Winners, Winners... Haggis Dinners!

Well... how cold was that???

At 8.27am on Thursday 19 January 56 intrepid (!) players in 28 teams chiselled off the ice to play in the first Boarded Competition of 2023... the Robbie Burns Trophy.

The early holes were a bit of a challenge as the field, resembling multicoloured Michelin Men (and Ladies), tried to complete a full swing despite the many insulating layers.

As well as the chilly temperature, the situation was further compounded by a very strong wind howling down from somewhere near the arctic - and, with the Men playing of the 'far and distant white tees' (some are reportedly in a different postcode?)... scoring was clearly going to be tough!

Fortunately the ladies of the halfway house, Jan and Louise, were prepared to 'battle it out' and provide the refreshment and sustenance required for the shivering masses. Thank you ladies... once again you went above and beyond.

Some four and a half hours later the players took refuge in the Club House for the post competition tapas, kindly sponsored by The Home Space Group, Norbert Petersen and Graham Sparkes... and the trophy presentation.

Robbie Burns winning pair - Angus McLanders and Sue Saunders.

In the Men's Category Geoff Hill and Pasi Vanninen posted a fine score of 39 points to take the runner-up spot... only one behind the Men's winners Peter Whitehead and Paco Reventos Lopez with 40 points.

The runners-up in the Mixed and Ladies Category were Ronnie Hallam and Sue Winder with 38 points. However, the winners of the Mixed and Ladies Category, and the overall Robbie Burns Competition winners (with a mind chilling score of 47) points were Sue Saunders and Angus McLanders.

A quite incredible score given that Sue not only played a sensational round of golf but had to carry her useless partner for the full 18 holes. We have asked the Committee to fund a couple of physiotherapy sessions for Sue to help get her back straightened out!!!

Sue and Angus were presented with the trophy by Spencer and Marianela Kelly from our sponsor The Home Space Group. A big 'thank you' from all the Members to The Home Space Group for their support for this event and their commitment to sponsor future events... including this year's 100 Competition. Cheers!

The winners also received a rather splendid bag of mixed luxury biscuits and shortbread kindly donated by Lindsay Laing... thank you Lindsay!

Secret Draw winners - Heather Janney and Andy Mitchell with sponsors Graham Sparkes and Norbert Petersen.

After the excitement of the Robbie Burns presentation the players in the Club House were all entered into the first Secret Draw... an event sponsored by Graham Sparkes and Norbert Petersen.

With a sophisticated 'two bag' draw mechanism in place, the tension was palpable as an uncanny hush descended over the room.

First out of the hat (bag!) was the category... Ladies and Mixed.

Then out of the second bag, the number...5.

So Heather Janney and Andy Mitchell, the 5th pair in the Mixed and Ladies categories claimed the two €50 vouchers... and what popular winners they were!

There will be a further nine Secret Draw events during 2023 ... each for two €50 vouchers - keep your eyes peeled for further details! Once again, thank you to Norbert and Graham.

Another great day of golf at HDA... and fortunately we didn't lose any players to hyperthermia!!!