Marlborough golf Club NewsFlash - 12th May 2005

Junior Fun Day at Marlborough – Sat May 7th

A taster for young and very young beginners

53 children aged 5 to 14 who had never played golf or were beginners came to Marlborough Golf Club’s free Junior Fun Day last Saturday. This was really a taster of what golf is about and to enable the youngsters to find out if golf is a sport they may like to take up.

Instruction, play, awards and food – all for free

In groups of four or five they all had an hour’s instruction from Marlborough Professional, Simon Amor, assisted by David Bower, and 30 minutes putting and 30 minutes chipping, supervised by members. It was mainly dry and sunny but very cold so the youngsters then really enjoyed tucking in to the free BBQ of burgers and sausages which Club Patron, Freddie Boardman, had been cooking.

Suitably fed and watered they next had a go on a four hole short par 3 course that had been laid out on the practice ground.
Simon had cut down and regripped clubs to match each child’s height which they used throughout the day. At the end of the session they were presented with this, their own club, to take home, together with a certificate and an invitation to take further coaching.

An event to be repeated

This was Marlborough Golf Club’s second Junior Fun Day and it’s sure to become an annual event. Last year’s event was massively oversubscribed, so this year the participants were those the Club could not accommodate last year. Next year the Club will again be sending out invites through the schools.

The aptitude and progress the children made was amazing. Simon Amor spotted some real talent, children who have natural potential to become really good golfers. And it was lovely to see the children having such a great time; Tony Leach, who organised the day, commented that he wished he had been able to start the game at their age, with none of the inhibitions of “us oldies”.

The benefits for the youngsters and the game of golf

The lifeblood of the sport depends on new people taking the game up. And the earlier the better. Who knows, with Great Britain again producing so many fine players on the professional tours, it could be that one of those who came could be a David Howell of the future. But, for most, golf will be a hobby, played for fun. And fun is certainly what the children had at this Fun day.

Mixed Friendly matches

Down to up (avon), but up against (Ogbourne) Downs!!

We played Upavon away on 17th April (when Ladies Vice Captain Kathy Leach) was away. However she was back to captain the home match against Ogbourne Downs on 8th May. Leading from the front, Kathy and David Lewis won 4 and 2 to set a fine example. But their result was bettered both by Men’s Vice Captain, Alistair Baldwin, and new member Juliet Franks who won 6 and 4 and, playing quite superbly, Janice and Albert Tucker who won by a dog licence. So although we went down 5½ -2 ½ to Upavon, we came home very clear winners against “the old enemy” 8-2.
Ladies News

Congratulations to Angela & Sue who won the Coronation Foursomes & go to Bude for the next round. And to Isobel Henry and Sue Jacomb, both of whom had their handicaps cut from 18 to 16 this month and to Amanda Cooper, who was cut to 29

Forthcoming events

Captain Liz Kenneth promises a Ladies Invitation Day on Wednesday June 29th that will be quite different and exciting. There will be loads of excellent prizes: for the best scores, nearest the pin, longest drive and a ball sweep and raffle. After the golf there will be tea and prizegiving …….. altogether lots of fun!

Do bring your guest to a warm welcome at Marlborough. Sign in in the locker room now. If you don't have a guest but would like to play, do let Vice Captain Kathy Leach know and she will see what she can do to get you one! Telephone 01672 841254.

Wednesday 25th May we will be hosting a fashion show. Note this date in your diary now. It will also include a skincare presentation by Clarins. Posters are now up in the clubhouse and tickets are available from the bar. The cost is only £5, including a glass of wine. Why not invite a friend or make up a whole party, it’ll be fun and all the proceeds will go to Liz Kenneth’s charity ABC.

Forthcoming matches and friendlies include: Monday 16th May Ladies Friendly at home against Wrag Barn – sign up on the notice board in the ladies changing room. Saturday 21st May Ladies league match away at The Wiltshire. Sunday 22nd & Wednesday 25th May Ladies Whiteley Cup Qualifier – see Ladies notice board. The Daily Mail foursomes next round is against Lansdown at home.

Future events & Tee or Course closures

A selection of Men’s and Ladies’ events coming up shortly.
Date Event Note

Sat 14th May Men’s monthly medal
Sun 22nd May Ailesbury Arms & Nichols Cups Medal
Ladies Whiteley Cup
Sun 29th May Patrons Day Men. Ladies & Juniors. Entry list now up in the clubhouse
Mon 30th May Bank Holiday Texas Scramble Men. Ladies & Juniors. Entry list now up in the clubhouse; Guests invited – no green fee
Wed 1st June Men’s midweek and Ladies medals
Sat 4th June Ladies County Presidents Prize
Sun 5th June Men’s and Ladies medals
Sat 11th June Men’s medal
Ladies Sprawson’s trophy
Sun 12th June Hart Trophy (Married couples)
Wed 15th June Ladies Sprawson’s trophy
Sun 19th June LADY CAPTAINS DAY
Dawn Chorus Entry list now up in the clubhouse
Tue 21st June MEN’S MIDWEEK INVITATION
Wed 22nd June Grandmother’s Rosebowl
Sat 25th June Swinton Hardstaff Texas Scramble Men. Ladies & Juniors
Sun 26th June CLUB CAPTAIN’S DAY
Wed 29th June LADIES INVITATION DAY

Some significant Tee closures

Sun 15th May Match 1st tee closed 1.30 to 2.45
Tues 17th May College and Societies 1st tee closed 8.30 to 9.15 and 1.30 to 2.45
Thurs 19th May College and Societies 1st tee closed 9.45 to 10.45 and 12.45 to 3.00
Sun 29th May Patron’s Day Course closed to general play till 5.00
Mon 30th May Bank Holiday Texas Scramble Course to be cleared of general play by 12.45
Fri 3rd June Ladies Past Captain’s TBA; check lists outside Pro’s shop
Sat 4th June Match 1st tee closed 12.45 to 1.45
Tues 7th June Seniors Open Course closed to general play till 4.45
Sun 12th June Hart Trophy 1st tee closed 12.30 to 2.00; 10th 2.15 to 4.00
Sun 19th June Lady Captain’s Day TBA; check lists outside Pro’s shop
Tues 21st June Mens Midweek Invitation Course closed to general play till 5.00
Sat 25th June Swinton Hardstaff Course closed to general play till 5.00
Sun 26th June Captain’s Day Course closed to general play till 5.00
Tues 28th June Hills Wilts Pro Champs Course closed to general play till 5.00
Wed 29th June Ladies’ Invitation day 1st and 10th closed 12.00 to 4.00

Related Links

• http://www.marlboroughgolfclub.co.uk

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