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The question was: how do you top a visit to Royal Troon, Prestwick and Western Gailes golf courses on the spring Scottish trip? The answer was you can’t, but you can match it.
Outside Scotland, the Lancashire coast has one the finest selection of golf courses in the country. Some would say that Lytham St Anne’s, Hoylake, Royal Birkdale, Formby and others are just as good as it gets. I, for one, would not disagree.
The ACE Golf Society captain this year is a member at Royal Birkdale and the highlight of the visit was to play this world renowned course. The added joy was to play it in glorious sunshine in a region more noted for rain.
In advance, the first round of golf was played at Formby Hall, well known for the proliferation of water hazards. There is a theory in golfing circles that golf ball manufacturers contribute to the upkeep of these hazards as a way to increase income from the sale of new balls. When asked, one ACE GS member admitted to losing 10 balls but I have promised not to publish his name.
That evening, our Captain John Sutcliffe and his wife Christine welcomed members and spouses and provided excellent hospitality in their home where they laid on a veritable feast of brilliant food and wines as if they had learned the trick of the loaves and fishes - guests were so relaxed and replete they were reluctant to leave!
On to the main event: the crème de la crème: Royal Birkdale, home of the Open on so many occasions. “Golf World” rated it number one in Great Britain and Ireland in 1998 and on our day it was in splendid condition, testing but fair. Top lady was Jan Fraser with 30 points and top gentleman was the captain John Sutcliffe, 35 points with Ian Fraser a worthy second with 33points. The winning pair at Formby Hall was Tim Purrett and Terry Davidge.
Many thanks are due to John for having the foresight to join Royal Birkdale all those years ago (prior to becoming this year’s ACE Golf Society captain). Members greatly appreciated his home course plus the superb food and wine enjoyed in the clubhouse which rounded off the trip.
If you have an interest in golf and enjoy playing quality courses, why not join?
A warm welcome awaits you.
Contact details:
Secretary: Robert Bird
Address: 20 Fairholme Avenue, Romford, Essex. RM2 5UU.
Email: birdb@pbworld.com
Telephone: 01708 700880
Mobile: 07770 335790
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