Posted:  Sunday, 2nd May 2010

London Plant Associates Golf Day,
despite all the odds....
Wednesday, 14th April 2010.

March 31st.  It's 11.a.m. Tuesday morning and we have our early season Associates golf day tomorrow.  We have 28 players and I just have time to check that everything is ready.  Four-ball teams are selected, blind pairs are drawn, prizes are boxed up ready to take and everyone knows where to be and when to be there......
The telephone rings and it is the golf club to tell me that because of the bad weather we have been getting the course is waterlogged and they have closed the course until further notice. It's gone very quiet my end. After a few moments we start talking about alternatives and the secretary offers me a date in two weeks time.  I make the decision to accept the new date and start ringing around.  27 people to contact to cancel tomorrow and to ask them if they can make the new date.

Some were in, others were left messages on the answerphone, one was on holiday and not due home until that night.  By early evening I had spoken to all but one player and all but three were o.k. with the new date.

Two weeks later we were once again gathered at the golf club for our day's golf.  The weather had settled somewhat and although it was very cold it was dry and the course was usable again.  I had managed to replace the three missing Associates with three guests so we were back to 28 players.  Coffee and bacon rolls were enjoyed whilst the order of play was decided and at 9.a.m. the first 4 teed off.

Dennis Richardson, Dave Poysden and Chris Marvell enjoy breakfast


Roger O'Neil, Alan Sackett and Dennis Richardson preparing to walk to the first

 
Charlie Dowsett waiting to putt out

The weather stayed kind to us although we saw no sign of the sun all morning and I think that we were glad to finish the round and get into the warmth of the club house.

I was in the second foursome to go out and by the time I was back in the clubhouse Bobby Mayes was hard at work starting to check the cards ready for the various prize winners.

After a typical golf lunch of ham egg and chips prizes were awarded to the winners.  The winner of the annual Associates Shield was Dave Sandwell and Dave also won a pair of lead crystal brandy goblets.  Second place was won by Dave Poysden who was presented with a pair of whisky tumblers.  Other prizes of wine were shared around.  Every body enjoyed the day and all said they would look forward to the next match in October.

Incidentally, in case you were wondering about that last golfer I was unable to contact, yes he did turn up on the original day and wondered where we all were.

For information about the next match in October, or to register, contact Mike Clements, 01277 654707

Text and photos:  Mike Clements (Golf organiser)