The 19th Lawle Guby Open was held on Sunday 24th September 2017 at Ramsdale golf course. As has become usual, the weather was sunny and warm. The turnout of 14 competitors represented the highest total since 2011 – numbers bolstered by the next generation of talent in the shape of Samuel Guby and debutants Richard (Rob M’s dad) and Paul L (Jake’s girlfriend’s dad, apparently). Nigel started the day as he would finish, complaining bitterly – about his handicap on this occasion. The very late arrival of Shandy meant that complaints were a little less vocal than usual, although Richard looked a little suprised at his handicap of 3. He had much to learn about the world of Lawle Guby.

Gary and Phil both found the first green, with Paul G not far off. In the next group, in an impressive show of strength all four players safely found the middle of the green, within a couple of yards of each other – Jimmy D and Rob M both grabbing pars. Lance followed suit in the next group and Jake opened his defence with an ominous 3 in the final group. The erratic Shandy also grabbed a par – sadly, this was to prove to be the only highpoint of a desperately disappointing day for him. Samuel endured a tough introduction to the World of Lawle Guby with a 9.

Gary grabbed the first of his two birdies on the second and Paul L shot an amazing 12 on the third hole. Nigel and Shandy both scored double figures at the sixth – Shandy playing the front 9 only 3 shots better than junior Samuel and one shot better than serial wooden spoonist, Trevor.

The tenth proved tricky for everyone, only Jake scoring a par. Both Gary and Paul G birdied the 12th, the first players to do so since 2003. Gary grabbed the Closest-To-The-Pin prize by just a few inches from Robert R, who went on to birdie the next hole by putting-in from just off the green. Jake put in a couple of wobbly holes on the 16th and 17th, but by then he was almost assured of victory due to the secret practise sessions at Trent Lock over the past year.

The presentation ceremony in the bar was better attended than in many recent years, although Nigel was a little distracted by a running dispute with the Ramsdale management team regarding a refund of green fees due to his advanced years. Phil seemed a little surprised that a card should be needed to support the score that he plucked out of thin air, Samuel was very surprised by the spiciness of his burger and Richard was shocked by the brazenness with which Robert tried to appropriate his burger. Jake was presented again with the Lawle Guby Open trophy, which has become a shadow of its former self whilst in his care, losing his club AND his arm. Richard took home the Gross Score trophy on his debut and the Handicapping Committee made a careful note against his name (and Jake’s) for special attention next year.

Many thanks and hopefully see you again next year for the 20th instalment of this historic competition.