Dawn Chorus 21st June 2008
Twenty-nine members rose early on Saturday morning to compete in the dawn chorus, starting at 5am. Unfortunately the weather was not kind to them and they did not see the sunrise due to low cloud and overcast conditions. They braved almost continuous light rain and drizzle for most of the morning.
Good scores were posted and interest was maintained due to the pairings being made by a draw for partners after the handing in of cards. Whilst all competitors consumed their champagne breakfast the Captain and Lady Captain checked the cards and completed the draw for partners. The winning partnership was Steve Wootton and Kevin Franklin (combined score 87 points) and in second place was Chris Perry and Clive Slade (combined score 75 points).
Club Championship & Watts Bowl 7th & 8th June 2008
The Club Championship and Watts Bowl competition were held in glorious weather over the weekend of 7th & 8th June. The course had been prepared and set-up in the best condition ever seen at Upavon by Neil King and his staff.
Saturday was played in a light southerly breeze and scores should have reflected these ideal conditions. David Hopkins showed what could be achieved by posting a 71 to lead the championship by five shots. Only five others managed to record less than 80. David also led the Watts Bowl at this stage but the competition was much closer in this event with many contenders snapping at his heels.
Sunday saw a stiffer breeze from the northwest, completely changing the play from the previous day. David Hopkins faltered in his attempts to keep his lead and his playing partner’s John Moule and Chris Roberts took the lead midway through the round. The competition between these three was up and down over the last nine holes. However whilst they were almost head to head Paul Slater was posting a good score in front of them and became the leader in the clubhouse on 153. Coming to the last David had a one shot lead over John and Chris and unknowingly was only two shots ahead of Paul. However, despite bogeying the last David won the championship (score 152) from Paul by one shot, with John in third on countback.
Meanwhile in the clubhouse sat a nervous Mick Venner who had posted his best ever round of net 66 to lead the Watts Bowl with a score of 141. He held this lead for a long time until Paul Slater came in with a similar net 66 to win the Watts Bowl with a score of 139. Many of you who remember a spirited Mrs Watts will know how much she would have enjoyed presenting the cup to ‘that fine looking young man’, and then delighting in telling him to fill the enormous bowl with gin & tonic!
A fine weekend was enjoyed by all and much of this was due to the organising by Richard Blake, Bob Channon and Neil King, our thanks to them, their staff and our team of caterers.
Robin Kingston
Captain
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| 2008 Club Champion David Hopkins |
2008 Winner Watts Bowl Paul Slater |
