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Report from Sam Roberts
The NTLRA Autumn Golf Meet - Thursday, 1 September 2005
Shone the morning brightly, despite threats from the weather forecasters over the previous two days of stormy weather. During the half-hour before the appointed 10.15 start time, fifteen wannabe golfers gathered at the caddy shack by the first tee on the Old Course at Leckford. Our chief steward for the day was Mike Holt, who gladly collected our green fees and allocated us into five, three-ball groups.
The first away was the high powered and low handicapped group of Mike Leonard, Pete Thompson and Brian Woods, who were not allowed to get too far ahead of the chasing pack, which consisted of Chris Allerton, Richard Attewell, Ron Chamberlain (also low handicapped), Dennis Fowler, Bill Hartley, Mike Holt, Dave Jones, Terry Long, Sam Roberts and Brian Salkeld. Two guests joined us; Peter Rowlands from Dave Jones' club and David Manuel (who was actually eligible in his own right as the ex-IBA Aerial Engineer (North), based in Leeds in the early 1970s - does anyone remember him?)
We played the front nine on the Old Course, which many of us had played before. Because few had played the New Course and to make a change, we drove round to another caddy shack and played the back nine on the New Course. Both courses were in superb condition and presented their individual challenges. The John Lewis ground staff are to be congratulated on keeping them in such good condition.
 It is a pleasure to report that there was little slow play and we all appeared in the bar of The Vine in Stockbridge at regular regulation intervals as each three-ball arrived to quench their thirst and enjoy a bar snack. The maestro, Mike Holt, was eventually called upon to announce and present the awards. The winner of the new Autumn meet perpetual trophy, with 41 Stableford points (bandit!), was David Manuel. Second, with 38 points, was Ron Chamberlain and third, with 37 points, was Mike Holt. Mike Leonard and Pete Thompson tied for fourth place on 34 points. Cruelly, a booby prize was awarded to the player who came in with only 12 points on a 28 handicap - no names, no pack drill!
Pete Thompson easily out-drove us all on the 6th, to win the Longest Drive competition and was in with a shout on the 10th, par-three, green in the Nearest the Pin competition. However, Ron Chamberlain, who was following behind, managed to get his ball inside Thomo's and Chris Allerton then managed to get his inside Ron's. So, Chris won that award, making it a rewarding day for the 28 handicappers!
A great day was had by all; especially Dennis Fowler, who treated the day as his stag party before his nuptials with Morag next Saturday (10th September). A glass or three was raised to their continued happiness together. As the NTLRA group, we gather again in the Spring at The Royal Winchester Golf Club, courtesy of Mike Leonard. Until then, happy golfing!
Sam Roberts
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