The year is disappearing faster than a Pro V1 slicing into La Serena’s aquatic graveyards. One minute it was Christmas, next thing you know we’re already teeing it up in mid-May with sun cream replacing waterproofs. Unlike March’s cooler outing, today served up much kinder temperatures, although the ever-present Mar Menor breeze still made sure nobody got too comfortable over the ball.
An earlier-than-usual tee time had its perks too: an earlier finish and more daylight for post-round analysis, exaggeration, and selective memory loss in the bar.
Starting from the 10th tee gave proceedings a slightly chaotic energy. By the time everyone reached La Serena’s notoriously tricky 1st, most swings had loosened up… although some scorecards suggested otherwise.
The course itself was in fine condition. Greens rolled beautifully true, a few fairways remained under GUR restrictions, and some bunkers still carried battle scars from the previous weekend’s storms. As always, La Serena proved to be welcoming and friendly from the Pro Shop to the bar staff to the greenkeepers. It’s a venue SMGS always enjoys visiting, especially with several Society members proudly calling it their home course.
Remarkably, there were no Twos today, meaning next week’s rollover pot is beginning to resemble a small lottery syndicate. Sharpen those wedges accordingly.
The scores today were, off the charts generally, as follows:
Gold: Greame Millington (41 pts)
Silver: Terry Sharley (43 pts)
Bronze: Ken Flaherty (46 pts no catching that even with a Ferrari and best score of the day)
Forty-six points!! At that stage the rest of the field needed less a golf strategy and more an FIA-approved pursuit vehicle. The famous “McBride Bottle” found a temporary new residence with Norman Padmore who, truthfully, posted a perfectly respectable score. But somebody has to shoulder the burden and take the bottle home.
The football card was claimed by Richard McCann with Reading, while Nigel Gould secured Best Guest honours on countback with 32 points, narrowly edging out Colin Rust.
Keep up to date with SMGS on our website www.smgs.org. **SPONSORSHIP AVAILABILITY** If you are interested in sponsoring one of our games – please contact smgs91info@gmail.com to discuss further. We are proud to be supported by Michaela Schmidt at www.golf-hotspots.com for all your golf travel requirements.
Next week promises to be a very special occasion as SMGS hosts the inaugural “Norman McBride Memorial” at Lo Romero, Norman’s favourite course and a fitting venue for what should be a memorable day. Well played everybody… and condolences to the many golf balls now resting peacefully at the bottom of La Serena’s lakes.
Winners Photo L-R: Mick Pryke (Captain), Norman Padmore (McBride Bottle), Nigel Gould (Best Guest), Alan “PBomber” Macdonald, Terry Sharley (Silver), Richard McCann (Football Card & Gold Runner-Up), Rita East (NTP and undeniable aesthetic enhancement), Ken Flaherty (“Only” 46 pts), and Greame Millington (Gold Winner).
