For three years Rochdale made up the numbers and concentrated on drinking the golfers under the table. For a large part they succeeded as the late nights took their toll. Secretly though golf courses in and around Rochdale became more active as a concerted campaign was unrolled to provide a winner from this area. Golf clubs were bought and golf lessons invested in as drinking time was ignored. Handicaps started to come down, slowly at first, but a look at the scores on our official website shows a gradual improvement climaxing in last year�s final day sprint to take the trophy to Rochdale. DAVE KERR STORMED HOME ON THE FINAL DAY!
Dermot was stunned whilst most observers claimed to have seen it coming for years. Indeed Rochdale have not stopped there and rumours suggest that efforts have been stepped up. Even more drinking money has been shamelessly invested in lessons as the Lancashire Lads seek to maintain their winning initiative (to the neglect of their other society obligations). A recent joint 50th Birthday outing in Dublin (see milestones article elsewhere on this site) saw this season�s first evidence of this new found sporting ambition. Tony Hogan, fresh from his wife�s 40th birthday celebrations the previous week, romped home to win the society�s first unofficial tour event. His brother Chris also made an impressive appearance whilst our current tournament holder, Dave Kerr, stayed behind to brush up on the finer intricacies of his game. All eyes will be on this year�s Rochdale contingent to see how they will cope with the pressure of expectation � no bets are being taken elsewhere at the moment!
SPORTING FACT: Of all the CVGS active regions (Dublin & London included) Rochdale have demonstrates the biggest improvement in the short life of our society.
This year�s tour also celebrates the launch of our very own website. The CVGS is proud of its incestuous tradition which this year sees the daughter of our inaugural winner, Pat Young, credited with the formation of our online newsletter. Jenny Young, with sponsorship from Smart Force, has confounded the electronic community and financial markets alike in setting up a successful, interactive site. The first competition has already been won, our 500th visitor - step up Sandy Burke, with prizes to be announced at this year�s awards ceremony. The only notable absentee has been that of a visit from our Rochdale contingent who have even failed to register in our guest book (WAP phones aren�t allowed on golf courses).
Jenny Young follows a long line of literary aficionados (see this year�s editorial) and her efforts to date suggest a long and fulfilling career. Her dark good looks and sporting prowess only add to the allure that she already holds in the eyes of our society�s members (Pat has assured us that dowry applications will be taken during this year�s golfing activities!).