Thorpeness Tour May 2022

VENERABLES THORPENESS TOUR 2022

After a break of around two years, due to the Covid Pandemic, our band of 15 Venerables set out on their  annual pilgrimage to Thorpeness GC in Suffolk.

As tradition dictates a pre golf visit was made to The White Hart P. H. in Aldeburgh en route to our final destination. Straight out of the pub and into the "chippy" for lunch, which again historically, is eaten on the seafront and washed down with a glass or two of fine wine kindly provided by Dave Watts. Then onto the golf course --- a few miles down the road.

Aldeburgh - Fish, Chips & Wine to start the day

Day One

The weather started fine and after a brief introduction to the course by Steve K we got under way. A most enjoyable round of golf, well for most people anyway, followed. On completion of the first day`s play it was noted that one or two of our number had excelled , notably  Mr. " consistency" David Baker, but most chose to stay under the radar and save their best golf for the coming days.

Day Two

Damp playing conditions and a light breeze made for more difficult golf and generally lower scores for most. 

Today another trophy was up for grabs and everyone was eager to get started.

The closely contested Bill Cook Trophy was won By Steve K with Mr. Tony Eggs and Mr, K Rowbotham closely behind

Below - Steve King being presented with the Bill Cook Trophy

Sorting the day 2 winners & day 3 pairings

Pre-dinner drinks this evening at room 27. hosted by Steve and Ken. Maybe a little too much alcohol for some ? --- tomorrow morning would tell.

Wine & food, what could possibly go wrong !

Ken presenting day 3 winner to Steve Board

Day Three

The final day, and everything to play for, including two additional opportunities to win some wine with a nearest the pin and a nearest the pin in two challenge.

One or two absentees for the final push. 

Mr. Baker once again playing some great golf, holding his nerve, and doing enough to win the main event, with a nett. 73 ( for the best two scores from three rounds) --- 7 shots clear of the field.

Many thanks are due to Tony Eggs for organising the trip, Steve King for officiating and organising the competitions, Dave Watts for his guidance, assistance and essential input into all matters, Ken Rowbotham for his leadership and support , Steve Board for his photographic skills , and to all those who attended the tour and made it a memorable experience.

Prizes & Winners

Day One  1st. round of Ken Brothwell Trophy

1st.    David Baker    40 pts.

2nd.    David Watts    33 pts.

3rd.    Russ Morgan    32 pts. OCB

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Day Two  Playing for The Bill Cook Trophy

1st.    Steve King    36 pts.

2nd.    Tony Eggs    35 pts.

3rd.    K Rowbotham    34 pts.

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Day Three

1st.    Steve Board    34 pts.

2nd.    Russ Morgan    34 pts

3rd.    David Baker    33 pts

Nearest the pin on the 7th.    Russ Morgan

Nearest the pin in two was not won, next year we`ll try a nearest the green !

The best two scores from three rounds and playing for the Ken Brothwell Trophy

First - David Baker - nett. 73

Second - Russ Morgan - nett. 66 OCB

Third - Martin Arthur - nett.  66 OCB

Ken Rowbotham presenting winner of the Ken Brothwell Trophy to David Baker

The Thorpeness 2022 Tour Party

Venerables’ Thorpeness Tour 2019

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A smaller party gathered this year. Small but perfectly formed.

As is the custom most met at the White Hart in Aldeburgh for social discourse and a wet before enjoying the five star fish and chips from the next door chippie in the very fine White Hart garden with overhead heaters turned on for us. Russ true to form arrived in the bar too late to buy anybody a drink and joined us in the garden with his scoff.

Thence to Thorpeness to enjoy the challenge with perhaps a rumbling or two of battered cod and Ghostship in a few venerable tums.

Dry the first day, but as the forecast for Wednesday was predicted to be made for Noah, it was decided to play for the Bill Cook on the Tuesday afternoon when all competitors were starters rather than on the second day. Colin played well to win.

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Second day biblical flood but we managed to put back our tee time twice, and the field were finally off with gusto at 1.30pm. New knee Parkes and the wise elder Howarth journeyed into Aldeburgh to enjoy the highlights, and Bernard rested his old bones. The field got damp at times and one feels for Paddy who won on the day but only received a bottle of budget wine rather than the Bill Cook whistle.

Third day dry. Unfortunately Paddy reported in sick with a bandaged wrist due to too much wine glass lifting and went home for sympathy. Mrs Bakers boy showed his class and came in with a magnificent score to ensure his name once again goes on the Ken Brothwell Trophy for the best two scores from three. A brief mention of Peter Howarth finally finding his ball on the 17th in the hole to record an eagle two and the nearest the pin in two. A blind five wood we are told!

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Thanks are due to Alan for Tour organisation and pics. Bernard for his ongoing gentlemanly competition organisation. Eagle Pete for wine and whip duties. Steve for presentations. And everybody for making this another enjoyable and memorable trip.

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Alan presiding over the first tee