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Captain's Day, Eastham Lodge GC, 15th October 2023
And so, Skipper Fitzy's year in the sun appropriately came to a close on a sunny Autumnal day with his Captain's Day at Eastham Lodge Golf Club, rounding off a cracking 2023 season.
16 Floggers turned out to compete for the MellWood Memorial Shield, plus a Captain's Day Trophy and bottle of fizzy shampoo provided by Captain Fitzy, plus a Garmin watch kindly donated by Chris Sullivan, and the day was contested closely as always.
In 3rd place was Chris Sullivan with 34 points, whilst runner up on 35 points was the man of the moment, Captain Fitzy, but our 2023 Captain's Day winner on a mammoth 39 points, claiming the Memorial Shield for the third time, was John Chapman. Well done to Chappo!
Gertie Goose wasn't on show as Paul Towers has whisked her off to sunnier climes for the Winter, but Fitzy contributed a drinking golf game for the lowest scorer to drown their sorrows with, which turned out to be Colin Lewis, thanks to his return of 24 points!
3 out of 5 NTPs were won by Dannie Parr, John Doyle and Fitzy himself, with the proceeds from the remaining 2 being added to the Captain's Charity collection.
Talking of which, many thanks to all for contributing a tidy sum towards the Captain's nominated charity, Maggies - Cancer Support, providing vital support and advice for anyone diagnosed with this awful disease, well done everyone.
For the full album of Eastham Lodge photos click here
Captain's Day 2023 Change of Venue!!!
There's been a change of plan for Fitzy's big day due to a glitch or two at Aldersey Green, so we are now playing at Eastham Lodge GC, with the tee time being at 12.18, so please could everyone arrive by 11.00 for a bacon butty beforehand and to organise the draw.
Currently, we have a 20 strong group, so hopefully everyone is still available to bid Fitzy's Captaincy a fond farewell and have a good knock on Sunday!
Captain's Day 2023
Our beloved Skipper, Fitzy has organised his Captain's Day farewell for Sunday 15th October 2023 at Aldersey Green GC, with the first tee being at 11.30 a.m., so arrival before 10.30 a.m. for bacon roll and the draw. We'll be playing for the Memorial Shield along with a Trophy contributed by the Captain Fitzy himself.
Although the cost of the day is being met out of Society funds, Fitzy will be collecting for his nominated Charity, Maggies - Cancer Support, on the day from all participants.
Please let Fitzy (or Al Dennis) know if you would like to attend so a list of attendees can be finalised please.
A list of those confirming attendance will appear here: Captain Fitzy, Alan Dennis, John Doyle, Bob Stewart, Chris Sullivan, Mark McNally, Colin Lewis, James Oliver, Les Hornby, Danny Parr, Ian Stevenson, John Chapman, John Roche, Mark Roden, Philip Hodgkiss, Jeff Burgess, Gary Chapman
Please contact the club to arrange Buggies (See Links Tab and click on Aldersey Green link)
Portal Weekend Away 🏌♂️⛳️
In the absence of our beloved website guru this weekend, I (Col L) have been handed the impossible task of trying to match Alan's legendary write-ups for our latest golf getaway. So, brace yourselves for this epic tale of swings, putts, and the pursuit of elusive golf balls! Here we go …
Well, what can we say about this weekend? It was another fantastic escapade into the world of golf! We faced two brilliant, yet formidable courses, which treated us to many hilly contours, while most were embroiled in intense games of hide-and-seek with their golf balls in the rough. As a certified slicer off the tee, I can vouch that the rough was not the place to be! The weather, ever the mischievous accomplice, decided to make things just a smidge harder on Saturday, serving up a challenging course under a scorching sun. But hey, that didn't deter a few golfing specialists who conjured up some impressive scores despite the fiery conditions.
Now, let's talk about the par 3 challenge – a siren song at £10 a pop that lured many to their watery doom. Some managed to win a free round of golf at a McDonald's-themed golf resort (who knew such a paradise existed?), but for most of us, the nerves were too much, and the pond was an alluring trap, as many of our tee shots were more drawn to it than a moth to a flame.
When the dust settled the scores were tallied, championing it from the bottom of the leaderboard was Peter Batey. Perhaps his choice of pre-game refreshment (two pints, no less!) had something to do with it. Thankfully, no geese were harmed in the making of this weekend – as our Gertie goose is under the capable care and protection of Paul Towers for the foreseeable Winter months!
But lo and behold, after a thrilling showdown with Neil Gocken, after a countback, the crown of victory was placed upon the head of John Chappo, who conquered the sweltering conditions with an impressive 34 points. Congratulations, John 🏆
Sunday was home to the famous Pairs Competition, where new champions were to be crowned, finally ending the reign of ‘Fast’ Eddie Murray and Graham Donnelly after two years of dominance. Despite a valiant effort from Shaun Jonno and Toddy, our very own Captain, Andy Fitz, and Daz emerged victorious, mastering the challenging course with a remarkable score of 37 🏆
Let's not forget those who conquered the NTP challenges on both days. A special shoutout goes to Ian, who sent his ball soaring through the skies with a hint of draw to land just 10 feet from the pin on the treacherous par 3 15th hole, which included an impressive 100 foot drop from tee box to green. It was a putt so nerve-wracking that it took three attempts to finally sink it, much to the delight of our friend Gary Chappo, watching from the tee above.
And last but certainly not least, a colossal thank you to everyone who played a role in orchestrating this unforgettable Society weekend. A standing ovation goes to John Doyle for the behind-the-scenes magic. We truly appreciate your efforts! Also, a tip of the cap to John Chappo, Carl, and Fitzy for organising the order of play, the draw, and the presentations across both days – you're all champions in our book! 🏌♂️
For the full album of Portal photos click here
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