Rob Gilbert reports:
2023 Gutty Gopher in the Books
A small but intrepid group met on Saturday, April 15, the Ides of April (Tax Day!) at Meadowcreek Golf Course in Charlottesville to contest the third annual VaHGA Gutty Gopher. It was a beautiful day for gutty golf in the commonwealth.
After short iron shots down the hill, (and a lucky bounce off of Clawson’s bridge), the men were well on their way.
The third hole featured some excitement, as Dennis Meadows putted his ball from the bunker up onto the green. Not to be outdone, Tom Mehigan lofted his shot right into the cup for a birdie!
Came the 6th, and Captain Rob Gilbert foozled his drive, but managed a long approach with a cleek and he was well up. That didn’t matter to Jim Clawson, who sank a 39-foot putt for par, clinching the longest putt of the day and a sleeve of JH Taylor mesh balls courtesy of McIntyre Golf.
About the 8th, a shower set in briefly which caused a slight consternation in the play of the hole. Dennis, in a moment of foresight, hit his ball under a tree and recovered from his situation while utilizing the shelter of the tree as he did so.
Hole number 9 was our closest to the pin hole, and Jim again captured the moment as he snuggled his ball nearest the hole and won himself a pair of socks courtesy of King’s Cross Knickers.
The foursome stroked ably along the back nine, the next bit of excitement coming at hole 14, where Rob recovered his drive from the bunker with a crack lofter shot right near the green , and was up and in for par. This was no match for Jim, who again showed his mettle by sinking a putt for birdie.
At the end of the round, VaHGA Captain Rob Gilbert of Lynchburg played what he called his “best hickory round ever,” a smooth 40-41-81 to claim the title. He was also best dressed by far. Jim Clawson, immediate past VHGA Captain, took home the net honors. All men had moments of stout play, and the afternoon was thoroughly enjoyed by all.
Thanks are due to Mcintyre Golf and to King’s Cross Knickers and their generous donations which helped make the day special. (Captain Gilbert notes that VaHGA has a discount code “Gilbert” for a substantial discount at Kings Cross Knickers.)
Gutty Gopher golfers. From left, Jim Clawson, Rob Gilbert, Tom Mehigan, and Dennis Meadows.
Gutty Gopher victors. Rob Gilbert, left, and Jim Clawson.