San Miguel Golf Society
La Finca, September 23 Captain's Day
That time of year again when the year's Captain prepares for handover to the new incumbent, but before the act transpires both the Captain's Day golf competition an dinner need to take place. For the former an excellent turnout of 52 members and 11 accompanying guests gathered at the SMGS oft frequented course of La Finca to take part in a stableford competition, principally for the Captain's Day Prize, but also a wide range of additional prizes, several of which were donated by kind sponsors (Mick the Grip, Moneycorp and Golf Hot Spots).
A beautiful day and a course in good condition, particularly the greens, now recovered fully from recent hollow tinning, led to good scoring. The one outstanding return posted belonged to Norman Padmore, now clearly recovered from knee knack. His 42 points not only won the Captain's Trophy and the main prize (a wonderful golfing trip for 2 to Valencia donated by Golf Hot Spots), but also stomped on Captain Phil de Lacy's initial hopes (which could have been embarrassing) of taking his own trophy, although Geoff Giddy would, in the end, have actually just pipped him on count back, both having scored an excellent 39 points. Steve Higgins (Gold), Roger Webb (Silver) and Richard Bland (Bronze) were the only other players to better their handicaps.
Pretty much everybody stayed for the prize giving, and special thanks were giving by Phil to all those who had contributed to making the day such a success. After the ceremony, and a short break to stock up on refreshments/down another Coronation Chicken wrap (kindly supplied by the Captain and Vice Captain's good ladies), 27 members remained behind for the year's end AGM, the minutes of which will be posted on SMGS's website some time soon.
The Captain's dinner takes place this Friday (September 25) at Campoamor Clubhouse.
The day's main competition results, by category and in reverse order, were the following:
Bronze Category: 4th Karen Simpson (34), 3rd Brian Mulligan (35), 2nd Richard Bland (37), and 1st, with very much the best score of the day, Norman Padmore with a superb 42 points.
Silver Category: 4th Mike Jordan (34), 3rd Roger Webb (37), 2nd Captain Phil De Lacy (39 on CB) and 1st, with the same very god score, Geoff Giddy.
Gold Category: 4th Mike Frankish (35), 3rd Jack Simpson (36 on CB), 2nd Darren Hancock (36 on CB), and 1st, Steve Higgins with 37 points. Other results and prizes: Nearest the pins on the par 3's (open to all) went to Mick (The Grip) Reeves (3), Mike Frankish (6), Steve Higgins (13) and Jacqui Rust (16).
Nearest the pin in 3 went to Norman McBride (Hole 10, Bronze), Steve Davis (11, Silver) Ben Price (7, Gold) and Robin Eastman (18, all players).
Nearest the Captain's Drive on the 1st was won by Kev Courtney (most players preferred to stay nearer the centre of the fairway!).
Nearest the Bunker on Hole 9, without actually being in it, went to Charles Farrington.
Longest Drive on Hole 8 went to Norman Padmore for the men and Paula Hagart for the Ladies.
The day's Best Gross Score was achieved by Jack Simpson with a very respectable 77.
The Abacus was won by long hitter (see above) Paula Haggert.
Four Best Guest Prizes went to: 4th Les Benjamin (31 on CB), 3rd Peter Girens (31 on CB), 2nd Kevin Courtney (32), and 1st with a clear gap, Steve Bradshaw with 35 points.
Our thanks go to the staff at La Finca golf course for their contribution to a very enjoyable day.
Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Barry Roehrig a call on 966 731 033 to find out more about the society and its weekly golf get-togethers. Next week we will be at El Valle.