Shanks held their Autumn meeting at Badgemore Golf Club situated near Henley on Thames. Although the rain lashed down in the morning, by the time the 10 Shankers gathered on the 1st tee the sun had made an appearance and the afternoon was perfect for some pleasant, if not necessarily good golf.
The shankers were competing for the Steele Bowl Trophy, awarded to the best stableford score recorded by a player with a handicap of 24 or more, a yellow ball team competition and the ultimate prize, the Steve Beckett trophy for best, or should that be worst, shanking moment of the day.
Battle commenced at Badgemore after lunchtime refreshments and although the Shanks secretary was AWOL due to an unavoidable commitment, the Shanks captain, Peter “Faldo” Bothwick provided the obligatory Kit Kats for each golfer. Alan Badcock also provided more sustenance in the shape of energy bars, which would be much appreciated during the afternoon.
Either the Shanks golfers are improving (unlikely) or Badgemore Park was playing very benignly, but all three teams managed to successfully guide their yellow ball round the course. The team of Geoff Parnell, Rod Benwell, Phil Trudgeon and David Melville won bottles of wine, having recorded a yellow ball score of an impressive 70 stableford points.
The Steele Bowl Trophy was won by first time shanker, David Melville, with a stableford score of 36, playing with a handicap, under the new handicap regulations, of 30. The highest score on the day however, was recorded by Geoff Parnell with a stableford score of 39. David wins the trophy as Geoff has a handicap lower than 24.
The Steve Beckett trophy, bestowed upon the player who is considered by his fellow golfers to have played the shank of the day, despite a considerable number of likely contenders, was awarded to Chris Godfrey. On the 7th hole Chris attempted to play his second shot with the ball in a deep divot. Despite three attempts to play a shot, the club contacted the earth behind the ball and the golf ball, suitably unimpressed, refused to move. Luckily his fourth attempt achieved some forward motion. A worthy winner indeed.
Although unable yet to play, the shankers were delighted to welcome Mike Windett, who joined the players for dinner. Mike has been going through a tough time recently with heart and kidney problems. He is now thankfully through the worst of it and it is hoped he will continue to make rapid progress back to full fitness when he can, once again, start to lose golf balls on a regular basis.
It should be noted by all PICT members that several shankers only play the Shanks competitions and are by no means regular players. Anyone can come along and will not be embarrassed by their ability, or lack of it. The emphasis is on having a relaxing day out in a pleasant environment in good company, so please make a note when the dates for 2020 are announced.
Report and photos compiled by Graham Warley