DG's Visits Week 18

Week 18 saw a somewhat weary DG, after far too many hours on a train the previous afternoon and evening, heading south and east to,the links of Kingsbarns, to participate in the wonderful National Golf Competition run by the Rotary Club of St. Andrews Kilrymont. As the North of Scotland(aka District 1010) were the current holders of the trophy, which is so like the Claret Jug of the Open Championship that you would be hard pushed to tell them apart, I was in no doubt that I had to be there to help to defend the trophy against the combined assault of the South of Scotland and England. To say that the previous day was the worst possible preparation to play the game of golf, would be the understatement of the year, with the first two holes seeing no contribution from me to the points tally, but our pairing ably held together by the superb golf of past AG Jim Young. Thereafter, things did improve, with a wonderfully competitive match developing against our opponent pairing of Geordies, both of whom were superb golfers. The pendulum swung both ways, with our pairing triumphing on the final hole. The round was hard fought but absolutely enlivened by the superb company and repartee. My jaded spirits were totally restored by the time we returned to the Clubhouse. It was my pleasure to present the prizes which I thoroughly enjoyed, including one where my initial bemusement over Brain Gray's statement that I could not present this particular prize, turned to enlightenment when he said I could not present a prize to myself. The prize in question was the use of a Honda sports car for a week end, for the drive closest to the flag on the fearsome 15th hole. After looking at one stage as if it might cost me a fortune by the ball going into the hole, it remained close enough to the pin to defy any attempts at getting closer. The day was quite superb, with chief organiser Brain Gray yet again waving his magic wand to ensure perfect weather, in total contrast to the days before and after. The event is superbly organised, from the bacon rolls first thing, to the black bun and whisky to restore momentum half way round and the excellent high tea. The competition is enlivened by various tests of one's golfing mettle for accuracy and distance, all set against the magnificent background of one of the finest but hardest links courses in Britain. In addition to what was an excellent day of fun and first class fellowship, the day raised an impressive amount of money for various charities, including one of my own favourites, WaterAid, for which I took away a greatly appreciated cheque for £1000. For this, and indeed for another first class occasion, my thanks and congratulations go to President Grace, organiser Brian and all his team, and indeed all the St. Andrews Kilrymont Rotarians. As to the result of the contest, various individuals returned staggeringly high Stableford points scores which will surely have them closely scrutinised by the Handicaps Committee next year but saw them collect various trophies, and the team trophy returned again to the north of Scotland, so ably captained by Jim Young who led by example from start to finish. Here's to next year.