Spring 2002 Meeting

The Druids' Trophy

Many "Congratulations" to John "Monty" Monnaghan for his shock but well deserved win in the morning Druids' Trophy competition, held this Spring at the Easingwold Golf Club.

The morning again started well with a fine breakfast, but overcast skies and a poor weather forecast made for some subdued golf. Stewart McCulloch's legendary organisation produced a field of 18 players, including the welcome return of Dave Taylor and (sporting a rather scruffy beard) Peter Bainbridge . It was also nice to see defending champion Robin Thompson make the 400 mile round trip from London to try and hang on to the silverware.

Changes to the course saw the infamous par 3 opener replaced by a much more sedate par 4, but the standard of opening drives still left much to be desired. The water feature in the temporary toilets, however, was a first for most golfers and proved to be one of the greatest hazards of the whole day.

Anyway, "Monty's" score of 44, from a handicap of 28, was the higlight of the day and it was remarked that this was a case of 'From Chump to Champ' in a little over two years.

Second place was taken by Dave "The Great Man" Taylor (37 points) after count back, and third spot by Robin Thompson. Also on 37 points Tom Cowie and Andy Simpson finished 4th and 5th respectively. Their back nine scores proving to be their undoing.

As usual, the fight to avoid last place was fierce, and Stephen Ward confirmed that the form books do not lie by producing his regular poor return of 22 points. Having said that, Mr McCulloch can consider himself rather lucky not to collecting the Golfing Gargoyle himself with a very poor score (considering how much he plays) of just 24 points.

In view of the frequency of coming last, Mr Ward now has to ask himelf "Is it time for the legendary Bernhard Langer tapes to be opened?".

The Wurtheimer Cup

A fine lunch was acompanied by the, now infamous, pairs draw for the afternoon round. Chairman Pearson, returning to work to answer his large post bag of anonymous hate mail, was replaced in the afternoon by the aging John Myers - Golf Secretary in the good old days when television was black and white and everybody tuned in to the Home Service on the wireless.

Once more, the little and large combination proved successful with Peter Bainbridge and Dave Croft returning a handsome 39 points to lift the trophy. On the same score of 39 and beaten once again on countback Tom Cowie and Andy Simpson were runners up with Dave Taylor and Robin Thompson claiming third place.

It was noted that a 400 mile round trip for just two golf balls was scant reward for Robin Thompson, but then again, it provided everyone else with something to laugh about.

The Champagne Moment

The Champagne Moment drew, somewhat surprisingly, few nominations. However, Stewart McCulloch and Stephen Ward shaking hands out of bounds at the end of their round was just beaten by the events of Nick Mayhew on the 14th tee.

Having driven out of bounds, had his third shot rebound off the ladies tee and play his 4th shot back out of bounds next to the initial drive, Nick was presented with the standard bottle of bubbly for the champagne moment.

Thanks once again must go to Stewart for his organisational skills, although it is hoped that next time he will choose a club that has working toilets and showers.

Lastly, Nick Mayhew was seen clutching a camera at the club house so we hope to have some pictures of the winners on this page in the near future, and don't forget - book early to avoid disappointment in the Autumn meeting.

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