Once again fourteen Musketeers travelled for an away day — this week at Lannemezan. It was the Autumn Cup but the weather was more like mid-summer. Lannemezan course was in great condition— lots of run, hard fast greens and, of course about 2,000 trees to wreck your score.

The bunkers were not only numerous, but the sand was only about 1mm deep so conventional bunker shots tended to thin the ball about 50 yards across the green.

Despite the difficulties of the course, some good scores were posted — but not many. Eleven of the 14 handicaps went up on the day. The top three scores were from Phil Lingard who had 29 points after 11 holes and was on for a course record — or at least a personal best. Then the wheels fell off. He scored 4 points in the final 7 holes to come third with 33 points.

One point better was Rob Jones with a creditable 34 points, but the clear winner with 38 points was our very own Captain, Martyn Hayward. His handicap has been cut to 6.9  — congratulations to Martyn.

On a gorgeous Friday in late October the Musketeers travelled to Barbet for another match against our Dutch, Belgian and French friends, the Barbarians, on their sumptuous 9-hole course.

Fourteen players per side battled out an individual matchplay contest and the Barbarians managed one more point than the Musketeers. Despite the Musketeers having won both previous matches during the summer, the trophy was presented to the Barbarians to grace their club mantlepiece during the winter months.

Martyn Hayward organised and donated three spot prizes of Champagne which in true Musketeers spirit were opened and consumed on the day! The meal in the chateau restaurant was truly magnificent — surprisingly the chef is English!

Apparently some revellers were still enjoying their post-match lunch at 8.30pm.

After our raucous meal we repaired to the bar. Cigars were smoked, tales told, armagnacs were enjoyed and both victors and vanquished had a thoroughly good time.

Roll on next year!