Bridlington 2023 Report

Bridlington 2023 Report

It was back to the East Coast this year for the Annual Portland trip. There was a good field of 24 golfers entered for this four day trip. Our first port of call was Scarborough South Cliff which meant an early start from Manchester. Ernie Rowlands and Martin Claffey came up on the Sunday to save an early start. It didn’t help the mood of the party when we were informed that they stayed at our hotel for the extra night and their verdict on it made comparisons with Fawlty Towers.

The golf was played on a difficult course but a great score by Kevin Bolton saw him take the prize and a handicap reduction. In second place Jay Chambers also took a hit on his handicap

There was only one 2 with Howard Dixon taking the £23 pot.

It was with some trepidation, after initial reports, that we checked into the hotel but the rooms were more than satisfactory. Instead of Manuel we had a Jimmy Nail look alike as our Maitre D and he tried manfully to get us to eat at the same time, he could certainly moan like Oz for those of us who remember Auf Weidersehen Pet. He failed miserably as usual suspects, no names no pack drill, stayed in the 19th hole at Scarborough for a refreshing beer.  Entertainment as usual was provided by our past Captain Mr Rowlands who this year managed to keep himself and his trolley out of the bunkers. 

Hornsea was our next port of call following what was a decent breakfast.  There were only 3 par 3’s on this course but Joe Boyd and Dave O’Leary (good to see Dave back) sharing the 2’s pot. It was a close call in the first 3 with Jay finishing top with 36 points and another handicap reduction. Andy Southworth also collecting a reduction.

The usual chaos ensued at dinner but eventually we all dined and after prize giving we settled down to another Ernie quiz. 

Bridlington was our next course and once again 2’s proved hard to get with Ian Hopkins being the sole recipient of the £23. K Bolton won this day but it was the younger version in Keith that picked up the prize with Joe Boyd in 2nd and much older brother Kevin in 3rd ( fortunately for Kevin only the first two get handicap reductions.

It was Steak Night in the hotel and a number of us paid the supplement to sample East Coast Cattle. Ernie once again hosting the evening entertainment . 

Checking out of the hotel we travelled a short distance to Flamborough Head for final day’s golf.

Once again in Major Golf tradition the four leading contenders went out last. Jay Chambers, Joe Boyd, Keith Bolton and Kevin Bolton were the lucky four.  There were 4 par 3’s and although they all produced a nearest the pin no-one was able to sink a 2. The resulting prize money was donated to the Portland Captain John Cowburn at the next event for his charity.

The tension must have been too much for the final group as the first 3 all came out of the pack.

So how did the week finish Kevin Bolton managed to do enough to keep the challengers at bay to become the 2023 winner of the Jeff Hindle Memorial Wales Trophy. Brother Keith, Dave Baynes (bridesmaid for 2nd year running) and Andy Southworth tying for 2nd.

Results

 In the year of the new King we have King Kevin Of Bridlington. (Crown courtesy of Rob Chadwick)

 Well Done Kevin

Thanks to Ian Ringwood for organising and look forward to next year wherever that be.