This annual mixed fixture nearly seemed like it wouldn’t happen this year after a hurricane’s aftermath led to its cancellation in October. However, thanks to a flurry of phone calls between Fair Ball and her Ashburnham counterpart, the match was swiftly rearranged.
Originally set to be a 3-pairs competition, Ashburnham managed to add another pair at the last minute, just before Monday’s event. The weather on Monday was perfect, with the sun shining as the first group teed off. Heather Morgan and Paul Northam were 2 down after 2 holes and looked in trouble on the 3rd, but their exceptional putting allowed them to recover and win 4 and 3. In the second match, Linda Tordoff Evans and Brian Jones faced Sue and Huw Dixon. Brian, who had always lost to Huw in previous Mixed and Ashburnham Putter matches, was thrilled when they secured a 5 and 4 victory.
Fair Ball and Alan Morton easily won their match 9 and 7, despite rumors that their opponents, Trisha and Gerald Nilsson, were considering a steward’s inquiry into handicaps! The final match saw Tenby complete the sweep when Diane Gough and John Ball won 5 and 4.
Ashburnham praised the course conditions, particularly the greens and lush fairways, though not so much the rough! Ultimately, it was the friendships and the enjoyment of a fantastic day of golf that mattered most, with the result secondary. A big thanks to Fair and Olivia from Ashburnham for making the event possible.