Life in the Fast ‘Laine
Lainey Calls Her Shot... Then Delivers!
The ACGA's 4th Major of the season took us to Aldenham Golf & Country Club in Bushey on Friday 3rd July, where 45 golfers, including six guests, enjoyed one of the finest courses on this year's calendar. With fairways running firm, greens lightning quick and rolling beautifully, Aldenham proved to be a true test of touch and temperament. Low scoring was never going to come easily. Unless, of course, your name is Elaine Brown.
Affectionately known throughout the ACGA as Lainey, Elaine made her intentions crystal clear before a single ball had been struck. Standing on the first tee, she confidently announced that she was going to win the day. Many smiled. Some laughed. Eighteen holes later... she was collecting the trophy.
Lainey's superb 40-point performance was enough to edge out Gerry Anderson, who also returned an excellent 40 points but had to settle for second place on countback. Chris Thomas claimed 3rd place with 37 points, while Fiona Dunning and Jessica Sandy completed the top five with impressive rounds of 36 points.
### Ladies... We Salute You
One statistic certainly didn't go unnoticed. With Elaine Brown, Fiona Dunning, and Jessica Sandy all finishing in the Top Five, the ladies certainly laid down a marker for the rest of the membership. The message to the gentlemen is a simple one...
The ladies have raised the bar. It might be time to spend a little less time in the clubhouse and a little more time on the driving range!
Competition within the ACGA has never been stronger, and it's fantastic to see our female members competing, and winning, at the very highest level.
### Welcoming Our Guests
We were delighted to welcome six guests to Aldenham:
* Mac Okesola
* Amaya Athill
* David Cole
* Mark James
* David Cox
* Ama Bartholomew
As always, they were warmly received and experienced everything that makes an ACGA Major special.
### The Blob-o-meter Keeps Rolling
No ACGA event would be complete without the ever-popular Blob-o-meter, expertly hosted by our resident Blob Master, Steve Garner. As always, Steve was in full flow, calculating everyone's charitable contributions with military precision and just a touch of creative accounting! One memorable moment came courtesy of Ama Bartholomew, who, in an admirable but ultimately doomed attempt at self-defence, decided this was the perfect moment to explain why some of his blobs perhaps shouldn't count. Unfortunately for Ama, Steve has been doing this far too long.
Around the ACGA there's an unwritten rule:
When the Blob Master is speaking... you simply nod, smile and pay your money.
Attempting to negotiate usually ends up costing you even more!
Despite Ama's spirited defence, another fantastic £320 was added to the charity pot, proving once again that even poor golf can make a real difference.
### Looking Ahead
With four Majors now completed, the Race to the Championship is gathering real momentum, and if Aldenham taught us anything, it's that predicting the winner is becoming increasingly difficult.
Congratulations once again to Elaine Brown, who not only backed up her bold prediction but delivered it in style.
The ACGA now looks forward to Major 5 at Westerham Golf Club on Friday 7th August, where no doubt there will be more great golf, plenty of laughs... and another lively session with the Blob-o-meter.
See you on the first tee.