Only a Small Club – ToffeeWeb Golf Day 2021

We met all the guys just before the official tee-off and was so proud to be an Evertonian when asked to hit the first shot of the competition. Not making any excuses but, having had a stroke in 2016 and now this horrible disease, the old body is not what it used to be. Still hit a reasonable shot straight but not long down the fairway.

While the lads were out on the first nine, my son and I had a coffee with David and a really nice chat for about an hour. I had to go then as I was very tired.

I hope John Hall got a few pictures and videos – and John, that is a magnificent trophy you donated, thank you.

Thanking all involved for making an old guy's day. Maybe I am changing my thoughts on Rafa the gaffer so here's hoping I can see more positive results like last Saturday. Regards and respect to you all.

The charity is close to my heart, so please send details and I'll happily donate.

dannyefc26@gmail.com

Next stop, the Bramley Moore on 25th September after we beat Norwich!

I don't know if you have met Derek or indeed any of the lads (gentlemen) who attended the day but, like me, I am sure you would have puffed your chest out, and yes fought back a tear in respect for the warmth those guys gave out as I hit the first shot.

Derek Knox, all due respect to you, and all our thanks for your hard work. I will never forget the day, Teddy.

I understand that the audience were amazed at Derek's skills for a man who had obviously never swung a club in his life!!!

Good food, super course and even better company! Those who didn't go missed a cracking day out.

Thanks especially to you Del, and David Pearl and David Greenwood, my playing partners on the day, for making it so special. 👍🏻

Hi Teddy, yes I know Derek well. We were cellmates for a good while before he was moved to another wing due to his awful jokes!

Not sure whether any of the others have attended previous get-togethers. If they have, then I'd have met them.

Glad the day was all it turned out to be for you.

Ray, you were robbed for the longest drive!!! If it had been the 15th, you'd have won by a country mile.

Look forward to seeing you at the next event. 👍🏻

I am sure the next one will be much bigger re turnout now everyone can see the super photo and read about how well it was organised. Excellent donation to charity will be well received, I am sure. Stay well, everyone, not least Teddy and have a great get together at The Bramley Moore piss-up.

See you at the next one, or Goodison.

And well done, Stephen, for assisting Derek.

Also, thanks to my playing partners, Barry Quinn and Jon Harding, for your great company. Both my brother Chris and I will be back next year.

Best wishes to all of you especially Teddy Draper who made such a great effort to be there.

Derek Knox, my friend, well done arranging this, and you look hale and healthy. Delighted to see your big grin again.

And bravo to David Greenwood for pairing farthest-from-the-course with closest-to-the-pin. I look forward to chatting with you again someday soon.

Initially, I had anticipated about mid-twenties in numbers to possibly 30 on the day, but to end up with 10 golfers and an excellent volunteer in Stephen Vincent, made me fearful that those who had travelled over 200 miles to be there, would be disappointed having made the effort, to see so few.

Thankfully my fears were allayed, for what we lacked in quantity, was surpassed in quality, and I say that most sincerely, as every one was a true gentleman, and all top Evertonians.

I was almost tearful myself as Teddy, after introduction, boldly stood on the tee and hit the first shot to start the event off. A truly commendable gesture at 85 and having had a stroke and currently being treated for that unmentionable but horrible disease... Bravo, Teddy!

Incidentally, Teddy and his son and grandson, had left, after having a chat with Stephen Vincent, for an hour, before we golfers had got back to the clubhouse, and did not leave any Contact details. So please, Teddy, if you could text me on 07565 140075 or email me, del_kath@yahoo.co.uk, I would be more than grateful. I have something else in mind that I hope you may be able to attend.

Finally, believe it or not, I am currently putting out feelers for next year's TW Golf Day. I think probably/possibly at a different venue, and that is no reflection whatsoever on Aldersley Green Golf Club. They did an excellent job and made everyone feel welcome, plus the course was in superb condition.

I just think it is good for people to experience different courses, and different formats, while meeting or playing with possibly not only familiar names, but fellow TW'ers they have never met. I would like it to be in May, and I would like to get it on the Friday before the final home game of the season. Hopefully Sky or BT (or whoever) doesn't change the matchday to suit viewing figures.

Thanks again to one and all.

Barry, 9
Funny enough l've just been offered a new 2-year contract.

Teddy, wonderful to meet you and family and to see you enjoy the day. You greeted us all with a big smile and then a grimace as your tee shot was a little short of the green. All the best.

Obviously like to add thanks to Derek and also Stephen for scoring... and to Ray and Dave for putting up with me. Great blues!

Small club indeed... thanks Ged!

And not to forget John Hall for donating a wonderful trophy, you did Teddy proud.

How's the back, Dave?

Derek – well done, man. It's very cool – for lack of a more apt descriptor – that you arranged this get together and day out on the links.

Final note – is it any wonder Dan Harding won two trophies? Looks thirty years younger than most, and from the pic, looks to stand about 6'-7", for fuck's sake! He towers over everyone!

Great read!

Dan told me he puts horse manure in his golf shoes, and is still growing! :-)

Davie, sore, can't get comfortable sitting, standing, leaning etc. Hopefully my MRI finds something. Hope to meet again. What a shot that was!

I've never played golf in my life but, when we're eventually in the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, it's on my list to come home for at least one game. If you guys don't mind me getting back to the club room half-an-hour after the awards, maybe I can combine the two?

You'd be more than welcome. Don't worry about golf clubs, I have two sets, so you could always borrow one for the day, assuming of course that you are right-handed. The only thing you would need are suitable shoes.

However, I would advise getting a bit of driving range practice in first. The greenkeepers take great pride in the condition of their course, to have it horticulturally redesigned by improper use of golfing equipment may not go down too well. :-)

We can certainly do something for you there, but the completion of the new stadium at Bramley-Moore Dock, I'm afraid we will have to leave that to others, and hope upon hope there are no unforeseens or delays in the process. Take care, and look forward to you keeping your word.

Couldn't make it from Kansas City but it's an ambition to meet my Tayside brethren and (co?) funny man at some point in the near future. I always admire people who actually take the bull by the horns and do stuff. Congrats, mate – sounds like it was a great day.

I came 3 Christmases ago. First time in almost 20 years. Good news was I managed to get in to all 3 home games in 10 days.

Bad news was that it was under Allardyce & the football wasn't great. We had one of each. Win, loss & draw. Beat bottom of the league Swansea (night match), drew nil-nil with Chelsea (sadly our best performance of the three as they were all over us) and lost 2-nil to Man Utd when Pogba absolutely bossed the game. Wouldn't have missed it for the world though.

Interestingly, one highlight was the breakfast in a cafe round the corner from Goodison before the Chelsea game. Pretty much nothing had changed from the last time I was there 30-ish years ago. Drove down to Bramley-Moore Dock to have a look at where our new home will eventually be. I'm 60 now so they'd better be on time!

And Jamie C you are spot on: Harding Jnr is 6'7, somewhere north of 2 metres. Try finding size 13 (US 14) golf shoes! To quote my favourite golfer from your side of the Atlantic Bobby Jones: he plays a game with which I am not familiar.

The effort that Derek put into this day was enormous and you all will have gathered from the comments on this thread, that a really great time was had by everyone who attended, it was a real shame that only 10 played and I would encourage everyone (especially Liverpool lads) to give the next event greater support, even if you just attend in a social capacity it is well worth the effort.

I would just like to point out that Teddy's tee shot went further than the tee shots of 2 of the participants. Amazing.

Dave Greenwood - the offer definitely stands with a bed for the night rather than a hotel. Stay in touch.
Sorry about Falkirk.

David, you have all my sympathy re. your back. My MRI did show something! I think they are quite expensive and I suspect they feel they haven't got their money's worth unless they can give you something to fret about!!

After this thread I bet there will be a big turnout next year. Hope there is a good crowd at The Bramley Moore.

Seems likely there will be quite the turnout at The Bramley Moore so hopefully it's after a fine victory that keeps us close to the top.

A good idea to get a date in the 2022 diary so early Derek - I certainly intend to come even though it sounds uncomfortably close to the wife's birthday. 'Sorry darling, Derek asked first'.

A huge thanks to Derek for his perseverance and dedication in getting the event off the ground and Stephen for his great work. Take a bow gents!

It was an honour to receive the trophy and a privilege to meet and chat with Teddy.
I played with Dan and Chris, great company. Dan hit the ball a mile! he hit the ball as long as I've ever seen.

Looking forward to the next TW Golf event.

I will come in May to the next event.

Maybe Rafa will come and present the prizes... 😂😂😂

Ged, I won't tell them it was really you, if you don't. :-)

Just got your email and responded. Can you provide me the site / bank details so I can make my donation?

Looking forward to the 25th and my first Everton match as a 50-year-old!

You may need to supply protective equipment as I don't always pack my radar.