
Before the storms came raging into Harden on Saturday evening and caused mayhem, chaos and destruction, a glorious day was had on the golf course by those still keen to get their pre-Christmas fix.
Recently re-conditioned tees, greens in great shape and the green grass still holding on made it a great day out on the links.
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The modest field, however, was never going to be a match for the wily fox that is Maurice (Herb) Manwaring. Whilst starting to get on a bit, Herb showed he will take on all-comers, anytime, anywhere. Herb once again shot his age, playing to a neat 88 shots for a sweet 37 stableford points to claim the Country Club card voucher.
Playing to your age is no mean feat and incredibly harder as we get to our octogenarian years, we are told. Herb has achieved this feat close to a dozen times in the last few years, proving his skill is there in spades, and his desire to smash a golf ball on a true and even plane, still as keen as ever. Fantastic job by our colleague and he is still first to the bar to grab his schooner and crack a few yarns after the work on course is complete. Great round.
Balls, or more accurately club vouchers equal to a liquid refreshment, were awarded to David Solah (improving every week and posing a solid threat for 2022) on 36 points, David James (never too far behind (35 points) and Tam Kennedy on 35 points also, clambering his way slowly back into form.
Merry Christmas and thanks
I wish to especially thank all of the golfers, the volunteers and the club staff who, despite it being year two of the pandemic, have adapted, adjusted and persevered to help deliver golf as a very viable and working option for health, recreation and social alternative in these trying times.
From course assistance and management, and with work from the storm still ahead, to hosting, scoring, arranging or even just being a burger flipper at tournaments or attending. Every little bit helps, every bit builds community and every bit goes toward some or all of us enjoying our sport.
The match committee will be sitting down in early January with the aim of producing a year-long program, which, God willing, will see an uninterrupted year of events. Look out for Golf Genius to be updated, hard copies of the program being available and it being on the club web page from the end of January.
Until then, every Saturday will see a Stableford and a chance to claim your Pepe's Duck at least in the Summer Series of the 9hole Duck Run.
Take care, look after yourselves and your family and we will see you safely back to Golf in 2022.
- Alby