Springs Away Day - 30th April 2019

Glorious weather, an idyllic setting, a clubhouse to rival many others in Oxfordshire…then, the same old ‘golf clubs’ arrive, partnered by their TOFs owner to rip the course apart (some more literally than others!)

16 traffic weary TOFs, 15 of which represented the TOFs Golf Society and Drayton Park GC in their ‘agreed’ team colours… then there was Phil Edwards, who arrived looking like some kind of ‘lone wolf’ ready to dismiss a TOFs ruling… how naïve Phil (Captain’s decision later).  Light traffic issues seemed to be the main topic of conversation prior to the bacon rolls (Captain takes full responsibility for not informing the Oxfordshire Highways Department of the TOFs pending awayday)

For the more observant amongst us, it was good to see the warm welcome we got, displayed on the TV screen in the foyer at the bottom of the clubhouse steps.  After the tea, coffee and bacon rolls, it was time to capture the moment (and in the case of TOFs vs Phil’s blatant disregard for rules… evidence!)

Phil kindly provided the TOFst  (did you get that)? Tipple On the First…. Although we did get a look

of ‘You really shouldn’t be doing that’ when we asked Matt the General Manager to take the photo but we seemed to have got away with it.  Kudos to everyone who had to deal with the extra pressure on the first tee with Graham taking videos and me taking photos (some of which you may not like!) and it was sad that Simon had to disappear at short notice but glad that all is well.  Simon’s kindly donated his refunded green fees to the  TOFst at Studley Wood in June.  The willing volunteer for Bicester is Graham P.

The course was in great condition and I’m sure the weather helped but the bunkers came under criticism from some (I wouldn’t know  although it didn’t help with my overall score)  It would also appear that the term ‘Ready Golf’ still needs some clarification!  (a separate ‘guidance’ note will follow shortly)

18 holes completed cue the excuses, tales of missed opportunities and the, what could have been…  On a personal note, my one birdie was the highlight of my round but the shout of ‘Nice birdie’ from my playing partner (‘Young’ Terry) at the top of Graham’s backswing (who was on the next tee) resulted in a fruitless search… and him playing 3! (sorry Graham)

The post-golf meal was steak (apparently) and it came and unfortunately went.  Graham H was very considerate and decided to choke on the gristle in private…after at least 10 minutes we decided to go and check on him and as hoped, he was fine!  The steak could only be described as ‘well done’ on the outside, ‘rubbery’ on the inside and ‘lacking in the taste department’!

The full results list can be found in the normal place but the winners on this outing are:
Overall winner: Graham Harding Trophy, Embossed Golf Balls and £11
Runner-up: Dave Leak Just a round of applause again!
Putting:                   Dave Leak £11
Nearest the pin: Dave Leak £11


Discussion point
Nearest the pin - It has been suggested that we have the nearest the pin competition on a hole later in the round as to give everyone a chance to warm up.   A fair point and one which will be implemented from now on.

Golf quote for the month:

“Golf is a lot of walking, broken up by disappointment and bad arithmetic”

Last but not least, TOFs vs Phil.  
After seeking professional legal advice, it has been ruled that Phil is to provide a prize for a ‘nearest the pin in 2’ at the annual gathering at Hadden Hill (must be golf related and cost in excess of £5!)

Mark