A strong XL Club team of twelve keen golfers arrived at the south coast in glorious sunshine, with travel plans only slightly disrupted by a flat tyre and a missed motorway junction. All arrived in good time for drinks on the verandah overlooking the links and the sparkling sea beyond, and best of all there was only a gentle breeze to keep us cool, no sign of the 40+mph winds that have blown us away in previous visits – I sensed an air of anticipation and a hint of optimism!
The Hayling Island Captain Dan Gorvin welcomed us over an excellent brunch, indeed Bobby Lowe said the smoked bacon was some of the best he ever tasted and checked that out with seconds. I was a little concerned that whilst the XL Team were getting stuck into the wine the Hayling Team were mostly drinking tea and coffee, probably explained by the absence of regular Hayling Team members; Messrs Lancaster , John and Page golfing in Turkey.
The weather was perfect for golf and the course was in great condition. The Hayling Captain Dan suggested that we play off the white tees as the fairways were firm and running well. We willingly accepted the challenge, despite a few grumbles from the Colonel. The whites provided some even better views particularly from the 9thand 13th tees.
After the golf over sandwiches and chips our Captain Mike Johnson-Hill thanked Dan and all the Hayling Team for their hospitality, excellent food, competitive and friendly golf on an excellent golf course in glorious weather – a really great day.
The result was a 5 points to 1 win for Hayling, who won 4 matches and halved 2, with several close matches decided on the 18th. Well done for the halves; Alan and Stephen, and Chris and Bobby (hope you have got over being up dormie 4).
I would like to thank the XL Club team of Mike Johnson-Hill, Alan Ewart, Stephen Chappell, Richard Willacy, Alistair Defriez, David Ball, Chris Greet, Martin Lawrence, plus Tim Christopher and JJ Jones debutants to this match, and a special thanks to Bobby Lowe for stepping following the withdrawal of Pat Regan through injury.
Seamus Meyer, Match Manager
