Organiser Nick Schumann gives his account of the Senior Section away match against Saffron Walden
We arrived at Saffron Walden in a staggered manner (not staggering!!), as requested by our hosts, in the pouring rain but in the hope of some drier conditions later. Not having the customary prematch coffee, biscuits and chat felt strange but just the fact that we were there to play after so long lifted everyone’s spirits.
Captain Bill and I were first off followed by five other pairs and just as we hoped the rain stopped and we all enjoyed what turned out to be a dry and warmish day playing golf on a lovely golf course. To say that captain Bill and I did not cover ourselves in glory would be something of an understatement but even if we had been on top form the fact that one of our opponents, playing off a 22 handicap, played the front nine 5 or 6 shots under his handicap pretty well ensured first point to our opponents.
The course was great, with very fast greens, discreet undulations and virtually no flat lies on the fairways. Keeping approach shots on the green was a challenge with severe run offs and well paced bunkers. The changes in level on a couple of the par threes also proved interesting - it is the first time I have put a ball on the green of a 175 yard par 3 using an 8 iron! Unfortunately it was the last hole and it was all over well before then and yes I missed the birdie putt!!
The next two pairs consisting of Rob Anderson/ Chris Roy and Martin Bayes/ David Price fared better, taking us into a 2-1 lead. Congratulations to Martin for whom this was his first seniors match - there is only one way to go now mate!!!
Unfortunately the last three pairs comprising John Ellery/ Terry Sweeney, Jim Kerr/ Jack Shepherd and David McNair/ Nick Seeley all walked off the 18th a few holes down so overall we lost 2-4. Clearly my team selection and threats, (sorry enthusiastic cajolling), did not work so sack the organiser!!!!!
The rolling lunch was changed at the last minute to a sit down lunch all together which was very nice and gave the feeling of something like normality.
Saffron Walden is an excellent club with friendly and welcoming people so we look forward to getting our revenge next year.
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