If you didn't make it to the Drive-in last month, I hear you missed a treat. I couldn't be there either, but I arranged for an old friend of mine from childhood days - also called Den(n)is as it happens - to take the drive for me. All those present confirmed that he did pretty well, despite never having played the game before. No-one died from golf ball injuries anyway. Fortunately Trish (our lovely Ladies' Captain - do keep up!) played a very respectable shot.....and a good time was had by everyone.

I have observed to a number of people that becoming the captain of a golf club seems to me to be a bit like becoming the mayor of a very small town. There are quite a few occasions which require you to turn up looking the part (club blazer and badge = robes and chain of office) and even sometimes to say a few words to the assembled crowd. The presentation of prizes often falls to the mayor(captain) and he/she needs to be able to act as some sort of ambassador for the town(club). In the depths of winter there are of course Christmas and New Year to negotiate too - speaking of which, we have been blessed with some excellent menu choices this year. Thank goodness for Lawrence and the team. And, of course, Amie and her own bunch of beauties. I had the carols evening down in my diary for a different date from the 20th, so I can't be there this year, but I'm sure it will be a good evening.

The Winter KO is under way and much to my surprise I'm now in the third round. Bob Bowles and I played out a 21 hole battle early this month and I don't think I've played in a match with such a strong underlying sporting feel to it. It was a quiet afternoon and, despite never having played together before, we genuinely managed to enjoy each other's company on the course, even though we were both doing our best to consign the other chap to the ranks of the also-rans. Years ago, a regular playing partner of mine admitted to me, and I quote - "the strength of my game does rather depend on the failings of my opponents" and you must all have been aware at times of winning a hole because your opponent had played it even worse than you had - or vice versa. Not so much in this match though. There is much more pleasure to be gained from playing a hole well enough to deserve winning it, isn't there? One good (or lucky - sorry Bob!) approach shot or chip or putt can lift the spirits.......note to self - must try to play such shots more often. The other day, playing with the FRAMS, Eric Hardwick (MBE) - a fine man - observed that a shot of mine to the 12th green was "as good a shot as you'll ever play". I think he was trying to be complimentary but maybe not!? Think about it. Thanks anyway Eric...

The charity chosen by your captains this year is Cancer Research UK. They have a shop in Western Road, as you probably know, and if you mention your membership of Highwoods whenever you take your donations there it will be noted. We have already made a good start - you really are a generous bunch! There'll be another chance to show your generosity - and to have a very jolly evening indeed - on January 25 at Burns Night. We're busy preparing a really entertaining programme (including the ever-popular Helter Skelter) so get your name down as soon as the list goes up! Whisky and haggis too....what's not to like?

If I don't see you between now and the festivities, enjoy your Christmas celebrations. We'll just have to hope that the weather eases up a bit and we're able to play more regularly in 2025.....and don't forget to keep your eye on the captains' notice board.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!

Denis D