Seniors vs Harpenden Common away Sept 17 2026

 

Captain David Barlow and Organiser Peter Imray with their Harpenden Common opponents

Organiser Peter Imray reports

On a warm but rain-threatened morning, JoG Senior Section's finest gave battle to Harpenden Common Seniors on a course that played well despite the still evident ravages of an exceedingly dry summer.

 Fortunately, recent extensive scarifying of the fairways allowed for pick and place and, though it is anyone's guess as to how many of us routinely hit the fairways, it was the same for both sides, proving once again that old adage that all is fair in golf and war.

 The greens were, however, in excellent condition, and very quick, which took some getting used to. It was interesting to note, given the well-known flatness of the course, how adept our opponents were with the 'Texas wedge' around the greens.

 On a personal level, Harpenden is a course I always enjoy playing. For those who haven't, it is short (Carthagena-esque) and flat, which makes it ideal for the higher handicapper and the less athletic amongst us. There is, nonetheless, also much to enjoy for the single figure player, in the requirement for judicious placement of both tee and approach shots - especially with the pacy greens.

 Unfortunately, this was not a match JoG won, though a good account was rendered, with the final score coming in at 3½ to 4½. I have to own up to being remiss in not keeping an account of the individual matches. However it should be noted that the pairing of Terry* (Tony) Lloyd and Oz Osman recorded their second whopping win of the week!

 Finally, the pairings were laid out by Harpenden on a basis of lower to higher in order to reduce the number of shots given and received by either side. This policy was also adopted by Luffenham Heath, who further included captains' and organisers in the mix, that is, they didn't automatically go out first - and indeed, why should they?

 I personally, found that the exchange of shots being limited to 1 or 2, considerably enhanced the enjoyment of the match, though others may have differing opinions. Perhaps the Committee could conduct a poll?

 * The Terry moniker was mistakenly attributed to Tony by the opposition's organiser. It strikes me that some sort of caption competition could be run - all proceeds to go to charity.

Footnote: Nearest the pin for JOG was won by none other than organiser Peter Imray