Swinley Forest Golf Club 2010

Unusually for the weather to date, 3rd June dawned bright and still, and became progressively, gently, and delightfully - warmer, as we gathered at Swinley Forest Golf Club - venue for our traditional Spring Meeting – a course, summed up, possibly most succinctly as:

Harry Colt’s “Least bad course” – rated only a mere 17 out of a maximum of 20 by the revered Michelin Golf Guide and suitably described therein as: “A Gentleman’s Club where ladies and dogs are, nonetheless welcome, and where the rules of admission may be relaxed with a prior telephone call to the Secretary”.

In appropriate moderation, the Fan Makers Secretary and Captain had managed to assemble no less than 9 Society Members, highlighted by the especially warmly welcomed attendance of Past Master, Michael Ross Collins, after regretfully, a couple of years away, caused by ill health. Furthermore, no less that 23 guests - a record attendance, appropriately befitting for one of the Society’s jewel days.

Any poor scoring was only going to be down to the player and not the conditions, nor the exemplary course, and shorts were much in evidence
(with long socks!!)

We were also pleased to welcome newly admitted Liveryman Mark Cardiff, as a valued, new playing member of our Society.

Our Captain, Antony Robson, came in with the best morning score and, therefore, winner of the Bartley Cup.

The winners of the afternoon foursomes (Hughes Cup) were Assistant Patrick King and Alan Willis. Patrick also won the Husband Putting Trophy for the second year running, and John Chaffe won the Ross Collins Tankard for the best stableford score for players with a handicap over 23.

As has often been the case, our guests came in with better scores than the Fan Makers and Patrick’s guest, Philip Kingscot, won in the morning, with Eric Stevenson in the afternoon and also had the best guest putting score!!!

The theatre of the spectacular panorama of rhododendrons behind the 12th green was in fierce competition to Augusta, the course almost in ‘untouched’ condition, and the warmth and hospitality of the staff; and a luncheon exceeding the demanding standards set by the Society, fulfilled yet another ‘Day at Swinley’ forever to be remembered, for members and especially guests, alike.

The Golfing Society is very much alive and particularly welcomes new members and guests alike, to continue to share such wonderful occasions.