Adventurous golf

This year, the Worshipful Company of Actuaries' golfing adventure was to Royal Portrush in Northern Ireland for four days from 24 April. Twenty-seven of us assembled on Sunday evening in Portrush, full of anticipation of what the weather had in store for us during the next few days. The forecast was for very strong winds from the north, sleet and possibly snow, so luggage was packed with clothing for all contingencies.

The first day, we played Portstewart Golf Club which proved to be quite a challenging course, particularly in the strong cold winds. Our team winners were Tom Ross, Jane Bennett, Gordon Sharp and Bill Hudson. In the evening, prior to dinner, Robert Ross gave us a fascinating talk about his experience a year ago at the Everest base camp, which was partially destroyed by an earthquake and avalanche.

The next day, we tackled the Royal Portrush Golf links, which is to host the 2019 Open Championship. The scoring was a little improved, with the team of Graham Clay, Martin Miles, Pam Hudson and Jane Bennett prevailing. That evening, we enjoyed the hospitality of the clubhouse.

Our third golf outing was to the course of Ballycastle Golf Club, further up the coast, which provided some splendid views of both the coastline and across to the Mull of Kintyre.
Fortunately, against all the predictions, the sun shone and the winds were more friendly than previously and we were able to enjoy the morning prior to our departure after lunch. Our final group of winners was Ian Farr, Margaret Ross and Bill Hudson, who took full advantage of the milder conditions.

Although the group had not been particularly abstemious during the trip, there remained a surplus of £460 in the kitty, which it decided to donate to the Charitable Trust.