Lights...Camera...Action

Once again the Rufford bound group were able to bask on the veranda with a fine view of the 9th green and more importantly search for the legendary blue stakes, whilst waiting for the last of the roasties to be brought out for the pre game feast. The days on course marshal and photographer, Hepburn, made it just in time from Whatton Prison after appearing for the first game of the Tollerton Vets FC Season: Hepburn already providing the days highlight for Bazwaldo: as Chris’ man was replaced at a corner by a cross between Kanu and Mike Tyson, answering to the name of Tiny, Bubba or Sir. Try any ‘megs’ Chris..?

Hefter was once again kitted out in faultless attire, maybe one eye on Mr October, as the wind whipped up some bouffants to various shapes and sizes. The young bucks of Brown, Tuckwell & Meadows were relishing the thought of taming the wind and all decided during the journey that some 2 iron lynx golf would be the required shot and agreed that was the plan…10 mins after arrival, plan out the window with Meadows at the counter, with a grin, purchasing a super sized Callaway Mega Bertha. ‘I’ve always wanted one of these!’ replied with a wry smile. With dinner devoured the groups decided a quick assault on the putting green would be helpful before with the friendly tee marshal eagerly imparted the laws of the land.

The paparazzi poised and news that the blue stakes were again to be enforced even if you can’t find your ball, result, Tuckwell Jnr, Meadows and Hefter set off. ‘I hope you kept the receipt’ was the call as Meadows launched into a worm burner. Although Meadows did his cause no harm for the lead role in Gladiator II as he ‘Unleashed Hell’ off the remaining tees with the new purchase, and showed the voice was up to the scrutiny of filming with some thunderous ‘fore shouts’. Hefter made good use of the local ruling making a fine par 5 up the second after finding the blue stakes twice. Unfortunately this was to be one of the few highlights for Hefter: immaculate from tee to within 20 yards of the green and off the scale for the remainder. Tuckwell began steadily although will be disappointed with a blob on 9, after impressively hitting a sapling full ball and rebounding back, and being able to play the next shot without adjusting an inch. In a close group it was Tuckwell by 2 at the turn. With the first 3 on the back 9 safely negotiated and the focus of ‘Hepburn Cam’ Meadows gave David Blaine a run for his money: changing into full wet gear, with hat and opened brolley in a blink of an eye as a 5 minute deluge decided to impart it’s watery mass onto the course. Tuckwell and Meadows were locked going up the straight as Hepburn set up for the ‘money shot’ on 17: Elevated tee, island green, into wind. Tuckwell first to the plate, unleashed a pearler, (holding the pose!) All over it…all over it…where’s that going to land…SPLASH, cue laughter! The remainder dispatched. . . and all three reloaded: Hefter the only one to make the back of the green second time round. Tuckwell hung on for the early clubhouse lead.

Horsburgh Snr, Daft and ‘course form’ Jenkinson departed with haste after the Marshall warned everyone was on the clock. Bob was obviously unhappy with his playing partners: vigorously beckoning 3 randoms’ from the putting green to much disillusionment from the said 3: ‘Bob we’re behind you already.’ answered Jenkinson and Daft, too much for Ladd! The group had a main focus on ‘player cam’ and it was Daft who lead the assault aiming for the first back to back win after becoming the first man to retain his crown at Norwood. Heppers demanded some danger money: settled in for a scenic view on 7, Jenkinson missing by metres! Dafty led by 5 at the turn with a superb sub 40 front 9. Jenko put himself into contention in the longest drive stakes, creeping past Dafty by a matter of inches. With the camera off, Horsburgh agonisingly missed holing out by inches from 80yds and wondered where the paparazzi were for that one! The 17th again provided more entertainment: Daft falling short by inches and Horsburgh pitching dry but ending up wet. Jenkinson made sure and hit one out of town, although became the first person to register any points! Standing with 36 points on the 18th, Dafty proving the thinking mans golfer, calculated he must have done enough and decided to ‘blob’ as to not have his handicap trimmed by 2, and indeed held the new clubhouse lead in an excellent scoring 3 ball.

Frame, Ladd, Horsburgh Jnr and Brown made up the final quartet. The latter deciding adamantly that there would be no requirement for a waterproof top and it would remain in the car…schoolboy error…Unperturbed, Brown arrowed in to 3 foot on the first for an opening birdie and optimism. Ladd was very tidy, an excellent par up 9, the highlight of a front 9 where a score was registered on every hole. Horsburgh once again ever steady, as Frame produced a mixed bag with some monstrous hitting. A three way tie: Brown, Ladd and Horsburgh by one from Frame. Once again a neat start to the back 9, although the monsoon seemingly putting skids to Ladd and Frame. One umbrella between four was potentially the undoing. Although for Frame, one may look no further than a horsebox meandering along an adjacent path. A confidently struck tee shot was followed by a subdued ‘oh!’ as a first bounce bomb ricocheted into the rear of the travelling cart, the ball was never found, perhaps disappearing up the exhaust! Brown seemed to be battling some putting demons on the baize and reports were that he would be returning with a putting psychologist at the next event, or certainly travelling with a new wand. Once again no green hit on 17, but the ever accurate Horsburgh managing an up and down for a best of the day par for 3 points: over a third of the points accumulated by all on the hole! Brown finished as he started, with a birdie 3, as the others headed to the bar.

Another thoroughly enjoyable day with a fine meal to start (and blue stakes) saw Daft (36) with a back to back win. Jenkinson (34) provided an excellent defence of his crown to sneak second and Tuckwell (32) made up the rostrum.

Ladd was clearly encouraged by his days playing and predicted he would bring his wellies to Six Hills as one would be filling ones boots as he said his goodbyes and was halfway towards the car park…

‘Laddy have you got your clubs?’… Errr, no, cheers!