Following a delivery of 75mm of rain in the previous three days, last Friday the course was closed. Remarkably, the course was back open and playing well on Saturday and Sunday.
As I drove over from Rutland yesterday morning there was a lot of early morning mist and it was cold. But the forecast was good and fifty two smiling golfers enjoyed the best day's sunshine we are likely to see this week. The weather gods were definitely smiling on us.
Last minute places were filled and thanks go to Ian Robinson, Jon Penrose, Geoff Wilson, Bob Wood and Teetours-totty super-sub Anne Wardle.
Little Aston members are schooled in the art of playing golf at the right pace, and you can see that when you watch them on the course - they are always ready to play their shot. Hence the accepted speed for a round on a members day is 3 hours for a two-ball and 3 hours 30 for a four-ball. It is commendable therefore that Jonathan Avill's team, from Sicklehome in Derbyshire, were first out and played the course in 3hours 45 minutes - Well done! They sat on the terrace, enjoying the sunshine, had eaten lunch and were on their third pint before the next team arrived.
There were some Teetours virgins, including Paul and Alison Bennett - who I hope we see again soon; some who had never played the course before and some whose home course has been closed for several days. Everyone was impressed with the presentation.
- Stewart Wardrop and Paul Hayward were joined by Richard Lyons and Harry Kenth to make up an amalgamated team who played well together and picked up third prize with 88 points.
- Jack Taylor's team were in second place on the podium with 90 points and a back nine of 46; beaten by one on the back-nine by:
- Gary Mogford, Neil Barnfield, Chris Baker and Paul Breslin - a long overdue win for this cheerful team. Although Paul Breslin was a little disappointed with his bottle of wine as he is desperate for some new head covers.
