Seniors Golf this Friday
- Playing for – Autumn League – Round 7
- Format – Single stableford over 15 holes
- Handicap – 95% of course handicap
- Entry to competition on IG necessary? – Yes
Use of Mats
Despite Paul Foster’s carefully worded guidance included in last week’s newsletter, there still seemed to be some confusion last week about when a mat should be used. So, here’s my simplified Yorkshire version…
- Tha must use thi mat or thi putter on’t fairways and on’t short mown areas (sithee)
- Tha mun only use t’mat in’t rough if thas lakin’ (playing) in’t Happy Mondays
I hope that clarifies matters.
Rules quiz
A strong gust of wind caused a player’s ball to move on the putting green before they had a chance to mark and lift it. The player must replace the ball back on the original spot.
A – True
B – False
Answer at the end of this newsletter
Vale of Llangollen GC Seniors Open – Thursday 3 June 2027
Author: The Editor
There are places now available for our annual trip to Llangollen organised by Grahame Brickell. Grahame shepherds about 28 of us (geddit) to Llangollen each year. It’s an easy and picturesque drive and an absolute bargain at £30 for the round. It was my first visit last year and I can’t wait to return. Please message Grahame on ig to register your interest, he will then add you to the Llangollen WhatsApp group.
He’s going to need another trophy cabinet!
Author: Dave Craggs
There is no stopping Alan Copeland as he picks up four medals for completing the Chester Triple in one year. This consisted of the Chester 10k (6.2 miles), Chester Metric Marathon 26.2k (16.3 miles) and the Chester Half Marathon 21.1 K (13.1 miles). The large medal is awarded for completing all three challenges in 2026.
Well done Alan.
Condolences Eric, from all your friends in the Seniors’ Section
It is with sadness that I report the passing of Eric Cox’s dear wife Shirley on the 20th of October after a long illness. With thanks to Bob Ellison for passing on this news. Eric, please accept our condolences, our thoughts are with you at this sad time.
Autumn League – Round 6 – Friday 30 October
Reporter: Paul Foster
(Editor’s note: With thanks to Colin Hughes for his company last Friday and for providing this charming photograph after our round)
Autumn Golf, Dancing Feet and Confused Seniors!
What a beautiful autumn day for golf, with the trees just beginning to show off their changing colours. A lovely backdrop for another Seniors’ day, although perhaps not quite so straightforward on the course!
We were back to 15 holes, with a few extra complications thrown into the mix. Mats were mandatory on fairways only, a choice of using a putter or a mat when on an approach to greens, and the use of the green tee course caused a fair amount of discussion, head-scratching and chin rubbing among some of our senior players. Who said golf was supposed to be simple?
After enjoying the luxury of playing off the grass since last March, some of us suddenly found ourselves having to remember how to hit off these little rectangular platforms again. It’s amazing how quickly we forget! For those who haven’t used a mat for six months, it was almost like learning to play golf all over again. Ball position, stance, club selection… and that’s before you’ve even attempted the shot! I suspect a few of us will need a bit of time to get reacquainted with our old friends. I know I certainly will! Don’t expect miracles just yet – it could take a few rounds before we remember how to hit the ball rather than the mat!
Despite all the confusion, there were some excellent scores, topped by a splendid 33 points from Ian Goodman. Very well played, Ian! Especially playing the back 6 in level par.
Meanwhile, we appear to have discovered a new entertainment act in the club. One of our ‘new to the flock’ members, Simon Backler of this parish, has been perfecting his very own version of the French Can-Can dance during his putting stroke. The high kicks were going beautifully for the first 13 holes, but sadly the dancing feet deserted him on holes 14 and 15. Perhaps the legs were finally giving out! Keep up the practice, Simon. You never know, you could be starting a new golfing tradition. We may even have to introduce style marks alongside the Stableford points!
And finally, there was no sign of Goose Command on Friday. It seems Canadian Wing Commander Charlie, has successfully led the entire Goose Air Force to other wetlands. Peace and quiet on the course at last!
Another enjoyable day of golf, with autumn colours, a few scoring successes and plenty of entertainment. Roll on the next round!
Results
Division 1
| Winner | Ian Goodman | 33 points |
| Runner up | Pete Broady | 32 points |
| 3rd place | Mike Bennett | 30 points |
Division 2
| Winner | Andrew Barker | 30 points (CPO) |
| Runner up | Colin Chisnall | 30 points (CPO) |
| 3rd place | John White | 30 points (CPO) |
In the first division Martin Franks starts to close the gap to the leaders – Steve Gosling and Graham Brickell.
In division two Dave Craggs has now caught Alister Cook.
2’s today were: Graham Brickell, Peter Broady and Tommy Lawless.
Happy Mondays Report – 2 November
Reporter: Steve Bird
Sixteen players took part on Monday with two teams of 4, two of 3 and one of 2. Mild conditions were the order of the day with subdued sunlight and only light winds.
I was unable to play today but turned up at the clubhouse at 11:30 in order to collect cards and distribute winnings.
The first group home was that of Messrs Chisnall, Copeland and Thomas who posted a commendable score of 27 which on some days would have been enough to win.
Next group in were Barker, Lambert and Willson with a score of 24.6 and then Craggs, Dixon, Waggitt and Williams with 24.5.
At this stage the first group in were looking odds on for the spoils but then we had a score of 27.75 from Barlow, Bocquet, Broady and Rowley – surely enough to win?
Tension in the clubhouse was palpable (not) as we awaited the final group of Bennett and Yates who came up on the rails in the final furlong to win the day with a score of 29.5.
Top scorer for the day was Mike Bennett with 33 closely followed by Alan Copeland on 32 and Kevin Bocquet on 30.
Tee booking schedule for tomorrow Thursday 5 November
Important Health and Safety warning – It is extremely dangerous to attempt to book a tee time on your mobile phone whilst holding a sparkler between your knees!
Happy Mondays tee-booking schedule for Sunday 8 November
Rules Quiz answer
Correct answer B
Explanation: See Rule 9.3. As the ball had not been yet been marked, lifted and replaced on the green, the ball must be played from its new spot.
Newsletter editor: Ian Goodman
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