Relaxed at last!

The Awali Golf Club (AGC) committee and other behind-the-scenes helpers were seen recently out on the course in a somewhat more relaxed mode, not taking things too seriously.

With partners also being invited to join in, they gave themselves the small perk of indulging in the traditional Committee Scramble team match play competition.
 
With the organisation of AGC’s season behind them, the event is a subtle, psychological method to enable the magnanimous souls to forget all the hassles they have suffered, to be reminded that it is possible to have fun at the course and, most importantly, to convince them that it would not be so bad if they were to volunteer again on the committee for the forthcoming season.

The event, over the back-nine holes, commenced with about two-and-a-half hours of light available, outgoing Captain Abdul Elah Fakhroo being the tournament director.

As everyone assembled for the first tee-off, Fakhroo announced that tee-shots for the first three holes were to be with putters and then promptly demonstrated his competence with a putt in excess of 200 yards in the intended direction.

With a variety of success, all others failed to match this standard, including Bill Scarth, who is expected to become next season’s club captain and who managed a putt in excess of two inches in the intended direction.

Playing as a 13-ball in three teams, the group did not advance at the pace expected of a normal competition group, players also needing to be more aware of danger as multiple balls were in play at the same time.

Remembering diplomacy, shots of both a competent and incompetent nature were applauded with equal gusto by onlookers, especially when nobbling failed to achieve the desired result.

Some commented that hopefully no other players were following-on after the competition field as adherence to golfing etiquette would have been rightly described as questionable. However, it was also suggested that the display of players appearing to be enjoying themselves in this manner was totally appropriate for public relations purposes.

Rules changed for the second three holes: tee-shots with a driver, including the par-3, 133-yard hole 14 and which saw only one player on the green with his drive. Despite refreshments being available, speed around the course did not keep pace with the approach of dusk, and the course was shortened to seven holes.
 
After playing the 15th, a detour straight to the 18th was announced and the first tee-shot on the fairway was defined as the ball in play. In near darkness, the three teams eventually holed out, two with an impressive birdie.

Back in the clubhouse and tucking into pizza, no one could remember the exact scores: Fakhroo declared that the winner was the lone caddy - Sandra Starkie, having kept a happy demeanour throughout as she dutifully accompanied her husband, David. Whether the event did indeed help convince this season’s committee members to come back for more heartache will only be known after the club’s AGM next Tuesday.