Thurlestone Golf Club

There are all sorts of courage, some of it in battle of course – and in those appalling events in Paris last weekend writes Lincoln Shaw.

But also fighting against life-threatening illness and, despite all the pain, managing to keep a cheerful smile on your face.

Like four-year-old William Bates, who will be the star at a charity tournament at the club to­morrow.

Nearly 100 golfers have already signed up to raise funds but, at time of writing, there are a few places left. Ring the pro shop (01548 560405) if you are interested. Or just turn up to watch and enjoy a Christmas bazaar in the clubhouse. All raising funds for the Chil­dren’s Liver Dis­ease Found­ation.

Young William has had a tough time since birth but is now progressing very well medically. His Dad, Paul, tells me that they are very grateful to CLDF and this is the second fundraising event they have staged.

William’s grand parents are familiar figures at the golf club. I know them well and hope that there will be a big turnout of both players and supporters for this very worthwhile event.

The competition will be a three clubs and a putter event, requiring both skill and a sense of fun. A £5 entry fee, playing in teams of four. I do hope those frowning weather gods can manage a smile as well.

Courage was certainly required by the brave juniors who ventured out on their special day last weekend in conditions that were so foul the more experienced players abandoned ship early on.

However, the stalwart eff­orts of four sturdy non-con­gu players resulted in a mini contest, with prizes sponsored by David Cow­ard.

Dan Wallace came first, Yasmin Nixon second and Harry Came third. Straight­est drive (not easy on such a dire day) was Dom Holt.

Their exertions certainly gave an appetite for the juniors who turned up looking very neat and tidy, with proud parents, for a buffet and presentation evening with a full house of over 60 present.

Tom Orr introduced George Holland and Ben Woods as the new junior captain and vice captain and there was loud applause as 15 trophies were presented as follows: Non Congu Cup (most improved junior) Alfie Messias (handicap reduction of 14); Presidents Cup (most improved junior) Charlie Evans; Yarrow Putting Cup George Holland; Junior Boys Cup (most consistent in league match play), Basil Steer Cup Finn Whelan, who won six matches.

The Emery Cup (best scratch score in competitions) George Hol­land; Jades Com­ponent Cup (boy who lowered handicap most) George Messias (down 25 shots to 20 Congu; Junior Perso­nality Shield (person who has helped junior section most) Paula Orr.

The Adults and Junior Foursomes Cup went to Mark Chapman and Charlie Evans, who beat Finn and Nigel Whelan on the 24th hole; Nick Nicholson Cup (club versus juniors) Club won 3-1 for the third time.

Geoff Mills Cup (in memory of a plus two golfer and donated by his partner Mo­nica Dickens) Ben Woods, runner-up Toby Woods; Liz Line Cup (best stableford scores January to March) Finn Whelan; Stable­ford Winners Cup George Mes­sias; Sum­mer Cup (Con­gu handicap) Ben Woods; Non-Congu Summer Cup Toby White; Junior Champ­ionship Cup (given by Steve White) George Holland.

Phew! I’m glad that’s all over. With apologies for any error this shaky right hand may have committed.

Despite the mainly atrocious weather, some golf has been played, including the ladies’ stableford, with very strong winds keeping scores low and sending standard scratch up to 75 (34 points).

Division one winner was Jenny Roberts (2) with 33 points from Wendy Laud (6) 31 and Jane Mason (17) 30. In division two the winner was Sue Curry (29) with 24 points from Roberta Price (22) 28 and Liz Savery (28) 27 points.

Then on Sunday a three ball better ball, described as a fun format with the best net medal scores to count on each hole. In second place were Ethan and Lucas Bellamy playing with ‘the old pro Dar­rell Day’ (that’s what it says in the official re­port Darrell) with a very good 63.

But not good enough to beat Dave and Con­nor Eva, playing with new member Matt Vaughan, who came in with a superb net 60.