Well, the Isle of Man did not disappoint for our group of 15 squad members who last week took advantage of the Guernsey/IOM airbridge. During the trip we experienced all weathers from Storm Francis bringing gale-force winds and torrential rain to some much brighter summer sunshine.
We arrived late afternoon on Monday to beautiful clear blue skies treating us to fabulous views over the south of the island as we came into land, but sadly this was short-lived. We woke the following morning as Storm Francis was hitting the UK hard putting a halt to our first match against the ladies at Peel Golf Club. Our hosts were, however, still keen to say hello so our driver, Stephen from Celtic Wheels, drove us over to the West coast where we were greeted to an array of amazing home-baked cakes, fresh coffee and some good conversation. We established a good connection with Joyce and her cohorts who were as disappointed as us not to play but eager to host us another time.
By Wednesday the wind and rain had eventually relented and we woke to a much calmer, sunnier day as we headed off to Castletown Golf Course, classed by some as one of the top 100 courses in the World. Heading out on a shot-gun start we played a four ball better ball match-play format on a course that was in fabulous condition with coastal views to die for. Sylvia and Fran managed to half their match and Mandy and Mary, although losing 2 and 1, put up a great fight against ex Curtis Cup player Lynda and her playing partner Gaynor. The rest of the Guernsey pairs sadly lost either 3/2; 4/2; 4/3 or 6/5 but really enjoyed the experience, nonetheless.
Thursday was also a little damp and overcast but fortunately not much wind so donning our wet weather gear we heading out to play at Mount Murray Golf Club where we were kindly joined by three other Isle of Man players, Andrew (Secretary of the Isle of Man Golf Union), Shirley and Emma. Treated to buggies this time, and again a shotgun start we played a team stableford competition with prizes for the top team score, top individual and two nearest the pins. This long open parkland course was set up high on the hill overlooking the East Coast, boasting some fabulous views over the island. This time the top scorer went to Di, Andrew, Michelle and Jean Roberts’ team. Sally had the best individual stableford and nearest the pins went to Jean Mills and Mandy.
Back now in Guernsey and writing this short report – it was a great trip. We had a lot of laughs, our players got to know one another a lot better, we experienced new and challenging courses and conditions and gained experience from playing with one another.
It was a shame we couldn’t play at Peel but I’m sure that if the Guernsey/IOM airbridge continues some of us will be back to test out this and other courses on the island (8 or 9 in total?). The locals call the IOM “millionaires golf” and we can see why!
We built some strong relationships with the ladies and hope to be able to compete against them in the future. We also hope that they will come to visit us in Guernsey where we will be able to reciprocate their wonderful hospitality.
By Di Stenner
