After a full English breakfast, 26 players set out for the competition and, despite the wind and the piles of drifting leaves on the greens, most players managed to find balls and keep play going, although at 27 the average score was well down on previous years! The greens, as always, were in very good condition for the time of year. Only one hole was closed and that for rebuilding, which necessitated a start on a temporary hole.
Coming in after such a test of endurance, into the warmth of the clubhouse, a hot shower and the wonderful Tandridge lunch was a truly memorable feeling of happy relaxation.
The winner on the day and of the Winchester Trophy, with 35 points, was Seamus O'Connell, from Martin Abbott a shot back and Ian Dawson on 33 points. Steven Smith (AMT) and Dominic Boyle were mentioned in dispatches. The conditions claimed a lot of notable scalps with 20 of the 26 turnout failing to reach 30 points, making Seamus' score the more remarkable.
After the selection of prizes, outgoing Captain Ashok Singhania gave a farewell speech. He was warmly applauded for a season of commitment and generous hospitality in which he turned out for every single match and meeting and created some innovative competitions on the Summer Tour, which made it all the more enjoyable. We thank him very much for a splendid year.
This concludes the season and as we go off into the Christmas and New Year celebrations it only remains to remind everybody to please remember your annual subscription, look at the fixture list and mark the dates in your diaries, update your details on the website and turn out for the Annual General Meeting on 24th February at the London Metal Exchange to elect your new Captain, Vice Captain and Officers.
We wish everybody a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!