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Senior Men's Open - 20-May-2003
A warm welcome was given to the competitors in this 3rd Seniors Men's Open despite the blustery cold wind that greeted the early starters. Our intrepid starter, John Gast, set the ball rolling on time and the first three competitors, one each from Stockwood Vale, Knowle and Saltford Golf Clubs got the competition under way. Not long afterwards the weather decided to make things more uncomfortable by introducing precipitation. Not undaunted John kept things moving and although a slight delay occurred, tee times were quickly back on schedule.
Meanwhile, a steady stream of competitors were arriving and on checking in with Tony Cousens, it seemed that an increase in ones handicap was certainly the order of the day. As usual a few competitors, for one reason or another, apologised that they could not play, some sent replacements, which were gratefully appreciated and most other gaps were filled by players making telephone enquiries as to whether they could still take part. Allen Cotterell did his usual juggling act and used them to keep play moving.
Midday saw a change in the weather with the rain stopping and the sun making an appearance, however the competitors still had to contend with the wind. By now the early starters were handing their scorecards in and despite the weather conditions several totalled Stableford points of 36 and 35. Later a 37 was handed in, but it was not until the eighth group from the end came in that a 40 was scored by J Butler from Farrington Golf Club. Scores of 38, 37 and two 35's followed but J Gribble from Woodspring Golf Club, in the second to last group out came in with another 40 pts. On count back Mr. Gribble was declared the Stockwood Vale Senior Men's Open Champion for 2003.
Very favourable comments were made on the condition of the course, especially the greens. Thanks for this must go our to our Groundsman, Steve Francombe and his merry men. Other comments were also made about the 13th hole, there were more "nil points" on this hole than any other, some said it was due to the wind but the majority blamed the refreshments of Apple Brandy and Cheese supplied by Alvis Bros. of Lye Cross Farm, Redhill ( Tel : 01934 862320 ).
Prize giving brought the very successful day to an end and before introducing the competitions Main Sponsors, the Seniors Captain, John Glanville, took the opportunity to thank everyone who helped, especially the Captain of the Ladies section Pat Shaw who ran the charity raffle. A magnificent sum of £234 was raised for the Bristol Area Branch of the Downs Syndrome Association. John Glanville then introduced Andy Harrison and Carly Stone from our Main Sponsors, Harrison and Tilley Financial Planning Ltd., who presented the prizes. (article written by Allen Cotterell - Organising Committee)
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