The Patrick King Invitational – Bramley’s Grand Finale
Bramley was the final event of the ODGS calendar and brings to an end a very memorable season of ‘Home’ Fixtures.
Tony Robin, Howard Tubman, and I were very generously treated to a round of golf and a tasty lunch (which was far too large for Tony to manage on his own) & post-match drinks. Regrettably, I am unable to report on the amount of wine consumed.
As we worked our way round the Bramley course designed by James Braid, we were treated to stunning views across Surrey’s Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
The day turned out to be a lovely warm blue-sky day in parts, with only a minor interruption for a small shower despite the pessimistic forecast. Due to the warm weather Tony, Parick and I received several envious compliments relating to our ODGS red sleeveless jumpers from Bramley members (we would encourage Howard to add this key apparel to his golf checklist).
We played a straight stableford with Tony attempting to chase down Nigel Tubman’s current pole position on the Bruce Johnson – Annual best 3 stableford scores
Howard gave us a display in how to use the lob wedge effectively when in the rough off the green and outdrove the rest of us at least half a dozen times to receive sharp challenges about his handicap.
Patrick who is still one of the fittest members of our society, certainly doesn’t feel it necessary to waste energy walking to his ball, was on all occasions fastest to reach his ball after every shot. Any cries of unfair would be met with scorn even if he were driving his personalised one-person electric buggy. Patrick was as ever very consistent and as a Bramley member provided much needed advice on the pace and slopes of the greens.
Fortunately for me the one distasteful aspect of the course design by Braid (the incorporation of the local streams into multiple ponds, some nearly protecting the entire green) failed for once to come into play. (My view is that golf balls and water do not mix, given my abysmal history of losing countless balls in such inhospitable areas!).
Patrick explained that while he has been a member for many years, he now only plays once a week at Bramley, however we questioned that fact given he was clearly on first name terms with the entire catering staff. He explained he only has a short walk from his back garden gate located on the 18th fairway, so he is up at the club for lunch on most days beginning with a T or an S.
Given the winter conditions, with no run on the fairways and the sticky rough, all the scores ended up close. Howard and Patrick submitted a very respectable 30, with Tony scoring a commendable 35, only being pipped by me with 36.
Patrick has asked if Tony will teach him his unique style of waving the putter 4 times over the ball in a circular motion before striking the ball as this proved highly effective at sinking every putt.
The Bruce Johnson Trophy
This score by Tony was sufficient to dislodge Nigel from his podium to win the Bruce Johnson Trophy. Well done, Tony.
Other anecdotes of the day
We are hopeful that Howard will be galvanised to start submitting regular cards at his club even if his club’s professional golfer doesn’t like being disturbed from his afternoons nap.
We have enrolled Howard on a weekend Improving your memory course entitled ‘How to remember where you have hit your golf ball’
Should that programme not quite achieve its objectives, we would encourage his brothers Nigel and Michael to chip in, to purchase a Saint Bernard Dog, which may be trained to accompany Howard on the course.
We are hopeful that the long drive home for Patrick & Tony was not too taxing. (This course is even closer for Tony than West Surrey).
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