MATCH GGC v SW GCMA at Forest Hills GC on Monday 7th September 2020.
Result – Match Halved.
Our 2020 season eventually got underway at Forest Hills on Monday 7th September where 10 of our members took on 10 representatives of The Southwest Secretaries.
Following a light lunch in the clubhouse, where full Covid measures were followed, we teed off in a light drizzle. The weather forecast being a touch erroneous. It did brighten up later.
Considering some recent heavy rain the course was very green but in excellent condition, although playing long.
Fortunately I was partnered with Ian Smith our President and we battled to a 4&2 victory against Paul Heyburn (Players) their Vice Captain and Andrew Platt (Kingsdown). We were both a bit “rusty” but did manage a few pars between us which proved enough to beat this doughty pair. Ian played particularly well.
Dereck Buttler (my Vice Captain) and Jim Ford were not so fortunate and suffered a loss 2&1.
The other three pairings, Keith Hanson and John Humphreys (Captain of Forest Hills), Peter Ball and Richard Salter, Alan Robinson and Phil Payne, all managed creditable halves against sterling opposition, in particular Karan Rix (Secretary of the visitors) playing off 6.
After the match we dined together in our separate four balls. The meal was excellent. There followed two short speeches from Paul and myself before departing.
I asked John to thank the management, catering and green staff for facilitating this fixture and allowing it to go ahead despite the current very difficult situation in which we all find ourselves. I also wish to thank the members of Forest Hills for allowing us to have courtesy of their course.
We look forward to our away match against the Secretaries at Churston on the same date next season.
Sam Collins.
Sam & Paul (Still in good spirit post-golf!)