I was delighted to be invited to play Andover Golf Club last Friday by Guy Davis the club secretary. Having played quite a few of the local courses in recent times, I was looking forward to trying out a new challenge to see how far my game has really come in the last year.

On first sight, Andover is a picturesque course set against the backdrop of rolling countryside, and I have to say it looked absolutely resplendent amidst the traditional autumnal scene of rugged brown and green woodland. The leaves scattered around this beautifully designed course just added to the general feeling of wintry bonhomie so I thought the least I could do was post a respectable score.

The course itself comprises 9 holes, but with two flags on each sizeable green and vastly different tee positions in some cases, the subsequent 18 hole course is a delight to play. The 6096 yards that make up this premier golfing experience have to be played on their merits as there are more than enough perilous traps to capture even the most accomplished of golfers.

Having played the first 8 holes in credible fashion, I arrived at the ninth, Andover's signature hole in confident mood. And then I saw the beast for what it was, taunting me with almost demonic mockery, waiting to swallow up any error in judgement I might make. What would I give to crack a 5 iron over 200 yards a la Ernie Els? The world probably. In the absence of this particular talent, I pulled out my Driving iron and launched one towards the heavens. The inexorable wait for the ball to find its ultimate destination is excruciating to say the least, and my heart was beating ten to the dozen as I waited to see if I had tamed this monstrous devil. As it turned out, I landed 10 yards adrift of the green and scrambled a 4, a blessed relief in the circumstances.

Forgetting my lyrical prose for a minute, I have to pay a massive compliment to the greenkeeper who had kept the course in pristine condition, despite all the dry weather of the summer. To see the fairways and greens in such immaculate condition and so rich in colour at this time of year is nothing short of remarkable. I have to say that this really added to my enjoyment of a course that was already right up there with my personal favourites.

Guy himself was the perfect host, and I shall certainly be recommending Andover Golf Club to all my playing compatriots. The future of this beautiful course was up until recently under threat, but with its security now in place, the only way is forward.

Following our recent visit to Andover Golf Club, I am writing to expressmy thanks to you and your staff for making my Captain's Day run as smoothly as possible making it a successful event for all that attended.

We were made most welcome to the club by the Steward and Bar Staff together with the Professional... and all players enjoyed the course for which we thank the Greenkeeping staff... the day was finished off with an excellent meal...

...We all look forward to returning to Andover Golf Club in the not too distant future.

Following yesterday's very successful event, I am writing to thank you for your very generous help and co-operation.?Andover is a lovely club to come to and I very much appreciated the cups of tea, the handicapping assistance and your stalwart support during the day...

The competitors all very much enjoyed the day... I should also be grateful if you could also thank Derrick (Professional) and Rita for their help in producing a very good array of prizes and food.?I hope the youngsters finished all of what was left...

Again, my very grateful thanks.

The event took place in the form of a society golf day.?I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of all those that attended to thank you and your staff for such a wonderful day.?The weather was great, the golf course was in excellent condition, the food was brilliant and the staff very friendly.

My only hope is that the extra couple of bunkers created on the day will not deter you from accepting us back in the future.?Of course the funniest moment of all must be the fact that four of us had to be extricated from the bar in order for the club to be locked up.?Thank you once again for a memorable day.