If there is one tournament eagerly anticipated on the BDGA tour, its the Burnlaw Autumn Equinox. The course is a challenging par 57 with a good mix of wooded, open, lefty, righty, up and down holes, with plenty of OB’s to bump up the scores. But, the golf is really an excuse to explore one of the most beautiful parts of our little green Isle.

On the weekend of 11/12th September nine Croydonites ventured the 350 miles North to the town of Allendale to the home and working farm of Gary Villiers-Stuart, who graciously puts on two tournaments a year for the BDGA. For half of the Croydon boys a 5am departure in Hippy Dan’s love bus meant time for a practise round, see the new holes and warm the arms in anticipation of the competition to come. Work obligations caused the other Croydonites to leave after work and arrive in the early hours. Unfortunately during the practice round, young Josh Hawkins managed to badly jar his knee causing him to withdraw from the tourney without throwing a disc in anger. A real shame as there was some who had him as a strong contender for the Int Am title. Hopefully he will be fully recovered in time for the Cyclone.

The Saturday morning gave Charlie and the Bates a first views of the hills and fields of Burnlaw, and their mouths were agape for long enough for a infamous “Big Breakfast” to be stuffed into. A very leisurely 10.00am players meeting followed with rules such as - mandatory backward walking to the tee of 14 to admire the view, explained.  With Croydon forming a large contingent of the field, confidence was high that we may be able to bring home the silverware. The morning round saw QP’s Del Robins set a new course record with an incredible 46 – 11 under par, Jester hot on his heels in the open division. In the Ad Ams Ali and Phil both shot well hitting 59s to join Essex boy Dave Allaker leading the division. In the Int Ams the Croydon boys – Jerry, James, Paul, Charlie and Dan scored well and were split by a few shots. Lunch in the “Beautiful Room” gave everyone the chance to refuel on homemade veggie soup and flapjacks before heading out into the afternoon.  

The 2nd rounds saw Phil and Ali on the same card for successive rounds, with Jerry and Charlie also grouped on the same card. With the wind picking up, Phil and Ali couldn’t keep the scores as low with a 65 and 62 respectively. Charlie improved by 3 strokes upon his first round score 74,. Dan shot an impressive 63 to storm into a strong position within the Int Ams. Tiredness and frustration got the better of James, who carded a high 70’s, and was even beaten by his Dad! Bragging rights were Pauls for the evening. 

The traditional pub dinner ensued on the Saturday evening, with steaks a plenty and sticky toffee pudding the order of the day. The locals not taking kindly to Charlies blasphemy when he was astonished by the nearby disco – a locals front room decked out in full glitter ball and spinning lights! Dan proved he was a good boy scout by getting the campfire burning in somewhat damp conditions and RickRick joined for a spot of night golf. Hole 4 “Badgers” proving particularly interesting when played blind!

Sundays round saw Jester in second in the Open division, joined by Del and Burnlaw locals Chris O’Brien and Rick “Rick” Murphy on the lead card, in the Ad Ams Ali held onto the lead with Phil slipping on to the second card. Ross Davies held top spot in the Int Ams, but was surrounded by the Croydon boys. All players consolidated their positions – Ali shooting a superb 56 and Charlie hitting a pb65, meaning that only Paul Bates missed out on a final. For the first time the “Croydon Caddie bet”  could not be enforced as we did not have enough caddies to carry bags for the all the finalists!

The final 9 holes were to be a mixture of “Jungle” holes and regular holes, giving the big arms a chance to air out and really go for it. In the Open division Del had a controlling lead over Jester and held on to secure Bertha the prize pig. The Ad Ams all lived up to the “Am” title as every one of them failed to get past the wall on the first hole of the final. Ali played very steadily and took the title, Phil was too many shots off and had to settle for fifth.  All Croydon eyes though were focussed on the Int Am final, with Ross Davies holding a commanding 7 shot lead over the four Croydon players. Now much smack talk ensued with (mock??!?) threats of physical violence from some follically challenged participants. Ross buckled under the constant pressure dropping shots from the outset. Charlie continued his slow and steady climb up the leader board and capitalised on Ross’ mistakes and had make up the 7 shot deficit after only 5 holes and got a 3 shot lead after the 6th. With a two shot lead going into the final hole (hole 18) Charlie crushed his drive through the gap in the trees over the pond and through the other side and  sensibly took a safe 5 securing him a win by one stroke. Ross held on to second and Jerry finishing third.

So drew to an end an ultimately very successful northern adventure for CDGC and an excellent foundation for all players to build on for the Cyclone in two weeks time.

Many thanks to all that made the trip up, especially to Dan, Jerry and Paul for driving everyone up...... and back!