TENNIS SOCIETY v SQUASH SECTION Golf Day on the North Course at Kau Sai Chau

The annual Tennis Society v Squash Section Golf Day was held on 22 May, with the Squash Section seeking to retain the trophy, and the pressure very much on the Tennis Society.

The Squash team arrived by coach in Sai Kung, in good time for the ferry, collecting golf bags from the coach – “Where are my clubs?” said Leo Kwok who’d obviously not tipped the HKFC concierge desk enough money as his clubs were left behind in the HKFC lobby! Partner John Thompson had also fallen foul to the same concierge mishap so the Squash team had a first pairing without a ball, a club or a pair of shoes between them!

After arriving at KSC, the more serious golfers began hitting a few balls on the range whilst Leo and John familiarised themselves with the hire and pro shop before they led off the match. A few hours later they were in the clubhouse after securing the first point. Then group after group emerged, points were won and lost and we discovered it was a dead-heat, but with one group still out on the course.

Squash had saved their strongest pairing for this final group - Jason Waldie and Shaun le Roux both playing off handicaps of 5.  Not being able to stand the excitement and in true Ryder Cup style (though lacking the walkie talkies and buggies) the Squash Captain rushed off to see the final group, and reported back with a win for Squash which meant we left again with the heavy trophy after a 4 1/2 to 3 1/2 victory.

Table of results:

A great social then followed in Bar Casa, with more team members losing their bags somewhere between KSC and Sai Kung. The prize list was long, but highlights were the prizes awarded to Dallas Reid, Jason Waldie, Fiaz Magdoom and Mitch Robinson for nearest-the- pins and to Aggie Hay for best lady. Alex Bailey won the Longest Drive.

We all left with more golf balls than we knew what to do with so we awarded them to those playing the most golf (losing the most balls): step forward Dave Reeves, Damien Laracy, the aptly named John Mulligan and Allen Lam who rather than hitting the ball on the green had hit it into his golf bag! Still not out of balls we awarded balls to Leo and John so they could put them in their golf bags if they could ever find them!

Following pints of Furry Ferret and tapas, the Squash island contingent made a mad dash for the coach, via Seven-Eleven where a healthy number of roadies were picked up. Arriving back at the club, we met our supporters at the Captains bar where we regaled the tales from the day and left the trophy for an overnight stay.

So, Squash once again were worthy winners, this time the trophy to be kept (lost) in the Squash storeroom for safe keeping!

A special mention should go to Kevin McNamara for being the pioneer of this event. Kevin will soon relocate to the UK and the Squash section sincerely thanks you for your enthusiasm for this event and we hope that we will see him take part in this once again on his visits to Hong Kong as his legacy lives on.

Thanks also go to co-organiser and tennis team captain Greg Brutus, to Desiree Wong for her help, and to the Tennis Society and Squash Section for their generous subsidy as well as to all the players for making it a great day out not forgetting, of course, our two section sponsors David Bateson from King & Wood Mallesons and Damien Laracy of Laracy & Co whose continued support is greatly appreciated.

Dave Cross