Many resplendent in Christmas hats and jumpers, 50 something members got into the Christmas spirit and played in the final mixed comp of the year today (7th December). The annual Turkey Trot was played over 13 holes on the Premier course in very balmy weather for the time of year.

# winners

with nett 44.2 were Chris Turner, Keith Winter, Paul Williamson and Lady Captain Anne (finishing the last event of her year in grand style!)

# Runners-up

scoring net 46.4, were Alistair Marley, Rob Williams, Cath Brookes and Judy Yankey.

Major trophies were presented by the Captains after the competition; congratulations to all the winners and thanks to organisers Rhian & Leo and to Ben and staff for keeping us all fed and watered.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year to you all.

There was a different format for President’s Day this year with the Trophies still being won for the 18 hole medal qualifiers but Mr President added an 18 hole Stableford Comp from the yellow tees for men and a 10 hole fun comp for ladies. The new format encouraged more members to play and enjoy the day.

Winner of the ladies’ trophy was Helen Dinsdale (Net 77) on a count back from Amy Lester. Helen Wrench won the 10 hole Comp. Nearest the Pin was Sharon Tidd and NP in 2 Cath Brookes.

Good scores from the winners of the men’s trophy, Matty Brookes scoring net 69 and runner-up Nigel Self with net 70. Winner of the Stableford Comp was Howard Inglesfield scoring 32pts on a countback from Gil Perry. Nearest the Pin was Andy Ogden.

We were delighted that the PGA EuroPro Tour came to our club during July 2019.

Report by Jim Wren

Further to Mr President’s piece on Oliver Claireaux, I thought it would be a good idea to give you some thoughts on the event, as a volunteer.

On Wednesday, Mr President Pat Roper emulated the recently retired long – serving Open starter, Ivor Robson, both in dress and demeanour!

Pat Roper commented that it was a great experience starting the pros and he enjoyed soaking up the atmosphere of mixing with professional golfers.

The Championship Course was in great shape and the second round leader was 15 UNDER par – no mean achievement round the Championship as we can all vouch for! Interesting to note that the 2nd and 8th holes were ‘call down’ holes so the pros were obviously able to drive them with ease!
On Friday, I spent the morning collecting scores at the 9th hole. I chose this hole as there was plenty of shelter in case it was inclement and the necessary facilities for a man of my age were close by!
I arrived in good time, found out where I was supposed to report and Heather the Scorer gave me a briefing and issued me with the Start List and a radio. She also gave me some ‘goodies’ – a EuroPro cap with ‘Tour Official’ on the back (delusions of grandeur quickly crept in!), a water bottle, a trolley coin and a ball ‘circle’ marker – all very useful! Also got a packed lunch which was went down very well!

Walked across to the back of the 9th green and my duties started as the first players walked off having finished their first nine holes. Politely asked for their scores for the last three holes and then relayed them via the radio to Heather – quite easy really but a little nerve racking when you knew the player had just missed a putt for par!!! All the lads were very polite and most thanked me for my help to the tournament.

Interestingly, as a strong wind was blowing down the 9th (although the flag appeared quite still), the pitch shots into the green to a forward flag were predominantly short and span back down the hill as also did some of those that hit the green! One player overhit it to the back of the green and then proceeded to putt it off the front of the green! Turning round, I could watch them driving off the 10th into the teeth of the wind! One player complained that his drive had only just cleared the bunkers on the right (yes, those ones most of us can just clear from the Yellows!)

I also met Ollie (who unfortunately didn’t make the ‘cut’) and Peter Hopkins following one of the games. Peter informed me I’d been standing chatting to Richard Finch, a European Tour Golfer with two wins to his credit, so you never know who’s around on the Portal golf courses!
It was a very interesting day and gave me an insight into the large amount of work and planning, both for the EuroPro tour officials and the hosting course greenkeepers and staff.

Unfortunately Captain's Day didn't dawn bright and sunny, the scores reflecting the weather, but nevertheless the members still came out to play to support Captain Neil.

Neil would personally like to express his heartfelt thanks to those whose braved the weather and also those who attended the evening festivities. Many thanks to Captain for the stylish ball markers he presented on the first tee and pork & stuffing baps courtesy of David Steel & Macdonald's.

Results:

Men

Winner - Carl Wood won the competition with 34 points
2nd Mark Ryan 33 points
3rd Paul Oakes 31points on a CB from Glyn Prestwood and Chris Turner

NP (17th) - Pat Roper,
NP in 2 (6th) Duncan Akin,
NP in 2 (12th) donated by Macdonald’s - Carl Greenwood.
The ladies prize was won by newcomer...

Winner - Cath Brookes with 31pts (including an eagle on the 18th)
2nd Patti Vincent 30pts
3rd Amy Lester 29pts.

NP (15th) Cath Brookes
NP in 2 (3rd) - Rhian JonesWell played to everyone for playing in such inclement weather!
The day was followed by a successful evening dinner and dancing with some rather snazzy 'uniform' costumes. Winners of the ‘fancy dress’ were Peter & Judy Wilson and children also had a small prize of bags of sweets. The draw for the golf bag which has been residing in the Spike Bar for the last couple of weeks or so took place and was won by Adrian Cross.

Many thanks to Donna and her clubhouse staff, and to Barry and his staff for the good condition of the course.

The day dawned bright on Saturday when 17 ladies and 50 men turned out to support the Captains and play in the Drive-In. The weather was excellent, no snow for these Captains!

The winners, not surprisingly, were Andy Ogden, Rob Cobain, David Baker and Pat Lavender, closely followed by runners-up Steve Houlston, Leo Sewell, Pat Roper and Pauline Cheshire.

There were some very happy raffle prizewinners and Helen Dinsdale won the car parking space.

Many thanks to the Captains for the half-way house and complimentary drinks, to Donna and her staff and Barry and the green-keepers, the course is improving rapidly.

We give Anne and Neil our very best wishes for a happy and successful year.

The AGM was held on the evening of Monday 28th January with over 70 members attending. After presentations to the 2018 charities representatives, the new Captains, Neil Tidd and Anne Paton and new President, Pat Roper were 'sworn in'.

Macdonald's management team of David Steele, Group MD, Nick Shepherd, Director of Golf and James Powell, Food & Beverages Manager were present, and after a power point presentation by Nick a comprehensive question and answer session was held. The President and Captains all expressed their appreciation for their attendance.

Many thanks to retiring captains Pat and Andy for their hard work creating another successful golfing year. Best wishes go to Neil & Anne for a successful and enjoyable 2019.