CAPTAIN’S NEWSLETTER – MAY 2022 
 
A Note to bring you up to date for the month of May … 
 
To start on a sad note – Martin Read’s Memorial Service was held at his local parish church in Little Missenden, with a reception afterwards at Beaconsfield Golf Club. We are all indeed saddened by Martins’ passing as he was universally regarded as a true friend whose sunny disposition had a positive effect on all those who came into contact with him. This was reflected by the very large attendance of LSGC members who paid their respects. The service and reception were happy celebrations of Martin’s life and it was clear from the eulogies delivered that golf – and in particular the LSGC – played a significant part in his life. If I recall correctly, it was said that he played some 640 different courses around the world – a very impressive total !! … RIP Martin.
 
Two international matches were played – the Scottish Solicitors (at Elie and Lundin Links) and the Bremen and Munich Bars (at Nefyn, Aberdovey and Harlech).
 
Each had much in common. Played in great spirit on excellent links courses (with plenty of wind to make them “good tests” of golf but otherwise very decent weather) – and accompanied by the wonderful conviviality and renewal of friendships, for which they are both renowned. We lost the Scottish match but won the German, both being keenly contested. Many thanks go to both the participants and particularly the organisers for producing such great events.
 
It would be wrong of me not to mention Brian Pettifer in the context of the German match. As many of you will know, Brian instigated this match some 35 years ago and, together with his great friend Ralf Bortscheller, nurtured and developed it into the great event it has become over so many years. Brian sadly announced that he is no longer proposing to play in the match, but the lovely news is that he went out on a high – being undefeated in his matches – and will continue to attend future events in a non-playing capacity. Brian was presented with a lovely Bavarian Beer Jug by way of commemoration of his contribution (there is no need to mention the other trophy he won!). We thank you enormously Brian for all you have done for this match over the years.
 
The matches are now starting to come thick and fast and I will update you in a month’s time on the events of June.
 
Bernard Hodgson,
Captain, LSGC