On a cold, dark and damp December morning with growing uncertainties about Covid 19 cases a message was received from Santa that he really didn’t want to expose himself and his elves to such risks, but he did promise to make it up to all his disappointed followers in the Richmond Park Golf Club Seniors. The Annual Christmas Golf and Luncheon was duly postponed
True to his word early in February he emailed that on 29th March he would re-appear, albeit out of season, bearing gifts and he would also put on an event to remember. And so it was. Santa recruited Bjorn from his Norwegian branch to help, along with a chef and a team of golfing helpers. The only stipulation was that there were to be no Sprouts served with the meal.
So it came to pass that on the 29th March 27 Richmond Park Seniors assembled ready to do battle. The weather did the decent thing dropping about 10 degrees to a more realistic and cloudy 7 centigrade on the day.
Was that really snow on the trees by the bridge to the 12th tee, or could it even be early blossom?
The members all powered round the course in fierce, well enthusiastic, competitiveness. There were some very interesting scores and some close run contests. In the end John Crowdy together with a new hip and playing partner Mike Hosier were beaten by a single point by Jeff Sutton and Bob Schwarz (seen here receiving their prize from Treasurer Geoff Tranter.)
In a separate competition for the Venerable Gentlemen over nine holes the results were just as tight with Bjorn Kjaraereng, the returning Norwegian elf, just beating David Hanks.
After the golf the players were joined by a couple of “walking wounded” members who joined in the raffle. £50 of the raffle proceeds were immediately donated to DEC for their relief work in Ukraine.
If any gentlemen of “a certain age (55+) out there are interested in joining a group of enthusiastic golfers who have no idea about what time of year it is, then please phone either Tony on 07836655428, or Geoff on 07704119980 and we will fix you up with a round – might even buy you a beer in the Club House afterwards.
