The clocks have gone back. Winter rules have been introduced. The trees on the course have their autumn plumage and look magnificent. We have enjoyed a pretty good summer and most competitions have been unaffected by the weather.

 

Finals Day – The summer knockouts have been concluded. Well done to everyone that took part and got their matches played by the deadlines. There was a huge entry for the four disciplines. Trophies will be presented after the Turkey Trot so that we are able to acknowledge our champions. Brendon Moss got the better of Andy Billson in the scratch singles. Brendon taking an early lead but Andy fought back to take it to the last couple of holes. 106 players entered the fourball better ball and 52 matches were played over six rounds to find a winning team. Tom Philbin and Kevin Parfitt were the victors over Craig Robb and Paul Dimmock. Craig battled through a nasty rib injury in the early rounds to make the final. Huge credit to him. The foursomes were won by Andy Fleckney and Pete Owen overcoming the spirited pairing of Alastair Smith and Stuart Millward. Andy and Pete will be invited to represent Collingtree Park in the 2016 Daily Mail Foursomes National Championships. This is the competition that Iain Tait and Roo Smith did so well in 2015 just missing out on the finals day. It will be nice to get another flag to put on the Champions Wall. The handicap singles knockout matched two of our young guns, Conor Rosling and Jensen Parfitt. Both have got used to winning and were unfazed by the pressure.

 

Flowers Vase – This long standing ‘board’ competition for men is foursomes. This year the pairing of Darren Wilkins and Dean Edwards took the honours. Congratulations to them.

Past Captain’s Day – A fantastic day of golf and socialising. This is a competition that gathers Past Captains of Collingtree Park together for a celebration. This has become a red letter date in the diary. Past Captain’s invite 3 guests for golf and dinner. Chris Malton took the honours as best Past Captain and Ray Peters, who originally conceived the idea, was delighted to finally pick up the team trophy. 19 teams took part, which was a record, and enjoyed a great meal afterwards in Greens Restaurant. As is now the tradition, Vice Captain, Catherine Tildesley announced her 2016 Captain’s Weekend.

Winter Leagues and Knockouts – There has been a great entry for the Winter leagues and knockouts. Try to get the matches played early as weather will cause disruptions to the best plans!

Captain’s Charity – This years charity KidsAid continues to benefit from your efforts. Thank you. The running total has reached the amazing amount of £7361.60. Thank you to our Seniors for their contribution £2400 from the Autumn Seniors Open. I have decided to train up for a spring half marathon as my Captain’s Challenge. It is the longest race I have done since the early 90’s. I am already nervous.

 

Alasdair Gibson