Captain’s Day 2016 was held on Friday, 21st October 2016 when the threat of rain and the possibility of thunder storms could not deter our Members & guests, as they turned out in record numbers.
After an early morning bacon roll and coffee in the lounge bar, our new Captain, Steve Cullen, along with our newly elected President, Ray Norris, performed the traditional “drive-in” ceremony in front of a packed clubhouse terrace. Steve claimed afterwards that his shot was the longest in the history of Captain’s drive-ins at Marbella Golf Country Club. When asked how he could be sure, he replied; “Because nobody can disprove it! I am sure our new President will back me up on this claim – and he has been here since the club first opened. Also, I have noticed that it has been a habit of past Captains to generate their own legends, so I am getting mine in right from the very start.”
At 9.20am, a rocket signalled the start of play as seventy-two players teed up to compete for the Captain’s Trophies. The course set-up was slightly trickier than usual and it made for very compact leader-boards in all 3 categories. In the men’s members’ competition, two players managed separate themselves from the pack and finished tied on 38 points. After a count-back, Tom Richardson emerged as the winner and Liam Gibson was Runner-up with Brendan McDonald claiming 3rd place. “We were all delighted for Tom” said Steve “because being a Leyton Orient supporter, he has very little opportunity to celebrate sporting triumphs!”
There was also a close finish in the Ladies’ section, with Yumiko Smith winning the trophy and Bernie McDonald in 2nd place. Bernie’s consolation was that she could claim bragging rights in the McDonald household after husband Brendan’s 3rd place finish in the men’s event. Eddy Plunkett, a friend of past President, John McNamara, and a frequent visitor to the club, won the Guest Prize in yet another close finish. He edged out Mitch Fraser on a count-back. The ‘nearest the pin’ winners were Ursula Deitermann and Clive Tyler.
Four players managed to “beat the pro”: Graham Hughes, Barry Elias, Catherine Shiels and Hugh Craig. Our thanks to George Twyman for offering his time to support this fun contest – and not letting too many players beat him! He also helped us to raise over €200 for the Arch charity.
After the golf, everyone enjoyed a 3-course dinner with brilliant entertainment from one of our own members, Ben Nelmes (aka Ben James of the Jersey Boys).
Steve expressed his thanks and gratitude to the many people behind the scenes who helped make this Captain’s Day a happy and memorable occasion: our GM, Mike Munden, for managing to accommodate so many players and for arranging the parings; MGCC Professional, Monty Bordelon, the tournament scorer; Director of Golf, Satu Kääriäinen, along with Beatriz Jimenez and the caddy-master staff, for the administration, procurement and support services; Heather Munden and all the Bar/Restaurant Staff for preparing and serving dinner for almost 90 people; the course Marshalls and Green-staff for helping with the course set-up and presentation. Last but not least, Mrs Anita Cullen for being Anita Cullen.
We hope to see you all again next year!
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