Saturday morning, 18 November, dawned cool and overcast. While there was no frost on the ground, there was no warmth in the wind and the intrepid group of NATO golfers could not deny the cold as they watched their breath fog in the air. Nevertheless, we teed off for a brisk round on the challenging Kampenhout course. For our match (Stableford scoring with locally adjusted handicap) we played off winter tees but on to regulation greens. This arrangement significantly shortened many of the men’s distances though the ladies’ tees were less affected.
We started with a field of 10 players but lost two along the way (don’t worry, they are alright!) to finish after just 4 ½ hours. This is noteable after several rounds this year where club play was significantly longer. By the end of the round, the weather had warmed slightly and we were greeted by sunny skies for several holes (see above).
The results of the competition (one single category) were rather good for the conditions:
Skill prizes: No one reached the green on 16 - the closest to the pin, so that prize went back in the locker! For long drive on number 15, the men’s winner was Jos VanSchoenwinkel and for the ladies, our Secretary, Nikki Hayes-Janssens.
First place in the competition went to our President, E.J. Herold with a whopping 43 points (his best round of the year!) In second place, new member Arvid Halvorsen came in with a very respectable 39 points! Congratulations to the winners!
The Closing Cup also gave us the opportunity during prize-giving to recognize departing Captain, Jim Edge, with the traditional engraved silver platter to commemorate his service to the NGC as he prepares to return to the US in a few short weeks. Well done, Captain!
