A field of 44 took part in the first Willows golf tournament held at the Coringa Golf Club on Friday 30th April 2021 in fine but coldish late afternoon conditions. The course was picturesque in autumn splendour and the greens surprised many with their slick pace.
The format was Ambrose and scoring was competitive — not surprising as there were some powerful fours including three Hadlee brothers (Richard, Dayle and Martin), the Canterbury Over- 60s cricket team, two teams arranged by Dan Vann and two teams organised by Ben Dormer. It was great to see Joe Bennett back in The Willows fold and his presence meant his four was the loudest if not the most successful.
The tournament was graced by the presence of our landlady Mrs Winsome Dormer who together with a long time Dormer family friend Angus Innes drove the drinks cart and ensured a constant supply of refreshments to players.
Dave Kelly is well known for his high scoring at The Willows but on this occasion low scoring was his forte and together with brother Louis, Ben Blair and Toby Giles this four won the tournament comfortably.
Competition for minor placings was closely contested with decimal points separating five teams . The Lee Robinson four finished second just ahead of one of the teams arranged by Dan Vann. Other prizes won on the day were closest to the pin (Ray Polson) and longest drive (Jim Stringleman).
The craic at the 19th was amplified by a generous bar tab donated by our chairman. This was further exemplified by a celebrated scribe announcing he was coming out of retirement and would be playing his 50th game for The Willows next season.
Winsome generously donated two spot prizes and the winners were Dayle Hadlee and Jarred McMillan.
It is the intention of the committee to make this an annual event, probably on the last Friday in April each year. Thanks are recorded to those who assisted on the day in so many ways – Nick Davidson, Winsome Dormer, Ben Dormer, Paul Rutledge, Di & Errol Woodward, Angus Innes and the staff at the Coringa Golf Club.