- SMGS at Las Colinas. September 16th, 2020.
Played for since 2016, the Linda Rennie Memorial Trophy has become part of the society’s annual events. Meant to have been played previously but delayed because of COVID, we were delighted to be able to fit it in on the penultimate day of Captain Phil de Lacy’s reign.
Whether it was the trophy’s standing, the fact that we were back at Colinas after a long period away, or that a lot of members are now back for the autumn and winter, turnout was the highest it has been since lockdown back in March.
Forty-six players turned out to find a course in excellent condition, but set up very, very long apart, somewhat ironically, from the two shortest par threes (holes 7 and 10) which were shortened even further than normal. Some initial confusion was caused by stroke indexes having changed since SMGS last visited, and a few souls surely thought they had two shorts on the first, when in fact they only had one.
With the tee box on that opening hole being further back than anybody could remember, two shots for all would have been welcome! In contrast, the second, now stroke index one, had a tee brought forward. However, it remains a monster of a hole with a green far too postage stamp.
Houses continue to sprout up around much of the course, and those suffering, principally bronze and silver category players, may well have turned their thoughts to what a few million might buy you. And whether you would really want it! Some houses are that large that they may well have their own pitch and putt areas inside the buildings.
Getting on to the golf, the results by category clearly indicated how the course was set up. Nine players in Gold (lowest handicappers) beat 30 points, three in Silver, and none in Bronze. Andy McDonald took the Linda Rennie Trophy with an impressive 39 points playing off of eight. Only recently returned Russell Bailey got near with 37.
Nobody else managed to beat their handicap. Andy also took 2 nearest the pins, and the society’s oldest playing member Mike Fearnehough another. Nice to see Mike in the frame again.
Following prize giving the AGM was held. Due to social distancing tables were well spaced out on the gorgeous clubhouse terrace with a limit on numbers at each. Those Committee members having to throw their voices to be heard by all may well have been somewhat hoarse Thursday morning!
The day’s results were the following:
2020 Linda Rennie Memorial Trophy: Andy McDonald
Bronze Category: 5th Steve Hart (27 on CB), 4th Alan MacDonald (27 on CB), 3rd Mick Seymour (28), 2nd Norman Padmore (30 on CB) and 1st, with the same score, Lee Eastman.
Silver Category: 5th Kyrre Skarsmoen (29), 4th Brian Mulligan (30), 3rd Phil de Lacy (32 on CB), 2nd Roger Webb (33) and first, Keith Little with 35 points.
Gold Category: 5th Darren Strugnell (32 on CB), 4th Michael Lausch (34), 3rd Lars Kristiansen (36), 2nd Russell Bailey (37) and 1st, Andy McDonald with 39 points.
Nearest the pins (sponsored by Property Shop): Hole 5 Kyrre Skarsmoen, Hole 7 Mike Fearnehough, Hole 10 Andy McDonald, Hole 14 Andy McDonald, Hole 17 Lars Kristiansen
Abacus: Haydn Williams
Our thanks go to all Las Colinas staff for their contribution to an enjoyable day. Next week we will be at Vistabella for the much looked forward to Captain’s Day.
Keep up to date with all SMGS matters by logging on to our website www.smgs.org or simply give Captain Phil de Lacy a call on 711032859.
