Stunning results

THE third of the season’s competitions, specifically for those who have not yet achieved an Awali Golf Club handicap, was held in perfect playing conditions on Saturday.

Missing from the event was non-handicapper regular Yvonne Addison, and rightfully so as her dedication had been rewarded recently with the achievement of her first handicap, 29!

Commencing as the early morning mist rose, organiser Alan Goulden allocated playing handicaps at the tee, based on results from the previous two non-handicapper competitions and then the players were off, with their first tee shots closer to the hole in most but not all cases.

Displaying a range of strokes varying from believably bad to unbelievably good, the gaggle made it back to the clubhouse after nine holes of golf and teeth gnashing in the sunshine.

Following refreshments, Goulden announced the results, which left everyone astounded – Dave Loney was third (14 points/30 handicap), David Starkie second (17/36) and ... wait for it ... Floris Brand the winner with 30 points.

Yes, 30 points for nine holes, Goulden having allocated Floris a 34 handicap based on previous cards.

A clamour arose as to how he had achieved this result. Floris explained that he had had some playing experience many years ago, and had recently bought a package of lessons from Awali’s head professional Matt Chalmers.
 
Matt had taken Floris back to basics, correcting everything including grip, stance and swing.

Another handicapped member enquired, politely, of course, as to what was in the organiser’s mind with the original allocation of Floris’ 34 handicap.

Alan sheepishly admitted, in what should go down in history as Awali Golf Club’s epitome of understatement: “Perhaps the handicap I allocated to Floris was a little high.”