Rather than duplicate the accolades in the national press about the achievements of Rory McIlroy, I would just add that I thought that his assurance and control were excellent, so I shall launch straight into the past fortnights efforts.
A week last Saturday was the occasion of Captain’s Day at Wrexham when John D Williams hosted his day. The competition was played as an individual medal with three prizes offered in the customary manner. The Captain’s prize was for the best net score of the day; the seniors’ Prize for the best of the over sixties, and a prize for the best gross score, open to all.
Excellent weather for most of the day attended the captain who was at the club from first light until the last players departed the first tee. Winner of the prestigious Captain’s Prize was Steven Taylor with an excellent 81 – 20 – 61 which in ordinary terms means playing to eleven handicap such was his competence on the day. He now plays off seventeen. Stan Hughes was next in line with 82 – 20 – 62 but sadly not receiving a prize, and then the senior’s winner Ian Hodgson with 82 – 18 – 64.
The best gross of the day went to Alun Torrence with a 70, representing a level par round off his one handicap. Following Alun came Tony Phillips with 72 and Chris Marsden on the same score.
The club also played the qualifying round of the Kenyon Cup, presented to the club in 1924 by the then Lord Kenyon who owned the lease that we had on the golf course at the time.
The event requires eight players to qualify and then go into match play rounds to determine the winner on Finals Day in September. Leading qualifier was Russell Osbourne with net 65 from Phil McKevitt, 65; Maurice Simpson, 65; Paul Maribbi,66; Andrew Ian Jones,66; Alan Guest,67; Tony Darlington,67 and Dennis Humphries with the best of eight 68 score cards.
The G M Crewe Trophy has been traditionally played midweek as it was originally designed for five day members of which he now have precious few, Geoff was a local auctioneer and past captain of the club and coincidentally, following his death, the inaugural competition in his name was won by his son Frazer Crewe in then late nineties.
Winner on this occasion was Ben Bignall with 83 – 20 – 63 from Craig Matthews on 85 – 18 – 67. Andy Moth was in third place with 82 – 15 – 67 and Brian Neale fourth with 77 – 10 – 67.
Last Tuesday the ladies played a three ball Am Am event which resulted in a win for Gayle Elson, Jackie Williams and Janet Sharley with 80 points. Runners up were Wendy Roberts, Anne Roberts and Shelagh Jones with 75. In all thirteen teams played in the competition.
The Graham G Williams Cup was contested by the juniors and was played as an individual Stableford event. Winner was Michael Peters with 38 points followed by Lewis Jordan on 36 and then Graham’s grandson, Jordan Williams, in third place with 34.
We need little reminding that Graham was a prominent Everton and Wales footballer in the fifties and sixties and a stalwart of low handicap golf at Wrexham.
Concluding this week with an observation. We all follow the current fashion with equipment and dress, age permitting. Remember the woolly pom-pom head covers that we all sported in the seventies? And the rush for two tone or white golf shoes?
I see now that we must all wear sun glasses upside down on the back of our heads regardless of the prevailing weather.
I knew I was going wrong somewhere!!