Alan alienated... by his game

18 dogs made their appearance at midday yesterday. We were lucky with the weather following torrential rain over the past 2 days and the course was, under the circumstances, in fairly good condition. We did, however, allow 'preferred lies' in order the resolve the problem of the 'man-made' holes where the 'alien' grass had been pulled up as well as soggy bits etc!!!

A lot of comment has made about the speed of play. We all teed off within half an hour of each other but there was nearly an hour and a half difference in finishing times !!!! Greater effort needs to made by some players to speed up. I have attached the statement in the Rules and Etiquette issued by the those wise old men of St Andrews otherwise known as "The Royal and Ancient" whose function is to "guard the tradition and integrity of the game". The Etiquette section starts off by stating that by following the rules and Etiquette laid down " all players will gain maximum enjoyment from the game. The overriding principle is that consideration should be shown to others on the course at all times"

§ Pace of Play

Play at Good Pace and Keep Up. Players should play at a good pace. The Committee may establish pace of play guidelines that all players should follow.

It is a group's responsibility to keep up with the group in front. If it loses a clear hole and it is delaying the group behind, it should invite the group behind to play through, irrespective of the number of players in that group.


§ Be Ready to Play

Players should be ready to play as soon as it is their turn to play. When playing on or near the putting green, they should leave their bags or carts in such a position as will enable quick movement off the green and towards the next tee. When the play of a hole has been completed, players should immediately leave the putting green.

In the case of a serious breach of Etiquette, the Committee may disqualify a player under Rule 33-7.

Now to the results. I am ashamed to say that Top Dog had a diabolical game... partly due to an injured paw... and also due to a mind performing mental aerobics !! The result of these issues is that I have the dubious honour of kennelling the 'doodoo' this week having only amassed 21 points. I saved Mike Tarry the pleasure... he only had 22!!! In the balls.... "Curly Wurly" Freeman again managed to get Nearest the Pin at the 12th. He does this with amazing regularity !!! In 3rd place we had Lydia on 34 points. In 2nd we had 'Wee Dougie" Broderick on 36 points and Leader of the Pack, for the second week running and despite having had his handicap severely lacerated, we have Ian Wright on either 37 or 38 points.... depending on who counts the points apparently!! Irrespective.... his handicap is in for another amputation. "Wee Dougie" and Lydia suffer the same fate !!

See you at the Dogs dinner on Friday and for golf on Saturday at the usual time and the usual place..... !!