For those of us hardy enough, the unofficial tour started with a stop off on the way on the Tuesday at Broome Manor GC to hone skills prior to the main events on Wednesday and Thursday. It was decided by the Captain to have a hidden pairs competition in the hope that he would be drawn out with a partner that could post a high enough score to drag him into the winners’ enclosure. Alas, it wasn’t to be with Brian Steer & Stuart Darke taking the cash.
From there, the dash to our accommodation at Sidcot was on to get to the bar before our President and his tail gunner Malcolm had drunk the place dry. The evening concluded with a sit down meal that the Vice Captain had organised for a 1930 hrs start. Unfortunately, he hadn’t allowed for a certain Mr Waggett’s sat nav abilities (or lack of). On the plus side, Brian did manage to recce the next day’s location.
Wednesday saw us set off to a slightly damp Henley GC to take on our friends from Oxfordshire. The day started with our normal lunch – the golfer’s favourite, a bacon roll, which even after a Premier Inn full English was devoured by all – and concluded with the allocation of some rather daunting single-seater ride on buggies for those who required them to take on the undulations of the course. The golf course was in superb condition and one that many of us would love to return to and give our full attention. Unfortunately, the slightly damp start turned into rather more moist conditions and ended with a rainstorm of biblical proportions and as greens turned from paddling pools to swimming pools, many of us headed for the club house. There were some, however, not to be named due to the possibility of them getting sectioned, who stayed out and swam around the whole course. Eventually, all saw sense and the match was called a hard-fought draw.
An uneventful trip back to the Inn allowed kit to be dried out and the bar to be visited. Unfortunately, to the surprise of many, a not very popular member of staff called last orders at 2145. On the plus side, however, it in a fresh and lively group ready for the next day.
Thursday was thankfully dry and we all set off, well most of us, to our next venue at Kenilworth GC to take on the might of Warwickshire, two of the team having decided that another fat boy breakfast was required before turning their attention to the main event of the day.
At Kenilworth, we were treated to what everyone agreed was a course that was well worth the trip up north to play. An impressive tree lined course in tip top condition and although drainage work was being carried out on a couple of holes and the background noise supplied by the workers on the nearby stage of the HS2 railway to nowhere everyone enjoyed the day which was followed by a superb meal of sea bass and a hurried alternative for the Vice Captain. The match result was yet another 4½ – 3½ loss – a consistent result this season – but having had the opportunity to play two well established and lovely courses, as they say, “it’s the taking part that matters”.
Another great tour organised by Mike Badcock and I hope we can encourage many more members to try the tours and our many matches that we play in.
Oxfordshire at Henley
Warwickshire at Kenilworth
