As I sit at my computer writing this article, the rain is lashing down outside and the wind is howling. Definitely not golfing weather—not even ‘jolly fine boating weather’!

Where have all our good summers gone? Is global warming just a figment of some mad scientist’s imagination?

My golf clubs are lying in the corner of the garage and I have no intention of letting them see the light of day until the summer starts.

Wet weather golf is for the fanatics but as one gets older and wiser you realise that golf wasn’t meant to be played in conditions where the clubs become so wet that they slip in your hand. Your golf glove gets saturated and the rain drips off your cap and down your nose.

I purchased a new pair of golf shorts last month but I don’t think I will be breaking them in this year.

However, there are hardy societies who continue to brave the elements and Patrickswell Golf Society held an outing last month in Mallow Golf Club.

This year’s captain, Mick Barry, told me they had a fine turn out of members and they had a very enjoyable day.

“I suppose you could say we got one of the few good days this summer,” said Mick, “and the rain stayed away.”

Alan Purcell was the winner on the excellent Mallow course and he is playing good golf at present.