TSB Trophy

The annual match for the TSB Trophy was contested by 22 members of the Senior Section and their junior opponents with handicaps ranging from 2 to 54. The captains’ battle went the way of the Seniors, with Alan Fowler and Dave Gauge defeating Josh Pearson and Jake Freeman 3&1, while Josh’s twin brother and joint captain Callum partnered Jovan Sutovic to a 1 hole defeat to Vice-Captain Richard Coventry and Bernard Gurney. Thereafter, the middle part of the playing order started to go back in favour of the Juniors, with a lot of success being gained by the groups containing girls. By the time that 9 matches were complete the scores were level at 4.5 wins apiece. Game 10 resulted in a remarkable half for the two least experienced juniors, Josh Bareham and Fred Sherburn against Rod Evans and Pat Gilgallon. The final game also went to the 18th, with young Euan Bruce holing a put to win the match by 2 holes, although most of the damage had been done by his partner Molly Chowings earlier in the round. Fergus is rather keen for her handicap to be reviewed!

Overall result: Seniors 5, Juniors 6

In the last 12 events, no fewer than 10 have been halved or decided by 1 match.

Thanks to Captain Alan for his kind words at the presentation, Dave Gauge for his organisation of the Senior Section team, but above all to the Senior players for giving the benefit of their experience to the Juniors – and providing the refreshments!

Steve Akrill

Autumn Singles Stableford Trophy

Well, it was a bit wild and woolly today, but we didn't get too wet in the squalls around us.
The wind was a factor but it didn't seem to deter our better golfers!!!
The course was in good condition but all the Sycamore seeds on the greens, especially the seventh, did make for some interesting putts.
Just about half of the field scored 28 or better, which was good.
There were some of the higher handicappers who objected to not playing off their full handicaps BUT, if they read the rules, and the poster, it says that the maximum handicap for this competition is 20.
So to the scores, the top five were three points ahead of the rest.
Messrs Robert Anderson and Jim Kerr, playing together....... got 34 each and nothing else. Richard Coventry came third with 35 points and has a cut of 0.2 for his troubles. Geoff Emery had to wait a long time in the lead, only to be pipped right at the end. His 35 points earned him a cut of 0.3,
Our winner with 36 points was Tony Goodson, playing off a forced handicap of 20, well done, he was the only player on the top 10 with a handicap of over 20. However, he has earned a drop of 1.6 shots down to 20.

Peter

2 Clubs and a Putter. Tuesday 14th October

We all managed to escape the rain today and after all the rain, the course was in good condition.
The competition showed that we are all mugs !! Why do we buy all these fancy clubs when 3 seem to do us fine.
Don't use the driver, never go in the woods. No three wood for the second shot keeps you out of the bunker etc !
Good scores, with three players on 37 point, four on 36 and 60 played in total.
First, on count back, was Fergus Moynihan
Second was Bernard Gurney
Third was Richard Coventry

Peter

Gordon Percival Team Trophy, 7th October, 2014

Again we were very lucky with the weather, although it was a little windy. Bill Burrows forgot about the competition but redeemed himself (if not his partners) by doing a sterling job on the scoring. Everyone will be sent a copy of the scores and the computer result will be on the board on Thursday. That man Phil White did the business again, in partnership with a good score from George Turner and a little help from Paul Marshall. They scored 95 points. However, in close proximity, with 94 were Steve Collins Mike Marshall and Malcolm Lee. In third place, on countback, were Martin Ives, Neil Pinnington and Fred Williams with 88.
Due to the scores being generally low, the  competition was ‘reductions only’. The only 'losers' being Mike Marshall -1.1 to 20.1 (37 points), Dave Evans -0.6 to 13.9 (36 points) and Phil White -0.1 to 4.7 (35 points)

Peter Hollingsworth (Hon Sec)

Away at Letchworth, Friday, 3rd October

The occasion of our last match of the season was spent in glorious sunshine at Letchworth, whose captain is the well known Gerry Gentle. He, together with his team welcomed us, dare I say, with open arms. As ever the competition was fierce on a wonderfully prepared course, where the greens were slick and true.

Frivolous moments are often missing when the competition is fierce and so it was a light moment when a player appeared at the door of the bar clad only in his boxers seeking a plaster to repair damage to his person which was inflicted by his own trolley which run over him whilst he was cleaning it. Needless to say he received little sympathy.
The wonderful food and hospitality rounded off a perfect day, when JOG recorded a 5:2 win with one half. I don't want to come across as boastful but Peter and I took an important scalp!
And so ends a season of early starts necessitating rising with the lark and doing battle with those crazy commuters. Thank goodness for retirement!

Alan Fowler (Capt)