First Match - Monday 11th August Guests: Nigel Tubman & Anthony Protopapadakis Second Match - Wednesday 13th Guests: Tony Robin, Cameron Matthews & Gilbert Thompson
First may I thank Justin on behalf of the ODs for very generously hosting 2 dates, to accommodate those ODs wishing to play his home course.
Does Lightening EVER strike twice??
On Monday, the weather greeting Nigel & Anthony was glorious, with full sun and sweltering heat, fortunately for the Wednesday group the weather cooled slightly, then the sky became ominous as a storm threatened , however group 2 were grateful for the respite from the full effects of the sun.
The Richmond course was delightful, with tree lined fairways which managed to curtail many a drive with deep contoured bunkers carefully located to protect the large undulating greens, whose slopes I was unable to master on the day.
On Wednesday, having completed the front nine, we arrived back at the magnificent grade I listed Sudbrook House’ one of the finest examples of eighteenth-century English Palladian architecture, which now boasts an array of outside tables and chairs to facilitate the consumption of alcohol and food in the glorious sunshine.
However, we were immediately greeted with 3 extremely loud blasts of the club’s warning claxon, with the effect that all round the course golfers came streaming back, having been ordered to retire from the course due to pending lightning strikes.
5 minutes later 2 London Fire Brigade tenders arrived with crews fully kitted ready for action, given assumed reports of lightening striking the golf course.
Fortunately, the lightening passed, however the rain persisted, and it mandated a break of an hour and half whilst the storm abated. Most of the golfers took this opportunity to shelter under the large sunshine umbrellas whilst enjoying the chef’s succulent menu and the club’s large ‘Theatre’ based wine cellar enabling them to forget their score cards. (The club having a long association with the acting profession).
Our group having decided to be abstinent and drink coffees, assumed the 20mph speed limit on the local roads had been imposed to enable those golfers consuming a small modicum of wine & beer to drive home safely.
Following the storm, we noticed few other groups resumed their round, so the course was deserted. Justin and Tony took advantage of the peace & tranquillity to score an admirable 22 points each just from the back nine which were particularly impressive, to post finishing scores of 37 for Tony and 34 for Justin, with Cameron close behind with 33.
Cameron provided the Wednesday group with a demonstration on how to drive 60 yards past our balls on most holes, except when a silly tree got in the way. One particularly exceptional stroke was his second 230 yard shot to land the ball nicely onto a significantly elevated green
Having avoided the lightning strikes, the Wednesday group arrived at 16th hole to face yet another uphill 184-yard par 3, where upon Tony hit a magnificent ball which sailed directly towards the flag which it struck and disappeared. We all jumped up shouting “It’s a hole in one!”
Given the number of golfers still enjoying the club’s hospitality at the club house, I noticed that the blood had drained from Tony’s face as he looked at all of us sternly saying, “Don’t shout too loud !!, it might not be.” “Well,” we all exclaimed, “it certainly looks like a hole in one.” So, did lightning strike twice? Sadly, not at this stage, as the ball had ricochet off the post to rest a couple of feet away.
Tranquillity returned to Tony’s persona, and a small smile, as he dropped in the putt for a 2 on the card.
However, we must not forget the redoubtable Mr Nigel T performance from Monday, as yet again Nigel posted the top score at this event with an impressive 38 points playing off 27 shots. Apart from Nigel’s steady and excellent play, his score on the day might also be
partly attributed to his acclimatisation to our current oppressive heat given his long career in the ‘Mexican’ desert. (Note: the ODGS are still awaiting verification from the Mexican Handicap Authority which should be available at the Littlestone event on Friday).
Finally, I must also thank Anthony for attending. As a guest of a member the fee to play is significantly reduced even so Anthony felt it his duty to ensure he secured maximum value for money by reducing the cost per shot to less than 40 pence during the round
We hope Justin continues his membership at The Richmond, so this may become an annual event.
TO STAY CONNECTED
Subscribe to get the latest updates on events and news from the Old Dovorian Club, and to receive the electronic version of the Dovorian News. Register your details using the secure link provided.
Old Dovorian Club Registered Address – HMS Wellington, Temple Stairs | Victoria Embankment | London WC2R 2PN