GAMS AND TONIC
ROUND 7 – GAMS WERDENBERG
Whilst a smaller than usual field bathed in the vitamin D rich tonic of Alpine sunshine in Gams, this tiger was battling around a course in rural Berkshire in the UK , facing strong winds and horizontal rain. But then it was a bank holiday weekend with the Reading open air music festival and the Notting Hill carnival on, so no surprises there then. Golf4Fun’ers were on the borders of Lichtenstein, finding themselves the right side of a cold front, on this last Sunday of August, as the previous two days had in the words of one Scotsman seen it P*****g it down!
The rough, usually a factor at Gams had this year been cut back, although any wayward shots could be punished by landing in some tricky lies on the terrain, baked hard by this year’s exceptional hot weather.
The local wildlife seemed also to be taking advantage of the gap in the meteorological conditions, with reports of plenty of activity in the wasp whisperer Corinne C.s flight, whilst other participants commented on the abundance of Storks both on the course and those soaring above on the thermals. Jonathan C. got up close and personal with some amphibious wild life on the practice putting green, although alas this was not to turn out to be a frog of good fortune, which would enhance what already has been a good personal season on the handicap front.
Mark B. was having an eventful day, with his buggy developing a flat after the first nine and then a reported theft of a ball on the 17th by one of those large wing spanned friends. As yet the Titleist pro V1 has to found, and has probably gone to that great golf course in the sky. Out on the course and the 8th hole was seeing some friendly golf with the drives of Geoff C. and Moreno C. ending up touching pimple to pimple on the fairway. No doubt the rule book was out on that one!
Making their bid for the Sherpa Thensing award, for the most ground covered by an individual during play, was Dick, who in his words started well and finished well whilst scoring 16 points in between. He came in with a particularly adventurous finish on the 18th; having driven the wrong fairway he closed it out with a birdie! The recovery king liveth.
Patrick K. and Karin Van L meantime were obviously distracted by the stunning scenery and the wildlife that seemed to impinge on their scoring ability.
This could not of been said though of newcomer Christian Fischer, who in his first ever golf tournament and indeed only his fourth round of golf put together an impressive round of 40 points Netto this despite understandably early nerves resulting in no score after the first two holes.The rising temperatures seemed to be having an influence on the behaviour of certain flights namely the one featuring Moreno C. and Walti P. The latter struggling with the number of water features on the course and realising that golf ball don’t swim.
Moreno C. in a bid to up Waltis motivation was resorting to whips and leather outfits? All very 50 shades-SuperMori indeed.
This year saw an unexpected visit from our new Gin sponsor – Christian Orator with his wife Eva had made their way down to introduce to the players their array of Gins as well as unveiling their award winning Rum, Pepper spirit, Himeergeist, Orangeblutte schnapps and many other tipples which were offered to those wishing to both celebrate and some drown their sorrows after the round whilst enjoying the late afternoon sunshine. Their alcoholic offerings seem to have gone down particularly well with the Gams players, and I am delighted to report that the Orator range will be on offer again at the season final later this month. TAXI!!
After a very enjoyable day on the links and what I am told was another Gams feast of an Apero it was down to prize giving. Kenny A and those irons are hot right now and he took the Brutto men’s closely followed by Mark B. Kenny is now top of the seasons Brutto and Tigers leader board going into the season finale. Spanish whirlwind Irene came in with another handicap busting 43 points Netto as well as taking ladies Brutto prize, longest drive and nearest the pin –My God – Look out Carlos!
Despite the frog incident Jonathan managed men’s longest drive, came third in the Brutto competition and second in the category two Netto with Rainer taking third spot.
Those superb 40 points from Christian saw him rewarded with a spot in the winner’s enclosure for category three, with Antoinette V. collecting both second prize as well as claiming that speciality of hers , the nearest the line, to take the bottle of Orator Gin.
A big thanks to all of those players that took the time to fill in a few lines of the day’s events enabling me to compile this blog. So pleased Walti and his non aquatic golf balls won the blog draw. Also thanks to the golf club and the secretariat for putting on such a well organised time, including the ranger Eddie who went above and beyond with his help during the day.
To Shirley and Helen as well for taking time out to help with 1st tee goodies and mid round snacks.
Thanks also go to Christian Orator and Dick for helping out on prize giving duties and to Mark B. on photo duty and of course to Nora for being on fire duty and in charge of plate spinning.
Season finale beckons on Sunday 23rd September at Waldkirch and look forward to seeing you there and at the dinner afterwards.
G+T ANYONE? CHEERS GAMS !
Peter Martin, Hopeful Tiger 2018
