Report from our Locum columnist:
“It is striking that as we approach the end of January only five Ballbashers have participated in the Frostbite League – Richard, Mike S, Michael W, Alan and Robert M.
What is it that makes these men turn out in bitterly cold inclement weather to do battle while the others stay cosied up in home. Firstly they must have good thermal underwear but secondly they almost certainly have a stronger competitive nature than the others.
This can be seen most visibly in Mike S’s swing – reminiscent of Arnold Palmer in his heyday day – aggressive, full and fast- he is taking no prisoners in seeking the Frostbite league title. It is less visible in the other’s swings and indeed Alan’s swing could be interpreted as “being not really bothered “. However beware the ambition of a short Glaswegian!
A couple of weeks ago Mike was bemoaning the fact that he had not played well and had missed the huge opportunity to be top of the league taking advantage of Richard’s absence due to Covid!
Well here we were on the first tee with Richard away in Egypt for two weeks and Mike S was not going to repeat his error. He was taking no prisoners and had even invested in two new golf clubs( a 5 and a 7 rescue clubs) We had two additions to the normal combatants in the shape of Bill and Roger( after a very long absence). Mike S was partnered with them while Michael W , Robert M and Alan made up the second 3 ball.
The first tee had been positioned totally to the left so that the trees on the left seemed very threatening. As a result Alan aimed his drive towards safety and the right hand trees while his colleagues both drove straight into the woods on the left. This was an inauspicious start and it did not get better for some while.
Michael the professional had organised a cash for golf clubs morning where you get your cash immediately. Sadly Robert’s game had not improved by the 4th tee and Michael W and Alan had to restrain him from walking straight back up the hill and cashing his clubs in there and then.
It is always enjoyable to play with Robert as between gloomy moments he remains an eternal optimist and a couple of times we found him looking for his ball at least 100 yards further than he had hit it- probably an essential ingredient in being a successful entrepreneur.
There was a quite touching moment on the Tenth tee. There were a number of two balls pressing our second three ball and we had offered to let the first ones through but they declined saying there did not seem much point! Mike W thought he could calm the situation down by explaining that we knew the three ball ahead of us and they( Bill, Roger and Mike S) had been allowed out from their care home provided we looked after them and returned them on time.
As a result of this conversation one of them thought he knew Michael and approached me to ask what Michael’s name was. I told him and he shouted out “Waterhouse you old rascal, it’s great to see you!” Michael responded by smiling broadly, giving him a hug and said “great to see you too. I am sorry but I have forgotten your name” A right couple of old codgers! However the other guy replied that his name was Eric Sykes! To which Michael replied “Wonderful to see you. How is Hattie?” Apparently his name really was Eric Sykes. After he had gone Michael shared with us the view that Eric had aged very badly and now looked much older than Michael thought he looked.
We ended up as usual back for lunch after about four hours and happily Stuart joined us for lunch having come up to Temple in the cash for clubs initiative for Sandy’s clubs.
It transpired that Team A ( Mike S, Roger and Bill) had gone out in 36, back in 27 – total 63 whereas Team B ( Michael W, Robert and Alan) went out in 37, back in 35 total 72. Thus Team B won all the bash coins.
Individual scores were Mike S 34, Michael W 32, Alan 27, Bill 26, Roger 25 and Robert 21 as far as the Frostbite League is concerned. Mike maximised the Egyptian opportunity so far!”
