Test Valley Golf Club Wednesday 3 April 2024

by Nick Aitken

Considering the amount of rainfall in the weeks and months leading up to our visit, the course was in very good condition apart from a few boggy pathways between holes, and apart from a couple of very brief showers the weather on the day was good, although the wind was a bit of a challenge on a few of the more exposed holes.

Everyone at the course was very welcoming, and breakfast and lunch looked good (I was on the veggie options, but didn’t hear any complaints about the normal food)

We had a fun 9-hole scramble like match in the morning, and no one in my group with Mike C and Rich F, choaked (decent individual scores as I recall), leading us to win the grand prize of absolutely nothing.

Thanks to Steve and Trevor for an enjoyable round in the afternoon – everyone played some decent shots, and Trevor (who out putted everyone) showed one of the greatest improvements I have ever seen on a golf course. That occurred between holes 1 and 2 when he switched glasses, presumably from his reading glasses. I was really pleased to start well and continue well to have one of my best sores several years - typically I only play well for 9 holes before the wheels come off.

The only downside is that I was a victim of my own success and have been rewarded with a new handicap.

RESULTS

Winner                     Nick Aitken                  42 pts

Runner up               Ian Begg                       35 pts

Third                        Richard Faulkner          31 pts

Nearest the pin           Kevin England               12’ 8”

Texas Choker             Nick Aitken, Michael Clothier and Richard Faulkner        74 strokes