Download a copy of the letter received from the Stroke Association >>
Winner | Andy Pohler
Runner Up | David Steel
Third | Mike Webb
Wooden Spoon | Pete Sayers
The October LEGS game was played at a new venue for LEGS. Old Fold Manor GC is in Barnet and is the most southerly game of this LEGS season. Social distancing is still quite correctly the order of the day with NHS app sign in and table service. There was a warm welcome both in the club house and the pro shop for the 17 LEGS members who played the course. The course is a classic Harry Colt design which was welcomed by Andy Pohler who commented on the first tee that he always admired the bunkering of his courses. His enthusiasm was less marked after visiting a number of the aforementioned hazards. The club professional greeted me with the news that the course was playing long because of recent heavy rain and that the greens were tricky. The first part of the course lived up to his predictions and Andrew Stevenson commented at the 11th that he had grown 6” due to the mud on his shoes. The recent change in EU legislation, stopping the use of chemicals to suppress worms, has certainly given greenkeepers a challenge as worm casts were very evident. We were fortunate to play in a dry spell between showers. The ground improved as we reached the second half of the course and the care that has been put into the greens was apparent throughout the course. I think it is fair to say that all the players found the greens challenging! Fast, true but with numerous varying borrows. The overall comments I had on the course was that it was hard but interesting and well worth another visit. Old Fold Manor is Ray Beckman’s new club. Our thanks to him for introducing us and helping arrange the day.
We had all just returned to the club house for pre-ordered sandwiches when the heavens opened. Much better to look out at the downpour than to have to struggle into waterproofs at the end of a round! Andrew took photos of all the cards before producing the final results. In a consistent 3rd place, for the second month in a row, albeit on countback, was Mike Webb with 28 points. Only one point separated the top pair. David Steel on 32 was just pipped by Andy Pohler on 33. Well played to all three. Clive Haywood demonstrated his attachment to the wooden spoon by leaving it at home. He attempted to conceal this omission by retaining the trophy but failed by a significant margin. This resulted in the evening's only fining! The prize was claimed by Pete “that was the worst round of my life” Sayers.
Provisional accounts show that the generosity of LEGS members have raised almost £1900 for The Stroke Association, the Captains charity. A significant sum came from the LEGS quizzes run by Andrew. Many thanks to him and to the rest of you for your contributions. David Steel raised the possibility of LEGS Zoom quizzes over the winter period. Andrew offered to host if anyone will produce a quiz.
There was a discussion about the impact of the World Handicapping System (WHS) will have on our society. It was agreed that we would continue our current system for the November season to give consistency for the 2020 season. This will give the winter to consider how the WHS is working generally and give us a chance to understand it.
I was only informed verbally at the game that the Bedfordshire GC has decided not to host societies since July. Despite having had our deposit for a year and it being only 4 weeks until our booked game they have not had the courtesy to contact LEGS to advise that we need to make alternative arrangements for our November game. This is most disappointing behaviour. Bob, Mike Webb and I are exploring alternative venues. When we have secured a venue that is able to host a game and appropriate catering you will be informed. It was decided that the traditional secret Santa gifts should be avoided due to potential virus spreading. The tradition of putting a £10 donation in an envelope to start the incoming Captain’s charity will also have to change. It is proposed that any donations are included with membership subs for the 2021 season. I hope that season will see a return to normality and allow good use of the new design of LEGS ties that started our year.
I look forward to a good turnout at our November game and my last as Captain. Thanks to all for your support.
Tom Inskip
Winner | Bernard Henry
Runner Up | Stephen Long
Third | Mike Webb
Wooden Spoon | Clive Haywood
The September LEGS game was played under cloudless skies with a moderate breeze in what looks to be the last day of summer. Bob, our secretary, had taken the meteorologically inspired step of arranging the game on a Tuesday for the first time in my time with LEGS. Congratulations to him. The course is currently played on 9 greens with 18 tees. A further 9 holes have been constructed and the members will soon be starting to play on this expanded course before it is fully opened next year. This meant we took our last chance to play the established layout. We have a warm welcome from the club and staff. The dining room was laid out with 6 tables to allow the 6 three balls to maintain social distancing both for our welcome coffee and for dinner. There are obvious difficulties in managing safe distancing at all times, but it seemed that sensible steps were being taken.
I did appreciate the welcome I received from the club after a prolonged absence in France and then 2 weeks quarantine that ended 11 hours before the game. My general positivity about the day continued onto the course, landing my tee shot on the par 3 1st green and making par. Normal service was resumed when I put my next tee shot in the pond! After that, the less said the better but I did appreciate the company and support of my playing partners Richard Ebbs and Martin Lavansch. The course generally was in good condition despite the lack of rakes in bunkers etc. The fairways were firm and the greens true, if faster than some appreciated. The chance to play the same greens twice did mean that many cards showed an improvement in the second time around.
After the round we were able to have a drink on the terrace and watch the following groups tackle the 18th before dining on ham, eggs, and excellent chips. Prize giving revealed that Bernard Henry was continuing his winning ways from Greetham Valley with an excellent 40 points. This left him 4 points clear of Stephen Long on 36 and 5 from Mike Webb on 35. Congratulations to all 3. The political correctness of the change from the Tit to a wooden spoon was challenged by Clive Haywood when he became the worthy winner of this award.
The generosity of society members to my charity fund in aid of the Stroke Association continues to astound me. There were generous donations to the fund from members who were unable to play as well as from those playing. Fines have not been reintroduced as it cannot work with a system of social distancing, but your donations are more that making up for this change in practice. The evening finished with an auction of 3 wines and a polo shirt. The total raised for the charity was the fantastic total of £296.50 from all these sources. Your generosity is really appreciated. I'm glad to report that I have had a thank you note from the Stroke Association for our interim donation of £500 which is really welcomed.
Our next game is at a new venue for LEGS – Old Fold Manor GC in Barnet. This will be on Wednesday 14th October. Bob and Ray have been discussing catering with the club. We will be welcomed with coffee/tea and bacon baps. Individual orders can then be given for sandwiches which will be made ready for our return. The rules on managing the coronavirus pandemic seem to change rapidly. This current plan should give us a safe way to enjoy a game of golf and drive home refueled. We will, of course, take note of any change in guidance and keep members informed. This game is only 3 weeks away. Please book in as soon as you know you can play. We need to ensure that sufficient tee times are booked. Bob will advise the cost of the October match once this has been confirmed following the rearranged catering. Jeff will then then advise all those who are still in credit so he can balance the books at the end of our financial year.
Tom Inskip 22nd September 2020
Winner | Bernard Henry
Runner Up | John Simpson
Third | Richard Sharpe and Graham Shennan
So I think the title of this short report should be - ‘What a difference a year makes!’ and no I am not talking about the Covid19 differences, but the massive difference in weather conditions that 11 of us enjoyed playing the Greetham Lakes Course this year. Last year only 5 hardy souls persevered and completed the course although none of us that did actually saw much of the course due to the torrential rain.
Following a socially distanced bacon bap and coffee we ventured out onto the course to be welcome by some gentle breeze and at times sunshine and with the course this year in excellent condition and despite it’s length forgiving you if you were straight in your drives, some very good scores were carded.
Everyone enjoyed the course and it was nice to actually see various parts of it in the dry. The game was originally going to not attract handicap changes, but the way that Bernard Henry played, managing to return 40 points playing off 23 resulted in all present (apart from Bernard of course) voting to include this game in the handicap system so that ‘El Bandito Bernardo’ was cut 2 shots ! A fitting reward for taking home the LEGS Away trophy that last year’s winner Henry Richardson presented him with.
John Simpson came a close runner-up with 38 points whilst Richard Sharpe and Graham Shennan tied for third place even on count back. With Mike Webb unfortunately bringing up the rear of the group it meant that each and every prize was one by the LEGS Biddenham contingent. Perhaps geography needs to be built into the handicap systems new algorithm to make sure this doesn’t happen again!
Following the prize giving, Jeff auctioned two bottles of wines in aid of the Captain’s charity and Graham and Alan donated a total of £45 for the two excellent wines (so Jeff said) towards the charity.
All agreed that Greetham Valley is an excellent venue and we were quite disappointed not to be able to play the Valley course as well this year, but perhaps next year when Covid19 will be more under control.
Our next outing is at Mount Pleasant in Lower Stondon, but please note that this is on TUESDAY 22nd September, an unusual day for a LEGS game.
Winner | John Simpson
Runner Up | Alan Horn
Third | Andy Pohler
Wooden Spoon | Richard Sharpe
So Covid19 impacts the LEGS 2020 Golf season in yet another way with our esteemed Captain kept from returning from his South of France Estate due to the quarantine rules that have been put in place. His dedication at keeping the nasty virus from us by staying in the sunshine while we suffered in the rain should be warmly applauded and commended!
I say suffered, but I don’t really mean it as those 15 hardy souls that braved the first 10 holes at Knebworth thoroughly enjoyed ourselves and a huge thank you has to be said to Colin Oates for arranging everything and also the whole team at Knebworth for welcoming us so warmly and being so flexible as we kept changing our day’s logistics.
The course was in excellent condition as it always seems to be and despite some heavy rain the day before the greens were true and there was very little water on the course. The very heavy rain that had been forecast stayed away long enough for us to enjoy the first 10 holes before finishing with an excellent meal of Fish and Chips.
Despite offering the now Government approved scoring method of just estimating your score before going out to play, as based on the examinations' methodology, it was decided to use the cards that Colin Oates had lovingly prepared, even if this meant some pretty soggy paper at the end. Scoring on the course was generally good with the first 5 players returning all carding scores of 17 points with count-back on the last 3 holes having to be used to separate them. And then John Simpson returned with a truly excellent 20 points to stand as outright leader and winner of the day. This won him the trophy, a decent bottle of wine and a one shot handicap cut.
Based on count-back Alan Horn came second (-1 shots) with Andy Pohler in third (0 shots cut).The W ooden spoon was won by new member Richard Sharpe on his first outing with us. We hope that this won’t put him off returning especially as his handicap is increased by 1 shot. A complex algorithm was built to establish the handicap changes which were amended to reflect the number of holes played, weather conditions, postcodes of the members and any other factors that could be thought of.
Following the meal on the request of our Captain there were no fines, but we did auction 3 bottles of wine from Jeff’s extensive Chapel Cellar and this raised a further £50 for the Captain’s charity.
Our next outing is a ‘casual' golf game on the 10th September at Greetham Valley with the next ‘formal’ LEGS game being at Mount Pleasant on September 22nd.
Looking forward to seeing you all again soon.
- Bacon Baps/Tea/Coffee Available at 11.00/11.30
- Please respect the club's rules re social distancing
- There will be no fines - by order of our Captain
- An auction of the finest Grand Cru Jeffrey can find will follow
- The superb Fish & Chip dinner served after the golf
- At the club's request in tables of 2/4
A few housekeeping notes for Wednesday;
LEGS is the 1st post lockdown Society to visit Knebworth – I hope you enjoy the day which is expected to be damp but not thundery. Fingers crossed……
The 2020 LEGS season finally started with Captain’s Day on 17th July at Bedford and County Golf Club. An impressive turnout of 23 players, including one guest, were greeted by a still, sunny day and a course in great condition. Paul Davy who was not able to play due to his duties as deputy course manager at B&C had been up early to iron the greens to their maximum speed and then drove past on his massive lawnmower as the groups were starting their rounds. We need to thank him and his team for their work in presenting the course in such great shape.
The coronavirus is the reason for the delayed start to our season and the necessary restrictions to provide infection control were for the most part followed. Searching head down in the rough for a ball can mean it is easy to bump into a fellow player also diligently searching for the 3-minute limit. The restrictions are there to protect us as individuals and the ability of golf clubs to operate. Please continue to follow the current rules even if they are frustrating. The club was not providing catering due to Covid but fortunately Marco at the Captain’s Cabin was able to offer refreshment of a welcome ice cream or bacon bap. The Captain also provided a glass of Prosecco to toast the success of LEGS. His score deteriorated after the break! I regret that this refreshment may have also contributed to a slow round. 4hrs 23 minutes for a 4 ball does not help the reputation of societies among club members. Golf has benefitted from the lockdown. There are a lot of clubs whose memberships are almost filled, and they are not sure how they will find tee times for societies. To protect our bookings, we need to be aware of our pace of play and follow the practice of playing Ready Golf.
The society was able to gather outside after the round on the terrace above the 18th green and just about maintain social distancing. After a time for an enjoyable chance to renew acquaintances a shortened prizegiving took place. First prize, with an admirable 38 points went to Paul Jones. His first time in the LEGS winner’s enclosure. Runner up was Stephen Long with 36 points and Colin Oates came third with 35 points. The new ‘Last LEGS’ wooden spoon was awarded to Pete Sayer. This award has been made and presented to the club by our secretary Bob Broomhall. Our thanks to him
The Captain’s Day traditionally proceeds without fines but with other ways of obtaining donations towards the Captain’s charity. This year our options were limited due to pandemic restrictions, which also explains the absence of nearest the pin competitions. I am deeply touched by the generosity of the membership who paid a reduced match fee to reflect the lack of catering which included a charitable donation. In addition to this many members increased their fee to the usual £50. This generated a profit of £320 for the Stroke Association on the day and was increased by a further £80 by donations from members who were unable to play. This is most generous and much appreciated. Andrew Stevenson had run a series of quizzes for LEGS members during lockdown. This has raised a fantastic sum of £600 for the charity. Thank you to him for all his work and to the members for their generosity.
I hope you all enjoyed the day as much as I did, and I look forward to seeing many of you at Knebworth on August 19th.
Tom Inskip
Winner | Jeff Wood
Runner Up | Ron Knox
Third | John Simpson
Nearest The Pin | Bernard Henry
Nearest The Pin in 2 | Ron Knox & Bernard Henry
Tit | Bob Davy
Guest Prize | Linsey Garret
Gentlemen, thank you for a great turnout - 17 players. And may I say a very pleasant day weather-wise and the course as usual in splendid condition. The welcome as always second to none, even including our insurance package. For those of a wayward disposition (Tom "3 lost balls" Inskip). Thank you for your generosity - £220.00 goes towards our new captain's chosen charity The Stroke Association.
Captain | Bob Broomhall
Secretary | David Steel
Charity | Children with Cancer UK
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Tom Inskip
Secretary | Bob Broomhall
Charity | The Stroke Association
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Alan Horn
Secretary | Tom Inskip
Charity | MIND
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Colin Oates
Secretary | Alan Horn
Charity | Macmillan Cancer Support
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Andrew Stevenson
Secretary | Colin Oates
Charity | British Heart Foundation & MS Society
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Ian McLuskie
Secretary | Andrew Stevenson
Charity | Help for Heroes
View details of winners and losers >>
Captain | Andy Pohler
Secretary | Ian McLuskie
Charity | British Heart Foundation
View details of winners and losers >>
The History of LEGS is not in itself particularly startling, but what has surprised those who set it up and the inaugural members is the success it has enjoyed over the years. The initial meetings were held in a variety of licensed premises in and around Luton between April and September 1986. Nobody can remember why it was important to always drink whilst discussing such an important issue. The people involved were, in alphabetical order - George Clarke, Harry Critchley, Alan Hughes, Colin Roberts and Mike Webb. At first it was thought LEGS should stand for “Luton’s Eccentric Golf Society”. It was then decided that some clubs may not take us seriously and accept bookings. So we became executives, which probably contravened the Trades Description Acts of that time for most of us.
George was then the area manager of the Woolwich Building Society, so he had plenty of time on his hands to get LEGS started.
Harry was the manager of Bank of Scotland Luton branch, so he had as much if not more time to kill than George.
Colin was the manager of Legal and General and was always looking for things to do to fill his day.
Alan was a hard working self employed Insurance Broker, who enjoyed doing as much of his business on the golf course as he could.
Mike was a self employed commercial surveyor looking for any excuse to do anything but act for his clients.
A list of potential members was compiled - mostly from the immediate Luton area. Colin Roberts, offered to host the inaugural meeting at his offices on the 22nd October 1986. Legal and General provided a superb buffet and the scene was set. At the meeting, George became secretary, Harry - treasurer, Alan - vice captain, Colin - co-ordinator and Mike - captain. A full year’s program was agreed and booked for 1987 with the first meeting held at Dunstable Downs on March 24th.
History written by founding member Mike Webb
The aim of LEGS was to provide an opportunity for people to meet, play golf at various venues throughout the year and raise money for charity. It was decided that each captain would chose the charity for that year. This continues today. We are delighted to say that funds for various local and national causes have reached some £65,000. It is important for members and their guests to understand that we are foremost a golf society based on fellowship which raises money for charity. We are not a fund raising group who play golf.
All four founders agreed to each provide a trophy. George - the booby prize, Harry – the winner, Colin – the runner up, Alan – Nearest the pin, Mike – longest drive. Unfortunately all seem to have gone missing.
Captain Jeff Wood decided new trophies should be introduced during his tenure in 2014. Members were invited in pairs to sponsor a trophy for each of the month’s that we play. This was fully supported and now complete.
2021 Bob Broomhall
2020 Tom Inskip
2019 Alan Horn
2018 Colin Oates
2017 Andrew Stevenson
2016 Ian McLuskie
2015 Andy Pohler
2014 Jeff Wood
2013 Richard Ebbs
2012 Andrew Stevenson
2011 Martin Lavansch
2010 Ken McCarthy
2009 Ken McCarthy
2008 Henry Richardson
2007 Howard Smith
2006 Neil Curtis
2005 Ivor Harris
2004 Dickie Bird
2003 Mike Stockford
2002 Derek Jones
2001 Brian de la Salle
2000 Gerry van Lottum
1999 Ivor Harris
1998 David Steel
1997 Alan Horn
1996 Mark Hewitson
1995 Ray Berresford
1994 Bill Clayburn
1993 Paul Davies
1992 David Yallop
1991 Gordon Pritchard
1990 Nick Sheridan
1989 Mike Beatty
1988 Peter Ball
1987 Mike Webb
