Grey skies in Southport lit up by Gray's golf

Our first society day of the year took place at the stunning Southport & Ainsdale Golf Club, one of a number of fine courses on Lancashire's west coast. Despite all the talk of the upcoming mini heatwave, we were treated to a cold wind and heavy rain for much of the day. But this didn't deter our strong field of 40 Swingers determined to get their season off to a good start, as the race for our Vegas final began in earnest. It was fantastic to see so many new names attending, as word of our ever popular days keeps spreading, and despite the awful weather spirits were high. Congratulations to newcomers Andy Saunders and Mark Kelly who won the Nearest Pin and Nearest the Pin in two competitions to win prizes from Dirty Dog and Level 4 golf. In the main Stableford event there was some very strong scores despite the conditions. Well done to long time Swinger Martin Derrick, who finished sixth with 34 points. Martin looked on course to win his first ever Swingers day after a front nine of 22 points, which included holing his second on the short par 4 for 5 points! But once more it wasn't to be, although Martin did win a lovely polo shirt from Trendy Golf. In fifth place was Andy Saunders with 35 points picking up a Trendy Golf top and cap. Fourth place went to one of last season's finalist Mahesh Mani with 35 points (on a countback) and Mahesh won a Cleveland wedge and Dirty Dog sunglasses.Third place went to Roger Harpum, also on a countback with 35 points. Roger won a Srixon/Cleveland golf bag and Dirty Dog sunglasses.

The runner up prize went to another newcomer, Karen Andrews who scored a fabulous 39 points winning a Stewart Golf bag and Dirty Dog sunglasses. Karen however was pipped to the winner's prize by another of last season's finalists Andrew Gray, who just had one of those rounds where everything went for him to score a fabulous 40 points to win a Stewart Golf R1 Push trolley, a SkyPro, Dirty Dog sunglasses and a dozen Srixon Ultisoft balls. Well done Andrew, but also well done to everyone who took part. The day was played in a true Swingers spirit, and once more made us all realise what an amazing community the Swingers family is. We can't wait until our next day at Walton Heath in early May. Who knows the sun might even make an appearance! Thanks also to Srixon, who unfortunately had to leave early due to an injury, and Luther Blacklock who demonstrated the fantastic Explanar training aid on the driving range. Thanks also to all our other partners who help us put this day on - Cleveland Golf, Trendy Golf, Stewart Golf, Dirty Dog, SkyPro, Hertz, Gleneagles and Level Four Golf. See you at the next one!