The Philanderers CC annual golf championship was fiercely contested this year. 8 Philanderers assembled for a Friday morning round brought forward to avoid inclement conditions in the afternoon. In the end, the only dark cloud we encountered was the 9th player David Pimblett arriving 15 minutes late for his group's tee time, just as Sherwin and Skinner thought they were able to sneak out as a two-ball. Fortunately Sherwin was able to channel this dismay into an eagle at the first.
He was not able to cling on to this early lead, however, as one-time Philanderer and full-time nuggety Aussie Alister Reed began to relentlessly accumulate stableford points, much like his infamous compatriot Steven Smith accumulated runs this summer. So, on his maiden appearance in the club golf championship, Alister was able to beat the hotly tipped Pearson E and Sherwin T (long school holidays not translating into better scores) and easily prise the cup from the hands of last year's winner, and this year's loser, Guy Skinner.
Clearly deaf to the decorum of English golf clubhouses, but perhaps coining a new club tradition, Alister then asked the barman to fill the trophy with lager and promptly "Bob Hawke-d" it in one. Trevor Lawrence, the Philanderer's resident Australian drinker, may have a new protege.
Congratulations to Alister, commiserations to Guy for finishing bottom this year (below David), and many thanks to all those who attended.
Rory Davidson
'Champion Golfer Alister demurely toasting his victory in typically discreet Aussi fashion'