan 

It has been decided that The Sod will be ''re-purposed''  so that NOBODY will be 'rewarded' for coming in with the lowest score...Maybe it should be awarded for the most 'unusual shot' for example..., however it would still have gone to Micky O after his 'drive' on hole 15 was sliced over the trees and landed among the group behind who were putting out on the 14th green (Gordon Wood has now recovered from his HIA)  Let us have your ideas please!!

 And so another fine day of Harlequin  Golfing madness came to a happy conclusion…until the next tîme !!

Next time being Autumn meeting at Puttenham Golf Club. 11th October

Happy swinging
Malcolm and Chris