was a great success, although I became wary of being asked to “say a few words.” After an instance of under-preparation early in the campaign which I hope I got away with, I resolved to be prepared for every eventuality thereafter. The most enjoyable lunch of the year was without doubt the Seniors lunch in mid-June for out longest serving members. The conversation was sharp and interesting and I was made very welcome, although the Chairman and I did pay for the wine! The Captain’s matches were well
supported with home success against The Country Club, Brookline and Royal Birkdale. An away win at Formby was followed by a significant reversal at Royal Lytham the weekend after the Open. I soon realised that the lunch following these matches could be quite hazardous. This was especially so at Lytham when late in the afternoon their Captain opened a case of “The Big Easy” Chenin Blanc donated by Ernie Els their Open Champion of the preceding week. Our fixture against the R&A on the Old Course in July was for me one of the high points of the year. Well in advance this was highlighted as a major and a hand-picked side from Hoylake travelled north with great anticipation. On a beautiful sunny morning, the only one I can remember in 2012, we won convincingly and represented our Club with distinction. We hosted the Ricoh Women’s British
Open for the first time in our history in September, an eagerly anticipated week in the calendar which lived up to all expectations. Several weeks prior to the event I had the pleasure of welcoming Paula Creamer to Hoylake as she played a couple of rounds in early preparation for the Championship. She was a delight to play with and a worthy ambassador for women’s golf. The event sponsors kindly let us use
their marquee on the Saturday prior to the championship which enabled us to stage the Summer Ball. This was to be the social event of the year and on a beautiful, warm evening everyone present had a memorable time. The seamless organisation, the food, the magicians and the dancing reminded us that at Royal Liverpool we really know how to throw a great party. The autumnal weather posed
many challenges during the course of the tournament causing delay and uncertainty. The loss of a complete day’s play on the Friday resulted in a 36 hole final day with a reduced field. The membership worked so hard before and during the event to make it a success both on and off the course, and we should congratulate ourselves on yet another championship well hosted. Jiyai Shin of South Korea was a deserving winner on a wet and windy, attritional final day, and her dominating performance will long be remembered. The universal praise for our links and its condition were a testament to Craig our Links Manager and his staff who worked so hard from before dawn until after dusk. Armed with a few words of Japanese
and a crash course in far-eastern etiquette, the Captain of Ladies and myself lunched every day during the event with the great and good of International Golf. This was not always an entirely straightforward undertaking, but with the help of Shaun and his staff we did our best and our guests were highly appreciative. I shall never forget the atmosphere and buzz in the Clubhouse, and the food and the service were spectacular. Well done to everyone who made it possible. The Ricoh was closely followed by
the Atlantic Trophy and the theme of a well organised and successful few days despite the weather was to continue. Watching our putting green slowly flood before play in the opening round was not encouraging, but our American guests
Above: Paula Creamer Below: Jiyai Shin on her way to victory - photo by Tristan Jones
entered into the spirit of the match and we played every round. A disappointing opening series was soon recovered and the Club regained the Trophy. 2012 has been an important year for
women’s golf at Hoylake and I was blessed with an extremely able and compatible running mate in Sue Greenhalgh, our Captain of Ladies. Although we underachieved a little as mixed foursomes partners, Sue was a constant support throughout the campaign and always a pleasure to be with. 2013 will be another important year
for the club as we host the British Boys Championship and prepare for the Open in 2014. I am sure our successors Rick Taylor and Geraldine Hamer will have an enjoyable and successful year, and they carry with them our best wishes. Captaincy of Royal Liverpool has
been an honour and a privilege. It only remains for me to thank our Secretary David Cromie and my family for their unerring support during the year. I have enjoyed every minute of it. n
ROYAL LIVERPOOL GOLF CLUB 2013 MAGAZINE
53
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