A successful relaunch of the IMarEST Golf Society
The re-launch event of the IMarEST Golf Society was held at Romford Golf Course, on 28th September where 14 golfers, a mix of IMarEST members and their guests, assembled at the home course of Council Member and IMarEST Golf Society Captain, Nigel Smith. Previous participants of IMarEST golf days enjoyed catching up with “old” friends and colleagues and new attendees from the marine industry.
Though not blessed with some of the hot weather that had been experienced in recent weeks, the weather stayed dry and when the sun did come out, it was welcomed. The Romford Golf Club General Manager welcomed all to the club and after the traditional bacon roll and coffee late breakfast, the group assembled by the first tee where Nigel took the first drive. Thankfully, for him, it sailed into the air and ended up well down the fairway.
Romford is a course that was designed by famous late 19th/early 20th Century Champion Golfer and course designer James Braid, who was the club professional at Romford for 8 years. As such it has narrow fairways, lots of bunkers and in places holes that cross each other, enabling the best use to be made of a small area. The first hole can be daunting, with 3 bunkers and seven small bushes placed just 120 yards from the tee and the third hole has been likened to the drive on the 18th at Augusta, with the added hazard of a pond. Golfers need to thread their drive between trees plus over a pond.
The day’s event was an 18-hole Stableford competition with Nearest the Pin and Longest Drive competitions and a mystery Double Peoria. A splendid two-course meal followed the golf and preceded the prize-giving.
IMarEST President Martin Shaw attended the post-event meal and presented the prizes. He gave a short update on activities at IMarEST and plans for the future before the presentation. Some good scores resulted from the golf, but the overall winner was long-standing attendee Dave Currie, with runner-up Richard Stuart. They were presented with both the IMarEST trophy which they keep for a year, plus a keepsake trophy.
A collection was made from the participants which raised £85 for the Guild of Benevolence of the IMarEST.
Everybody considered the event a success and it is the intention to hold at least two golf days in 2024. If you would like to be included on the mailing list for future events, please contact IMarEST Events department who will pass your details to Nigel Smith.
IMarEST would like to thank the following companies who gave donations to the prize fund, which enabled trophies and golf balls to be awarded as prizes.
- P&S Automation
- Marine Marketing International
- EMCS International (IOM)
- St Kitts & Nevis International Ship Registry
- Fulcrum Maritime Systems
IMarEST would welcome expressions of interest from companies that would like to contribute to the prize fund or sponsor a specific prize. If you are interested, please contact the Events Department.
We anticipate circulating details of the 2024 events in the New Year and Nigel looks forward to seeing many more members at the IMarEST Golf Society events in 2024.