Autumn Loughburians Golf Meeting at Rothley Park GC – 9 October 2018

Match report by Paul Graveling (’77)

Ten Old Loughburians arrived at Rothley Park Golf Club on a sunny October day in good time for a 1.00pm tee-off. After a few nervous phone calls, Jonny (always late) Soars managed to arrive not quite in time to set off in the 3rd and final group. Conditions were perfect apart from a stiff breeze which was not a problem on the front 9, but proved more of a challenge on the return home. This was clearly reflected on the score cards, as high hopes of personal best scores were dashed coming back into the wind, with several players being glad when it was all over. The course was in great condition, particularly the greens, and credit should be given to the Course Managers at Rothley.

The highlight of the day was a stellar performance at the uphill par 3 seventh, where all four players in Group 2 made the green (see photo). Tom Barton was furthest from the hole (but not by much) so volunteered to take the photograph of the other three players with their balls (from L to R, Phil Scott, Stephen Hilton and Paul Graveling). Phil and Stephen both made their putts for two’s, Stephen with a shot making 4 points! Paul and Tom were down in 3. Stephen also made a two on the more difficult par 3 twelfth.

Safely in the club house, showered and changed, the group enjoyed meal of blade of beef with a nice glass of rioja, followed by key lime pie & cream. Jane Harker, Director of Development and External Relations visited for the presentations. The Grafton Morrish Competition had been held over the previous weekend, and thanks to some sharp reporting from Captain Nick Preedy, the results for the Old Loughburians team were presented to the group. The report for this competition is also available on the Loughburians website.

Moving on to the results of the day at Rothley, nine of the eleven players scored in the range of 23 to 31 points. Clearly out in front were Jonathan Carlisle and Paul Graveling, both with 35 points and both with 15 points on the back 9. Paul managed to squeeze into first place with a back 6 score of 12 points against Jonathan’s 10 points.