Celebrating Flag Day in real style

AS the sun rose on a glorious spring-like day, avid golfers from across the region were putting the flags out at up-market Cams Hall Golf Club.
Nigel Pritchard, left, tees off at Cams Hall Golf ClubNigel Pritchard, left, tees off at Cams Hall Golf Club
Nigel Pritchard, left, tees off at Cams Hall Golf Club

The tiny flags were stuck in the ground up the fairway in front of the tenth tee.

Each flag cost about one pound, and was there to raise money for the Captain’s charities.

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Whoever’s flag was nearest to the spot where the Senior Captain’s ball lands, was to win a prize.

The bulk of the money was for Fareham’s Rainbow Centre and Canine Partners, which are both exceptionally worthy causes – and a good excuse for a few rounds of golf as well.

A notable date in the club’s calendar, this was the Senior Captain’s Drive Off, a tradition started in 2012, when Bob Botteriell held that position.

This year’s Senior Captain was ex-submariner Nigel Pritchard from Fareham.

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Sporting a wide brimmed hat like an Australian bushman, Nigel, struck the ball with commendable force sending it whizzing up the fairway.

As he did so, the assembled crowd of onlookers fired off party poppers, almost like a machine gum burst to mark the occasion. Nearly eighty seasoned golfers were down to play and, in brilliant sunshine, the game was soon underway.

Membership to the Senior section is limited to those people who are aged sixty and over.

The oldest player on the day was believed to be in his mid-eighties – but that wasn’t going to stop him.

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Four hours later, the players were still enjoying the game out on the course.

These mature competitors simply could not, and would not, be hurried.

The weather was magnificent, so at the end of the day. who really cared?

They shouldn’t have dawdled, for back at the club house a mouth- watering meal awaited their return.

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Organised by two previous Lady Captains, Chris Ward and her able assistant Elaine Johns, the meal was a carefully planned treat.

Spring was already in the air.

On the Spring lamb was on the menu hot pot plus leek, ham and Spring chicken pie.

To be candid, Spring chickens are quite the rarity throughout the Seniors’ section.

For sweet, there were hot cross buns and butter pudding, as well as the most delicious lemon tart.

John Carrier won the flag competition and several members carried away raffle prizes.

What a fitting end to a perfect day’s golf.