Aldwickbury Park Early Birds

  We waited a little longer than a year this time, 13 months in fact, but it was not such a long wait as the 2 years where AndMe Simpkin was custodian of the JJ Cup. In a break from recent tradition most of our troop headed off for a special away weekend at The Belfry. Reviewing the slope and scorecards prior to the trip and taking a look at the pro visualizer link provided by this year's organiser (AndMe) left us in no doubt that we should definitely doubt our own ability to master these courses. Friday as we set off up to the midlands for Day 1, the weather was sketchy to say the least. Heavy rainfall was forecast overnight Thursday and well into Friday morning. It didn't disappoint and the rain made for difficult driving in more ways than one.  Most arrived in good time, presumably fearing being stuck in traffic and missing their start times. Unfortunately JJ himself was unable to join us due to course conditions being unsuitable for buggies but we were promised the pleasure

  Well spring is definitely here but you cannot legislate for a bit of early morning fog. The weather has not been kind this winter and there's been a sting in the tail these past few weeks. Rain cancellation last week followed by fog delays this week left a few feeling a little frustrated. Coenraad for instance chose to be in Serbia rather than turn up, obviously had some insider knowledge being a local! Anyway 12 intrepid die-hards stuck it out and finally teed off after about 2 hours delay. Once the fog lifted it was a beautiful day but the golf was less so. Perhaps all the waiting around upset the pre-match routines but the scoring was not great. Average stableford score was down at 27.75 and average gross score up at 94.3.  There were only 3 birdies today: James (6,7) and Pete Laurence (13) Well done both. Our winner today had a practice round with yours truly on good Friday and it clearly paid off. James went round in 79 to score 34 points. He was 1 under after 6 holes but ma