This week the society headed to Chapel-en-le-Frith Golf Club for the Pairs Trophy and what a drive to get their, some stunning scenery on the way.
Nestled in the heart of the Peak District and founded in 1905, this is a picturesque parkland course that was extended to 18 holes in the 1970s by legendary architects Peter Alliss and Dave Thomas. Surprisingly flat for the area and sitting in a valley, it offers stunning views of the surrounding hills from almost every hole. Measuring around 6,400 yards and playing as a par 72, it’s a proper hidden gem that mixes quirky holes with a very enjoyable test of golf.
The course was looking absolutely immaculate thanks to no fewer than 8 robots mowing away 24/7 — the place was trimmed to perfection!
The weather was superb — scattered sunshine and a light breeze made for ideal golfing conditions. A huge thank you to Alex “Dora the Explorer” Baker for generously sponsoring the day. We were all excited to see what the man of the moment could produce…
On the First Tee
Alex certainly made an impression on the first tee. Shrugging off his Fore Right nickname this time, he hit every fairway… except his own. In fact, he even managed to hit the same tree twice. Dora was clearly exploring new territory off the tee!
The robots were out in force, mowing 24/7 like a mechanical army on a mission. Alan Corbishley (our resident landscape gardener) stood watching them with a look of deep suspicion, somewhere between professional disgust and full-blown paranoia about the coming robot uprising. “This is how it starts,” he muttered, clearly picturing Judgement Day and a future where humans are the ones being trimmed. We’re still not entirely sure whether he wanted to join them or lead the resistance.
Shout out to Stu for the most inventive shot of the day. This was a tough one and pulled it off. Bravo sir!
Len provided one of the lines of the day when Alex unleashed his usual slice. “You killed a cow!” he shouted. Fortunately the cow was just lying down having a rest — no actual livestock were harmed in the making of this round.
We stepped up for Nearest the Pin only to discover Joe had already written “Joe – thinned” on the card. Bold strategy. In the end, Joe took the Nearest the Pin honours anyway. Thin it to win it, eh Joe?
Joe did the fines with his usual masterful delivery — comedy timing on point and plenty of laughs all round even from the local members.
Prize Winners
In the Pairs Trophy itself, there were no individual runners-up (as it was a pairs event). The winners on the day were Colin Butler & Dave Mac who brought in 55 points. They hadnt thought that would be enough but those greens were tough for everyone i guess… well played — a proper team performance!
No Visor was handed out this time as Dek wasn’t present. It simply rolls over to the next event — the pressure is building!
No twos were recorded once again. Yes, we are still all terrible at this game and the pot continues to grow… mostly for **Oaker’s** benefit, no doubt.
Another top day out with the Alfie Noakes Golf Society at a course in fantastic condition. Roll on Cavendish this Sunday with a 9:20 tee time. No coffee or bacon rolls provided by the society, but feel free to grab them on the day if you wish.
See you there, lads — bring your straight drives (and leave the cows alone)!