For the second of our “Top 100” events this year we visited “Robin Hood” country and the top two ranked courses in Nottinghamshire, Hollinwell & Sherwood Forest.
On arrival at Sherwood Forest for round one we were greeted with a fabulously conditioned course but stormy skies and the chance of rain. As the group started to tee off this threat materialised and the heavens opened followed by the distant sound of thunder. The club took the decision to sound the claxon so play was suspended for 30 minutes. Most groups took shelter and waited for the re-start. The sky cleared and play resumed and as the scores started to come in it became clear the weather had not affected some. Garry Taylor & Sue Bartram were the first team to post a solid 38 points, quickly followed by Neil & Teresa Davies & Robin & Elaine Johns. Three pairs then went one point better to shoot 39 points.
As we waited for the final two groups to arrive the thunder returned and the claxon was sounded. Play was again suspended and the couples took shelter by the seventeenth green. Once the clouds cleared play resumed and remarkably all 24 couples completed their rounds. It was worth the wait as the final pair of the day, Derek & Jane Shiels in the worst of weather shot a remarkable and best of the day score of 43 points.
We retired to The Mour hotel for our group dinner and for the first time in 18 months, because of Covid restrictions, returned to a favoured tables of 8 which only added to the fabulous atmosphere of the evening.
Day 2 was played at the fabulous Notts Club (Hollinwell) consistently ranked inside the top 20 golf courses in England. The course had recently held final “Open” qualifying so was in wonderful condition but with the rough “up” and winds gusting up to 40mph it was going to prove a very stern test.
Our couples had other ideas though, as the first match in comprising of Paul & Sam Edwards & Terry Somerfield & Gill Winstanley posted fabulous scores of 40 & 42 points respectively. By the end of the day five couples had tied first so it was going to come down to a nail-biting countback decision. Our overnight leaders, Derek & Jane Shiels proved to be one of this elite group, so by being top scorers on both days became truly worthy winners of The Nottingham Mixed Pairs title.
Special thanks go to both Sherwood Forest & Hollinwell golf clubs for not only presenting their courses in such wonderful condition, but for taking such great care of us all during our visit.
Sherwood Forest
1st Cliff & Lynn Duggleby 39pts c/b
2nd Kevin & Helen Gould 39pts c/b
Hollinwell
1st Stuart & Val Robinson 42pts c/b
2nd Edwin & Lol Lewis 42pts c/b
Overall Winners of The Nottingham Mixed Pairs
Derek & Jane Shiels 43pts + 42pts Total 85pts
Congratulation to all our Winners!