Posted under Stan's Blog
The start of a new season with the first inter club match of the Denbighshire Golf Union upon us would be a test for all. With heavy clouds forming and the wind picking up meant the day was not going to be easy for playing golf. Meeting the vice Captain Mr. Ted Walters in the clubhouse and talking about the “penny” challenge, the club had not committed itself to the challenge as yet; however he would speak to the secretary in the forthcoming week.
My playing partner for the day, my young caddy, Fred, 86, who gives me advice on courses that I haven’t played before even though he might not have played them for 50 years was fit and fighting to go.
Having played Abergele on a few occasions it was a privilege to play with the Captain, Mr. Bill Whitaker, and the President of the Abergele Rotarians, Mr. Kevin Brown, who both showed interest in the challenge. The inter club competition was match play and our opponents were definitely on song, beating us 6 and 4.
The course was in very good condition for the time of the year, with the weather being so wet over the last few months, hollow tinned and dressed greens were a little behind schedule.
Playing the challenge at the same time as stroke play did detract a little, but as Tiger would say “a bad day at the office,” was had and the course won on the day. The majority of the holes are flat, which makes easy walking, and not too time consuming, having said that, the 17th par 3, 18th par 5 certainly gets the blood flowing faster, two great finishing holes. If you don’t make the green on the 17th, a bogey could be a good score to walk off with. The 18th however is my favourite, a par 5, plenty to go at, but OOB on the right with the fairway falling right to left. Long hitters can make the green in two, but we mere mortals need to place the ball for a short iron chip up. A good birdie possibility would make the round a memorable one.
The clubhouse is well laid out for members and visitors, with a good catering facility, one could not wish for a better day out.
Results:
Out: 46
In: 49
Gross: 95
H/Cap: 13
Nett: 82
Par: 72
Putts: 18/17 Total: 35
Stableford Points: 26
Lost to the Course