Nortels Captain vs. Chairman’s Match Play 2009-10

Toot Hill golf course was a superb choice to hold the annual Nortels Captain vs. Chairman’s Match Play event on the 2nd October 2009. The weather on the day was exceptionally good for October and the seventeen people who turned up for the event were in for a treat. Included in this number were three very welcome guests: Graham Burton, Martin James and Ralph Ahern. See the group picture below

And what is Steve doing at the back I wonder?


Toot Hill golf course is described on their website the best-kept secret in Essex and we wholeheartedly concur with that.

The day was in aid of Victor Clark’s (this year’s Captain) charity the Diabetes UK charity, and started with coffee and bacon rolls, followed immediately by a compulsory nearest the pin putting competition. The good news is that this raised £51 for the charity, and was won by one of our lowest handicap player’s in the society – Mr Dickie Smart. Dickie made three superb putts and the last of them went straight in the hole to thunderous applause. The bad news is that Dickie was the first of 17 people to putt! :-(



The Captains Vs Chairmans Match

This competition has been running for 35 years to-date and was won 25 times by the Captain’s team and only 10 times by the Chairman’s team. The Captain’s team had won it for the last three times so the chances were that Chairman’s team might be favourites.

Originally we had eighteen people playing but as Chris’s guest pulled out, Victor and Alban agreed that Chris would play for both teams. Alban had won the toss for 1st choice so he suggested that Chris play on Victor’s team for the first nine and then play for the Chairman’s team on the back nine; this should even out the slight advantage of choosing 1st. Anyway we ended up with five fairly well matched handicap groups and so the event promised to have five good competitive matches.



All returned to the clubhouse in good time and settled in for a few drinks before the ball raffle, presentations, a lovely 3 course dinner although Steve made it to 5 courses) and the finalê “The Captain’s charity raffle”.



Results:

Putting Competition winner: Dickie Smart

Nearest the Pin winner: Steve Barber

Nearest the Pin in two winner: Dave Thompson

Overall team results:
Group 1:
After a being behind in a close match an eventual win for the
Chairman 2 & 1.

Group 2:
After a being behind in a close match an eventual win for the
Captain 1 up on the 18th.

Group 3: Chairman’s team behind for most of the match achieved an
honourable draw.

Group 4:
After a being behind on a close match an eventual win for the
Chairman 2 & 1.

Last Group the Captain vs. the Chairman – A resounding win for the
Chairman 7 & 6

Overall result Captain 1½ to the Chairman's 3½.






The Captain’s charity raffle
This proved to be absolutely hilarious having the whole Society in fits of laughter and one of the more senior members (Frank) was heard to say that the banter has never been better at a Nortels society event. Suffice to say everyone had a super time and a profit of c£200 from the raffle for the charity to boot.
Alas no photos to show of this as everyone was having such a good time.

That profit plus the putting competition profit means that we raised £250 for the Diabetes UK charity on the day - well done to all concerned. The Captain and Chairman wish to thank everyone who contributed in any way. Please note that Victor will be very pleased to accept donations to his charity from those unable to attend the actual event.


Prizes donated and gratefully received to the charity event came from a number of people and Victor wishes extend his thanks to all that contributed. The prizes included in no particular order:

1 Large bottle of whisky
1 bottle of Champagne and 4 flutes
3 Bottles of wine
1 Cuddly toy Phone Holder
1 Hip Flask
1 Small set of Golf related whisky bottles and items
1 Nick Faldo Golf set
1 Lord of the rings' tapes
3x3 New York Fire Department red balls
1 Golf Boot Bag
1 US Open winners DVD
1 Golf DVD & Book set
2 caps
2 pullovers
4 packs of 3 golf balls
A half bottle of whisky...
4 ball vouchers for North Weald Golf Club
2 packets of Smints
1 Dalton MaCreary box set held over 'til Christmas.



The next event
The Christmas Frolic will take place on the 9th December at Dyrham Park Golf Club (http://www.dyrhampark.com/). So put this date in your diary now and book the time off, as it should be another great day...

PS. There are no changes to Clubman of the year position shown below as the Captan Vs Chairman event and the Christmas Frolic do not currently count towards this award.