Before I update on what happened last night I think it is appropriate to remind ourselves as to whom last night’s trophy is dedicated, no other than two of the original founding frogs Dave Moody and Don McGregor who sadly passed away in recent years. For those of the younger frogs who perhaps did not have the pleasure to enjoy their company on many a froggie and non froggie occasion, they were two of the finest characters you could ever meet and it is fitting we should remember them on this occasion.

What they would have made of last nights competition format, god only knows but time has evolved and new formats are obviously interesting, as long as they are advised well in advance. Clearly the format was set up for the big hitting,talented frogs of which we have a few; otherwise why would a Frenchman play with a South African and a Scotsman with an Englishman; two clear favourites, with Botty and Stevie B, defending their crown won so convincingly last year.

As to the first tee, on a hot,sweaty evening, those not in shorts were to be uncomfortable, with Simon doing his best to explain Frank’s wishes as to competition format; by the time Maarten and I teed off the rules were more or less understood- a two team scramble with some complicated calculation of handicaps which not many understood and effectively took handicapping out of the equation. But there was an interesting twitch with each player having to contribute three tee offs- a feature carefully followed in our group certainly!

Anyhow all ten teams got safely off with Johnnie S as a last minute sub for the over worked Danny K (who does he work for now?)

With three birdies in their first five holes and three under par, the question on everyone’s lips was could the Dutchman of Precision and his Scottish partner with dicky knees,whom no one wished to play with, maintain their impressive start? You will have to wait and see!

MixVoip the competition sponsors had put up a number of lovely prizes and were profiling a charity: Catch a Smile a.s.b.l.
A worthy cause which we were able to contribute to and which Frank has separately reported on!

As to the novelty prizes, Nearest The Bottle on the 3rd was won by no other than Johnnie S, who we understand was trying to fade his ball round the corner to the green but instead drew it into the middle of the fairway and landed up close to the designated bottle In the middle of the fairway.

Nearest the water on the 5th was won by our South African b…., who hit an enormous drive over the water and landed in his own pitch mark just across the burn. Quite a shot by all accounts.

Nearest the pin on the 11th went to James where a spanking 8 iron went very close indeed.

Longest drive on the 6th went to Chris Juste who hit a stonker to within 35 yards of the green; where have you been Chris, we have missed you and where did that drive come from!

Back to the main event , the favourites were doing well but perhaps not as well as their pre-tournament status had foreseen.

Another pairing keeping the De Grote/Robertson team in their sight and playing together was the James King/ Martin Shapiro partnership, quite a pairing this one, the highly experienced King with his happy go lucky novice Shapiro.

Not to be outdone, one unlikely pairing of Richard Neale and Will Heath (welcome back Will, you have been missed) were also going along nicely.

Back to the Leaders’ progress their early birdie blitz could not be continued, and after missing a makeable birdie on 6,it was hands to the pumps with the short games of both players being tested before pars were saved on the final holes. So signing off three under par, with 23 points we knew we were likely to be in the frame somewhere.

As to final placings,

5th, Craig and Arnaud, 19 points- (two under par plus handicap of 1)
4th. Botty and Stevie B, 20 points- (two under par with no handicap adjustment)
3rd. Will and Richard, 20 points winning on countback- ( 1 over par with handicap of 3)
2nd James and Martin, 21 points- ( 1 under par with handicap of 2)
1st. Maarten and Dennis, 23 points- ( 3 under par with handicap of 2)

There you go, quite quite a tight finish with some special liquor prizes being aptly presented by Frank Maitry on behalf of MixVOip.

There was some other action before close of play with Frank and Jess claiming a sponsor’s exemption to avoid receiving the cabbage which turned out to be a cauliflower (luxembourgers don’t know the difference), which was then passed to Tony and Colin.

Some remaining prizes were kindly donated by Frank under a quickly organised Tombola, to those frogs who had not yet won a prize must to the annoyance of Johnnie S!

A final thank you to Frank and here’s to next year with another competition format!

And final thoughts to Don and Dave who were overseeing last nights goings on with some amusement!

Cheers

Dennis and Captain Maarten