An early start and glorious day saw 33 members and 5 guests find their way to SMGS’ monthly venue of Vistabella. The course was in excellent condition, with the badly storm damaged bunkers and waste areas seen during our previous visit now pretty much all repaired.
The greens in particular were excellent. However, whilst scoring is usually very high at this venue, it was not so much the case today, with Mick Roscoe posting the day’s best points’ total of thirty-eight. Normans Cahill and Padmore and Tony Smale also bettered their handicaps.
Interestingly a large number of those who had been in the prizes at Vistabella back in November produced again, including the two Normans, Mike Jordan, Mike Kaylor and Mike Greatorex. Horses for courses, but obviously here being called Norman or Mike helps!!
The main reason for lower than normal scoring (although still pretty good) was most likely the often tricky pin positions. The majority of flags were positioned right at the front or back of greens. The thick grass found around many of these also contributed, making chipping difficult from close.
Whilst there were many interesting shots played, shot of the day probably went to Alan MacDonald for leaving his ball high and dry on a little island of earth inside the water hazard of the 10th hole. Target golf at its best!!
A doubles matchplay one-off game was held between the winner and runner-up of last season’s singles league division one against those of division two. Norman Cahill and Robin Eastman came out on top against Hugh Reilly and Phil de Lacy 3 and 1.
The day’s prize winners were the following:
Bronze Category: 4th Tommy Boyle (32), 3rd Mike Jordan (36), 2nd Norman Padmore (37) and 1st, with the day’s best score, Mick Roscoe with 38 points
Silver Category: 4th Mike Kaylor (31), 3rd Noel Conellan (32), 2nd Scotty Philips (35) and 1st Dave Gibson with 36 points
Gold Category: 4th Mike Greatorex (34), 3rd Paul Kelsall (35), 2nd Norman Cahill (37 on CB) and 1st President Tony Smale, also with 37 points
Nearest the pins on par 3’s (Sponsored by Property Shop): Hole 2 Rob Fyfe, Hole 7 Denis Reilly, Hole 11 Kyree Skarsmoen, Hole 15 Hugh Reilly
Abacus: Darren Strugnell
Best Guests: Gareth Davies (35) beat Roddy Duncan (35) in to second place on countback
Our thanks go to all Vistabella staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at Mar Menor. Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de Lacy a call on 966774197.
