December 21st, 2023
It has been a very frustrating period for all golfers in the district over the past few weeks. Pannal Course Manager Neil Horton keeps a detailed record of monthly rainfall on the course: in the whole of 2021 he recorded 768mm, 2022 saw a similar figure of 753mm but in 2023 up to the end of November the total is 860mm. Even more remarkable was the June to November total which has increased massively this year: in 2021 there was 262mm, 2022 247mm but this year 467mm. But despite the deluge the course re-opened mid-week and by Saturday 16th, 13 holes were open for a Fourball Betterball Stableford.
34 pairs took to the course and as ever the battle for the top places was closely fought. In third place with 31 points was the regular pairing of Rob Memmott and Richard Goodall. The top two pairs were playing together which undoubtedly added to the competitive nature of the day.
Putting and chipping well, second placed Mark Homer and Nick Rusling amassed 32 points. However, Steve Taylor and Andrew Asquith were pretty red hot making 4 gross birdies to clinch the first prize by one point, making 33. Steve played his usual quality golf despite getting only 1 shot in 13 holes.
Andrew was a bit like Houdini: despite one or two big misses off the tee he invariably found the green with his second shot and either made par or birdie, so it was a great reward for being pipped at the post a couple of weeks before.
The two major Pannal Christmas events have recently been marked. On the evening of Saturday December 9th, the Clubhouse was full for the traditional Carols by Candlelight dinner. Members braved the storm outside, but quickly regained their composure and looked the part in their black tie and festive frocks. The Harrogate Band played as guests arrived and during the dinner, before accompanying the singing of traditional Christmas carols which included audience participation on the Twelve Days of Christmas, each table standing up for their particular number.
On Sunday December 17th over 40 children with 60 adults were in the main lounge for the Annual Children’s Christmas Party with two-course lunch - children and adults menus. There was music, dancing and games for the children, occasionally helped by some of the adults. But the undoubted highlight of the day was the special visit by Santa Claus, who arrived down the 18th fairway on a golf buggy, driven by one of his helpers, before giving out the presents to each of the children.
