Now that visitors are allowed on other golf courses, open competitions are returning to the sporting scene, and Cumbria clubs are no exception.
Entries are filling up and spare time slots difficult to come by, which is great news for clubs.
Two senior opens at Penrith Golf Club attracted 150 competitors.
The first was a 4BBB mixed pairs Stableford, which attracted entries from across the county and beyond. The weather was kind to the competitors, and was reflected in some high scoring rounds — 36 points being the norm.
Scores — 1 Mick Casey/Angie Casey (away club), 44 points (card play-off); 2 A. Taylor/C. Taylor (Penrith), 44; 3 Les Simpson/Pam Simpson (Penrith) 44; 4 M. Morrison/L Morrison (away), 43.
Congratulations were given to all concerned, especially to Pam Simpson, who scored a hole-in-one.
The clubhouse catering staff provided drinks and meals for those who felt able to enter the clubhouse, in which social distancing remains the norm — and very well organised it is, too.
The second open tournament was a senior men’s pairs Stableford with a full entry from 7-30am to 4pm. The weather was wet until well into the afternoon session, but that did not prevent yet more high scores.
Results: 1 P. Dobinson and J. Airey (Penrith), 45 points; 2 A. Kirkpatrick and T. Little (Penrith and Carlisle), 44 (card play-off); 3 M. Cartwright and T. McAvoy (away), 44; 4 D. Casson and G. Ross (away), 44.
Credit should be given to Will Dean, vice-captain and chairman of the greens’ committee, and staff for the excellent course conditions.
Thanks were also given to the professionals, Andrew Sowerby and Tim Dykes, for marking the cards, and the volunteer starters from the club’s membership.
Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to make formal presentations under current restrictions, but winners will be informed as soon as possible, and have been thanked for taking part.