The society returned to the ever-so-charming Walton Hall Golf Course last weekend, nestled in the heart of the beautiful Walton Hall and Gardens estate. Imagine, if you will, a layout so picturesque it could rival a Monet painting, complete with mature trees that seem to whisper ancient golfing secrets. This 18-hole championship course, crafted by the legendary duo Peter Allis and Dave Thomas in 1977, sprawls over just 6,800 yards, offering a delightful challenge for golfers who dare to dream.
Our adventure began at the café, where Len, in a rare display of generosity, treated us all to bacon rolls and coffee. It’s rumoured he’s still recovering from the shock of parting with the money. As we munched away, unbeknown to members, the Walton pro’s devious wedged three groups from Scouseland ahead of us. It turns out these early liver birds were a week early but ended up right on time to disrupt our zen.
Fourteen members armed themselves for the 4 clubs and a putter challenge and chose their weapons wisely… no so more than Mike Oakes who turned the course into a pitch and putt, having drove the green on the first tee, a 289 yard par 4.
Members were damn right shocked, shocked I say and undecided as to whether to applaud the pin high stroke as it meandered between the balls of the group putting out or turn to the fines master and make sure he was fined. I actually think he received both and should have been fined even more for missing his eagle! Tsk Tsk.
The weather gods were mostly kind, offering just a light sprinkling of rain. The course looked superb and only the soft and receptive greens came under criticism for being uneven and poorly maintained.
With barely any warm-up time, the nearest the pin challenge loomed on the 4th hole. This is a beautifully framed hole with the green downhill, rolling hills from left to right and a large foreboding oak guarding those who were short and left. Speaking of short, Steve managed to hit the tree which gave him a help in hand, dutifully and daintily rolling his ball along its branches and depositing it 6 feet from the hole grabbing him nearest the pin in a move that could only be described as arboreal assistance.
The day’s ultimate victor was none other than Mike Oakes, who graciously accepted a single shot and finished with an impressive 40 points.
Breathing down his neck with 39 and for the runner up spot were 3 contenders: Ian Morris, Ron ‘Tree’ Marshall and Dave Mac. It was Dave Mac that came through on countback with 21 points on the back 9.
Reflecting on the day, I think we can agreed this format was a refreshing twist from the usual Stapleford, challenging our strategies and club selections. It left us all pondering the existential question: what on earth are all those other clubs for?
Next up is the postponed, rained-off Disley event. Fingers crossed it dries out and the sun keeps shining. Can’t wait to see you all there!