The Sprightly Crew Golf Society

La Tercia away day results

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 20:11:00 GMT

Twenty Six members and guests of the Sprightly Crew Golf Society made their way to La Tercia Golf near Murcia for a Texas Pairs Stableford competition. For once, despite the change to an earlier tee time, everyone arrived on time. The course was in very good condition and the Society was well treated by La Tercia staff who made us very welcome on the day. The weather stayed very good with a minimal amount of wind, which apparently La Tercia is known for come mid afternoon.

There was the normal amount of problems on the course particularly when there is plenty of water floating around. The number of shots played out of the ‘water holes’ or ramblas as some called them, was reminiscent of Camposol. Needless to say a significant amount of balls were lost particularly on the admission of two players, Bob Ditchfield and Jim Chapman, who both appeared to have bad days at the office!!!. Still the comments from most people were that it was a course worth visiting again despite it being only 9 holes.

There was some good golf on the day and even though the final scores appeared low it was encouraging as it was a new course to 95% of the people playing. Some of the par threes proved unreachable on the day – even with a driver!!! But this was not helped playing off of the Whites for the second nine.

The winners on the day were as follows:

First: - Bob Ditchfield, Bob White – 34

Second: - John Bennett, Martin Edwards – 32 on Countback

Third: - Pete Marshall, Mick Smith – 32 on Countback

Nearest the Pins were competed for on all the Par threes and a nearest the pin in two on the par 4 eighteenth hole. It was decided that you could only win one prize on the Par 3’s but that not deter Eddie Fry who won on two but could only claim one prize.

The results are as follows :-

Hole 2 Yellows Eddie Fry 4.47 metres

Hole 4 Yellows Bob White 1.78 metres

Hole 7 Yellows Not Won

Hole 11 Whites John Bennett 25 metres

Hole 13 Whites Pip Hammonds 3.91 metres

Hole 16 Whites Not Won

Hole 18 in 2 Whites Martin Edwards 3.9 metres

The Lowest Score was 24 points achieved by Jeff Ruellan and Jim Chapman.

All in all it was a very good day for the golfers, golf in general and for forming friendships both on and off the course. There were, however, several complaints from a following Golf Society about the Sprightly Crew slow play. At one stage there were 14 people from the other society waiting on one tee for our groups despite there being no hold up at the front of us. We need to avoid slow play as much as possible but what we must not do is spoil our game at the cost of rushing. I therefore urge Sprightly crew groups to keep up with play ahead of them and play conscientiously. However, despite this it was a most enjoyable day. A big thanks goes therefore to all those who supported the day out and the after golf activities in the bar..

Jim Chapman

Secretary TSC

Away Day La Tercia Tuesday 16 March 2010

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Sun, 24 Jan 2010 13:53:00 GMT

Golfing Day Out

Venue: La Tercia

Date: Tuesday 16 March 2010

First Tee Time: 1030 hours

The next Sprightly Crew Away Day has been booked at La Tercia Golf near Balsicas on Tuesday 16 March 2010. It is a 9 hole course set in the United Golf Resorts Complex about ten minutes from Sierra Golf (the other Masa complex). The cost of the 18 holes, including buggy, will be 35 Euros.

Will anyone wishing to attend the Away Day please put their name below, along with their current handicap and telephone contact number. The provisional booking is for 20 golfers, but this may be exceeded as the day is open to guests as well as Sprightly Crew members. The cost does not include travel to the course with people making their own way, or, as per previous Away Days, travel in convoy.

The Day will consist of:

A Team Competition, of two or more players, to be determined when final numbers are known. Teams will be drawn on an even spread of Handicaps.

Nearest the Pin for each of the Par Threes.

Two (2) Euros per person will be collected on the day to provide First, Second and maybe Third Prize Awards (dependent on numbers attending).

Payment for the day should be given to Jim Chapman or Jeff Ruellan preferably prior to the day. They will be available on any Tuesday (1000 – 1100 and after 1600) or Thursday (after 1400) at Sensol Golf. Alternatively they are contactable on 680957144/620406290 should you wish to make other arrangements or have any other questions about the day. A deposit of 10 Euros will be accepted initially and the remainder can be collected on the day. Closing date for names will be Thursday 11 March 2010 so that I can confirm numbers with La Tercia.

Travel Arrangements

There will be no arranged travel i.e. coach to get us there, instead it will fall to individuals or groups to make their own way. However, to try and make it easier it is proposed to meet at the Car Park opposite the Consum Roundabout at 0815 to leave about 0830. We will then go in convoy. Ideally joint travel would shorten the length of the convoy and avoid the risk of anyone getting lost. These arrangements are not compulsory and if you choose to travel independently you should be at La Tercia for 0945 hours. The journey is approximately 50-60 minutes and the first Tee time is 1030hours.

Jim Chapman

Sprightly Crew

Altorreal Away Day Results

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 16:43:00 GMT

Twenty Seven members and guests of the Sprightly Crew Golf Society made their way to Altorreal Golf near Murcia for a Texas Scramble Pairs competition. Like Aguilon another couple of travel hiccups meant that some starts were rushed although did not stop those delayed from being amongst the prizes. Some evidence of a slightly waterlogged part of the 18^th green but all in all the entire course was in good condition given the time of year. The day commenced in overcast conditions and finished in light rain, and although cold did not deter some good golf and scores.

Speaking just for my group there were some interesting tee shots first off at right angles to the left, then to the right and even some gathering snow on their way back to the tee!!! In addition there was the problem with not one but two buggies being driven by Brian Tape and Geoff Doyle failing to complete the course and needing pushing first along the ninth and then the 16, 17 and 18th holes. Was it dodgy batteries or were they overloaded (with golf equipment !!!). One of the par threes was also won by the ball taking a detour through the bunker – it was just one of those days. I am sure there were many other tales of woe and success throughout the day. Still at the end everyone agreed that it had been a most enjoyable day despite the damp and wet conditions. The winners on the day were as follows:

First: - Ian Ross, Keith Lewry – 39

Second: - Jim Chapman, Rod Brown – 37

Third: - Kev Smith, Pete Moffat – 35

Nearest the Pins were competed for on all of the Par threes and a nearest the pin in two on the par 4 fourth hole. The results are as follows (this proved somewhat difficult at first as none of the markers had the number of the hole they represented written on it!!!!):-

Hole 4 (in 2) Phil Halton 6 metres

Hole 5 Brian Tape 1.48 metres

Hole 8 Brian Hills 8.65 metres

Hole 10 Pip Hammonds 2.31 metres

Hole 17 Bob Evans 3.65 metres

The Lowest Score was 29 points achieved by Phil Halton and John Mitten but this was still very creditable given the conditions.

All in all it was a very good day for the golfers, golf in general and for forming friendships both on and off the course. A big thanks goes therefore to all those who supported the day out.

Jim Chapman

Secretary TSC

Away Day Altorreal Tuesday 12 Jan 10

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Sat, 19 Dec 2009 13:18:00 GMT

Golfing Day Out

Venue: Altorreal

Date: Tuesday 12 January 2010

First Tee Time: 1030 hours

The next Sprightly Crew Away Day has been booked at Altorreal Golf near Molina Segura on Tuesday 12 January 2010. The cost of the 18 holes, including buggy, will be 45 Euros.

The Day will consist of:

A Team Competition, of two or more players, to be determined when final numbers are known. Teams will be drawn on an even spread of Handicaps.

Nearest the Pin for each of the Par Threes.

Two (2) Euros per person will be collected on the day to support First, Second and maybe Third Prize Awards (dependent on numbers attending).

Payment for the day should be given to Jim Chapman or Jeff Ruellan preferably prior to the day. They will be available on a Tuesday (1000 – 1100 and after 1600) or Thursday (after 1400) at Sensol Golf. Alternatively they are contactable on 680957144/620406290 should you wish to make other arrangements or have any other questions about the day. Payment will also be accepted on the day. Closing date for names will be Friday 8 January 2010.

Travel Arrangements

There will be no arranged travel i.e. coach to get us there, instead it will fall to individuals or groups to make their own way. However, to try and make it easier it is proposed to meet at the Car Park opposite the Consum Roundabout at 0815 to leave about 0830. We will then go in convoy. Ideally joint travel would shorten the length of the convoy and avoid the risk of anyone getting lost. These arrangements are not compulsory and if you choose to travel independently you should be at Altorreal for 0945 hours. The journey is approximately 60 minutes.

Jim Chapman

Sprightly Crew

Provisional Booking December Evening Meal

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:23:00 GMT

December Evening Dinner

Consideration is being given to having an evening dinner near to Xmas on Friday December 18 2009. Discussions have been entered into with the owner of Leonardo’s, an Italian (Sicilian) restaurant in Puerto de Mazarron behind Mercadona’s. They are prepared to provide a Menu Del Noche complete with a Half Bottle of Wine for 20 Euros per person with other drinks being paid for as consumed – this is considered reasonable for good quality food so close to Xmas.

Bearing in mind that this is an Italian Restaurant the majority of the food WILL be Italian and maybe not to everyone’s choice. Leonardo’s will offer some alternatives but they will be limited. A Provisional proposal from Leonardo’s is to offer a Fish dish, Meat Dish and Vegetarian Dish per course with sweet to be selected on the night. Alternatively, they will bring a variety of dishes to the table so that people can try something from every dish – we therefore trust their expertise in selecting quality dishes.

They are currently working on alternatives and will provide a menu for consideration very shortly. The purpose of this email is to seek support for the evening bearing in mind that maximum numbers, which can be accommodated at the Restaurant, is 40.

Can you please indicate by return email whether you wish to come along with wives, partners etc? Guests will again, also be welcome, subject to Sprightly Crew members getting first refusal.

This is a good opportunity for us all to meet and celebrate the year just before Xmas. I look forward to your support.

Jim Chapman

Secretary

Aguilon Away Day Results

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 19:02:00 GMT

Twenty Two members and guests of the Sprightly Crew Golf Society made their way to Aguilon Golf near Aguilas for a Texas Scramble Pairs competition. A few hiccups in travel directions nearly caused a delay in proceedings but ultimately everyone arrived in time on a gloriously sunny day. The course was in pristine condition and proved to be quite a challenge to some of the ‘Crew’.

JJ the amiable and helpful manager of Aguilon Golf was there to meet and greet and he gave some words of comfort by offering us the use of the White Tees to play our tournament – needless to say we declined rather rapidly as some of the tee shots from the yellows had already given us cause for serious concern.

The tournament went ahead with some good scores being returned along the way as well as some scores that ought to be forgotten!!! The winners on the day were as follows:

First: - Mike Pearson, Rod Brown – 36

Second: - Bob White, Geoff Cuthbert – 34

Third: - Martin Edwards, Phil Halton – 32 on Countback

Nearest the Pins were competed for on all of the Par threes but only four were won the 12^th proving far too elusive so the results are as follows:-

Hole 4 Eddie Williams 1.8 metres

Hole 8 Andy Thomas 8.2 metres

Hole 10 Bob White 5.75 metres

Hole 17 Martin Edwards 2.27 metres

The Lowest Score was 14 points achieved by Jim Chapman and Bob Ditchfield – Bob had an excuse in that he was off colour but for Jim there was no excuse and he has promised to buck up !!!

JJ of Aguilon generously donated the Winners main prize of two free rounds of golf at the course to each member of the winning pair. He also donated two smaller prizes for the runners up. The prizes were greatly appreciated by the Sprightly Crew and our sincere thanks go to JJ for his generosity and support of our Society. We will definitely be returning again to Aguilon for a third year next year.

All in all it was a very good day for the golfers, golf in general and for forming friendships and partnerships with like minded golfers and management teams. A big thanks goes therefore to all those who supported the day out.

Away Day Aguilon 25 November 2009

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:54:00 GMT

The first away day is scheduled to take place at Aguilon on Wednesday 25 November 2009. The first tee time has been arranged for 1030 hours for a group of 16 people at a cost of 40 euros including a buggy.
I have had 9 confirmations already but am looking to bring the numbers up to the required 16 as soon as possible so that I can confirm with Aguilon.
You will note that the date has changed from Tuesday 24 to Wednesday 25 November 2009 to include as many of the Sprightly Crew as possible. This date allows at least 2 others to come along. As always guests are welcome to attend but please let me know names and handicaps asap.
This will be our first away day of the new season and hopefully as successful as previous outings.
Transport arrangements will be similar to other outings with those from camposol and surrounding areas meeting at Camposol Roundabout car park (Car sharing where possible) at 0815 and then on to meet the Port people at the toll road junction at 0845. Of course if you want to travel separately then we will meet you in Aguilon no later than 0945 to enable collection of buggies and coffee etc.
Hope to see as many as possible there. Prize donations always welcome but we do now have some money in the bank account following successful Tuesday competitions and fines.
Having spoken to JJ at Aguilon he has said that cost will be reduced to 35 euros per person if we can get 30 people. ´Just a thought´.
Format for the day has yet to be decided but there will be the normal Nearest The Pin prizes. A small (2 euros probably) will be collected on the day.

I will Wait to hear from you all.
Regards
Jim Chapman

Secretary

Challenge Shield at La Serena and Presentation Evening

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:02:00 GMT

The first Sprightly Crew Championship was held at a Serena on Friday 9 October 2009. Twenty One Members and guests competed for the Challenge Shield and Guest Prize along with Nearest The Pin prizes. The sun shone down on us all throughout the day and the course was in excellent condition. The course provided its usual challenges with all the lakes full to catch our balls!!!. Not all balls landed in the water as the roof of one of the buggies got the full force of one of Fred Swift´s shots (both the occupants were ok!!).

All the Nearest The Pins were won, much to my surprise given the length of some of the tee shots. Andy Thomas won two of them, a third by Juatin Orme and the final one going to Eddie Williams for a glorious shot which landed 17 METREs from the pin, disappointed that he was so close to a hole in one!!!! The nearest the pin in 2 was won by Tony Chatterton.

The Guest Winner for the Day was Eddie Williams with 32 Points. Third overall was Pip Hammonds with 29 points, second was Martin Edwqards with 32 points with the inaugural Champion being Ron Smith with a grand total of 33 points. Congratulations go to all the winners and a big thankyou to Andy at La Serena for supporting us in our first major tournament.

The Golfing Day was immediately followed by an evening function held at Chez Zoe on the Paseo in Puerto Mazarron. There was an excellent menu provided by Zoe and the wine flowed very freely all evening. A total of 50 members and guests attended in a small but intimate location. Following the meal the presentation took place for the end of season Championship plus the award of prize for the day. A sparkling speech was made by the Captain of the TSC, Chris Ashby, who gave thanks for those attending and for the generous donations received for prizes throughout the season and in particular for Huw Price who was not in attendance but gave his entire season savings to the event. Chris then gave an overview of the season and the support given by the members, non members who have supported our events throughout the year, but in particular to the WAGOGs who had played a significant part in social events.

Chris was then followed by the Chairman John Orme, who reiterated the thanks already highlighted by Chris and added his own personal thanks for support received, and he did not resign once during his speech!!!!.

John then proceeded to present the awards for La Serena and the recipients duly came forward to collect their prizes. There was one additional prize for the lowest score on the day which went to Gordon Pride. However as Gordon was a guest he could not receive the final award of the booby prize which was a Golf grip and shaft topped with a golf ball (to be carried by the winner in his golf bag for the next year) and lovingly called the ´Blind stick’. This was awarded, on count back, to Jeff Ruellan, a grateful recipient, who scored a total of 19 points.

John went on to present the prizes for the League Cup that had been competed for over the previous six months. In third place with an average of 34.6 points was Ron Smith; in second place on 34.8 points was Eddie Fry and the overall winner who had shown the greatest consistency was Chris Ashby with an average of 35.9 points. This concluded the presentations and speeches but the evening carried on with everyone enjoying the atmosphere and company.

All in all an excellent days’ golf and an even better social event rounded off a very successful first season of the Sprightly Crew.

End of Season Evening Function

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Dear All, due to the low attendance at La Serena (11) for 22 September 2009, I have had to cancel and reschedule it for Friday 9 OCtober 2009. This will coincide with the end of season get together, details of which are attached to this email.

The details for the day out at La Serena will remain the same as below:

The Sprightly Crew Challenge Shield will be played for on Friday 9 October 2009 at La Serena Golf course, near Los Alcazares. This will be the first annual singles competition open to all Sprightly Crew members, although guests will be welcome to take part, but for a separate prize. There will also be the usual Nearest The Pin prizes to play for and again some donations will be more than welcome, but prior to the day so that I can assess what prizes to give.

Currently we have 20 spaces booked, which we need to fill, and the cost will be 37.50 for 18 holes including buggy, with the option of an additional 3.50 for a breakfast. Additional places may also be available for guests but I will need to know sooner rather than later to gain the additional tee times (and more importantly reserve the buggies). First Tee time will again be 1030 starting from the 1st tee. Travel arrangements will be notified nearer the date but will probably be the same as previous trips, but obviously leaving earlier (0800) for those having breakfast.

As stated above there is a menu attached to this email for Chez Zoe on the Paseo in the Port. It is a specially put together Menu Del Noche with the retaurant handed over entirely to the Sprightly Crew for the evening. Presentations will be made to both League and Competition winner on the night. Both Captain and Chairman will be required to make the appropriate speeches.

It is important that we notify the Golf Course (for Buggy Reservation and Breakfast) and Restaurant of numbers of those attending and their Menu Choice and I therefore ask that you select your food choice for the evening with the necessary details to me by 22 September 2009. Guests are more than welcome for both functions (this especially includes those who have played with the Sprightly Crew this season) but I cannot stress enough of the importance of having final numbers and choices in order to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day and in the evening.

Please send the appropriate details to me by email so that I have a firm record to work with (attached is a sheet to indicate your choice).

Any Questions please don't hesitate to contact me.

Yours in Golfing

Jim Chapman
Secretary

Challenge Shield - La Serena

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:54:00 GMT

The Sprightly Crew Challenge Shield will be played for on Tuesday 22 September at La Serena Golf course, near Los Alcazares. This will be the first annual singles competition open to all Sprightly Crew members, although guests will be welcome to take part, but for a separate prize. There will also be the usual Nearest The Pin prizes to play for and again some donations will be more than welcome, but prior to the day so that I can assess what prizes to give.

Currently we have 20 spaces booked, which we need to fill, and the cost will be 37.50 for 18 holes including buggy, with the option of an additional 3.50 for a breakfast. Additional places may also be available for guests but I will need to know sooner rather than later to gain the additional tee times (and more importantly reserve the buggies). First Tee time will again be 1030 but starting from the 10th tee. Travel arrangements will be notified nearer the date but will probably be the same as previous trips, but obviously leaving earlier (0800) for those having breakfast.

Please either confirm your requirements to me by email, phone or on a Tuesday at Sensol. Last date for places will be Tuesday 15 September 2009.

Yours in Golfing

Jim Chapman (Sec)

Mosa Trajectum Results

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Sat, 25 Jul 2009 09:22:00 GMT

The Day out at Mosa proved both challenging and extremely hot, so hot that the course was virtually bone dry and the lakes empty. Golf was somewhat difficult at times not knowing where the fairway and the rough joined because of the overall brown effect!!! However, it still proved to be a very good day which was rounded off by an excellent BBQ spread provided by the Mosa chef. Most players wore their new Sprightly Crew Shirts for which thanks are due to Ron Smith for organising the purchase.

19 players took part, including six guests and two invalids (Jeff and Jim, and their scores reflect this!!!). A pairs competition was won by Ron Smith and Pip Hammonds with a best score of 41 points, second was Andy Thomas and John Mitten with a best score of 41 points. Guest winner on an individual basis was Colin Cummins with and individual score of 33. the Four NTP prizes were won by, Colin Cummins, Pip Hammonds, Phil Halton, Chris Ashby and John Orme, so congratulations to all the winners on the day, although overall I think we were all winners with an excellent day out.

Grand Mundo 12 June 2009

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 22:36:00 GMT

For those fortunate enough to make it I believe it was a very good outing for the Sprightly Crew, wives and Partners!!!. The wine and spirits flowed freely and the food was first class. Speeches were made by the Chairman and Captain who made reference to those unable to make it due to family bereavement.

As the few pictures in the gallery demonstrate, (taken on Jeff's Brownie - thank you), everyone, except Lorna and myself (the Brownie ran out of film!!), managed to get on camera in a variety of different poses with complimenting expressions.

With none meant to offend I hope that everyone had a great evening and are looking forward to future functions.

Handicap Review

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Fri, 12 Jun 2009 13:55:00 GMT

Following Tuesday's game (9 June 09) a Handicap proposal was received from the Captain of the Crew regarding how Handicaps are altered with play. It has been agreed, by the Crew and Handicap Secretary (who will manage it as normal), that Handicaps will only be adjusted by the normal 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 (depending on Golfing Category), when a player either fails to achieve 30 points or exceeds 36 points, now known as the 'Buffer Zone'. If a player scores within this zone then their handicap will remain the same. In addition, handicaps will be adjusted by the said amount (0.1, 0.2, 0.3) only once per round and not for every point above and below the buffer zone. This will mean that handicaps will not vary by any significant amount between individual rounds and we will not get to the situation where everyone reaches 28 by the end of the season.

With the above in mind and with effect from Tuesday 16 June 2009 the Crew's handicaps will revert to their existing CGA or equivalent, with the exception of Bob Ditchfield who will start at 24. Maximum handicap will remain at 28.

Mosa Trajectum Away Day

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 16:32:00 GMT

It has been agreed that the next away day on the 21 July 09 will be at Mosa Trajectum. Tee off time will be at 1030 hours. Travel arrangements are the same as for Sierra golf with the exception that the departure time will be0845 hrs so meet between 0830 and 0845. For those that wish to travel seperately, as before, I will endeavour to source a map and email it to you or put it on the website. The course is situated off of the 3319 going north from the AP7.

The cost of the day will be 40 euros which includes 18 holes, buggy and BBQ, a very good deal.

I have had many expressions of interest but would ask that confirmation be given by email or comment on the web site. Currently we are booked for 16 players so early confirmation may determine whether I need to change the booking or not.

Away Day at Sierra Golf

sprightlycrew@hotmail.com — Wed, 20 May 2009 21:00:00 GMT

The First Away Day for the Crew took place at Sierra Golf got of to a good start with bacon sandwiches, Coffee and a bucket of balls. One hiccup was the fact that the Boys from the Port seem to have mislaid their navigational know how getting lost on the way but still making it with plenty of time to spare. 15 players took part, 14 members and one Guest all enjoying the course, providing you stayed on the grass and off of the dirt and cart tracks, which were to say the least scruffy.

The weather stayed warm although it was overcast but nevertheless there were some good scores returned. Three ball teams took part with the best combined Stableford points total of two out of the three players pn each hole. The event was won by Andy Thomas, Jeff Ruellan and our guest John Bentham. Andy scored a very creditable 37 points individually, with John Bentham posting 31. The combined team score was 76.

The presentation took place in the bar (Hut) with most people reliving some of the experiences of the course. All in all I believe it was a very successful day considering the cost and what the group got for their money. Photos have been posted in the Gallery.

Looking forward to the next one.