2007 Major #7

Mark Henry Marks All Cards at Brookmans Park!

A foggy start to the day had everybody on edge in the clubhouse, pro shop and putting green at the ACGA's final major of the year – The Captains Day at Brookmans Park

As Tony Johnson our Captain was busy greeting the members, the four horsemen of the apocalypse (otherwise known as the contenders for this years Order of Merit) Steve Garner, Chris Thomas, Henry Laville and Andy Ferdinand; jockeyed for position on the first tee. Woof! There it is! As Henry “boomed” one down the left hand side, Steve curled one to the left, leaving Chris and Andy to manoeuvre carefully down the right hand side of the fairway. The all marched down with military precision, expectations high.

Meanwhile back at the ranch with the spotlight focused elsewhere the rest of the field looked forward to a carefree golfing day, full of beautiful shots, beautiful putts and plenty of beautiful bets!

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It’s a good thing that HM Customs and Excise are not around on ACGA Major Day as I am sure that they would have a field day with some of the money changing hands!. A staunch upholder of the “lifer” betting circle was one Mark Henry, and his steady progression to “banker” status had been noticed by quite a few of the ACGA regulars.

Indeed his name had appeared at the top of a handful of those sheets that members carry to remind themselves of who to collect from at the 19^th.

At the turn there were many runners and riders that were handling Brookmans length comfortably Del Manderson, Dean Witter, Mike Woodstock, Keith Murray and Mark Henry all turned in 20 points, plenty fodder for Greg Worrell our Handicap Secretary, to get his teeth into it seems. Leo (BlackBeard) Faure led the way with a formidable 22 points and was looking good to capture the Captains Day sprint and his second major.

Good old Gary Brown, makes one of his few appearances for the year, turns in 19 points only to fall away with a miserable 10 points on the back 9. Obviously Gary has not developed a head for heights, but keep trying your day will come(this century!). The four horsemen meanwhile were imploding as the chase for the order of merit title dimmed all ambitions for a final day victory as they all slumped to mid table positions.

Down the finishing straight and a climactic finish was developing. Stuart Austrie finished a consistent season with 5^th place coming back with 18 points for a total of 37 points on the day. Raphael “show me the money” Roberts donned his game head to claim 3^rd place, ahead of that stalwart Manderson in 4th on count back with 38 points. Coming in under cloud cover Frankie “rude boy” Skinner continued his phoenix like resurgence with a sterling 22 points on the back nine (total 38pts) to snatch 2^nd place. However it was Mark “did we have 5” Henry who maintained his composure to claim his maiden victory with a total of 39 points(20 front, 19 back). A big well done also to Roger Greenidge, Malcolm O’Garro and “Crazy” Ray Johnson for picking up the Nearest the Pin, Longest Drive and Seniors prizes respectively.

There was never a more popular winner than Mr Henry whose support of the ACGA via his attendances and his wallet has been considerable over many years. Mark was gracious and humble in victory thanking the Association and his playing partners generally and on the day, for their support. All to rapturous applause, which continued through to a standing ovation for TJ and the committee for their work through the season. With administrative matters put to bed, the members gathered for brandies all round courtesy of Mark’s generosity, as recounts of the days proceedings filled the warm autumn air.

Congratulations then to Mr Henry, those shot a hole days have come to an end, now you can really show off all the hard work you put into your game, with a sparkling new lower handicap of 15! I have a feeling that line of “Lifers” may be growing a little longer in 2008.