The annual northern golf tour took place between September 11-14, when 8 sturdy men and true (Peter Crowcroft, Michael Estorick, Bryan Pickup, Peter Newman, Lance Taylor, Mike Johnson-Hill, Alan Ewart, & Chris Greet) ventured first to Hollinwell, where, braving the occasional downpour on an otherwise balmy day, a match against the Nottinghamshire GC resulted in a 2 all draw.
We then drove north through a monsoon which washed out Tuesday’s game against the MCC at Fixby (Huddersfield), though for fun five hardier members drove to the seaside at Fairhaven GC at Lytham where Pete Newman especially enjoyed many of the 100+ bunkers. Wednesday saw us lose 3-1 to the XL Club (north) at Moortown.
Finally, on Thursday we enjoyed a lovely morning game and lunch on the terrace at Alwoodley. The last two courses were designed by Alister Mackenzie (of Augusta fame) and an enduring rivalry between the clubs continues to this day.
Our thanks go to Richard Tennant (Hollinwell), Chris Farrell (MCC and XL North) and Neil Stoddard (Alwoodley) for organising and hosting us, and to Jane and Andrew of the Black Horse Inn where we stayed in comfort and gorged ourselves.
All the clubs and courses on the tour are top class, and we look forward to other, even younger members muscling their way into this most enjoyable (and not overpriced) tour in future years.
Lastly, thanks to Peter Crowcroft for his seamless organisational and leadership skills.
Michael Estorick, Scribe on behalf of PC!
