With a warming autumn sun rising over the backdrop of the Mar Menor and just a light breeze blowing off the sea, La Serena golf course looked unusually likely to give up good scores to a full field of 39 members and 9 guests.
However, all bets were off when we learned that the yellow tees had been reseeded and we were playing from the whites. Several of the walkers expressed concern that their trolley batteries might not cope with the extra mileage on the trip to the tips. One of the wrinkly regulars, contemplating his tee shot on the opening par 5, remarked that he didn’t drive that far to his chiropractor. Welcome to the majors, gentlemen.
Considering all the recent rain, the course was in decent condition and soft greens fortunately were receptive to approach shots necessarily hit with longer clubs than normal. It’s a credit to the staff at La Serena that the course is always in such good shape despite all the golf it hosts.
Scoring in Bronze division confirmed that size may not matter but length certainly does. Three players posted 27 points, countback placing Chris Hamblett in 4th, Terry Leadbetter in 3rd and Ron Stenhouse as runner-up to Neil Sheldon, who stole the win with 28 points. Well done, fellas … glad you all made it back – eventually.
Silver division scores were a bit better, Scotty Phillips (4th) and Kev Allbright (3rd) propping up the podium with 31 points each, while Paul Kavanagh took second place with 33 points. Roger Webb was a worthy winner with a well-earned 36 points.
In Gold division, Mike Greatorex snuck 4th place with 33 points after a long-distance, Ryder Cup-inspired birdie putt on 18. Theo Boelhouwer was third with 34 points, losing out on countback to second placed Ivan Hanak. Winner with another solid 36 points haul was Russell Bailey.
Nine guests joined us and were a welcome addition to the pack. M Johnston (32 points), Elaine Harrison (33 points) and R Gilles (35 points) took the honours there. Thanks for playing and we hope to see you all again.
Nearest the pins were won by Jim Imrie (hole 3), Neil Sheldon (hole 9) and Jim Imrie (hole 17). The 15th (a mere 194 yards downwind) repelled all attempts to hit it by the Silver surfers. Must try harder.
Speaking of which, the sponsors of the prizes for the two (yes, two) best handicap-protecting scores of the day, Mike Kaylor and Mick Roscoe, somehow contrived also to be the beneficiaries of their own generosity. We thank you anyway – it was the thought that counted. Check out the Abacus Twins, aka Mike’s Digital TV and Mick’s Propertyshop.
Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Tony Smale a call on 628227687. The next three games will be at Font del Llop Altorreal and La Serena
