The Robin Hood Golf Society - Swannington
We are The Robin Hood Golf Society of Swannington. Set in the heart of the National Forest, we are within a well hit 5 iron of Sherwood Forest, the stronghold of the legendary Robin & his merry men. In fact, research into the Legend has revealed the possibility that Robin himself was born in Swannington.
Our base is The Robin Hood public house in the village of Swannington, where you will always find at least one member of the society day or night. Our hosts Carol & Kevin Measom provide fine ales, lagers, wines & a mouth watering array of food is available. Carol & Kevin have also supported us with trophies for our monthly outings, which the below.
The competitions we run as a society are: Player of the Month Nearest the Pin Longest Drive Most Improved Player & The Turkey (which we will cover later). Other competitions running on our society day also includes, Mystery Team Game, all with cash incentives. We are all aiming towards the 'Player of the Year' award which is awarded on an order of merit bases from the stapleford points system. All of our society days are played to the Stapleford Rules & thus giving all golfers of varying abilities & handicaps a chance at a prize of some sort even The Turkey, which by the way, is presented to the player who has the unfortunate position of lowest score. All trophies are kept for a period of approximately one month or until the next outing, when they once again become the coveted pieces of silverware & plastic.
Our society came about as the result of a few of us who had played golf in years gone by & a few who were currently playing, back in October 2011. The society was the initial brain child of Kevin (Fred) Orviss (former committee member - Chair) & Andy (Shot) Hawtin(fomer committee member Finance & Handicaps) & thus the word went around, so in November 2011 our first society outing was born. Beedles Lake Golf Course in Leicestershire was the chosen venue & 16 players took to the tee. It was like a scene from a spaghetti western, namely The Good, The Bad & The Ugly. December 2011 saw Mike (Rhino) Barnett elevated to the committee (Marketing & Events) & May 2012 brought the arrival of Adam (Knobhead) Brunt to the committee (IT).Andy (Shot) Hawtin was sacked from the post of Finance & Handicaps in July 2013.Tony (Doc) Gallagher was elected to the post of Finance & Handicaps (now known as Treasurer) with immediate effect of July 2013,Doc has now handed the reins and responsibility over to Ian (Villa) Boyes as of the 2016 season. The handicaps were the joint responsibility of the Committee up until the duty was handed over to Paul (Wils) Wilson comittee member since 2012 - Handicaps,
The society now stands at 37 members & weekend events are attended by an average of 16-20 players. Mid week events have now been cancelled due to work commitments from many members(I know some people would just say that is wrong but work is work.
May 2012 saw our first hole in one at the Six Hills Golf Course, Leicestershire. Dave (Sticky) Stevenson attained this feat on the Par 3 10th hole, which was also on the day the hole designated nearest the pin. December 2012 marked the 1st presentation of the Player of the Year trophy. This is awarded to the player with the most consistent/overall average for the year. The award went to Dave (Sticky) Stevenson.
After the society golf round has been completed & a few beers drunk in the club house, it is back to base at The Robin Hood for a full roast dinner, the presentation of trophies (that darn Turkey) & as much merriment and ribbing as possible.
If any society out there has read this & wishes to arrange a golf challenge day or weekend, we would look to accommodate you if possible or you could simply join us for some delicious food & a rake of beer.
Look forward to hearing from you soon
Mike Barnett
Marketing & Events - RHGS