Island Life Magazine Ltd August/September 2006 | Page 34

SPORT & LEISURE

Tee-time at
Freshwater
Terry Riddett, Secretary of Freshwater Golf Club,
writes about a sport that appeals to all ages.

When you think of a golfer what’s the image you
conjure up? The aged gent in plus fours – or perhaps
the gifted young athlete in the Tiger Woods mould?
Well here at Freshwater Bay, we
have examples of both.
 Yes, we do have our fair share
of retired ex-military types, but
then there’s also our super-fit
junior league squad, all striving
to fill Mr Woods’ golfing shoes.
 But whilst they’re all good, 14
year old Brandon Thompson stood
out by making it all the way to St
Andrews for the National Final
of the Wee Wonders Tournament
last year. And then there are a few
forty-somethings who can still lead
the youngsters a merry dance - as
our Championship results showed.
 The 15th and 16th of July saw a
glorious weekend of sunshine, but
a difficult breeze kept the scores
up a tad. In his winner’s speech,
Kev Garrett remarked that “the
greens were the best I’ve seen
them in the past few years” - quite
a compliment when you consider
they consistently compare with the
best in the South of England.
 For the lesser mortals amongst
us, the highlight of the season
so far has been Bob Godden’s
Captains Day where 72 members

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were treated to an afternoon of golf
followed by an al fresco party with
live music, not to mention drinks on
the 14th tee with a fine for anyone
missing the green! Sue and Tony
Keen of Fairways End’s raised the
art of BBQ to a whole new level.
 We do have a hectic and varied
social calendar, and even the
football World Cup featured, with
a score forecasting competition that
was convincingly won by a woman!
The slogan “Dot Porter for England
manager” is still echoing through
the course.
 Full membership is available for
£9 a week and there is no joining fee
or waiting list. We believe in trying
to make the Club fit what ever you
want it to be, and with thriving
seniors and ladies sections, you are
sure to find your niche somewhere.
 If you think the hills are a little
too much for you, then avail yourself
of one of our two new electric hire
buggies to propel yourself around
the course in ultimate comfort
- but please book early to avoid
disappointment.
 With the recent excellent news
about the Island Games, where

Freshwater will be hosting
the golf with Shanklin
and Sandown, perhaps
we should be proudly
proclaiming “Better than
Bermuda” to the whole
world!
 Our cheerful staff will be
more than happy to deal
with any enquiry so if you’re
a seasoned player or a first
timer looking for that little
bit extra special. something
from your golf then give us
a ring on 01983 752955 to
arrange a complimentary
round.

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