MRS Golf Day 2021 in aid of Market Research Benevolent Association organised by Sample Answers – and a good time was had by all!
As in 2020, Covid-19 continued to interfere with the MRS Golf Day – this year by reducing the playing numbers because some of those booked were unable to attend due to having been ‘pinged’. In particular, the players from Critical Research had to give the day a miss. Critical have been valued sponsors of the event for many years now and they were sorely missed. Well, actually, maybe not so much missed, because those attending were able to enjoy the relaxation of the social distancing rules and only wear a mask when visiting the bar. It was therefore perhaps more a case of ‘out of sight out of mind’ so be sure to make it next year guys!
Anyway, the day followed the traditional format, beginning with coffee and bacon butty on arrival to set the golfers up for the morning individual Stapleford Competition. However, the weather was unusually hot for the event (30° C) so Sample Answers provided the benefit of a drinks’ buggy, enabling the golfers to remain hydrated, whilst providing further valuable financial support to the Market Research Benevolent Association (MRBA) (the drinks being slightly overpriced). This welcome innovation ensured that the results achieved were reasonable, if not exceptional!
Results of Stapleford Competition:
| Winner (by countback) | David Alterman – 41 points (20/21) |
| Runner Up | Andrew White – 40 points (20/20) |
| Front nine | Justin Anderson – 19 points |
| Back nine | John Hicks – 18 points |
| Nearest the pin | Justin Anderson |
| Longest Drive | Stewart Tippler |
Lunch consisted of the Chobham Golf Club standard fare of ham, egg and chips or alternatively the vegetarian option. Either way the addition of a reviving drink was enough to put everyone in the mood for the afternoon Greensomes Competition. Providing the opportunity to win further prizes, including a second chance to win nearest the pin and longest drive, this time on holes 7 and 13 respectively – compared with hole 6 and hole 14 in the morning.
Results of the afternoon Greensomes Pairs Competition
| Winners | Dan Boustead & Al Anderson – 45 points (22/23) |
| Runners Up | John Steinitz & Tariq Mirza – 43 points (18/25) |
| 3rd Place | Richard Collins & Stewart Tippler – 40 points (20/20) |
| Nearest the pin | Marc Chester |
| Longest Drive | Tariq Mirza |
The day finished with the usual convivial evening of drinks and sandwiches, whilst prizes were distributed. The final event of the day was the prize draw, and we are grateful for those who provided suitable prizes to justify the tradition that tickets should cost as much as £5 each, with 3 for £10 and 7 for £20.
As usual a valuable additional amount was added to the total raised for the MRBA although we were provided with a sharp reminder of the way in which Covid has influenced changes in society, with a number of our younger golfers not carrying cash and paying for items using their phone only. We’ll have to plan for that one next year if we are to maintain our success in continuing the Churchillian observation that “never has so much been given by so few”.
With thanks to our Sponsors
