Stuart finally wins with a superb display of golf

Once again after some heavy rain in the preceding days prior to the Wildwood Major we were blessed that the showers dodged this part of Surrey/Sussex border and kept us dry for the whole day.

The 3 loops of 9 holes at Wildwood provided a good test for those patience enough to think their way around the course, where many holes where blind and not particularly long. Certain members who had had a seek preview of the course a week or so before who where expected to feature heavily in the final result, proved this exercise was a complete waste of time.

Only 5 players scored 18 points or more in the morning 9 holes. Worthy of a particular mention was Jacqui Habor who with 19 points was seen enjoying complimentary lunchtime drinks courtesy of Messer O’Garro and Co. Also enjoying their lunch were Murray (22), Thomas A (18) Austrie (20) and newcomer Philip Amuaku (18).

Preparing your winners speech before teeing off for the afternoon we all know can be fatal but for a certain Stuart Austrie did not find it too hard.  Having had at least a couple of unused winners speeches ready from the past and the thought of being named ‘Son of Mr Roger Panton’, Stuart was determined not to let this one slip away from him.  BUT only just.

Whilst Keith Murray was choking his way to 29 points to claim 5^th spot (he blamed  the pickle onion and gherkin at lunch), coming up on the inside rails was another one of the Thomas’, no not the one with the cigar, but younger brother Andrew ‘Uriah’ Thomas.  A cracking 40 points in the afternoon put him a point behind Stuart and took his 2^nd place with pride.

Dr ‘Steady Eddy’ Ray Maginley followed his 4^th place at Cannonbrooks with; yes you guess it, another 4^th place and continue to climb the OFM table.   Roger Goddard who has not a fan of the course got on with the job in hand and posted very respectable scores of 17 and 36 to take 3^rd place playing off 8.

Sadly Jacqui looked like she enjoyed her complimentary drinks too much and could not match her morning score but 14^th place was one of her best finishes in a major for sometime. 

The Bristol crew went home with something to talk about with Tennis Russell in 6^th place and Fezz taking nearest the pin.  Watch out London crew our West Indian patties are in danger of coming West Country pasties!!

Without question Stuart was a popular winner and 20 & 39 points shows he’s been putting in the hours on the course particularly on a Thursday!  He has served his time in the ACGA and his win was well deserved.   The bridesmaid has finally become the bride. Well done.

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