Pershore Golf Society
Summer Special - Evesham 2023
After some indifferent weather recently, in fact flippin’ awful, it was a relief to gather inside Evesham Golf Club at Fladbury on a fine Friday lunchtime with a rain-free afternoon forecast. Having been asked by Ian Brazier earlier in the week if I would do the day’s golf report, I wanted to ensure I got to the venue nice and early.
For me this is the shortest of short hops – just half a mile – but still required me to dodge some local hazards in the form of roadworks, temporary traffic lights and some casual water – and that was just the local road through Fladbury. Twenty two of us were present at 1.30pm, though sadly Captain Steve was not among us, but this provided an opportunity for our Vice Captain Robbo to lead proceedings, which, despite his characteristic shyness, he was happy to do.
His introductory words were interrupted by a local making his through the clubhouse, doubtless on his way to use the facilities. Robbo was not going to miss a chance of some banter and as the man passed by Robbo said “I thought you were going to give a speech…” Quick as a flash the passer-by whirled round saying “I can if you want…” It might have been entertaining but his offer was rhetorical. Our Vice Captain was then heckled by Ian Brazier, which he not surprisingly interpreted as bullying. The only other thing I remember from the Brief was “No Gimmes”... Oh and the format of the day was medal, with fines for 3 putts and misbehaviour were also in force.
Out in the practice area I began to let people know that as the day’s reporter, I was in search of noteworthy anecdotes. I thus learned (from Ian, naturally) that Cuth McDowall has been showing worrying signs of forgetfulness lately. Having forgotten the battery for his trolley on the previous day, and having made a special effort to remember it, he had duly failed to bring any golf shoes. Despite “encouragement” to buy a replacement pair from the club shop, he preferred to play his round of golf in plimsolls…
There was some concern on the first tee as our Handicap Secretary Gaz Walden appeared to be without a scorecard for a few moments, before the necessary was produced by Roy Amphlett, making a welcome return to a PGS event.
The course at Evesham is unusual in that there are only 9 greens, each of which is shared by two tees. So in some respects golfers get to play the same holes twice, although the distances from tee to green vary considerably on some of the holes sharing the same green. The course itself was in good condition particularly considering the recent heavy rain, and the fairways firm, although with some loose grass cuttings here and there. The greens were smooth and well-paced, but challenging and difficult to read. One of the nicest things about the course is the views, down to the river and across to Bredon Hill, which I used to enjoy on my daily walks during lockdown when the golf course was closed for play.
Once the golf began I had a decent start striking the flag material at the 1 st hole with my third shot, which took enough pace off the ball to allow me to roll in the ensuing putt. Sadly that was as good as it got for me.
Others in my group struggled early doors with Sam Marshall picking up a nine on the 2nd and Dave Adams going OB off the tee on the 4th , also ending up with a nine. Sam showed good local knowledge at the same hole, his canny tee shot draw ending in prime position and setting up an excellent par. He then went on to make a superb birdie two on the 6th showing a great read on a tricky green – something he did many times during the round.
Later on, on the 11th hole, the group behind us were a bit over-enthusiastic and played up before we had cleared the green. I was unaware of this and as I left, to make my way to the 12th tee, I saw a ball lying in the front left of the 11thgreen. Thinking one of my playing partners had dropped it, I picked it up, only to be reprimanded by all and sundry for disturbing a ball in play. It turned out to belong, you’ve guessed it, to Ian Brazier. Both of us were subsequently fined by Terry hawk-eye Mead who had a full view of the whole incident being one of Ian’s playing partners.
My other playing partner was Dennis Amphlett who had not had the easiest of days but his persistence was rewarded with a lovely shot at the 16th to set up a hard earned par.
Elsewhere, the usual shenanigans of a PGS day was taking place. Robin Eaton told Al Taylor to put him down for a five on the par five 14th and he had not even putted! The group had to walk back to the green for Robin to putt. Robbo fined himself £2 for excessive swearing within earshot of Nick Moody. Ian (again) was also fined for relieving himself behind a tree on the 4th hole, in full view of Doddy’s group. I’m told Doddy has a future in motivational speaking although I do not know the details behind that. I’m also told Cuth tried to hit our group on the 16th but failed…
Once the round was completed and the scores were totalled it turned out that we had a very close finish – in fact a countback situation. As had seemed inevitable, to me at least, this was won by Mr Ian Brazier with a net score of 72. In second place also with 72 was Mr Peter Dodd. And in 3rd place with 75 was Mr Gary Walden. Al Taylor summed up the mood “I’d like to say congratulations to a very popular winner – but I can’t”.
But seriously, congratulations Ian for another sterling performance. Well played mate!
Robbo made an executive decision not to award the best guest prize as there was only one guest, who scored 84. This seemed unfair to Dave Adams who began to protest but decided to curtail said protest when Robbo suggested that he keep his beak out.
The other prizes awarded were: Team competition – Team 1 (Robbo, Doddy, Nick Moody )
Nearest the pin – Robbo
Nearest the pin in two – Al Taylor
All in all, this was a very enjoyable event. The next one is the PGS Memorial Trophy and follows quickly at Walsall on Sunday 13th August. Those that are going, enjoy!
Simon Redgewell
