SPR Golf Day, 7th September 2018, Silvermere Golf Club
“I’m here with the Society of Property Researchers”. “Ah, yes. Head straight to the Library”. Hilarious, never heard that one before…
An arm stretches out and points us to a book-laden area at the far end of the bar, where bacon sandwiches, coffee and a pair of burnt-pink “trews’” – trousers that can only belong to the one and only George Armitage – indicate that we’re in the right place.
And it’s not a real library after all.
Outside, the sun is shining and Silvermere promises to be a fine setting for the 2018 Society of Property Researchers Golf Day.
Eventually the local professionals coax our group out of the bar – its still 9:30am and we’re on soft drinks only to be fair – and onto the practice facilities, which is clearly not a natural environment for everyone involved.
On the upper deck of the driving range Silvermere’s hi-tech pro tracer ball tracking system proved popular, while technical advice and tips from the pro in the short game area were well received, though not always put into practice on the course in the afternoon.
Silvermere is a tight tree-lined course, generally rewarding straight hitting, particularly over the first six holes, although it does open up and offer some birdie opportunities on the back nine.
A tricky finish that crosses the lake twice in final two holes (think TPC Sawgrass?) means that numerous Real Capital Analytics-branded golf balls are now lurking in its murky depths. Rumours that George Armitage is heading back to Silvermere with diving gear after a disastrous 17th hole are, as yet, unconfirmed.
After the round was completed, the players gathered on the lakeside terrace to swap tales of well executed shots, near-misses, might-have-beens and could-do-better-next times.
In the end, the winner of the 2018 trophy was PGIM Real Estate’s Greg Kane who carefully plotted his way round for 37 points off his 5 handicap, with Property Data’s Chris Bullock in second with 35 points. Along the way, Chris, playing off an 8 handicap, also scooped the nearest the pin prize for an arrow straight 8-iron to 8 feet over the water on 17 and was only just edged out on long drive to prevent a “triple crown” clean sweep!.
Third place went to Carlos, from Barings Real Estate (like Ronaldo and Kyle – he only needs a first name introduction!), while an honourable mention goes to Simone De Gale from Simone De Gale Architects who completed her first ever full round of 18 holes, after a crash course on the practice ground in the morning.
A big thank you from all participants is extended to sponsors Real Capital Analytics and Property Data, Rita from SPR, organiser Aberdeen Standard’s Craig Wright and to Baring’s Paul Stewart – winner of the long drive award on the day too – for stepping in to administrate in Craig’s absence owing to paternity leave. And congratulations from all of us to Craig on his new arrival!
Keep practicing and see you all in 2019.
Paul Stewart / Greg Kane - in Craig's absence