Once again the inclement weather decided it needed to play it’s part in another County Event, reducing the 18 holes family pairings Stableford Competition at Verulam to a 12 holes result.
Having initially gotten the first two groups out on the course, a huge clap of thunder brought an immediate halt to play. With weather apps to the fore, play was able to resume after a 40 minute delay.
A long spell of sunny weather ensued and with the first group out approaching the 18th green, we dared to think we may get lucky and complete the tournament. But no! Dark clouds covered the sky, hail stones poured down, covering the green in a blanket of ice, then another huge clap of thunder brought an immediate suspension to play.
Whilst sunshine soon followed, with greens flooded, everybody back in the clubhouse and another lengthy delay possible, conversations between players and officials led to a clear belief that enough was enough and with the final group having made it through 12 holes, that a 12 hole result would be the best outcome.
It was a sad way for this ever growing in popularity tournament to end. The Family Cup brings relatives together. As long as the pairings are related and both members of Hertfordshire affiliated clubs, they are all good to pair up and there is always such a mix of different relationships in this Betterball Stableford format.
With all the 12 holes scores recorded, it was Frankie of Old Fold Manor with his uncle Ross of Batchwood Hall who triumphed with 29 points, 3 points clear of a 3-way tie for 2nd on 26 points. Countback saw Martin and Amelia Parker of Letchworth secure Runner Up with Brian and James McCann of Harpenden Common narrowly pipping Peter and Isobel Jennings of Berkhamsted to third.
Many Thanks go to referees, volunteers, Verulam staff and the players themselves for their patience and efforts in difficult circumstances.
From L-R, Lady Captain Sue Rickard, 3rd place Brian and James, Winners Frankie & Ross, Club Captain Syd Halder, Runners Up Martin & Amelia.
