Hope Springs downwards as Adam takes BUAFC to Church

Despite a high quality afternoon of golf, there was no stopping the boy with the beard this past Sunday at the Springs. After a week of torrential rain it seemed to be divine intervention that BUAFC arrived in Oxfordshire to be greeted by glorious sunshine and manicured greens. After weeks of doubt and worry, it was only fitting that the last man to arrive would be tournament director and event sponsor Tim. Fuelled by a hearty and substantial breakfast the players headed to the first tee at around Midday to watch a hungover Jay Gilbert officially open to 2016 BUAFCGS season. Also teeing off in that first group was Adam Churcher, looking resplendant in royal blue and standing tall in his size 7 green destroyers. Sneaking under the radar, it was quickly evident that Mr Etiquette had a point to prove, having received no backing in the pre round TK freebet extravaganza. Whilst others around him were finding blobs easy to come by, Churcher was keeping his card clean with a consistent front nine, reaching the turn with a solid 17 points. Although 2 points behind the halfway pacesetter, Jon's current confidence issues meant the title was well and truly there for the taking. It was the back nine where the screw was truly turned. An endless barrage of booming drives and dustbin lid lag putts saw a narrow deficit turn in to a commanding lead. Numerous pars and a birdie saw Adam motor ahead and post a formiddable score of 38 points, leaving many rueful of backing higher handicappers such as Gary and Mop, who rounded off the prize positions with strong mid 30 point efforts to gather impressive society point tallies. There was not such good news for all on a day of mixed fortunes. Gilbert blew an impressive start with 4 straight blobs around the turn, Jay Way's challenge was over after a dismal first 5 holes and Tim spent the majority of his round playing shots from the incorrect hole. None of these players could claim to be the disappointment of the day though, that unwanted accolade going back to Essex with the Sloth. Quoted as confessing to 'the worst round I've ever played', Hopey's dreams were shattered and the Chairman left his native Shire with just a solitary point to his name. Although Sloth will doubtless be disappointed, there was another BUAFC member ending Sunday with far more questions about his reputation. A last minute non show compounded by #UTTsnapchatgate left Jey Siva as the focus of many headlines in Monday's papers. Whilst the questions about Tim's TDmanship will no doubt run and run, it was undoubtably a pleasant season opener for all concerned. Churcher will certainly look the part come May in his new shoes and jacket, and many players will be hoping to be toasting another chunk of Championship points at the Frankensloth! Until next time, it is worth remembering the words of the great Wayne Gretzky; 'Ninety percent of hockey is mental. The other half is physical.' See you at Toot Hill