Fitzwilliam Golf Society

Eight of us had stayed the night before at the Premier Inn, by the Waterfront in Ipswich – after Martin’s Newton Green warm-up day.

And as we were not playing until early afternoon, those staying had a nice relaxed breakfast – before enjoying a short stroll around the Waterfront area. Ipswich was once an important port and one of the wealthiest towns in England – at the lowest crossing point over the River Orwell. Although now the main port development is in deeper water nearer to the sea. But it was good to see the mix of old buildings and newer development around the current marina area. And we enjoyed a coffee at the Isaac Lord pub at the end of the walk – on a nice sunny morning.

After crossing the high bridge of the River Orwell – and having some difficulty (in my case – no sat nav!) traversing round the eastern suburbs of Ipswich – we all eventually found Ipswich Golf Club on Purdis Heath – and met up with the rest of the party. It was still a beautiful day. And we had a large group of 23 playing today – which was excellent – including debutant Ian Davies, with his (Oxford!) wife, Sara, in a group with Richard Newport and his wife, Lynn. And it was also good to have Chris Halliwell back playing with us as well – along with many of our more regular players.

We were playing an Individual Stableford competition for the Tour Trophy – as one of the Fitz Majors – on this prestigious course – probably the top course that the FGS play this year. The course is situated on heathland – and is set in some very attractive countryside. It is largely a James Braid designed course. There are two broad loops – the first nine is on the inside running anticlockwise and the second nine wraps around the outside running in a clockwise direction. The classic design ensures that the elements hit you from all directions. Additionally full use has been made of the natural contours of the land by laying the course on the high ground around two lakes.

It is not a very lengthy course – but you certainly have to plot your way round. Extra length is not always rewarded – especially in these hard, dry conditions – which could send your ball badly off line from the many slopes on the course. Nearly every hole is beautifully sculptured. And as you’d expect on a James Braid designed course – there are plenty of bunkers – to avoid!

Some said that it was certainly one of the best courses that they’d ever played. There are many fine holes – but one of the favourites is the charming 15^th, a short par 3 where the tee shot must carry across water to a green, savagely protected by bunkers and flanked by trees on both sides. And there are some quirky holes on Purdis Heath – with certainly the blind approach shot to the 4^th green coming under that category.

All in all it was a most enjoyable place to play – and after playing – most of us enjoyed a drink on the lawn outside the clubhouse – in the lovely early evening sun. Then we had a really excellent and very good value meal at the golf club – beef stew and dumplings followed by fruit crumble. And the prize winners were announced

1^st. Sara Davies on an excellent 40 points, after a very consistent round of golf.

2^nd Closely followed by Andy Flint on 38 points – Tour Trophy Winner

3^rd. Colin Dunkerley on 36 points on countback

4^th. Just edging out Stuart Lester also on 36 points

5^th. Martin Dinkele on 35 points.

Other good scores were from Mike Hamment (on his comeback, in his individual buggy!) on 33 points, Graham May on 31 points and Ian Rosser and Lynn Newport, both on 30 points.

As seems to be quite often the case – the Fitz men were again beaten by a woman! Very well played, Sara! But Andy Flint – was the Tour Trophy winner – for Fitz alumni only – and would therefore qualify for next year’s Inter-College competition.

And the fun hole prize winners were:

Nearest the Pin on the 15^th: Gavin Dolling (in close on this fine par 3)

Nearest the Pin in 2 on the 16^th: Chris Halliwell (excellent 2^nd shot)

Longest Drive on the 17^th: (unfortunately as usual!) John Uwins

Nearest the Pin in 3 on the 18^th: (the very pleased!) Paul Staten

And then for most of us – it was then on to Felixstowe – where we were staying at the Premier Inn. Most got there well before me – and were soon installed at the Felsto Arms pub on the seafront. But the President / Tour Organiser had some things to sort out at the Club – and therefore arrived after most of the others. And maybe because he was in a hurry to get to the pub – he (innocently!) brushed against a plastic casing in the hotel foyer – and suddenly all hell let loose, with the fire alarm on full blast. Residents had to vacate their rooms (most of the Fitz golfers were leaving for th pub anyway). The limited number of hotel staff were scurrying around trying to stop the noise – seemingly not being possible for some length of time. I’m not quite sure why but it did seem to have a considerable effect on the working of a lot of the electrics etc in the hotel. I was certainly not a very popular person!

Anyway – eventually I escaped from the hotel – and joined the others at the Felsto Arms – where I certainly needed a drink! And fortunately the Felsto was a friendly pub – with an Irish theme to it – although it did close relatively early. Then I had to sneak back (hopefully unnoticed) back into the hotel – before turning in. It had been quite a day!

Mike Hamment, President and Tour Organiser