GOLF REPORT

Dear Fellow Instonians,

In a total contrast to last years weather, where we basked in sunshine, this year we were treated to Richmond’s rain, which eventually subsided by the 15th, and the warmer weather took over. But, on the 22nd June this year, we came second to a Coleraine team that seemed to produce an individually similar score of 31 points each. On the Duckworth-Lewis method, we amassed a total of 97 points to Coleraine’s 124, and as last year, Campbell were conspicuous by their absence.

My thanks goes to the seven other Instonians who braved the day, and gave their best, and it is obvious that Coleraine play better in inclement weather conditions. The best score of the day, and the winner of the Teddy Browne Shield was David Shribman with an excellent 27 points, closely followed by Graham Duncan with 24 points. Other scores were Wilson Carlisle and William McCaw with 23 each, Bill Hedley with 22, Geoff McCaw, on an off-day, with 20 and Tim McCaw and Gordie McCaw rounding off the day. You will note that without the McCaw family, we would have been severely depleted, and my thanks go to Gordie for ensuring they arrived before he did!

My colleague at Coleraine, who strangely also had a 31 pointer, provided a nearest the pin and longest drive competition, and I was very happy to say that Will McCaw took home the latter, when he bounced the ball just behind our group on the 18th.

With over 50 Instonians on the list, it is very disappointing to see only 8 turn out, and if this is the wish of the majority, the Richmond date may have to be moved to an earlier date in 2008. Your opinion will be canvassed over the coming days, as we will have to book a venue soon.

Our next outing is at The Bedfordshire on Friday 14th September, where I hope you will turn out in your droves. I am already aware that there will be less home based Instonians this year, due to a Gowdy wedding, which means that there is a chance that the trophies will remain this side of St George’s Channel for another year.

Again, my grateful thanks to those who came to Richmond, and for everyone’s benefit, the committee has adopted William and Tim McCaw as Instonians for the future, and will be very welcome as such in September and in future competitions.

Graham Duncan
Secretary and Treasurer
I.E.G.S.

A disappointing turnout - 16 players including two CAI guests, and Terence Kyle who was hors de combat but joined us for the whole day. The course was in good condition but thunder and lightening affected the latter holes - this is becoming a regular feature of the event. We will be playing a week later next year - snow is a possibility.

The Stableford competition was won by Colin Gowdy (35) on countback from Bill Hedley. Colin received the Schriftbild Cup, with Alan Dunlop (31) coming third on countback from Stephen Gowdy. With all these countbacks it was fortunate John Blair knew what he was doing, few others did. The 'nearest the pin' and 'longest drive' competitions were won by Mike Steen, a CAI guest but, as usual, local rules applied and he received only one bottle of whiskey. Perry Robb could not be with us but he provided a substantial supply of drinks and porsche goodies for which we thank him.

The prestigious Ivan Thompson Trophy was this year awarded to Wilson Carlisle, a stalwart of the society, for his long-term continued support for all our golf events.

In addition to those already mentioned attendees were our second CAI guest Terry Kirk, and Owen Barron, Graham Duncan, Norman Ewing, Peter Harrison, Basil Margrave, John Rea, David Shribman and Dick Roberts. Our special thanks to Alan, Colin and Stephen for their continued support.

This will be my last report as secretary however I hope to continue with the website. Graham Duncan, a much younger man despite his grey hair, will be taking over so I expect the society to go from strength to strength. I wish him well and trust you all to make the job as easy as possible for him!

Finally, the venues in 2006 - Richmond G.C. (23rd June) and Bedford G.C. (15th September).