The weatherman was calling for some rain, and even a chance of snow in the Ardennes. But not dissuaded, 10 brave men (the women were smarter) turned out Saturday morning at Golf de Rigenee for the NGC's traditional opening event - The Celtic Quaich. We lost many of our Celts last year, so were very glad when Tony Carruth volunteered to sponsor. Thank you again Tony.
The day turned out to be outstanding, particularly for the end of January. The course was in good condition, the rain held off, and the greens ran true. And the winners were: in 1st place, and proud holder of the quaich for 2014, Max Nielsen with 31 Stableford points, in 2nd - on count back - with 30 points, Nigel Coxon, and in 3rd, also with 30 points, DickZandee. For the Longest Drive, there were a couple of longer drives than Nigel's, but he was the only one to put it on the fairway. And finally, on hole #18, the ball closest to the pin at the end of the day was Tony Carruth, but as tradition has it that the sponsor can't win one of his own prizes, the prize would normally go to the second closest, but as Nigel already had two bottles of whiskey, he generously declined. So Steve Smith took home the Closest to the Pin prize. For every rule there is an exception, and in this case, Tony Carruth walked away with the day's special prize for The Most Golf Played.
We welcomed a new member, Juan Torralbo. Juan, golf in Belgium does get warmer, honest. The toast of the day was 'slainte' and we all learned how uisge beatha or "water of life" in Scotish Gaelic became anglicized to whisky (or whiskey). The tradition continues, thanks to Tony Carruth. It was a wonderful way to start the 2014 season.
Rick
Rick Froh
President
NATO Golf Club
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