IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB GOLF SOCIETY
Report by Maggie Lipscombe
March 2007

For the first meeting of the New Year held at Rushmere Golf Club on 14 March, we were blessed with exceptionally fine and non-seasonal weather (who’s complaining?) 

Seventeen keen golfers arrived early for traditional bacon butties and coffee and unusually, the retrospective presentation of the Green Jacket to Martin Levens as defending champion (he was unable to stay for the presentation at Fynn Valley last time).

Teeing off in groups of three or four, a fairway tree plus the obligatory gorse bush visited by many, showed the nature of the task ahead.  The course and greens were in good condition and a pleasure to play on but calls of ‘fore left’ or ‘fore right’ could be still be heard in the distance. 

By all accounts from discussion at the 19th hole, nothing exceptionally memorable happened which may have been due to the fantastic weather, allowing any disasters to fade from the memory like a sunset. 

An excellent meal was provided by the Golf Club and was followed by the presentation of trophies.  Some excellent stableford scores were returned considering many Society members do not play regularly and it is to their credit they support these events.

Gwynn James became the proud owner of the Green Jacket with 38 points, closely followed by Alan Norman on 37 and Peter Hewitt on 36.  The longest drive (rumour has it, aided and abetted by the wind and a downhill slope) was by Lee Tweed and nearest the pin, Martin Levens.  A new prize (3 glorious bright pink golf balls) was presented to Keith Backhouse for selflessly letting everybody score more than himself.

It’s hoped the next event will be sometime in late May but depends on securing a good deal somewhere.  All suggestions welcome to Martin Cook or myself.

Information will be posted in the Sports Club about the next event although I will endeavour to contact individuals as well – please make sure I have a contact number/email for you.

Looking forward to the next event and hoping that membership of the Society will increase as a result of the very successful days we organise.

Maggie Lipscombe
March 2007

IPSWICH SPORTS CLUB GOLF SOCIETY
Report by Maggie Lipscombe
Oct 2006

Ignoring the superstitions of Friday 13th (October), 19 Club members met at 8.00 am (I’m told it’s the best part of the day to play but I’ve yet to be convinced!) at Fynn Valley Golf Club for another Society Golf Day.  A substantial increase in participating members for this day was extremely encouraging and we were rewarded with one of the warmest days of the Indian Summer. 

Having been refreshed with bacon sandwiches and a coffee or two, it was time to embark on the challenge.

John (had to have a ) Plunkett, Charles Plunkett and Neil (a little problem off the tee) Jerrett drove off into the sun and a very wet fairway.  It was obvious that straight driving from this tee would be imperative as anything wayward would be almost impossible to follow, let alone find.

The next group of Jared (holder of the Green Jacket and with a severely reduced handicap from last time) Norman, Peter McKenzie (playing off 4 and not having played for three years – he said!) and Kevin Ryan still had the rising sun and a very dewy fairway to contend with.  However, all made a successful start to their round.

The third group of three professionals (Martin Levens, Martin Coates and Lee Tweed – ours that is) and Alan Norman (our resident photographer) all teed off without too many problems.  Little did we know that the new Green Jacket holder would come from this group!

Group four saw an uncharacteristic drive by Mike Penman force him to take a provisional which again, uncharacteristically, was not to his usual standard.  Mark Ledger and Richard Dix thought the scenic route a better option than the fairway even though the trees + a pond would present a ‘blind’ approach to the pin.  Maggie’s drive (boringly down the middle) was quickly followed by a visit to the pond but somehow, all managed to score a point at least.

Any problems encountered by the last group of Martin Cook, Melvyn Robinson, Phil Shaw, Ray Graves were not witnessed or admitted to!

1          John/Charles Plunket, Neil Jarrett
2          Jared Norman, Peter McKenzie, Kevin Ryan, Lee Paget
3          Lee Tweed, Martin Levens, Martin Coates, Alan Norman
4          Mike Penman, Maggie Lipscombe, Mark Ledger, Richard Dix
5          Martin Cook, Melvyn Robinson, Phil Shaw, Ray Graves

Lunch of ham, egg and chips supported by a beer or two, was most welcome after a
Longest Drive and Nearest the pin were both won by Mike Penman

The next Society Day is on Friday 17 February 2007 with two more dates of May (Wednesday 24) and August (Friday 18).  Venues to be decided, depending on deals available but if anybody has any suggestions, please pass on to Martin Cook. 

Watch out for posters in the clubhouse nearer the time or better still, contact Martin Cook on 01473 686600.