The caravans, the tractors and the sun came out to greet us at Rutland Water and yes, so did Richard Cheng – probably his first outing since the Sleaford “fish and chips” days of five or so years ago. Good to see you again on the Follies. A good gathering of 12 considering we had several regulars turning out for the Elton Seniors today as well.

Trevor Chapman likes a good adventure and on the first half he hit nearly every fairway, unfortunately not in the correct order but who cares as he carded a respectable 17 points on the nine holes.

The wind was playing a part, sweeping balls into the difficult rough and causing a lot of ball searching amongst us all. The greens were quick, undulating and as challenging as ever.

Colin Savage’s group saw another TWAMOIO – trolley with a mind of its own – incident as Brian chased after his wayward motorised trolley which was heading for the green. However young Brian sped off and took control of the offending vehicle.

Peter Harris played the 14th stroke index 1 like a professional. He began with a good drive into the edge of the left hand rough left about 200 yards to the pin. After some discussion with Colin, (unpaid and under-appreciated advisor and coach), he hit an absolute cracker over the ditch that crosses the fairway, the ball took a bounce and landed in the greenside bunker. Mr Harris did use a naughty word but Colin’s coaching kept him calm as he said to Peter that is probably a good place to be as all obstacles were gone apart from getting out of the sand trap. Peter climbed fearlessly into the bunker, took a stance, played out in a cloud of sand and the group watched as Peter’s ball landed on the green and made its way nearer and nearer towards the hole and dropped into the cup – a birdie on stroke index one! It was a pleasure to witness such a feat, well done Peter.

Nearest the Pin hole was the tricky 12th, 130 yards into the wind with the green protected by a pond at the front. Trevor Chapman hit a fine shot to around 20 feet and was followed by Geoff Liscoe with approximately the same distance. It took a couple of pacings and finally the use of the flag pole as a measure to separate the two – Trevor the victor by a few inches.

Final placings were in reverse order: Peter Harris (29), Roy Fletcher (32) and Trevor the winner (36)

See you all next time for the President’s Cup at Elton Furze on Monday June 16th.

Friday 25th April was the second outing of the year and 10 members took part despite rain which was forecast but thankfully arrived with only a few holes to play.
When the first group teed off. Colin Humphries proved that a golf club can remove a metre of turf.
On the 5th hole Brian sank a 5 metre putt then on the next hole the same thing but this time a 6 metre putt, this was longer than his drive.
Geoff Delaney failed to play out of a bunker on the 14th 4, yes 4 times. I bet Brian could have putted out of it.
Colin Savage hit the same tree 3 times when playing the last hole but carried on to the end, what a hero.
We sat in a group in the bar and someone asked about the ownership of a jacket on the floor, no response from anyone.
Ham, egg and chips was consumed in record time and we left only for Brian the master putter to realise that the jacket was in fact his over trousers.
The event was won by John Wakefield and Colin H, who re-turfed the first tee, took the nearest the pin prize on the 3rd hole. A lovely course was enjoyed by all.

                                                                                                                                                                                                          Mischief Afoot!

An excellent winter golf package from Greetham Valley enticed fifteen players to blow the dust off their clubs and take the trip up the A1. We were able to welcome a newcomer, Duncan Watson, but were totally confused by Les when he introduced him as Billy Doyle’s dad. Apparently he is dad-in-law.

The day started with coffee and a large bacon roll. The conditions of the lakes course proved to be first class and with no wind and reasonable sunshine it was hoped we were set for some good rounds. Our leading four ‘pathfinders’ elected to have buggies but obviously there were no sat navs aboard as they only got to the second hole before getting lost.

The sixth hole was chosen for nearest the pin, but none of the fifteen players could find the green with their first shot. Therefore it was changed to the fourteenth, a shorter hole but tricky with a large pond protecting the front. This held no fear and at least three players found the green in one. Our man with the local knowledge, Kevin, won this challenge.

During the round we were able to record the first bunker flunker of the season. The honour went to Billy who took three to get out. This no doubt will be easily beaten over the season.

Looking for a second ‘wally of the year’ award, Brian forgot to switch off his electric trolly and watched it career twelve feet into a bunker.

A very enjoyable day concluded with a beer on the veranda before a heavy shower forced us inside the clubhouse to enjoy another beer and the chef’s special of the day, chicken pie.

Judging by the day’s scores the standard of golf was generally very good. Although the local ‘bandit’ Kevin, won with 41 points. He elected to take the bottle prize for his win nearest the pin. Therefore, first prize went to John W with 39 points, second was Trevor carding 37 and David C third with 36 points.

A great start to the Follies season and the Committee were delighted at such a good turn out. Our next meeting is on Friday 25 April at Burghley and it is hoped we shall again see a good response.

Finally, the members of Fritz Follies would like to wish Dave West very best wishes for a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back playing in the not too distant future.

Master.

Elton Furze again hosted the Annual Supper Texas Scramble. There were plenty of prizes to be had on this day, with nearest the pin prizes on all the Par 3s and a bonus “Longest Drive” up for grabs on the 18^th.

So it was that 17 hardy Follies braved the Autumnal weather for the last time this year. Still at this last moment some try to win the “Bloomer of the Year” award. Colin Humphreys tried to put his ball on the tee that was marking the position for the team shot. He also managed to do a “Dynamo” magic shot on the temporary 11^th tee mat – hitting the ball that by some miracle still ended up falling back on the tee, no one quite knows how – Colin you are a magician. Colin Keal at the pre match Stibbington Diner was standing next to the 6 foot menu board and then asked us “where is the menu.” Glasses in hand he did manage to order his high protein feast.

Nearest the Pins went to Peter Harris, Robin Watts and Colin Humphreys. Richard Parker took the longest drive award.

The Texas Scramble for the first time in many years was won by the organiser’s team (Les Wells, Richard Parker, Jon Kelly & Ian Bloomfield). Ian Bloomfield did comment that the incapacity of our President due to falling off a ladder may have helped and that perhaps he could be persuaded to prune the trees again this time next year. Anyway Ian’s game was rejuvenated after a watering break in the 11^th trees,  perhaps they have some magical properties after what happened to Colin earlier.

The winners performed well with a net 61 with the closest rivals being Omar Vawda, John Wakefield and David Carter on 66, remaining groups scoring 67, 68 and 70. So, a good performance from all. An after match presentation was made to Roy Fletcher as the Society’s Rookie of the Year.

Our evening presentation was at the Cuckoo, Alwalton.  A reflection of a great year of golf around Peterborough.  Everyone was a winner on the evening with a good meal and plenty of Beer and Wine with no doubt a few heavy heads the next day as well. Well done Jon for sorting out the arrangements.

The Wooden Spoon is the award no one wants, but there is always a lucky character on the night, this time it was Robin Watts who averaged 25.66 stableford points over his 3 rounds this year, oh dear!

Bunker Flunker was avoided by David Carter this year, after in successive years on the same hole making this trophy his own.  But with Robin on 2 attempts plus 2 dubious plugged lies, Ben Miles not attending it left the door open for Jon Kelly. Again not straightforward, he had one out of the first greenside bunker , into the opposite bunker before 3 further attempts. Nice one Jon and a well deserved trophy.

“Bloomer of the Year” presented by Ian Bloomfield went to Brian Bates on 2 counts. Firstly, being unaware of his playing partners finishing a hole as he stood a foot from the hole munching on his Alpen bar – Yes we did present him with a bar for future use. It was also suggested  “The Alpen” could be a new golfing term like the Denis Wise (a nasty five footer). Then he proceeded to play a shot into a partner’s golf buggy and into his bag as well. It certainly was a year of magical shots. Brian won a trophy and Bloomer loaf courtesy of Tesco’s. Bernard and Lou apparently enjoyed the toast next morning for Breakfast.

Onto the main prizes for those actually playing some golf this year.  In third place was Colin Savage, sporting a bright red cape to prevent Robin Watts tipping red win over his trousers this year.

Second place went to David West, last year’s winner.

But with 106 points, averaging 35.33 points per round was Geoff Delany, who delivered a rousing winner’s speech which included producing his 2002 “Rookie of the Year” Medallion. A message to Roy that he may also one year win the main trophy following being a Rookie. Hopefully the wait may be shorter than Geoff’s 11 years.

So to end , it has been a good year with improved numbers mainly due to Geoff Liscoe joining with several friends. John Wakefield also joined in the latter stages of the season and then played every event.  Thank you to everyone for supporting the Follies this year and I look forward to seeing you all in the New Year.

Les.

This match report is brought to you courtesy of the Krakow Tourist Board – highly recommended for your next City break.

Imagine for a moment, the year is 1983 and Liscoe, Wells and Kelly are spraying balls from the middle of a field direct to their intended target, landing each ball on a sixpence.  Well it didn’t happen on a football pitch back then and it’s not happening 30 years later on a golf course either.  These 3 together with another 9 Folllies turned up at Rutland Water on a lovely, warm, late summer day.

After his two summer vacations including a trip to Krakow – highly recommended for your next City break – Jon Kelly thought his holidays were over for the year but he spent a good part of the afternoon in sand as he found himself in bunker after bunker.  Despite getting out of several first time, he eventually succumbed and after getting out of one bunker first time only to go straight into another, he took a further 3 to get out.  Whether that counts as 4 to tie with Ben Miles for ‘Bunker Flunker’ has gone to the committee for a decision.

On the par 4 third, John Wakefield lost his ball and had to play his third from the tee.  That didn’t stop him getting a par with a great drive and a measured chip from off the green.

Les advised that we set a new record today by sending out a three-ball with a combined age of 221 years.  Inspirational.

Results:

third on countback was Colin Savage with 33 points

second was Geoff Delaney with 33

and the Rutland Water Fritz Follies Champion is Richard Parker with 39.

Richard’s win gives him 76 points from his two outings this year. From his home in Bedford to the last round that matters in Sleaford is a mere 75 miles so a return drive of 150 miles plus a good round could land him the trophy.

Final stop – Sleaford Golf Club on Monday 14th October……full directions are on the right…

Oh and by the way, did I mention I’d been to Krakow this summer – highly recommended for your next City break.

The was a special deal day, with bacon rolls and coffee on arrival and it certainly met our expectations.

9 golfers huddled by the pro shop watching the rain fall, just one hardy golfer in shorts was not put off by the cloud burst and continued with his pre match putting practice, well done Colin Savage. Also, it must be mentioned that Colin’s meticulous attention to detail included writing down all the tips for each hole from the Rutland County website. Perhaps he forgot to read them on some of the holes today…..

The rain did not last as within 10 minutes we were all on our way to the first tee to commence the day’s golf.

It must be said the rough was pretty tough. Most courses this year are experiencing problems but parts of  Rutland County were at times more like a hay field. Once you found the deep stuff, it was a fair chance it would be a lost ball and if you found it then it was certainly a penalty. As a group we did manage to lose a good number of balls.

Two players made their Follies debut today. John Wakefield and Gabe Stokes hopefully enjoyed their day with us and will return to tread the fairways again.

Nearest the pin was set as the 17th hole and shame on us all as no-one managed to stay on the green although Geoff and Dave Carter had fine efforts, but sorry chaps the fringe is just not good enough. We will save our bottle for another day.

Honours for the day, despite not being able to add up the score totals (both marker and player I might add) was first place to Brian Bates with an excellent 34 points. No wooden spoon at the Supper this year, I might add. Geoff Delany followed with 33 with David West on 32.

Remember the Fritz Follies Trophy is decided by the best 3 round aggregate total, so with 2 outings to go everyone is still in the mix for major prizes. Not to mention Bunker Flunker – currently 4 shots and the prestigious “Bloomer of the Year” for which we have several nominations already.

Next stop – Rutland Water on Friday 27th September……full directions are on the right…

The Bedfordshire in past years has proven to be a tough test for the Fritz Follies. Today however, we were met with near perfect playing conditions and after a little rain in the previous days the course was excellent. We also had the honour of a “Red Arrows” fly past mid way through the round, well organised Richard.

A first journey to Bedford for Colin Humphries and Roy Fletcher who relied upon their Sat Nav to get them to the course. Well, sometimes they do lead you astray as the weary pair arrived nearly 2 hours after leaving Peterborough. You will know next year which route to use and update the Sat Nav so the new Milton Keynes road is on the map.

David Carter was on a unique hat trick of winning the annual “Bunker Flunker” prize on the same course and the same hole for the third successive year. Somehow though he managed to avoid the troublesome bunker and perhaps pass on this prize to someone else, though there are still a few events to go to secure the prize. 4 out of the bunker leads the way at present.

Nearest the Pin was selected by our member Richard Parker as the 154 yard 6^th Hole. Les was the early marker 10 feet from the pin but was beaten by the following group when Omar Vawda comfortably placed his ball inside, but missed the birdie.

After his long journey, Roy was enjoying the wispy rough, relentlessly playing his tee shots into the grass. As the round progressed his skills of escaping from the rough improved, returning a back nine 19 points which was the best score on the back nine today.

Omar had a little bit of lady luck when his ball was powering out of bounds only to unbelievably bounce back from the trees into play. This was to be a wining stroke as he wins the day on countback back nine holes from Richard Parker. Both scoring 37 points which is a great score on this course.

Next stop – Rutland County, on a special deal with Coffee/Bacon Roll/Golf then 1 course bar meal included on Thursday August 15^th……full directions are on the right…

How Les must have wished for those days when only 6 players turned up and organisation was straightforward.  The June meet saw the best turnout for some time with 18 but with it came the constant re-arranging of groups as people dropped in and out for various reasons – not least being a court appearance (I’m assured Colin Keal was not the defendant) and it might rain (shame on you, Mark Holland).

Weather wise we were lucky and only got a little wet in the closing holes.  With such a large group, there were plenty of stories in the bar afterwards:

A new golfing term to add to the “Dennis Wise” (a nasty five footer) is the “Alpen”. It was Brian Bates’ turn to putt from about a foot but he was lost in a chocolate wonderland as he munched on an Alpen bar. Shaken from his reverie, he pocketed the bar, picked up his putter and duly missed the hole!  He went one further when he hit his ball into the back of the buggy of his playing partner, Geoff!

We don’t know how many balls Robin Watts started off with but he came down the 18^th using his last one.

Trevor Chapman who has arrived like a hurricane into the Follies with opening scores of 38 and 35 came a little undone today.  Les Wells was curious to play with Trevor and duly brought him down to his own level as Trevor scored a 10 on 3 separate holes. In fairness, Trevor did win Nearest The Pin so another good day for TC.

Debutant Ben Miles got into the Follies swing very early on with a strong claim for this year’s Bunker Flunker with 4 attempts to get out on one hole. It didn’t do him too much harm as he won the day with 36 points – well done.

Second was Colin Savage on his first appearance this season with 35 points beating Les Wells on countback.

The July Meet also sees the staging of the President’s Cup competition and 10 years after winning it for the first time, David West duly triumphed again.

Next stop – The Bedfordshire on the 26th July……full directions are on the right…