Bicester Away Day - 28th May 2019

After a few circuits of Bicester Village/Town it is clear that some Sat Nav’s needed upgrading to the 21^st century! Awaiting the 13 willing victims lie Bicester Hotel Golf & Spa, a course set within very nice manicured grounds with a stylish clubhouse (doubling up as a hotel) with superbly cut fairways, lush greens and lots of ‘inviting’ water! Unfortunately, the organiser forgot the obligatory memo to the big man upstairs, resulting in intermittent downpours (much to the delight of Rob, whose ‘wet weather’ purchase saw immediate action!)

Whilst waiting for our bacon rolls, coffee and tea, discussions ensued to clarify the rules of the day/hole for the nearest the pin and other trivial stuff! Once suitably fed and watered there was ample time to go and warm up at the on-site driving range, chipping and/or putting practice facilities but as that time just happened to coincide with one of the afore mentioned downpours, the ‘ever ready’ TOFs decided to sit indoors!

Peter Saunders educated the group on the exquisite single malt on offer this awayday (and I mean that sincerely) then a quick photo before the 1st group teed up to get the show on the road.

Notwithstanding some strategically placed water hazards, and sloping greens that would put our 5^th green to shame, the day was enjoyed by almost all. I say that as I only played 8 holes before I went ‘limp’ wristed (literally). I thought it best to ask one of the 4 ball following us to replace me and Frank kindly agreed. By the time Frank got onto the 8^th tee box, Brian W, Les C and I were around 100yds from the 8^th green. All I can say was that it was painful to look back and watch Frank take at least 5 shots before he caught us. I felt so bad having asked Frank to join us but when he said that he was playing ‘%x/:£x’, I felt so much better 

Whilst discussing Dave Bolus’s annoying ability to hit a green (and stay on it) some ‘115’yds away (that’s more than the rest of us could do) we were called in for our very nice Steak and Ale Pie, Chips and Peas which thankfully, was way better that the steak we had at the Springs.

Gary Proudfoot very kindly donated a bottle of wine (after feeling guilty of winning on Tue, on what he thought was a dodgy handicap…)- but it wasn’t!. Gary asked that this wine go to the person who showed the greatest strength and restraint (or in Yorkshire speak… came last)! The full results list can be found in the normal place but the winners on this outing are:

Overall winner: Robert Strange with 40 points Trophy, Embossed Golf Balls and £9.00

Runner-up: Dave Bolus with 36 points The obligatory round of applause

Putting competition: Brian White £9.00

Nearest the pin: Dave Bolus £9.00

Special Prize: Peter Saunders

Free 4 ball voucher (donated by the club): Mark W, Robert S, Dave Bolus and Brian W

Golf quote for the month:

“The most important shot in golf… is the next one.”