Lotus Eaters - 2008 News

Lotus Eaters Spring Report.

Wednesday Lotus Eaters Meetings.

Our year has begun well, losing only two Wednesday meetings, one being cancelled by fog and a second due to inclement weather. The mid week attendance averages around 40/45, with creditable scores being submitted each week. The current 'Victor Ludorum' with the highest aggregate score is Gareth Davies, however he is being closely pursued by George Porter and several other members. There are sure to be some changes before the end of June.

Unfortunately we have lost a few of our stalwart. Sadly some have passed on and others have decided that they are no longer able to play. We are looking for 'new blood' to increase our numbers and give us a bigger pool from which to select players for our inter-club matches.

Inter Club Matches.

Unfortunately we did not begin quite so well with the first of this years' inter-club matches against Banstead. Epsom were beaten seven and a half to two and a half AT HOME! I believe it is a myth that visiting clubs have problems with Epsom greens. Many of our visitors have been coming for so long that they are getting to know the subtlety's and borrows. However we managed to redeem ourselves with a four and half two and a half win over Redhill & Reigate. Our game against Cuddington was a victim of the storm and was re-scheduled for the 24th. April. This also gave us a satisfactory five and half two and a half win away match. Our third success was also an away win, four and a half three and a half against Malden. I wonder, could this have been due to the team being led by Ron Bouttle, our Vice Captain? Unfortunately we were brought down to earth with a bump, losing away to Coombe Wood four and a half to one and a half. However we quickly redeemed ourselves with a four and a half to three and a half win against Dorking at home. This was a day threatened to be spoilt by a forecast of rain and thunderstorms, but fortunately the weather man didn't get it quite right and, although we set out in an annoying drizzle it did in fact clear before the round was finished.

Our season of inter-club matches continues. We enjoyed a very pleasant day at the RAC Golf and Country Club playing against the Mid Week Veterans.The weather was good and the food was good, but unfortunately the match result result was not so good. With a three and a half four and a half win to the RAC it was not quite what we wanted, but none the more for that a pretty satisfactory result for a match played away from home.

Monday 9th. saw us playing away at Chipstead. The weather was hot and sunny and the course in excellent condition, however it would seem that one poor result has to be followed by another. We lost one and a half to six and a half, but as a consolation we enjoyed an excellent lunch and there was the usual dazzling array of sweets to choose from. Lets hope for a better result from our home match. We faired a little better at Redhill and Reigate. We are always sure of a warm welcome from the members and their course, like ours is a haven for dog walkers, joggers etc. The results of each individual match gave rise to bitten fingernails as each pair reported the outcome of their friendly tussles, and the final four all of a halved match seemed to be a most equable result. London Scottish away proved to be something of an ordeal. The weather was hot, it was a struggle to get to the course and we lost four two. Also we had a most peculiar lunch of stew with dumplings on one of the hottest days of the year? July was a busy month, London Scottish being followed by three ome matches against Coombe Wood, RAC and Chipstead, all of which brought success with results of three and a half to two and a half, seven and a half to one and a half and six two respectiveley. Unfortunately we were brought to earth with a bump when we visited Banstead. Our wave of euphoria crashed on the shore with an eight two beating. Once again Banstead retains the cup and it will be left to my successor to wrest it from their grasp.

Seniors Invitational.

The Seniors Invitational match, held for the second year on 11th. April, again proved to be a great success. Twenty six pairs teed off, playing a four ball better ball format. The winners were Geoff Porter & Alan Strong, second were Barry Price & Richard Maylam and in third place Simon Turner and Brian Sargent. Brian Sargent also achieved a hole in one on the 13th. for which he received a certificate, hastily drawn up by David Bowles, and a complimentary bottle of wine. The two nearest the pins went to Don Mason on the 12th. and Alan Crookes on the 17th. Grateful thanks must be expressed to Dick Airey and Bernard Dadswell. These two stalwarts took on all the behind the scenes tasks, allowing the rest of us to enjoy the day with our guests. Once again the catering staff came up trumps and served us well, despite people drifting in over a very long lunch 'hour'.

Ladies Day 14th April



Our Spring meeting with the ladies section was a great success. Although there was a little scramble in the preceding week we managed to get together twenty pairs playing the first of our two annual fun competitions. The majority of us it seemed were playing for fun but one couple were obviously intent on playing golf. Most of scores were 33's and 34's until one card was presented with 43 points. Surely this had to be wrongly recorded - written the wrong way around! However, after close scrutiny and checking handicaps it proved to be correct. So the first of our annual Greensomes competitions was won by Sue Langford & Geoff Porter with the magnificent total of 43 points. Second was Beryl Corcoran & Simon Turner and in third place was Pat foot & Gareth Davies. Both second and third had 35 points and the placings were decided on count back. Many thanks to Sandra McClelland who assisted with the organisation and to the catering staff who provided a superb meal. Click for pictures.

Surrey Knockout.

Congratulations to our team in the Surrey Knockout for the Ling Trophy. They successfully beat the team at Redhill and Reigate and now travel to West Hill Golf Club for the second round. This competition is not exclusively for the Lotus Eaters and any eligible club member would be very welcome to put their name forward for consideration for inclusion in the team. Unfortunately our success was short lived. We were comprehensively beaten four and one at Reigate Heath. Apparently the opposition played like semi-pros, with handicaps that made us look like Sunday morning hackers. Never mind, I am sure we shall do better next year.

Lotus Eaters Christmas Lunch and AGM - December 2008.

Our Senior’s section has a new Captain with the election of Ron Bouttle to the top job, taking over from Alan Crookes. John Exton has been elected Lotus Eaters Vice Captain.

Prize Winners;

President Roy Light presented prizes to the lucky competition winners.
Click for pictures

Alan Crookes