Falling in the immediate shadow of the imperious 25th Wedge Trophy, there was a risk this Wedge could have been a damp squib. No such half measures in The Wedge – it was actually biblically wet!
Many non-Wedge Walton members were bemoaning the weather and jumping on the arc sized bandwagon to curse the cruel and shocking twist of fate that it could rain in late October.
The Wedge Trophy teams were a little hardier, and those that weren’t were cajoled into donning the waterproofs, our tenacity was rewarded. By the time the last group had played the par 3 first on the New (WHGC love a par 3 opener!), the skies were clearing. Even a rainbow would show it’s face before Karrberg tuned up.
Captain Hedges had to play the first ever solo round by a Deal man, or woman. It all proved too much as he chalked up a loss to the Scottish pairing of Tillie and Moultrie. Notable S. Tillie has befriended a rudimentary piece of Artificial Intelligence, formally serving as a porta potty, it now carries his clubs around the Heath.
Humorously Michael had paired together the greatest height differential ever seen in golf – in a scene best imagined as Peter Crouch playing golf with Ian Woosnam, Deal’s Nicholson played with the country mouse Biggs. Clearly distracted by Biggs talking extensively to Nicholson’s crotch all morning, the sportier / younger Waud and VC Ezra-Berryman went down to Crouch and Woosey.
Two men started the day with the unwanted moniker of record losing streaks, one of those men was House of Payne. He had recruited the insatiable Simeon Stevens to end that run, however, redemption plans were scuppered as in form Shipton and snorkel wearing Spearpoint put in a sharp ship shape performance for Deal.
Captain Waud had chosen his big lunching stable mate Webster to take on Shaw & Moore, a firm of solicitors sounding pair – “philandering husband? Be Shaw we can get you Moore”. Whether it was well negotiated or well played, it would be the only halve of the day.
Next up gentleman Gates and Frothy Frith were nearly overhauled having been dormy four to the good. However, Tommy Faz – playing in his first Wedge for a while, welcome back says Waud – and New Yorker Seeley were eventually seen off on the 18th.
Finlay, slayer of Cork, partnered the only Scotsman living in Primrose Hill, Mr Shaw. They would play the second man looking to end a run, in his case; eight consecutive, coincidental, unavoidable and shocking wrongs! Yes, Mason was offered the Loren Roberts putting of C. Wood to salvage his reputation. In a tale that feels sickeningly familiar, a tight game saw Walton come out on top, again on the 18th.
Goujons please! Oh, and welcome Mr Karrberg, a barely noticeable four hours late. Thankfully your extensive purchasing of claret from the good – but not Waud good – wine menu, all was forgiven.
Weather now completely on side we returned to the Heath, Walton defending a modest lunchtime lead (3 ½ played 2 ½).
It would be remiss not to mention at this juncture what a privileged it was to play Walton in the impressive condition in which it was presented. Despite a deluge of rain, the course was looking resplendent, with grass coverage unrecognisable from barely a year ago, allowing for glorious fairways, run offs and greens. Hats officially doffed.
As usual the afternoon report reflects the withering efforts of the writer and undoubted waning patience of the reader.
Three games won on the 18th and three games won 5&4 – I am sure the latter had nothing to do with the looming dark clouds as groups neared the clubhouse coming down the 14th! A special mention must go to the unbeaten men of the day – C. Moultrie, N. Gates, S Frith, M Shaw of Walton and just N. Shaw of Deal. Monumental efforts. Walton ultimately romped home with a 5 – 1 afternoon of domination, only Captain Hedges and rookie Nathan Shaw showing resistance.
It will likely become a significant regret that several years ago I wrote extensively about the “win clock” ticking loudly in Martin Fent’s ear. His losing streak now looks like an insignificant speck in history, as yours truly takes to the top of the podium no one wants to be on. I am reliable informed by my supportive Captain that come the March Wedge, it will be some 1,500+ days since I chalked up any kind of points for Deal. On reflection, I never realised how much a combination of COVID (2020) and fatherhood (2019) had impacted my golf. Am I a hero for persevering? A great Vice Captain for putting my team before my needs? Not for me to say. Yet somehow, amazingly, I couldn’t be more excited for the next Wedge Trophy.I can tell you, that says everything about this wonderful event.
Well played Walton. Until next time.
Samuel ‘SYOS’ Mason, ATTC, RCPGC
