Well what a day we experienced at Sandy Lodge. I arrived in good time at 11 and as I opened the door my brother Phil drove into the car park soon to be followed by Ian. As we wandered around looking for the loos, a voice from behind called ‘Are you from the Gogs,’ and our incredible hospitality began hosted by Sara. We were told the driving range closed for an hour at 12 balls were complimentary, great start. Driving range, chipping area with proper greens with impossible bunkers and two large putting greens which did replicate the greens. Although the flag positions on the putting green were a lot more straightforward than those on the course!
When we went into the clubhouse we met Gerry, the 2023 captain who was to join us on the course, making up the fourball. We ordered food and a round of drinks which Gerry insisted he paid on his card and refused our attempts to reimburse.
Louise Tucker, The 4BBB team, Ian and Gerry on their way to a win.
Phil had saw current club captain appeared to be a Louise Tucker which Gerry confirmed, that indeed, this year their club captain was….. a woman. At this point Phil recalled his previous visit 22 years prior when women were not allowed in the bar. Sometimes things are better than they were in the not so good old days.
So off we went on the course the Allcocks vs 2023 captain Gerry and Ian. The Allcocks soon to go three down, Gerry letting them know that their success was down to good living. Whilst poor putting was clearly also a factor. Soon however the tide began to turn with a Birdie from myself, and using shots by the 8th we were all square and looking up.
Phil however, was struggling, clearly his mind was on other things, perhaps his little run in the London Marathon on Sunday was on his mind, with a lot of severe misreads and Gerry’s ability to seem to find shots from anywhere to hit the green the Allcocks were soon behind again losing 4 & 3.
The course was in great condition and clearly has a great defence in the greens which were true and truly confounding.
We had a drink in the bar afterwards and met the aforementioned delightful Louise sharing golf talk with Sara and Judy (and Gerry to top off a truly (I think).
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