CAPTAINS DAY 2009
Message from the Captain ...
First of all, a VERY BIG THANK YOU to everyone who made the effort to come along to Captains Day on Saturday 4th July. It’s always a worry that nobody will turn up on the first tee and myself and Lynne would be left on our own all day !
Captains Day was an unprecedented success, despite a lower than expected turnout of members. This is the one day of the year where we can all have some fun while at the same time everyone has the chance to win some major prizes, including this year golf at some of the area’s leading courses. For those who made the effort, I truly believe a great day was had by all - for those who didn’t come, you can have no idea what you missed.
The golf started in brilliant sunshine, and ended the same way. First to tee off at 10:04 was Richard Panter, yet again in colourful attire, with James Price and Neil Baird pushing him hard in the style stakes. This threesome all won prizes, so put me down for an early start next year. A steady stream of players followed, eager to put their golf balls in the bunkers and water so they could contribute to the Captains Charity. Everyone played in the spirit of the day and enjoyed their golf immensely. Golf etiquette was clearly relaxed, as laughter could be heard around the course most of the day. To add a bit of spice to the occasion, an impromptu wet tee-shirt competition on the 3rd hole was well received, especially for the men’s groups in front of and following the ladies !
The weather could not have been better. The sky remained cloudless most of the day, so the cold bottles of water provided by the Captains were much appreciated. Strangely, the cold beers next to the 18th green were also in great demand. Lynne and I missed a trick there, as £1 a bottle could have been best seller of the day !
At 7pm we had a “bit of a do”. Again, lots of people came along to support the club, but lots didn’t – for those that didn’t, well you REALLY missed out. The Fun Golf Quiz was met with some trepidation by many, but it soon became obvious the emphasis was on FUN. Where else would you find out such gems as Captain Kirk’s middle name or who invented the cat flap ? … and the food – what a spread. This year we brought in outside caterers to treat those who came to support us. By the end of the evening, quite a few belts were loosened. Even James Price had to admit defeat after his 3 lettuce leaves and a crisp. We were also treated to some excellent wine chosen by Lynne – extremely quaffable, and what’s more it was FREE !
Lots of prizes followed, with Neil Baird and Tina Marlow taking the two main 1st prizes. For those who didn’t come, other prize winners included Rebecca Gregory, who received a custom made set of golf clubs, and Stacey Homewood who received one of the latest golf ball retrieval systems available on the market. In fact, everybody won something on the night, so nobody left empty handed. The biggest winner on the day was the Captains Charity for 2009, Cancer Research UK. Thanks to the fabulous generosity of everyone who took part, we raised over £400 for charity – again, a very big thank you to everyone.
On behalf of Lynne and myself, I want to thank everyone who came and supported us, in particular those who helped with the organisation (you know who you are), but above all everyone who contributed to an extremely memorable day. If one thing sticks in my mind after a day of highs and even greater highs, it is the smiles on everybody’s faces as they left after the “do” in the dark (yes, it was a late one).
Thank you everybody, and same time next year !
Iain Caville - OMGC Captain 2009
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