The countryside on the trip up was very dry and brown, and the Course was pretty well in the same category. With the temperature reaching 36 degrees, it was a very hot day and even though there was a breeze throughout, the only respite came when the odd cloud threw a shadow on the Course. A check of the photo from 8th April last year will show the difference in the colour of the grass.

The field ended up on 60 (49 men and 11 ladies after 8 late withdrawals. Of these, 2 were our guests from Niagara Therapy, Ian Bellion and Brent Leadbetter, who sponsored the winners trophies of the day. They enjoyed the game of golf but, as their primary aim was to promote their product, they circulated freely with members after the game. At this stage they hope to make two more visits during the year.

Esk, like our other Courses, has had a very dry season and preferred lie was in place ‘through the green’. One positive was the amount of run on the Fairways, but, by the look of the scores, most failed to make the most of this assistance. The Greens had just undergone the yearly Autumn maintenance and putting was quite a lottery on some of them.

The volunteer cooks did themselves proud with the offering before play (See the first photo which shows the pikelets, slices and date loaf). Anyone who couldn’t find something to make his/her mouth water is just too hard to please. And then lunch was another great success and included sweets also.

The only score of the day in the 40’s was Ken Davey’s 41, so naturally he won Division 2. In Division 1, Peter Frazer’s 36 was the best of the 4 in contention in Division 1, and enabled him to have his first win with us. The Gatton duo of Jackie Collins and Lisa Taylor fought out the Ladies Division. Jackie won but Lisa got a Pin Shot as well as Runner-up.

Photos.

1. Well might they smile. Look what they’re offering.

2. Rod’s checking that the photographer doesn’t distract Ian Bellion’s putt.

3. The others are getting a word in while Bob quenches his thirst.

4. Jackie receives her well-earned Winner’s voucher from Ian Bellion, Niagara’s National Sales Manager.

The next game is an 8.30am Shotgun start at Lowood on Monday 31st March. At the following game at Rosewood on Monday 7th April we host our visitors from Woodford. It will be a 9.00am Shotgun start to allow Woodford players to arrive and to have some nourishment.

Note: The game after Rosewood is at Gailes on 28th April, after a couple of years absence. It is reported to be in very good condition.