Donnington Valley Golf Club Thursday 27 June 2024

by Nigel Jackson

It was just the 18 holes for me on the Cavaliers visit to Donnington Valley this year. Maybe I’m getting old or maybe just a bit wiser but it looked like I’d made the right choice after the morning cloud and drizzle. The sun came out when I arrived looking forward to a great lunch – sandwiches and chips – oh well.

A last minute arranged pairs match had myself and Michael pitted against the father and son Faulkners. Confidence was high as my first short crashed into the trees, bounced out and the second did the same and bounced out. Is lady luck with me?

A solid nine holes found me with 18 points and we were 3 up on the Faulkners. I think that just made them angry. They came back at us and we had to stem the tide. Highlight of the round saw us all par the stroke index 1 par 5, 15th. No mean feat and we managed to close out the match on the 17th.

I think the adrenaline was still pumping as I disappointingly blobbed the last, the only one of the day. Still 34 points wasn’t a bad days work and surprisingly was good enough to take the spoils.

Congratulations to all the other winners and commiserations to the Faulkners.

Another big surprise (although I knew a lot of us knew it was coming) apart from me winning, was the announcement that Ray was hanging up his ‘Mashie Niblick’ and stepping down from his long standing role as club secretary. Ray has been our secretary for many years and has been one of the main stays of the Society for even longer. We’ve all shared many a happy round with him – some good and a lot bad. Bracknell Cavaliers won’t be the same without him on our monthly outings.

Thanks Ray for all your efforts over the years and hopefully we’ll see you for a breakfast or lunch or charging around the course driving someone’s buggy just keeping an eye on us.

RESULTS

Winner                           Nigel Jackson              34 pts

Runner up                     Barrie Smith                 32 pts

Third                              Michael Clothier           30 pts

Nearest the pin            Steve Faulkner            19’ 1”

Bramble Shamble   Mike Clothier, Barrie Smith, Steve Faulkner and Steve Adams         79 strokes