The Old Elizabethans Golf Society opens the 2022 season with a visit to Wells Golf Club
Thursday June 23rd 2022

It was with great pleasure that we played our first match for several years after Covid had curtailed our activities. Nigel Coombs arranged an excellent day out at his home club in Wells. It was outstanding value at £25 per person for coffee and bacon rolls on arrival followed by 18 holes of golf on such a delightful course. The date chosen was Thursday June 23rd. If Covid had not been enough of a problem, the rail unions decided to strike that day resulting in a huge volume of traffic on the roads. To round off our traffic difficulties, June 23rd was the day before the Glastonbury Festival opened just a few miles from Wells. Nonetheless all competitors arrived in good time to enjoy the refreshments before the first tee time of 13:08.

After so long since our last meeting, you can imagine that it was a lively reunion. Unfortunately, Hartley Heard was dogged by an old injury and could not play after all, so we were reduced to two tee times of four balls at 13:08 and 13:16. Luckily, Hartley has recovered in good time to put his name down for our next outing at Chipping Sodbury.

Nigel Coombs, Bob Taylor, Paul Packman and John Hargraves were first on the tee, followed by Roger Ashton, Roger Edwards, Mike Sheppard and Anne Taylor, a Red Maids Governor and regular supporter of all our activities. Sadly, the other two lady members who play with us regularly were either on holiday or in another tournament but we look forward to welcoming them back in the Autumn.

Wells is a pretty course with play on two deceptively distinct levels. The first few holes take us up a slope to a plateau on which hole 4 demands your complete attention if you are going to score. A fairly straightforward two approach shots bring you within a wedge or nine iron of the green which sounds simple enough but the shot must negotiate a gap between two large trees in front of the green. If that is not enough, then you are faced by a deep greenside bunker. It is a lovely hole and a good test of accuracy. After playing here we move across to a par three which, apart from being guarded by a wide front bunker is courteous enough to offer a good chance of par.

Over the next three holes, high up on the course but with generous fairways and fewer hazards, we were treated, by Glastonbury Festival, to a burst of music from rehearsals for the next day's opening concert. Later the papers gave glowing reports how Macca, with millions to spend on his health, wellbeing and exercise was so great at 80 whilst totally ignoring some of us pensioners a short distance away, walking five miles or more up and down hills, hitting a ball nearly a hundred times or many more times for some of us!

We were very fortunate to play in perfect conditions, sunny but with a cooling light breeze. The results of this opening match of the new season confirmed that John Hargraves and Anne Taylor were deserving winners in their categories. Prizes were awarded by Nigel Coombs in the clubhouse after the game. Thanks to everyone who took part.

Look out for news of the date for Chipping Sodbury. The most popular date for this match, at present, seems to be Sept 12th but we have several more responses to come in.

Any Elizabethan, former Red Maid or Redland High School Girl is welcome to join us with their partner or a guest.

We try and meet once a month throughout the summer, visiting different courses around the West Country. It is social golf so anyone of any ability is welcome. Just contact Barry Coombs 01453 822546 or email barryecoombs@gmail.com or for fixture news check on the website: https://qehelizabethansociety.com/

Report provided by Barry Coombs  05/07/2022 23:08