Day 237 - Playing Fields and Pastures New

Back on the course today: and yet another dry autumnal day, though this time with a bit more of a wind to keep things interesting. There were six of us and we played 2 3-balls on the New Course. The latter is very much in the middle of the bunker renovation project: this year 4 holes are being done. It was the first time that I had seen what was actually planned (it always looks different in real life rather than on paper!).  With the notable exception of the 14th hole where i have no idea why the bunker is being moved, all of the other work looks great - am sure that it will achieve the double aim of less maintenance (smaller bunkers) and and improvement too in the visuals (in particular the new fairway bunker on 1!).

We were pretty much the only ones on the course so jetted around in 3 hrs and 15 mins - and even managed a decent score too with our team recording 80 Stableford points in a 2 out of 3 format. It was the first time for a while that I had actually played to my own handicap, which was heartening!

On completion of my round, Mike, our Head Pro called me in for a chat and told me that he and his new wife had decided to relocate to California where they were going to join his new father-in-law's restuarant business.  We had talked about this opportunity for a number of years, so I was well acquainted with the challenge but of course when the news actually comes, it's a bit of a shock. I have really enjoyed working with Mike this year, so shall miss him, but it sounds a great adventure and I am already looking forward to visiting one of his outlets when we go to California next summer!

Just before the meeting starts in the
splendid Reigate Town Hall

Afterwards, I headed off to the Town hall in Reigate where I had been invited to attend the AGM of the Surrey Playing Fields Association. I was invited because every year we hold a competition whose entry fees are donated to this charity, whose task is to promote the maintenance and growth of sports playing fields in the county. I knew nobody at the AGM but very much enjoyed the talks and discovering a bit more where our money goes. it's definitely a good cause!