The Ebenezer Cup headed back to the grand old dame of Derbyshire golf: Buxton & High Peak Golf Club. Established in 1887, this is the oldest club in the county and one of the finest inland links-style tests you’ll find. Sitting proudly on free-draining limestone high in the Peak District, the course plays firm and fast, rewards precision over power, and serves up some cracking views across the hills. At just under 6,000 yards and a par of 69, it’s short by modern standards but has plenty of teeth – especially when the wind gets up. A proper golfer’s golf course.
Arrival Antics
And what a day it was, a huge thank you to Ben Cryer for kindly sponsoring the day – much appreciated as always.
On arrival we were greeted with the news that the clubhouse was completely out of bounds – the entire place had been hired out for a private event. For a bunch of thirsty golfers on a blazing hot day, this was less than ideal. Still, we’re a resilient lot and there just happens to be a pub called the 19th Hole that beckoned all weary golfers after hacking up the Derbyshire landscape.
The fashion police were out in force early. Special mention to Joe, who turned up sporting a brand new, suspiciously neat haircut. Gone was the trademark mop that’s survived more bad bounces than a Titleist 3. In its place: something bordering on respectable. We’re still in shock.
Twos Pot Watch
The Twos Pot was looking particularly healthy because we are all terrible, so Mike chucks in a fiver after missing the last few events and was rubbing his hands like a man who’d already spent the winnings. Fortunately for us, here he is missing the first fairway!
Spoiler alert: he’ll be rubbing them again at the weekend.
On-Course Shenanigans
The golf itself was… characterful.
Embarrassing drives were in plentiful supply. Colin set the tone on the 1st with a “dick out” special that barely cleared the 18th green, never mind reaching the ladies’ tee. Ron ‘Rustle Rustle’ produced his own special on the 4th, and Joe capped a fine afternoon with one on the 17th.
To be fair to Joe, he did have a rock-solid excuse – a nasty “boo boo” on his ickle finger after heroically spraying 75 balls at the range in practice. What can I say, the lad’s basically a warrior.
In other shocking news, Oaker (yes, the same Mike Oakes who usually finds more fairways than the rest of us combined) actually lost a ball on the 15th to the road. We’re still checking the footage for signs of alien intervention.
Near Misses & Heartbreak
There were some heroic near-misses too. Macca very nearly holed his tee shot on the 8th Nearest the Pin, then predictably lipped out the subsequent 4-footer that would have cleaned up the Twos Pot. Tough luck, better luck next time.
Joe was equally snake-bitten – a gorgeous 15-footer on the 6th was tracking beautifully for birdie and a share of the pot until… until… it cruelly faded off in the last foot and glided past. With that Joe collapsed on the green and almost cried. He also just missed another two on the blind 13th. We were all rooting for it, so unlucky.
Prize Winners
In the end, the scoring was respectable on a warm day:
Nearest the Pin honours went to Jay Oakes, well played buddy.
Winner: Dave Mac with a very tidy 34 points. Blush indeed, sir. Some of us are starting to think you’ve got a pact with the golfing gods.
Runner-up: Len Potts with a solid 32 points – well played, Len.
The highly coveted Visor (for services to comedy golf) was awarded to Rick. Unlucky, buddy. The Visor Committee clearly had it in for you.
Twos Pot Update
And the Twos Pot? Still intact. Not a single two was recorded. It rolls over once more to Hazel Grove this Sunday. Mike’s hands remain firmly in rubbing position now the pot has reach record levels.
Looking Ahead
No coffee or bacon rolls on arrival on Sunday at Hazel Grove this weekend (cost-saving measures), but the pro shop has a coffee machine and there are plenty of emergency sausage roll options nearby.
The course is looking absolutely gorgeous at the moment. See you all Sunday, lads. Bring your best swings and even better excuses!
