The atmosphere was simply terrific and I really was proud to be a member of Todmorden Golf Club.
I think it just about says it all when for the past 22 years four hardy souls from Stamford Golf Club have supported the Todmorden Rabbits Open, and this year was no exception.
Another loyal visitor and supporter said to me that over the years he had played in many open meetings but of all the other clubs he had visited none were as friendly or as sociable as here at Todmorden Golf Club.
I also think I have run out of fingers for the number of compliments we received about the wonderful condition of the course.
The plaudits and thanks must go to Rabbit captain-elect Alan Murray on an extremely well organised and professionally run open meeting. We had over 70 entrants and fortunately the weather was fine but breezy with sunny spells and with just the odd shower.
Every visitor received a two-for-one voucher to encourage visitors to bring a friend and try our course again.
I'm pleased to report that the winners of the 2008 Rabbits Open Four Ball Betterball Stableford competition were Gary Fisher and Ben Whitham with 44 points, who won a corporate hospitality day at Blackburn Rovers. This generous prize was sponsored by Thwaites Brewery. The members were thrilled for Gary who has given so much time and creative talent to the club over the years.
In second place were our chairman of greens Vincent Korobczyc and Mark Harper with 43 points, each received stylish golf bags donated by GVS Vehicle Services of Urmston.
Third were Alan Troy and Steve McCarron with 41 points who each received designer golfing sweaters donated by Trevor Isles Limited of Bradford while fourth, with 40 points after a card play-off, were Keith Davenport and Kevin Duffy from Crompton and Royton Golf Club who each received black polo shirts donated by Smart Electrics. Fifth, also with 40 points, were Stu Jackson and his partner Jeremy Beninson from Whittaker golf club who each received golfing umbrellas donated by Ultimate Control.
The longest drive prize on the 15th was won by Heath Kennedy who won a meal for two at the Top Brink Restaurant. The nearest approach shot on the second was won by Dean Porter from Ryburn Golf Club who won a meal for two at the Cross Keys. The nearest the pin on the par 3, seventh was won by Phil Morgan, who received a rather generous golfing voucher, while nearest the pin on the par 3, 16th was Dave Duffy from Ryburn who won a meal for two at the Top Brink.
Both boys from Ryburn are delighted with their prizes and will be Todmorden-bound very soon and no doubt fitting in another round of golf.
The infamous and unique putting competition designed and created by Ian Tootel, which tested both putting and patience, was won by Ron Dobson from Hebden Bridge. Ron won a bottle of champagne in a presentation box kindly donated by Mr Mark Harper.
At the presentation the popular rabbit captain John Stobbs acknowledged the support and help of Cynthia Murray, Jennifer Rogers, lady captain Linda Bell, Helen Stobbs, Molly Stobbs and Kathryn Anderton who were each presented with a range of exquisite beauty products.
Thanks must go to Lydia and Alan Troy for the welcome packs, Lydia and her girls for the catering,
Nigel Howarth and Chris Lapish for the magnificent condition of the course and the starters Ric Lupton and Mark Hamer.
We can hardly forget the talents of Dave Setterfield who managed to keep everybody amused in the refreshment tent and if there had been a comedy prize Dave would have won it hands down.
Dave was very taken with Kath's home made cookies….rumour has it she even ran home to bake some more!
Thank you to club members Mark Hamer, Trevor Hemmington, Vincent Korobczyc and Dave Setterfield who helped in preparing the bunkers after the overnight rain.
Special thanks must go to our generous sponsors Paul McEvoy PGA Professional at Clitheroe Golf Club, Stephensons Fine Wines of Nelson, Hollands Pies Accrington, Ultimate Control of Todmorden, Thwaites Brewery, Smart Electrical of Littleborough, JD Sparkes Limited of Todmorden, Neil Chrimes Painting Contractor, GVS Vehicle Services of Urmston, Trevor Isles Limited of Bradford, Top Brink Inn Lumbutts, Physio and Therapies of Todmorden, Bayram's Restaurant Cross Keys Walsden, Parker Plumbing and Heating Services Todmorden, JRT Building Contractors Todmorden, J & R Gases of Nelson, Creative Graphics Limited Todmorden and members of Todmorden Golf Club.

Gents August Medal
Oh what a moment for our club captain Mr Neil Whitham!
Neil had both the privilege and pleasure of announcing that his son Ben Whitham was the outright winner of the August strokeplay medal competition with a wonderful nett 65. It really is so refreshing to watch the golfing prowess of our up and coming young golfers.
This fantastic win gives young Ben automatic qualification as the highest placed "rabbit" into the play-offs for the gold medal final. Ben has already won the prestigious centenary shield this season.
In second place was Darren Wilson, with a nett 66, and as the highest placed "tiger" of the competition he also qualifies for the gold medal final. With this excellent score Darren has reduced his handicap from six to five and subsequently becomes a category one player.
The standard scratch for the day was 69 and thankfully the predicted rain did not arrive until after the day's play although the conditions were rather windy.
There were six "2's who each received six balls each - namely Steve Hughes, Rod Hunt, Terry Makin, Rob Ogden, Dave Rushton and Paul Snook. The nearest the pin on the par 3, fifth was won by Mike Sunderland and nearest to the pin on the par 3, 16th was Stu Jackson.
There was another proud moment for Todmorden Golf Club as it was announced that the talented Dave Stafford has been selected to play for the Halifax and Huddersfield District Golf Union. This really is an honour for David and an honour for the club.
I just knew a week wouldn't go by without me mentioning the mighty "Staff"!

Ladies Grab A Lad
We've already had waltzing in the three-ball alliance waltz competition, well now we actually have "grabbing" in the infamous grab a lad competition - although perhaps a more fitting title would be "I was grabbed as a lad, by a lady in June, and she wouldn't let me go."
You see this grab a lad match was due to be played at the start of the summer and was abandoned due to the atrocious weather conditions but once our lads had been grabbed the ladies were not for letting go. Just in case you're wondering what all this "grabbing" is about it's a game of golf where the lady can choose her male partner a little like a ladies excuse me in dancing.
So back by popular demand and with the customary "grabbing" the match was duly rescheduled for Thursday, August 14.
I am delighted to report that in first place and clearly timing their "pirouettes" to perfection were none other than the lady captain herself Mrs Linda Bell who it has to be said is having an excellent playing season. She was partnered by the winner of last season's grab a lad competition, Steve Hughes - although I understand that the talented Mr Hughes was only on loan from his usual partner for this one match. You see what I mean….the ladies just won't let go of their lads. Linda and Steve scored an incredible 44 points!
Beautifully performed jetés took past captains Mrs Pauline Stafford and Mr John Fowler into second place with 37 points. After a card playoff the graceful arabesques of Mrs Irene Muldowney and Mr Michael Parenti were placed in third position with 36 points.
In fourth place and just missing out on the card play off despite their brilliant pas de chat were past lady captain Mrs Julia White and current chairman of greens Mr Vincent Korobczyc. Although there wasn't a tutu in sight the "2's" of the day were attained by Linda Bell and Steve Hughes, Heidi Woodhead and Philip Brown, Edna and Paul Snook and Jean and Rodney Kirk.
All in all another fun day full of hi-jinks and laughter.