2015 ACGA v Cypriot Society Match
Same old failings cause ACGA to suffer against Cypriot society
Last year I wrote a report which was headed “Singles format the Achilles heel for ACGA against Cypriot society”. Unfortunately, I must inform you with an update that could be called “Same old problems = Same old result”, because as in this fixture a year ago we fared miserably in the singles format yet again.
On a warm overcast morning with a weather forecast set for bright sunshine and temperatures in the high 20’s to lower 30 degrees Celsius. A bit like the annual migration of the wildebeest across the Serengeti, we somehow found ourselves at South Herts Golf Club and butted heads with the opposition. 12 individuals selected from the top 15 2016 order of merit players of the ACGA, gathered to do battle with our friendly foes in the annual ritual for boasting rights.
However on this occasion our opposition came prepared, having within their ranks 4 players with a handicap variance of between 2 and 6, in addition to this, those same 4 individuals were aged between 18 and 26. Initially I was not at all fazed by these figures, because team ACGA boasted individuals who not only had low single figure handicaps but were wizened by their multiple years of battle hardened golf, our sword was sharp and hearts strong was our battle cry.
Conditions The course was in excellent condition, fairways were lush, with the greens running fast and true.
The morning round was based on the four-ball better ball format and we managed to square the match by losing three matches and winning three matches.
ACGA 3
Cypriot Society 3
The afternoon Round was based on singles format with 1 point going to the winner, 0 points to the looser.
As referred to earlier in this report, we do not do well in this format, but, I did not anticipate the absolute shellacking dished out by some of the Cypriot boys to our players, one of whom was thrashed by a margin of 6&5! (I will only ever speak in hushed reverence on this one, poor lad, he got battered). The writing was on the wall as soon as I heard that the first six games had been lost! Brexit again!!
For those of us still in the field, we had the sensation of bracing ourselves against the oncoming rush of an overland freight train. The score says it all!
Cypriot society 8 and a half points
ACGA 3 and a half.
Few high points being:
The new nick name for Stone Cold Last Garner to Steroid Stevie G, who manfully withstood everything to come out a winner.
Ricky Coward recovering from being 6 down to win his match.
Final total scores:
Cypriot Golf Society
11 and a half
ACGA 6 and a half
Trophy won by the Cypriot society.
The main lessons for the day:
There needs to be serious debate regarding how the ACGA calculates players handicaps, many of the Cypriot players were playing off similar handicap to their individual club, whereas many of us were disadvantaged by playing off an ACGA handicap that is significantly lower than their own club.
The ACGA must attempt to recruit younger players to its ranks, although our players were wizened and of strong heart, the sun bleached us! Whilst some of the Cypriot players had the energy to run around us like excitable terrier pups.
Issue disposable ear plugs to our players in preparation for the after dinner banter, which we also lost.
For those of you wishing to know the grim details of who won and who lost, please speak to our captain when he returns from his sojourn to a darkened room.