Ask our man of the moment Allen Doyle and he will tell you that a mighty round of golf is a wonderful tonic that lifts one's spirits.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
And it was so obviously so following Allen's 36-point scoreline to top the 45-strong field in last week's Kempsey Veterans Golf Club 14-hole stableford competition.
Out of action through ill-health and then a strenuous (so to speak) lengthy sojourn in Austria – he had Christmas in Vienna - had taken their toll.
Prior to all his setbacks he had been more than competitive, but suddenly "got lost in transit" for quite some time. Discussion with his wife Shirley for answers were common.
On Tuesday last something happened when Doyley suddenly began to regain plenty of his best form of old. Out of the blue came good stroking and those valuable points totalled up.
Going up to tee-off Allen was a little listless, but a smile a mile wide and a real spring in his step was certainly noticeable. "He's back" one may say.
Oh yes, our handicapper will most definitely have seen it all.
Wayne Simmons, following a run of minor placings despite some consistent good scores, finally "cracked it" to find himself atop the A-grade contenders with 32 points.
'Tis good to see "Birdseed" making it as this fellow strives for success where and whenever he swings a club. He's different to most of us because he wants his handicap on the slide.
Maybe he won't be truly contented until single figures are reached, but he'll most probably be five off that level today.
Good scores were the order of the day with Bob Garner (33), Bob Mavin and Grahem Irving (32), then Dick Smith, Greg Mayhew and John Terlich (31) leading six players all on the 30 mark.
That sextet was made up by Graheme Martin, Chris Hudson, Mark Townsend, Stuart Vaughan, Peter Mercer and Tony Sciberras.
Nearest the pins were again staged on the third and eighth holes, Chris Gorman (A) and Mayhew (B) winners at the former, while Barry Pearson (B) was all alone at the latter.
Chip-ins were peformed by Robert Dykes (two) and Simmons.
Once again Robert Johnston stepped up to lead the presentation of awards and he offered a welcome to visitor Benjamin Sheck from Byron Bay. A very capable golfer off 12, but Ben did baulk at the many big trees adorning the fairways.
