The absence had been too long. There had been an absolute need for this – so as we awoke this morning, there was excitement emulating from many a kitchen across the town. Because today saw the new and improved Bolton County Golf Society host our inaugural event and with most of the players getting newly-kitted out, this promised to be a day full of twists and turns. We were looking forward to this that’s for sure…
Despite the deluges we had seen all week, the sunshine had decided to show itself for us so off to Dunscar Golf Club we went – and a massive thanks to 1st-team Coach Dave Tomlinson for sorting that out for us. And as we arrived for the pre-round drinks and bacon barms, the mood was a jovial one – especially after bumping into Paddy McGuiness in the Club-House. Although we all left him alone, there were plenty of his catch-phrases doing the rounds! And as the anticipation of play rose, an hour later we were proceeding to the first tee. As Society rules dictate, every contestant has to be there for the start so you can only imagine the banter that was flying around the place as former player Jordan Whittle was given the honour of leading the first group off. Next up was current player Liam ‘Maverick’ Hulme who was hoping for great things having bought himself a brand new set of clubs the week before. Unfortunately though, the shout of ‘FORE!!!’ from his first drive was greeted with plenty of laughter and jeers. Good ol’ Liam took it well though. Last off in the group was 1st-team Manager David Hough – with his square driver – and the question on everybody’s lips was ‘Is that legal?’…
In less than half an hour all of the players were up and running and throughout the afternoon it was so good to see the camaraderie and giggles amongst the groups. It is things like this that really make Bolton County more than a Football Club and there was plenty of pride as we made our way around this great course. The call of ‘Fore’ was heard on numerous occasions and with the players asking each other how many points they were on, there was still a competitive edge to it. People wanted to do well here…
As they started filtering back into the Clubhouse, there was a tinge of excitement as we waited to see who had been the Rory MclIroy and who ended up with the wooden spoon. So when the winners were announced it saw:
Longest Drive – Jordan Whittle (who just about clung to the fairway)
Nearest the Pin – Jack Hodgkinson
Winner of the Day – Jordan Whittle (who used his home-club knowledge to great effect – but only just won with a better back-nine than Dave Tomlinson after a card play-off)
There was definitely some conjecture around who had won the wooden spoon as David Hough finished with the least amount of points – but had to retire injured after the first nine holes – and then next to bottom was Academy Manager Mark Ormrod so there were plenty of arguments between these two great friends as to who was actually the worst! Superb to see and in the end, we were all winners anyway…
All in over, it was a fantastic day and as a group, we all thoroughly enjoyed. A massive thank-you to Dave Tomlinson for organising it all and to the Dunscar professional Andy Green alongside the catering and bar staff at the Club for their hospitality throughout the day. It was a fabulous event and one that has really reignited our passion for the game – so onto Breightmet Golf Club on Sunday 20th August for the next instalment of the Bolton County Golf Society and more fun and games…
Many thanks to you of you all that got involved today. We really hope you enjoyed it and that you’ll be there again in a couple of weeks time…
#UpTheCounty!