Each month, our three Captains share with us their news from the previous few weeks and take a quick look ahead to the upcoming month.

Men’s Captain, Norman Davidson

At last summer has arrived and Steve Young and his team have presented the members with two courses in excellent condition.

A great deal of Steve’s work last month centered on the Gainsborough course in readiness for the English Open for Golfers with Disabilities. For three days we witnessed some incredible golf from both men and ladies who have a range of disabilities. For some, there were heart rending stories of how they became disabled, like Chris, an ex-Met Police Officer who was on duty on Westminster Bridge on the day of the terrorist attack, when the terrorist hit him with his car, leading to the amputation of both legs. Also, an ex-Cambridge United footballer who had both legs amputated after being hit by a drunk driver. It was a truly honourable and humbling experience to meet such brave and talented golfers.

There were three outings this month for our men’s teams. The Curry Cup team, captained by Ian Thompson, were away to Felixstowe and despite a valiant effort from the team, we were defeated 12.5 – 5.5.

The Jubilee Cup team, captained on the day by Steve Hale, were away for their final match at Bentley and once again suffered a defeat. Unfortunately ending their run after four defeats, but many thanks to all the players and captain Ian Smith.

Finally, having reached the third round of the Thornton Cup, Captain Steve Wood and the team had been drawn away to Boyce Hill, a course that was not familiar to a number of the team. However, the boys dug deep and despite losing the morning foursomes 3.5 – 1.5, there were some excellent performances from the boys. The afternoon singles also produced some great golf; however, it was the par three 18th hole that proved our downfall with critical putts being narrowly missed. The afternoon singles finished 5.5-4.5 resulting in a 9-6 win to Boyce Hill.

Ladies Captain, Stella Hammond

June came and went in a flash despite it containing the longest day, it was a busy golf month with team matches taking place, alongside usual competitions.

The Pro-Am was an enjoyed by those that took part, big thanks to all the Pros who joined us.
Pamela Randle completed her 54 hole challenge in record time raising money for French’s horse sanctuary and Little Lifts with a fantastic total of £1,000

Looking ahead this month, the Lady Vets have two competitions; Sandra Dudley on July 8 and Hilda Rule on July 15

The Silver team quarter final will take place on July 21, as yet we don’t know our opponents or venue
Ladies Captain’s day will be taking place on July 25 with a colourful theme, full details of the day have been sent out via email, but hope to see many of you there, either playing 18 or 9 holes or just socially for the meal. I will be running an auction for a number of fourball vouchers to raise funds for my charity – details to follow

Joke of the month – “Fresh air and exercise? I call it torture with sticks! “

Quote of the month “I have a tip that can take five strokes off anyone’s game: it is called an eraser”.
Arnold Palmer

Seniors Captain, John Parkinson
Both courses have improved immensely over the last month. Gainsborough is in excellent condition and the Constable greens are improving fast, all credit to our greenkeepers.
Thank you to all those who have contributed to my 67-hole golf challenge, as of June 30, £2192 has been raised for Parkinsons UK, way beyond my expectations. Thanks to Mark, Kevin, Malcolm, Graham and Peter who supported me through the day, a great experience, and I can highly recommend being on the Constable first tee at 4.15am.
I had the privilege of ball spotting on the Gainsborough 6th hole, June 25, at the English Open for Golfers with Disabilities. A truly humbling experience watching golfers with various disabilities playing some magnificent golf. Winning Stableford championship with a score of 88 points was our very own Seniors Member, Richard Saunders, well played Richard.
Events in July; July 10 is my Charity Day in aid of Parkinsons UK with a shotgun start 8.30, there are still some spaces so get your name down ASAP, teams of four, best two scores to count. I would love to have 18 teams taking part.
This month’s Stableford is the President Prize, remember we will be running our second trial of allowing players from both divisions to choose their tee, white, green or yellow. Finally, we have three Inter Club Matches, home and away to Stowmarket, and away to Hintlesham.
Quote for this month: “Instead of putting pressure on myself and thinking I’ve got to make this shot, I just thought “Go ahead and make it.” It’s a subtle difference but a big one”.
Corey Pavin