Completely oblivious to another (insignificant by comparison) golf competition in Hoylake, the Northcliffe par 3 course at North Foreland Golf Club was once more the setting for Royal Navy’s Annual Outhwaite Golf Day.
By way of a brief slice of history, Jason & Peter Outhwaite were both Past Masters of Royal Navy 429 and have both sadly passed. Whilst at the funeral of Peter Outhwaite, WBros Peter Ward & Jeff Neil discussed the concept of creating this event to keep the names in our memory and recognise the considerable contribution this father & son made to our Lodge and freemasonry in general.
Contested by Masons from the various Thanet Lodges annually, the Outhwaite day is very much a fun day for the family, and the standard of golf is definitely not a factor, but for a few (who may have been a little self conscious) a short 45 minute lesson was provided ahead of the main event in order to brush up on “talents” that hadn’t been exercised since last year’s event.
At 3:00pm the first shot was struck. The “elite golfers” were first out, almost sprinting down the first fairway like the start of the London Marathon. Continuing with this analogy the groups continued according to ability with the last few being the equivalent of the fancy-dress fun-runners – there for the occasion rather than the spoils of victory.
The secret to a good score was quickly established – avoid the bunkers !!
On more than one occasion we witnessed significant excavation and definitely more than one expletive. Had it not been for the camaraderie of WBro Tony Orford’s playing companions, he might still be out there now?? Putting was also an issue for some with reports of one (anonymous) participant nudging the ball around the hole in likeness to a hockey dribble?
But again the quality of golf is not what the day is about. This is very much a family day – we once more had several Father / Son teams, a Mum & son team, and the ladies were certainly giving a good account of themselves this year.
The sprinters were back in the clubhouse a good hour ahead of the fun-runners, but whilst they were enjoying their 568mL of liquid refreshment, WBro John Mills saved the highlight of the day for the very last hole, crafting a crisply struck pitching wedge onto the 18th green and watching his ball roll towards the flagstick for an amazing hole-in-one. John had damaged his ankle just the day before but was still determined to play, a buggy was duly rented and what a result!! There’s a saying in golf – “beware the injured golfer”. It appears that there is some truth in that?? Huge congratulations John.
Whilst this is not a competitive day, the Trophy has to be awarded to someone. The Outhwaite Champion for 2023 /2024 is WBro Jeff Neil who, prior to this years event had joked that the last time he had his name on the trophy was the day he collected it from the trophy shop!
Adding this to his recent victory at the recent “Mark Bassant Festival Trophy” day at London Beach, he is now very much the focus of the handicap committees attention.
The trophy for best guest was won by Mr Andy Crowhurst, and we look forward to your defence of this trophy next year Andy.
The Bridesmaid -WBro Peter Dickenson (Kingsgate Lodge)Best Guest – Andy CrowhurstHole in One! WBro John MillsMost Golf – Lee
The day generated over £330 which will be passed to the Cornwallis East Kent Freemasons Charity, This charity (despite it’s name) is not just for Freemasons. If you are a local (East Kent) charity or good cause, you can apply to the Cornwallis for a grant:
https://cornwallisekfc.org.uk/
The Brethren of Royal Navy wish to thank everyone that supported the day and we sincerely hope that you enjoyed yourselves. We look forward to seeing you – same time – same place – next year.
The post 2023 Outhwaite Champion is Crowned appeared first on Royal Navy Lodge No. 429.